Self-moving carriers for flexible bioprocessing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated bioprocessing systems face challenges in flexibility, mechanical failure rates, and cost-effectiveness when handling heterogeneous cell cultures, particularly in genetic modification processes, due to the complexity and high precision requirements of robotic manipulators.
Innovation Solution
Self-moving carriers with a drive mechanism and local control units enable flexible and autonomous operation within the bioprocessing system, allowing for independent movement and reduced reliance on central control, with standardized path sections and sensorial/mechanical boundaries for safety, and a transport mechanism for complex routing, including vertical movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If robotic manipulators are used for handling cell cultures, then system automation and flexibility are improved, but mechanical failure rate increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple autonomous carriers, each capable of independent operation. Instead of one complex robotic manipulator handling all tasks, multiple simplified carriers perform specific functions independently, reducing the mechanical complexity and failure points of each individual unit while maintaining high automation through coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each carrier is equipped with its own drive mechanism and local control unit, enabling it to autonomously navigate to processing stations and perform operations without requiring centralized robotic manipulation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex robotic arms while maintaining automation through distributed intelligence.
2Extent of automation
If robotic manipulators are used for handling cell cultures, then system automation is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces one expensive robotic manipulator with multiple simpler, cheaper carriers. Each carrier is a relatively simple unit with basic drive mechanisms and control electronics, making them much cheaper to manufacture than a full-featured robotic arm, while the collective system achieves the same automation level.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriers are designed as single-use or limited-use components that can be disposed of after a certain number of operations or if contamination occurs. This disposable approach is more cost-effective than maintaining and sterilizing expensive robotic manipulators, reducing long-term operational costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If carriers move themselves through the system, then system flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each carrier contains its own drive mechanism and navigation capabilities, allowing it to autonomously move to different processing stations and adapt to various operational requirements. This distributed autonomy provides system flexibility without requiring a complex centralized control system, as each unit makes its own navigation decisions based on simple local control logic.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method of operating an integrated bioprocessing system (1) to perform a bioprocess on a liquid immune or naive cell culture to obtain a processed cell culture, wherein the processed cell culture is destined for autologous or allogenic cell therapy, wherein the integrated bioprocessing systems (1) performs at least one unit operation on the cell culture, wherein the integrated bioprocessing system (1) comprises at least one carrier (5), wherein the carrier (5) carries a, in particular consumable, component and/or substance, wherein the integrated bioprocessing system (1) uses the component or substance to perform the at least one unit operation. It is proposed that the carrier (5) comprises a drive mechanism (8), that the carrier (5) uses the drive mechanism (8) to move itself through the integrated bioprocessing system (1).