Smart Tank Integrated Channels Bio-Pharma Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bio-pharma process lines face challenges with complex manual assembly, high costs, risk of malfunction, contamination, and difficulty in automation due to hose-based connections and single-use materials, leading to increased economic risks and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A smart tank system comprising a top plate element, sidewall elements, and a bottom plate element forming a self-emptying reservoir with integrated channels for guiding biochemical media, allowing for automatic operation and assembly, reducing material contact, and facilitating easy cleaning and recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If single-use bags and hoses are used in bio-pharma process lines, then cleaning and maintenance are simplified, but assembly complexity and risk of malfunction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (reservoir, mixing, filtering, pumping) into a single tank unit, eliminating the need for separate bags and hoses. This merging reduces assembly complexity while maintaining ease of cleaning and maintenance through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank is designed as a multi-functional unit that can serve as reservoir, mixing chamber, filter housing, and pump integration point. This universal design reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying assembly while keeping the system easy to clean and maintain.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple materials are used in contact with biochemical media, then functional requirements are met, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to specific zones within the tank - using chemically inert materials for surfaces contacting biochemical media, while allowing more functional materials in non-contact areas. This local differentiation meets functional requirements while minimizing contamination risk from material interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank design creates a controlled environment that minimizes chemical interactions between materials and biochemical media. By using inert or chemically stable materials in contact zones and designing sealed channels, the system meets functional requirements while reducing extractables and leachables that cause contamination.
3Extent of automation
If manual assembly is used for single-use process lines, then automation is avoided, but costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is divided into modular segments (tank body, lid, integrated components) that can be pre-assembled and tested separately, then quickly connected. This segmentation enables both automated assembly of individual modules and rapid manual assembly of complete units, increasing productivity while allowing flexibility in automation deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are pre-assembled, pre-tested, and pre-configured before final assembly. This preliminary preparation reduces on-site assembly time and complexity, enabling faster deployment whether assembled manually or automatically, thereby increasing productivity without requiring full automation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If hose-based connections are used, then flexibility is achieved, but reliability and risk of leakage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates connection points and channels directly into the tank structure, eliminating separate hoses for critical fluid paths. This merging maintains flexibility through integrated design while significantly improving reliability by removing hose-based connection points that are prone to leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses standardized connection interfaces and sealed channel systems that can be replicated across multiple tanks. This standardization maintains operational flexibility while improving reliability through consistent, tested connection designs that minimize leakage risk.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to smart tank for a bio-pharma process line, a smart tank assembly, a method for assembling a smart tank and a system comprising multiple smart tanks. The smart tank comprises a top plate element, at least one sidewall element, and a bottom plate element, wherein the top plate element, the at least one sidewall element and the bottom plate element are arranged to form a reservoir for receiving at least one biochemical medium. The smart tank comprises further at least one channel, for guiding the at least one biochemical medium and/or an operating medium. The at least one channel extends within the top plate element and at least one of the at least one sidewall element and/or the bottom plate element.