Shape Memory Biopharmaceutical Container for Space Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid containers used for transporting biopharmaceutical fluids occupy significant space and require ample storage, even when empty, due to their fixed shape and size.
Innovation Solution
A container made of shape memory material that can change shape in response to external stimuli, allowing it to collapse and unfold, thus saving space when empty and expanding to hold biopharmaceutical fluids efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid containers are used for transporting biopharmaceutical fluids, then the safety and integrity of the fluid during transport is improved, but the storage space required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs shape memory material that allows the wall to dynamically change between a collapsed configuration (reducing storage volume) and an expanded configuration (providing adequate containment volume for fluid transport). This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by making the container volume adaptive rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory material changes its physical parameters (shape, volume) in response to external stimuli such as temperature changes or mechanical activation. This parameter change enables the container to transition between compact storage state and operational state, simultaneously achieving small storage footprint and adequate transport capacity.
2Reliability
If rigid containers are used for transporting biopharmaceutical fluids, then the containment and protection of the fluid is improved, but the space occupied during storage even when empty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure that can adopt different configurations. When empty and not in use, the container collapses to minimize occupied space. When needed for transport, it expands to provide adequate containment, thus resolving the contradiction between protection capability and storage space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The container wall structure is designed to nest or fold into a compact form when collapsed, similar to a nested doll configuration. This allows the container to occupy minimal space during storage while maintaining the capability to expand to full size when needed for fluid containment and transport.
3Productivity
If a container expands to hold biopharmaceutical fluids, then the capacity and efficiency of transport is improved, but the complexity of the container structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory material inherently provides the expansion mechanism through its material properties, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuators, motors, or hydraulic systems. The container structure leverages the material's ability to change shape in response to stimuli, achieving high transport capacity with relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory material performs the work of expanding and collapsing the container automatically in response to external stimuli, without requiring complex control systems or additional actuating mechanisms. This self-service capability reduces structural complexity while maintaining high productivity during fluid transport.
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 shape memory container effectively reduces storage space requirements, ensures safe and efficient transportation of biopharmaceutical fluids by expanding to accommodate the fluid and collapsing for compact storage, while maintaining sterility and compatibility with the fluid.
Implementation Method 1
the wall comprises a shape memory material being adapted to change shape when induced by an external stimulus
Data Source
AI summary
A container for transporting and/or processing a biopharmaceutical fluid, the container comprising a wall, the wall comprising a shape memory material being adapted to change shape when induced by an external stimulus, so that the container can be alternately in a collapsed state and in an unfolded state, the wall of the container in the unfolded state delimiting an internal cavity adapted to contain the biopharmaceutical fluid.