Sensor Recess Apparatus for Bioreactor Low Fill Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rocking platform bioreactors face challenges when using viable cell density (VCD) sensors with low vessel fill levels, as the sensors can be elevated above the fluid level, leading to data loss and inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a body that extends across the vessel, featuring a sensor recess in its upper portion, is placed on the bioprocessing device's surface. This apparatus ensures that the sensor remains immersed in fluid, even at low fill levels, by positioning the vessel between the device's surface and the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the vessel fill level is reduced to minimize waste and reduce equipment size, then the volume of fluid in the vessel decreases, but the sensor may be elevated above the fluid level leading to data loss and inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension solution by elevating the sensor assembly on a support structure above the vessel bottom surface. This vertical positioning ensures the sensor remains immersed in fluid even at low fill levels, resolving the contradiction between reduced fluid volume and maintained measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary element between the sensor assembly and the vessel bottom. This mediator component enables the sensor to be positioned at an optimal height that guarantees fluid immersion across the range of operating fill levels, preventing direct contact issues while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Reliability
If the minimum vessel fill level is increased to ensure sensor immersion, then accurate VCD measurements can be maintained, but larger vessels and rocking platforms are required increasing equipment complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the vertical dimension through the support structure, the patent eliminates the need to increase horizontal vessel dimensions or platform size. The sensor assembly is elevated vertically to maintain immersion, thereby achieving accurate measurements without requiring larger equipment footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sensor assembly from the vessel bottom surface through the support structure. This segmentation allows independent positioning of the sensor at the optimal height, decoupling the measurement function from the vessel geometry and eliminating the need for oversized equipment.
3Reliability
If complex hardware and software synchronization systems are implemented to address erroneous sensor measurements, then measurement accuracy can be maintained during rocking motion, but equipment complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is pre-configured to position the sensor assembly at the optimal height before operation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures continuous fluid immersion throughout the rocking cycle, eliminating the need for real-time synchronization systems or complex control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly, through its elevated positioning on the support structure, automatically maintains immersion in the fluid during rocking motion without requiring external control systems. The geometry of the arrangement ensures the sensor remains in the fluid phase throughout the cycle, making the system self-regulating and eliminating complex synchronization hardware and software.
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 apparatus allows for continuous and accurate VCD measurements at low vessel fill levels, reducing data loss and eliminating the need for increased minimum vessel fill levels or complex hardware and software synchronization systems.
Implementation Method 1
VCD sensors that measure cell permittivity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for facilitating use of a sensor with a vessel includes a body having upper and lower portions, the body extending across substantially an entire width of the vessel, the body configured for selective placement on a surface of a bioprocessing device, the body including a sensor recess formed in the upper portion of the body, the sensor recess configured to receive a sensor so that the sensor is at least partially recessed within the body. In use, the body is situated between the surface of the bioprocessing device and the vessel, the body allowing for retention of liquid in the vessel in proximity to the sensor, facilitating use of the sensor with low vessel fill levels.