Magnetic Sensor Housing for Flexible Bioreactor Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical sensor systems for bioprocessing in flexible containers and tubing face challenges such as requiring additional components and penetration through the container wall, leading to potential contamination and immobility of the sensor assembly.
Innovation Solution
A sensor and housing assembly that uses magnetic materials to position and align internal and external sensors on either side of the flexible container or tubing, allowing for reduced components and steps in attachment, no penetration through the wall, and the ability to reposition the sensor assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a window or receiver is attached to the flexible wall to secure the sensor assembly, then the sensor can be attached to the flexible wall, but additional components and assembly steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing is merged with the flexible wall itself, eliminating the need for separate window or receiver components. The flexible wall serves dual functions as both the container wall and the sensor mounting structure, reducing component count while maintaining reliable sensor attachment.
2Reliability
If a penetration through the wall is created to attach the sensor, then the sensor can be secured to the flexible wall, but liquid leakage and contamination can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing is extracted from the interior of the flexible wall and positioned on the exterior surface. This eliminates the need for penetrations through the flexible wall, removing the source of potential liquid leakage and contamination while maintaining secure sensor attachment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the sensor housing is permanently fixed to the flexible wall, then stable sensor positioning is achieved, but the sensor cannot be repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing attachment to the flexible wall is made dynamic rather than permanent. The housing can be temporarily secured during operation and easily removed or repositioned when needed, providing both stability during use and adaptability for reconfiguration.
4Reliability
If multiple components are used to attach the sensor housing, then secure attachment is achieved, but the attachment process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing attachment mechanism is designed to be self-sufficient, utilizing the flexible wall's own properties for mounting. This eliminates the need for separate fasteners, adhesives, or complex assembly procedures, simplifying the attachment process while maintaining secure connection.
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 solution reduces contamination risks, simplifies the attachment process, and allows for the flexible repositioning of the sensor assembly, enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of bioprocessing systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one portion of an external magnetic material positioned within the external housing portion or adjacent thereto for holding the detector sensor proximate and aligned to activator sensor and for variably positioning the internal housing portion on the internal surface of the flexible wall by magnetic interaction between the at least one portion of the external magnetic material and the at least one portion of the internal magnetic material
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a sensor and housing assembly for a single-use bioreactor system, including a device for operatively associating a sensor with a flexible wall, the device comprising an internal housing portion that is removable and variably positionable on an internal surface of the flexible wall, the internal housing portion comprising a chemical detector sensor, which may be an optical chemical detector sensor.