Stackable Biomanufacturing Apparatus with Isolated Load Cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bioreactors require significant laboratory space and are inefficient in using available space due to large footprints, and existing weight measurement systems for cell culture are inaccurate and sensitive to disturbances, especially when load cells are mounted on the instrument feet.
Innovation Solution
A biomanufacturing apparatus with a self-contained, stackable design featuring a load cell isolated from the instrument feet, reducing dead weight and minimizing side force impacts, allowing for accurate weight measurement and efficient space utilization by enabling multiple bioreactors to be stacked closely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If load cells are mounted on the instrument feet to measure cell culture weight, then weight measurement is enabled, but measurement precision deteriorates due to high dead weight and sensitivity to side forces
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell is extracted from the instrument feet mounting and repositioned to measure only the bioreactor weight independently. This separation removes the dead weight of the instrument from the measurement and eliminates sensitivity to side forces applied to the feet, thereby improving measurement precision without significant added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary mounting structure is introduced that decouples the load cell from the instrument feet. This intermediary structure allows the load cell to measure bioreactor weight accurately while being isolated from the high dead weight and side forces that would otherwise affect measurements when mounted directly on the feet
2Productivity
If bioreactors are spaced far apart for stable operation, then operational stability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to inefficient space utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is segmented into modular components with a self-contained design for each bioreactor station. This segmentation allows instruments to be stacked closely together while each module maintains its operational independence and stability, thereby improving space utilization without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from horizontal spacing to vertical stacking arrangement. By utilizing the vertical dimension for stacking multiple bioreactors one on top of another, the system achieves high space utilization while maintaining operational stability through the self-contained modular design of each stacking unit
3Productivity
If instruments are designed with large footprint for stable bioreactor operation, then operational stability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to significant floor space occupation
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument design utilizes the vertical dimension by enabling stacking of multiple units one on top of another. This vertical arrangement dramatically reduces the horizontal footprint while maintaining operational stability through the self-contained modular design, thereby improving laboratory space efficiency
4Productivity
If multiple bioreactors are stacked closely together to save space, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to increased sensitivity to disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell measurement system is extracted and isolated from the instrument feet that are subject to external disturbances. By positioning the load cell to measure only the bioreactor weight through an intermediary structure, the system achieves accurate measurements even when instruments are stacked closely together
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary mounting structure serves as a mediator between the bioreactor and the load cell, isolating the measurement system from vibrations and disturbances caused by close stacking. This intermediary structure protects measurement precision while allowing high stacking density for improved productivity
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 solution enables efficient use of laboratory space by allowing multiple bioreactors to be stacked, improving weight measurement accuracy and sensitivity, and reducing the need for frequent leveling, while maintaining precise control over cell culture conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the entire weight of the instrument rests on the load cells. Therefore, the dead weight acting on the load cells are very high (depending on the instrument weigh) which affects the overall accuracy and sensitivity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is biomanufacturing apparatus 1 comprising a housing 20 including top 22 and bottom 24 faces which allow stacking of plural housings, an access door 25 at a front side of the housing, a substantially enclosed bioreactor chamber 30 inside the housing accessible via the door, and a further substantially enclosed region 36 inside the housing containing electrical parts and/or electronic control components, the chamber 30 including: a tray 40 for supporting a bioreactor, a tray support 45 including a mechanism 44,47 for rocking the tray in use; the tray support further including a load cell (41) to determine changes in the mass load on the tray.