Detachable Optical Measuring Insert for Sterilized Bioprocess Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bioprocess vessels with optical sensors face thermal deformation issues during sterilization, leading to alignment deviations and necessitate costly corrections and replacements, which can result in inaccurate spectroscopic measurements.

Innovation Solution

A bioprocess vessel with a detachable optical measuring device that includes a port housing and a measuring insert, allowing the radiation-emitting and -receiving elements to be positioned accurately outside the vessel during sterilization, ensuring precise alignment and eliminating the need for post-sterilization corrections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the optical sensor is sterilized together with the bioprocess vessel, then the vessel is properly sterilized, but the optical sensor suffers thermal deformation and alignment deviations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization completenessVSAvoidoptical component alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The optical sensor is segmented from the bioprocess vessel by providing it with a separate housing that can be detached. This allows the sensor to be excluded from the sterilization process while the vessel is sterilized, preventing thermal deformation of the optical components while ensuring complete sterilization of the vessel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical sensor is extracted from the sterilization process by providing a detachable housing that can be removed before sterilization. The housing includes a sealing arrangement that allows it to be disconnected from the vessel interior, enabling the sensor to be taken out of the high-temperature sterilization environment while maintaining the integrity of the sterilization process for the vessel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If the optical sensor remains installed during sterilization, then the setup is simpler, but post-sterilization alignment corrections are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidpost-sterilization correction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The optical sensor is preliminarily positioned in its housing with a sealing arrangement that enables easy connection and disconnection. This preliminary setup allows the sensor to be quickly installed or removed as needed, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-sterilization alignment corrections while maintaining installation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Temperature

If the optical sensor is exposed to high thermal load during sterilization, then the sterilization process is effective, but the sensor components may deform and misalign

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization temperatureVSAvoidsensor component alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The optical sensor is extracted from the high-temperature sterilization environment by providing a detachable housing that can be removed before sterilization. The housing includes a sealing arrangement that allows it to be disconnected from the vessel interior, enabling the sensor to be protected from thermal exposure while the vessel undergoes effective high-temperature sterilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

The solution prevents thermal deformation of sensitive optical components, maintains precise alignment, and reduces the risk of measurement errors, thereby enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of spectroscopic measurements.

Implementation Method 1

at least one radiation-emitting element (124) designed to transmit electromagnetic radiation through the at least one fluid contained in the container housing (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

at least one radiation-receiving element (126) designed to receive at least part of the radiation emitted by the radiation-emitting element (124)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3814477B1Bioprocess container having an optical measuring device
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBH
  • EP3814477B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3814477B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3814477B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a bioprocess container (10) having an optical measuring device (100) for non-invasive spectroscopic measurement comprising: a container housing (12), a port housing (102), which is connected to the container housing (12) and is sealed off with respect to the interior (18) of the container housing (12); at least one radiation-emitting element (124), which is designed to transmit electromagnetic radiation through the at least one fluid contained in the container housing (12); at least one radiation-receiving element (126), which is designed to at least partly receive the radiation which was transmitted by the radiation-emitting element (124); and at least one measuring insert (122), which holds and supports the at least one radiation-emitting element (124) and/or the at least one radiation-receiving element (126).