Modular Distributor Caps for Compact Sterile Bioprocess Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biotechnological process arrangements require significant space, are unwieldy, and have large dead spaces, leading to undesired back-mixing and reduced product yield, with incompatible interfaces causing temporary storage needs and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A modular device with distributor caps that allow fixed arrangement and interconnection of separation and functional units, featuring fluid distribution means, connection and coupling means, and manual/automatic switching positions, eliminating the need for hoses and pipes, and ensuring compact, stable, and sterile operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional process arrangements use hoses and piping to interconnect separation units, then flexibility in connecting units is achieved, but space requirements increase and dead spaces are created that lead to back-mixing and reduced product yield
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the interconnection function into modular distributor caps that can be attached to separation units. Each distributor cap acts as an independent module with integrated fluid distribution means, allowing units to be connected directly without extensive hoses and piping, thereby reducing dead spaces while maintaining connection flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor cap serves as an intermediary component between separation units. It provides standardized connection interfaces and fluid distribution functionality, enabling flexible interconnection of different units while eliminating the need for custom hose and pipe arrangements that create dead spaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional process arrangements use intermediate storage tanks or bags, then compatibility issues between interface steps are resolved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor cap is designed as a universal component that can be attached to various separation units and functional units. The standardized connection means and fluid distribution means provide compatible interfaces across different unit types, eliminating the need for specialized intermediate storage tanks or bags for each interface transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the connection function and fluid distribution function into a single integrated distributor cap component. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate intermediate storage devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining interface compatibility between different process units.
3Ease of operation
If conventional process arrangements use extensive hoses and piping, then connection between units is established, but the arrangement becomes unwieldy and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the connection function into discrete, manageable distributor cap modules that attach directly to separation units. This segmentation replaces extensive, difficult-to-handle hoses and piping with compact, standardized connection points, making the overall arrangement more manageable while maintaining connection capability.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional process arrangements create large dead spaces, then intermediate storage is enabled, but product yield is reduced due to back-mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the harmful dead spaces from the system by replacing hose-based connections with direct rigid connections through distributor caps. This removal of dead spaces prevents back-mixing while maintaining the ability to perform intermediate storage functions through the modular unit configuration, thereby preserving product yield.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular device for a fixed arrangement and interconnection of individual separation units and/or first functional units for performing one or more unit operations in a biotechnological process. The modular device includes a plurality of distributor caps provided for attachment to the separation units and/or first functional units. The distributor caps each have: a fluid distribution mechanism having a working connection and at least two supply or discharge connections, wherein the fluid distribution mechanism can assume at least two defined switching positions; connection mechanisms for establishing a flow communication between a fluid inlet or outlet of the separation unit or the first functional unit and the working connection of the fluid distribution mechanism; coupling mechanisms for establishing a rigid mechanical coupling and a flow communication with an adjacent distributor cap; and an interface for changing the switching positions of the fluid distribution mechanism.