Removable Pressure Transducer Coupling for Single-Use Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure transducers are not easily compatible with single-use bioprocessing equipment, such as polymer film containers, and disposable transducers lack the accuracy and durability of heavier, permanent transducers, leading to inaccuracies and drift over time.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, accurate pressure transducer with a polymeric housing is designed to directly couple to single-use containers, using a metal isolation diaphragm and a polymeric deflectable diaphragm, coupled with a pressure sensor module and microprocessor for precise pressure measurement, enabling wireless or wired communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing pressure transducers are used with single-use containers, then compatibility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccuracies and drift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling mechanism between the pressure transducer and single-use container. The transducer is designed with a removable coupling that interfaces with the container's port, acting as a mediator that ensures both compatibility and measurement accuracy. This coupling mechanism allows the transducer to be properly positioned and sealed against the container without direct integration, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure transducer system is segmented into modular components: a removable coupling mechanism, the transducer body, and the sensing element. This segmentation allows the coupling portion to be optimized for compatibility with single-use containers while the sensing portion maintains high measurement precision. The modular design enables the transducer to be easily attached and detached without compromising either adaptability or accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If lightweight pressure transducers are used for single-use containers, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to drift over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes in the transducer design, specifically using temperature compensation techniques and calibration mechanisms that adjust measurement parameters over time. The transducer includes built-in compensation for drift, allowing it to maintain reliability despite being lightweight and portable. This resolves the contradiction by enabling ease of operation while compensating for potential reliability issues through dynamic parameter adjustment.
3Reliability
If permanent infrastructure is used for pressure sensing, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by designing a pressure transducer system that can be easily attached to and removed from single-use containers. The transducer itself is a durable, reusable component that does not require permanent installation infrastructure. This eliminates the need for complex permanent mounting systems while maintaining measurement reliability through proper coupling design and calibration, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
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 solution provides highly accurate pressure measurements with minimal drift, allowing for flexible, cost-effective use in single-use bioreaction vessels without the need for permanent infrastructure, and supports wireless communication for seamless integration.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure transducer comprises an isolation diaphragm positioned adjacent the deflectable diaphragm of the disposable process connector
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A pressure-sensing system is presented. The pressure-sensing system comprises a single-use container (51), a disposable process connector (220) and a pressure transducer (210). The disposable process connector (220) is configured to couple directly to the single-use container (51). The disposable process connector (220) has a deflectable diaphragm (224). The pressure transducer (210) is removably coupled to the disposable process connector (220). The pressure transducer (210) comprises an isolation diaphragm (226) positioned adjacent the deflectable diaphragm (224), a pressure sensor module (104) operably coupled to the isolation diaphragm (226) and a controller coupled to the pressure sensor (104). The controller is configured to transmit a detected indication of pressure within the single-use container (51).