Cylindrical Filter Tool with Protrusions for Bioreactor Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In bioreactor systems, replacing filters is often cumbersome, leading to unnecessary downtime during experimental runs, as existing filtration systems do not facilitate quick and efficient filter replacement.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a cylindrical member and protrusions on its inner surface, designed to remove used filters and insert new ones quickly, by utilizing the protrusions to hook and remove the old filter and guide the new one into place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional filtration systems are used in bioreactor systems, then filtration function is maintained, but filter replacement becomes cumbersome and causes unnecessary downtime
Solution Approach 1:
A tool with a cylindrical member and protrusions is introduced as an intermediary device to facilitate filter replacement. The protrusions engage with the filter to enable quick removal and installation, transforming the cumbersome manual replacement process into a streamlined operation that minimizes downtime while maintaining filtration functionality.
2Reliability
If filters are replaced frequently to maintain cleanliness, then contamination is minimized, but downtime increases due to cumbersome replacement procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The tool with cylindrical member and protrusions serves as a mediator that enables frequent filter changes without proportionally increasing downtime. By providing a mechanical advantage for quick filter manipulation, the system can maintain high cleanliness standards through regular filter replacement while minimizing operational disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed with pre-configured protrusions that automatically engage with the filter upon insertion. This preliminary configuration of the tool's geometry ensures that when filter replacement is needed, the process can be executed quickly without requiring complex alignment or manual manipulation, thus minimizing downtime while enabling frequent replacements for maintaining system cleanliness.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple tool design is used for filter manipulation, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the tool may not effectively hook and remove used filters
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical member features localized protrusions with varying heights positioned at specific locations on the inner surface. This local quality variation allows the tool to effectively engage with and hook the filter edges for removal, while the rest of the tool maintains a simple cylindrical form that is easy to manufacture. The strategic placement and dimensional variation of protrusions provide the necessary functionality without requiring complex overall tool design.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions are designed with varying heights along their length, creating a gradient structure that optimizes engagement with the filter. This parameter variation in the protrusion geometry enables effective filter hooking and removal while keeping the base tool design simple and manufacturable. The gradual height change in protrusions provides mechanical advantage for filter manipulation without adding significant manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to a tool comprising a cylindrical member having a cylindrical tube portion with a circular opening at a first end of the cylindrical member, and a protrusion disposed on an inner surface of the cylindrical tube portion. In various embodiments, the tool includes a plurality of protrusions that are disposed equal-distant from one another along a circumference on the inner surface of the cylindrical tube portion. In various embodiments, the cylindrical member comprises a second cylindrical tube portion with a second circular opening on a second end of the cylindrical member. In various embodiments, the protrusion has a varying height that gradually increases from a first end of the protrusion to a second end. In various embodiments, the protrusion is disposed at a slanted angle with respect to the circular opening where the first end is closer to the circular opening than the second end.