Movable Pump Holding Device for Bioprocess System Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioprocess systems face challenges with accessing and exchanging disposable tubing sets due to bulky designs and difficulty in accessing valves and pumps, particularly in smaller systems where flow paths are traditionally stationary or require frequent sanitization.
Innovation Solution
A bioprocess system with a base station featuring a frame or housing containing valves and a movable pump holding device that can be positioned inside or outside the housing, allowing for easy access and maintenance of pumps, along with a disposable tubing set that includes connections for fluid flow control and sensors, enabling efficient exchange and reduced bulkiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pumps are provided outside the frame or housing for easy access and maintenance, then ease of operation and ease of repair are improved, but the system becomes bulkier and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The pump holding device is designed to be movable between an internal position (within the frame or housing) and an external position (outside the frame or housing). This dynamic repositioning capability allows the system to adapt between compact configuration during operation and accessible configuration for maintenance, resolving the contradiction between space efficiency and ease of access.
2Reliability
If disposable tubing sets are exchanged frequently for sanitization, then reliability is improved, but loss of time and productivity are worsened due to access difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The movable pump holding device is positioned outside the frame or housing before maintenance or tubing exchange is needed, providing preliminary access preparation. This allows operators to have immediate access to pumps and tubing connections when exchange is required, reducing the time loss associated with reconfiguring the system during maintenance operations.
3Ease of operation
If valves and pumps are made accessible for easy tubing exchange, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable pump holding device serves multiple functions: it holds pumps during operation, provides access for maintenance, and enables easy tubing exchange. By consolidating these functions into a single movable component rather than adding separate access mechanisms, the design improves ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A base station (1) and a bioprocess system (3), wherein said base station (1) comprises: a frame or housing (5), wherein said frame or housing comprises a number of valves (7a-f, 9a-d, 11a-f, 13a-e, 15a-f) into which a disposable tubing set (21) during run of the system is provided such that at least one inlet (23a-j) of the disposable tubing set is connected to at least one outlet (25a-f) of the disposable tubing set via a bioprocess separation device (31) of the bioprocess system (3); and a movable pump holding device (35), which can be provided in at least two different positions, whereof one is within the frame or housing (5) and another is at least partly outside the frame or housing (5) and which comprises at least one pump main body (37), said pump main body comprising a connection (39) configured for connecting to a disposable pump connection part (27) comprised in the disposable tubing set (21).