Flexible Flask Inlay With Baffles for Oxygen Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flasks used for cultivating microorganisms, such as Erlenmeyer flasks, suffer from inefficient oxygen transfer due to limited mixing, leading to variations in oxygen content and increased production complexity and cost for baffled flasks.

Innovation Solution

An inlay for flasks comprising a bottom, side, and intermediate portion with flexible materials and baffle elements that can be easily inserted and removed, providing improved mixing and oxygen transfer through force-fit connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If baffled flasks are used to improve oxygen transfer, then oxygen transfer efficiency is improved, but production complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxygen transfer efficiencyVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The baffle structure is separated from the flask body, becoming a removable inlay that can be inserted into standard flasks. This segmentation allows the baffle function to be achieved without modifying the flask production process, thus maintaining simple flask manufacturing while improving oxygen transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inlay acts as an intermediary component between the flask and the culture medium. It provides the baffle function needed for improved mixing and oxygen transfer without requiring the flask itself to be complex or specially manufactured.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If baffled flasks are used to improve oxygen transfer, then oxygen transfer efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxygen transfer efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the baffle function into a removable inlay, the standard flask can be manufactured using simple, cost-effective processes. The inlay itself can be produced independently using inexpensive materials and methods, avoiding the need for expensive specialized flask manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inlay can be made from inexpensive materials such as plastic or silicone, offering a cost-effective alternative to permanently modifying glass flasks. The inlay can be easily replaced if needed, providing an economical solution for improving oxygen transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the inlay is made rigid for structural stability, then structural stability is improved, but ease of insertion into the flask decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The inlay transitions from a flexible state during insertion to a stable state during use. The flexible material allows easy insertion and removal, while the design ensures structural stability when the inlay is positioned in the flask for culturing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The inlay is made from flexible materials that can be bent or folded for insertion into the flask, then assume a stable configuration once in place. This flexibility enables easy operation while maintaining the structural integrity needed for effective baffling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 inlay enhances oxygen transfer efficiency, reduces production complexity and cost, and ensures reproducibility of microorganism cultures while allowing for easy reuse of the flask and inlay.

Implementation Method 1

The inlay comprises a first flexible material adapted to allow for bending said side portion inwards. The inlay is adapted to allow for folding the inlay with respect to a horizontal crease line to insert the inlay into the flask.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

When the baffled flask is shaken, the baffles increase mixing within the solution and hence improve the oxygen transfer from the oxygen rich layer to the rest of the solution.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Implementation Method 3

The first flexible material provides an elastic restoration force, upon bending the side portion inwards, against the bending, said restoration force promoting said force-fit connection.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic restoration force: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentEP4487958B1Inlay for a flask and method for inserting an inlay into a flask
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 HOCHSCHULE FUR ANGEWANDTE WISSENSCHAFTEN MUNCHEN
  • EP4487958B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4487958B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4487958B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

An inlay for a flask comprises a bottom portion, a side portion, an intermediate portion, and a baffle element. The bottom portion comprises a downward-facing or downward-and-outward-facing first surface for abutting a bottom inner surface of the flask. The side portion comprises an outer surface for abutting a side inner surface of the flask, wherein the outer surface faces outwards with respect to a vertical reference line intersecting the inlay. The intermediate portion mechanically connects the bottom portion and the side portion. The baffle element extends away from the bottom portion, from the side portion, and/or from the intermediate portion for extending into an inner volume of the flask. An inner angle between the first surface and the outer surface is at least 50°, wherein the inner angle refers to an angle on the side of the vertical reference line in a vertical cross section through the inlay. The inlay comprises a first flexible material adapted to allow for bending said side portion inwards. The inlay is adapted to allow for folding the inlay with respect to a horizontal crease line to insert the inlay into the flask. The inlay comprises, along a vertical plane comprising the horizontal crease line, a second flexible material to allow for said folding.