Multi-Point Guide Bearing for Viscosity Measurement in Opaque Bioreactors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioreactors with opaque walls lack reliable and precise methods for measuring fluid viscosity and Reynolds number, which are crucial for optimizing bioproduction processes due to the inability to use indirect optical methods.
Innovation Solution
A central axis guide bearing with pressure sensors distributed along its internal surface, allowing for precise measurement of fluid pressure through a measuring pole that can be angled within the bearing, connected to an electronic reading system for real-time data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If opaque walls are used in bioreactors, then robustness and equipment cost are improved, but the ability to perform indirect optical measurements of fluid state is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a measuring pole as an intermediary element that transmits fluid pressure forces to pressure sensors mounted on the bioreactor wall. This mediator enables indirect measurement of fluid state parameters (viscosity, Reynolds number) through mechanical force transmission rather than optical methods, resolving the contradiction between opaque walls and measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces optical measurement systems with a mechanical measurement system consisting of a measuring pole and pressure sensors. This substitution allows fluid state measurement through mechanical force detection (pressure) rather than optical methods, making the measurement system compatible with opaque wall bioreactors
2Ease of operation
If indirect optical measurement methods are used, then fluid state measurement is simplified, but they cannot be used in bioreactors with opaque walls
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring pole acts as an intermediary that bridges the fluid interior and the external measurement system. It transmits mechanical information (pressure forces) from the fluid to sensors outside the bioreactor, enabling indirect measurement without requiring optical transparency and thus maintaining adaptability to opaque wall configurations
3Measurement precision
If measuring capsules that move freely are used, then fluid state measurement may be obtained, but they cannot be used in bioreactors with permanent or intermittent fluid movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into a stationary mounting structure (ring with pressure sensors) and a movable measuring pole. The pole is guided to allow controlled movement while the sensor array remains fixed, enabling the system to adapt to fluid movements without requiring completely free-moving capsules
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring pole is designed with guided movement capability, allowing it to dynamically adapt to fluid movements while maintaining measurement accuracy. The pole can move within guided constraints rather than being completely fixed or completely free, providing adaptability to various fluid movement conditions
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
Enables precise and rapid measurement of fluid viscosity and Reynolds number, facilitating real-time adjustments to bioproduction processes by providing direct and faithful images of fluid pressure distribution, even in non-transparent containers.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of pressure sensors, connected together and each adapted to measure a pressure point exerted by a support point of the tube in one of its angled positions
Data Source
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AI summary
Guide bearing with several pressure measurement points, System for measuring the viscosity or Reynolds number of a fluid, with a pole guided by the bearing, Application to monitoring in bioproduction. The invention relates to a guide bearing (10) with a central axis (X), comprising: - a ring (11), intended to be mounted tightly in a holding structure, the internal surface of which is adapted to assemble with a clearance fit, and preferably guide in translation along the X axis, a tube intended to constitute a measuring pole; - an angulation element (12), formed integrally or fixed inside the internal surface of the ring by projecting inside the latter, so as to form an angulation axis of the tube relative to the X axis; - a plurality of pressure sensors (13.1-13.12) each adapted to measure a pressure point exerted by a support point of the tube in one of its angled positions, the pressure sensors being distributed along the internal surface of the ring, on either side of the angulation element.