Detachable DO Sensor Interface With Thermal Equilibrium Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dissolved oxygen sensors for single-use bioreactors suffer from inaccurate temperature compensation due to the sensor being external to the container, leading to significant measurement errors caused by temperature gradients between the internal process and ambient conditions.
Innovation Solution
The sensor connection window membrane and membrane holder are extended into the single-use container, with an internal temperature element and heat exchange fins to achieve thermal equilibrium, ensuring accurate temperature compensation and improved measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the DO sensor is placed completely outside the container, then the sensor structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but temperature compensation accuracy deteriorates due to temperature gradients between internal process and ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the sensor window membrane and holder into the third dimension (into the container interior), transforming the sensor arrangement from a purely external 2D surface mounting to a 3D configuration that penetrates the container wall. This dimensional change allows the temperature element to be positioned within the thermal environment of the process while keeping the sensor body external.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a window membrane as an intermediary element that extends into the container. This membrane serves as a thermal conduit, transferring heat from the process interior to the temperature element mounted on its outer surface, while maintaining the sensor body's external position for ease of manufacture and connection.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor window membrane and holder are extended into the container, then temperature compensation accuracy is improved through thermal equilibrium, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The window membrane and holder structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a thermal conduit for temperature compensation, provides a mounting surface for the temperature element, maintains structural integrity of the container wall, and enables sensor positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the window membrane and holder into a single integrated structure that extends into the container. This combination eliminates the need for separate membrane and holder components, reducing assembly steps and structural complexity while achieving the thermal equilibrium function.
3Temperature
If heat exchange fins are added to the window body, then thermal equilibrium is achieved faster and more effectively, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange fins utilize thermal conduction principles to increase the surface area for heat transfer from the process interior to the temperature element. The fins are designed to conduct heat efficiently along their length, achieving rapid thermal equilibrium without requiring complex active thermal management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchange fins are added only to specific regions of the window body where thermal contact with the process is most effective. This localized addition of thermal management features provides maximum thermal equilibrium benefit with minimal impact on overall manufacturing complexity, as the fins can be integrated into the window body molding process.
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
This design provides better temperature compensation, resulting in higher measuring accuracy by ensuring the sensor and its internal temperature element are in thermal equilibrium with the process, reducing measurement errors.
Implementation Method 1
the DO window body may include at least one heat exchange fin
Implementation Method 2
achieve thermal equilibrium, ensuring accurate temperature compensation
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An interface (100) for coupling a dissolved oxygen sensor (108) to a single-use bioreactor container (104) is provided. A dissolved oxygen (DO) window membrane (112) is operably coupled to the single-use container (104) and configured to position a DO sensor (108) at least partially within the single-use container (104). In some embodiments, a DO window body (250) mounts the DO window membrane (272) at a distal end thereof. The DO window body (250) can include a slide lock (265) for facilitating positioning of a DO sensor (260) within the DO window body (250). Additionally, the DO window body (250) may include at least one heat exchange fin (276).