Disposable Measurement Probe Hydration and Sterility Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disposable measurement arrangements for analytical properties in industries like pharmaceuticals and biotechnology face challenges in maintaining sterility and calibrating measurement probes without breaching hygiene standards, as probes need hydration before use and calibration procedures are limited to pre-insertion.
Innovation Solution
A disposable measurement arrangement with a flexible plastic container, a measurement probe, and a closed capsule containing a buffer solution, where the sensing element is kept hydrated during storage and calibration can be performed using a buffer solution or reference medium without compromising sterility, allowing for on-site validation and adjustment of the probe's offset and span.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the measurement probe is sterilized together with the container using gamma radiation, then sterility is ensured, but the sensing element dries up and measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement probe is divided into two separate components: the sensing element and the container. The sensing element is sterilized separately and then inserted into the container after sterilization, avoiding direct sterilization of the sensing element with the container. This segmentation allows the sensing element to be sterilized by gamma radiation without being in contact with the container, thus preventing drying while ensuring sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
A sterile barrier or intermediary mechanism is introduced to transfer the sensing element into the sterilized container without breaching sterility. This intermediary approach allows the sensing element to be inserted into the container after both have been sterilized separately, maintaining the sterile environment while ensuring the sensing element remains hydrated.
2Measurement precision
If the sensing element is hydrated before insertion, then measurement accuracy improves, but sterility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing element is hydrated in advance before sterilization and insertion into the container. By performing the hydration action preliminarily, the sensing element is already in its optimal hydrated state before being introduced into the sterilized container, ensuring measurement accuracy is maintained while sterility is preserved through separate sterilization processes.
3Reliability
If calibration is performed before probe insertion, then measurement reliability improves, but flexibility and time efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is made dynamic and flexible by allowing calibration to be performed at multiple stages: before probe insertion, after insertion, or even during operation. This dynamic approach enables users to choose the most convenient timing for calibration based on their specific needs, thereby maintaining measurement reliability while improving time efficiency and flexibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the disposable container is used frequently, then flexibility improves, but repeated sterilization increases time and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed as a disposable component that is sterilized once and then used multiple times until depletion. This disposable nature eliminates the need for repeated sterilization of the container, as each new container is pre-sterilized and ready for use. This approach maintains flexibility for frequent use while eliminating the time and cost burden of repeated sterilization cycles.
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
Ensures the measurement arrangement is ready to use with reliable results, maintaining sterility and flexibility, and allows for on-site calibration and validation of the measurement probe, reducing the need for repeated sterilization and minimizing measurement drift.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing element is inserted in a buffer solution during storage
Implementation Method 2
The empty disposable containers are typically sterilized with gamma radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement arrangement comprising a flexible disposable container and a disposable measurement probe for measuring an analytical property of a medium. The measurement probe is mounted on an inside wall of the disposable container and comprises a sensing element extending into the container, which is ready to use and which produces reliable measurement results. The disposable measurement arrangement comprises a closed capsule containing a buffer solution and a tether connecting said capsule to said probe. The container, the measurement probe, the capsule and the buffer solution are sterilized. The sensing element is inserted in the buffer solution during storage and the capsule is removed from the sensing element during measurement operation.