Bioreactor Tray Pivoting Mechanism for Ergonomic Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ergonomic challenges exist in bioreactors where accessing and changing plastic bags and trays is difficult due to the need to lean over the device, especially for smaller individuals, and the hidden fixation points on the tray make it cumbersome to handle different bag sizes and replace trays.
Innovation Solution
A bioreactor design that allows the tray to pivot to an upright position using gas spring dampers around a second axis, enabling easier access and handling of bags and trays, with optional locking mechanisms and detachable connections for improved ergonomics and fluid emptying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bioreactor is placed on a bench with the tray in horizontal position, then the device occupies minimal space and is stable, but the clamping devices become inaccessible and require the operator to lean over the device
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed to be dynamically positionable between horizontal and upright positions. The gas spring damper enables the tray to move between these positions, allowing the clamping devices to be accessible from the front when upright, while maintaining stability when horizontal during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A gas spring damper is used to counterbalance the weight of the tray and provide controlled movement. The gas spring acts as a counterweight mechanism that supports the tray in both horizontal and upright positions, making the positioning ergonomic without requiring complex mechanical structures.
2Ease of operation
If the tray is fixed in horizontal position, then the structure is simple and stable, but fluid emptying requires additional manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The tray's ability to pivot to an upright position enables gravity-assisted fluid emptying. When the tray is in the upright position, fluids naturally drain from the reactor vessel without requiring manual intervention, improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses gravity to perform the emptying function automatically when the tray is positioned upright. The fluid emptying process becomes self-service, eliminating the need for manual pumping or draining operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tray contains fixed clamping devices, then the structure is simple, but changing bag sizes requires complex adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed with universal clamping device positions that can accommodate different bag sizes. By positioning the clamping devices on the tray, the system achieves multi-functionality, allowing the same tray structure to handle various reactor vessel sizes without requiring complex adjustments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates ergonomic handling of reactor vessels by providing accessible clamping devices and easier fluid emptying through gravity-assisted drainage, improving the usability and efficiency of bioreactor operations.
Implementation Method 1
the device for enabling swinging of the tray around a second axis comprises at least one gas spring damper
Implementation Method 2
Another advantage by an upright position of the tray is that emptying of fluid in the reactor vessel is assisted by gravity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a bioreactor including at least one reactor vessel in form of a plastic bag, a tray (4) for holding said at least one bag, a rocking device for limited rocking motions of the tray (4) around a rocking axis (2). According to the invention the bioreactor comprises a device (6,7,8,9) for enabling swinging of the tray (4) around a second axis (7) parallel to and distanced from the rocking axis (2).