Probe Assembly Locking Mechanism for Sterile Bioreactor Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor assemblies for bioreactors and tubing face challenges in sterilely inserting probes into flexible-walled vessels and tubing without accidental perforation or inconsistent insertion depth, leading to potential sterility issues and unreliable measurements.

Innovation Solution

A probe assembly with a locking mechanism that restrains longitudinal movement of the probe within a sheath, ensuring consistent and repeatable insertion depth, and a method involving a connector assembly and plunger to securely insert and maintain the probe within the vessel or tubing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a bellows-type flexible sheath is used to insert a probe, then the probe can be inserted into flexible-walled bioreactors, but the probe can accidentally move axially and perforate the sterile barrier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe insertion capabilityVSAvoidsterility maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The probe is pre-loaded into the sheath in a sterile configuration before use. The sheath maintains the probe in a retracted, protected position until deployment, preventing accidental perforation of the sterile barrier while enabling controlled insertion when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the probe is unconstrained within the sheath, then insertion is simple, but insertion depth varies between containers and within processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion simplicityVSAvoidinsertion depth consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A plunger mechanism serves as an intermediary between the operator and the probe. The plunger provides controlled axial movement of the probe within the sheath, enabling precise positioning at a predetermined depth while maintaining the simplicity of the overall insertion process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the probe assembly requires deflection of the connector or port for angled insertion, then the probe can be positioned for insertion, but the complexity of the assembly increases and the possibility of rupture or tears increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion angle flexibilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sheath is designed with flexible sections that can dynamically deflect and bend to accommodate angled insertion paths. This dynamic flexibility allows the probe to be inserted at various angles without requiring complex articulated connectors or ports, maintaining assembly simplicity while providing insertion versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11806720B2Probe assembly and method for securing and inserting a probe

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 GLOBAL LIFE SCIENCES SOLUTIONS USA LLC

AI summary

A probe assembly for inserting a probe into a vessel or tubing includes a probe sheath having a proximal end and a distal end and being configured for operative coupling to a vessel or tubing, the probe sheath being configured to receive a probe and to permit movement of the probe towards the distal end of the probe sheath, and a locking mechanism configured to restrain longitudinal movement of the probe with respect to the sheath in a locked state. The locking mechanism may be unlocked to allow for movement of the probe with respect to the sheath.