A non-contact experimental mouse rapid transfer device
By designing a contactless rapid transfer device for laboratory mice, and utilizing mechanical structures to achieve efficient and safe transfer of laboratory mice, the problems of low efficiency and high risk in existing technologies have been solved, thereby improving work efficiency and animal welfare.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NANTONG JINGQI BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for transferring laboratory mice are labor-intensive and time-consuming, resulting in low work efficiency and risks to animal health and operators, failing to meet the needs of modern animal husbandry and animal welfare.
Design a contactless rapid transfer device for laboratory mice, including a transfer chamber, a shovel, an adjustment component, and a switch component. The device achieves contactless and efficient transfer of laboratory mice through a mechanical structure, and uses an arc-shaped structure and ventilation holes to ensure animal comfort. The adjustment component allows for flexible adaptation.
It significantly improved transfer efficiency, reduced animal stress and operator risk, enhanced animal welfare and the reliability of experimental data, and reduced management costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN224482508U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of barrier environment experimental animal technology, specifically to a non-contact rapid transfer device for laboratory mice. Background Technology
[0002] In laboratory animal husbandry and experiments conducted in barrier environments, rodent cages need to be changed regularly to maintain a clean and hygienic living environment. Typically, mice need to be transferred weekly from cages that have been used for a week and contain feces, urine, uneaten feed, and soiled bedding to fresh cages with clean bedding. This ensures their healthy growth during husbandry and experiments and meets the environmental cleanliness requirements of the experiments. Currently, the commonly used transfer method relies on caretakers or experimenters handling the mice directly by hand or using tweezers to transfer them one by one. However, due to the high frequency of cage changes and the need for individual handling each time, this traditional method consumes a significant amount of manpower and time, resulting in low work efficiency and becoming a major constraint on energy conservation, cost reduction, and increased production efficiency in the laboratory animal industry. Furthermore, the repetitive and tedious nature of this process also leads to a continuous increase in management costs.
[0003] Existing manual or tweezer-based handling methods are not only inefficient but also have adverse effects on both the mice and the operators. For animals, the handling process can cause physical injury or stress, affecting their health and the reliability of experimental data. For handlers, direct contact with animals increases the risk of bites and scratches, and may also create psychological resistance, affecting work motivation. With the increasing emphasis on modern animal husbandry and animal welfare, this high-contact, high-risk transfer method can no longer meet industry needs. Therefore, developing a device that enables rapid, efficient, and safe transfer without direct contact with mice, reducing labor costs and intensity while improving animal welfare and the reliability of experimental data, has become an urgent need in the laboratory animal industry.
[0004] In view of the above, in order to overcome the above technical problems, this utility model designs a non-contact rapid transfer device for laboratory mice, which solves the above technical problems. Utility Model Content
[0005] The technical objective of this invention is to design a non-contact rapid transfer device for laboratory mice, which improves the grasping efficiency while avoiding injury to the laboratory mice.
[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0007] A non-contact rapid transfer device for laboratory mice includes a transfer chamber, a top cover, ventilation holes, a handle, a shovel, a mounting block, a switch assembly, a fixing assembly, and an adjustment assembly.
[0008] The transfer chamber is a hollow, rectangular-shaped structure designed to accommodate laboratory mice. The rear of the chamber is rounded to prevent injury from sharp edges. A top cover is mounted on top of the transfer chamber, with ventilation holes on top to ensure the mice have sufficient fresh air. A handle is mounted on the rear side of the transfer chamber for easy transfer. A shovel is located on the front door of the transfer chamber, used to quickly scoop the mice into the chamber. A mounting block is located on the front of the top of the transfer chamber. A switch assembly is mounted on the front side of the transfer chamber, controlling the opening and closing of the door (rotational installation). A fixing component is mounted on the side of the mounting block. An adjustment component is mounted on top of the shovel (sliding installation), controlling the opening area of the transfer chamber to adapt to different usage scenarios.
[0009] Preferably, the top surface of the shovel plate is provided as an inclined surface, and the shovel plate includes a sliding groove, a locking tooth, and a limiting groove;
[0010] The sliding groove is formed on the upper part of the shovel plate near the transfer chamber. The sliding groove is used to install the sliding block to make it slide. The locking teeth are installed inside the sliding groove. The limiting groove is formed on the inner side of the sliding groove. The limiting block is used to ensure the linear sliding movement of the adjustment component.
[0011] Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the locking teeth is set as a right-angled triangle, with the inclined surfaces of the locking teeth facing both sides of the shovel plate, and the locking teeth are mirror images of the center plane of the shovel plate; with this setting, in conjunction with the sliding teeth of the adjustment component, the adjustment component can achieve a self-locking function and can only move in one direction, ensuring that the adjustment component is in a fixed position during the transfer of the experimental mouse.
[0012] Preferably, the sliding groove has a mounting vertical groove on its upper surface. The mounting vertical groove is arranged in a linear array and is used for quick loading and unloading of the adjustment component, so that it can be readjusted from both sides of the shovel plate.
[0013] The mounting block includes positioning holes and rotating holes; the positioning holes are arranged in a circumferential array around the surface of the mounting block, and the depth of the positioning holes is set to half the width of the mounting block, thereby engaging and fixing with a fixing block; the rotating holes are located in the middle of the mounting block and penetrate through the mounting block, so that the mounting shaft can pass through.
[0014] Preferably, the switch assembly includes a rotating shaft, a mounting shaft, a rotating chuck, and a switch door; the rotating shaft is installed inside the top cover plate, the mounting shaft is installed in the middle of the mounting block, the rotating chuck is installed on the side of the mounting shaft, and the switch door is installed below the rotating shaft.
[0015] Preferably, the rotating chuck is shaped like a plum blossom, with multiple circular notches on its outer edge. This facilitates manual operation of the rotating chuck for opening and closing the door, and also allows for secure fixing with the fixing components.
[0016] Preferably, the fixing component includes a fixing plate, a fixing block, and a mating hole; the fixing plate is mounted on the mounting block, the fixing block is mounted on the side of the fixing plate, and the mating hole is located in the middle of the fixing plate.
[0017] Preferably, the adjustment assembly includes a movable stop lever, a baffle, a sliding block, a limiting block, and sliding teeth; the movable stop lever is installed on top of the shovel plate, and the movable stop lever can move to adjust the passable area of the transfer chamber; the baffle is installed on the side of the movable stop lever; the sliding block is installed below the movable stop lever; the limiting block is installed on the side of the sliding block; and the sliding teeth are installed below the sliding block.
[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0019] (1) This utility model achieves a non-contact, high-efficiency method for transferring laboratory mice by organically combining the transfer chamber, shovel, adjustment component, switch component, and fixing component. Compared with traditional manual grasping or tweezers handling, this device can significantly reduce the frequency of direct contact between the handler and the laboratory mice, reduce the probability of animal stress and accidental injury, and effectively avoid the risk of the operator being bitten or scratched. In the structural design of the device, the transfer chamber adopts an arc-shaped rear structure and ventilation holes on the top cover, which not only ensures air circulation and animal comfort during the transfer process, but also reduces collision damage caused by sharp corners; the sliding adjustment function of the adjustment component allows the opening area of the transfer chamber to be flexibly adjusted according to the number and size of the laboratory mice, thereby improving the versatility and adaptability of the device. This overall solution improves the transfer efficiency while taking into account animal welfare and experimental safety, and is particularly suitable for high-frequency use scenarios in modern laboratory animal facilities.
[0020] (2) This utility model fully considers the convenience and reliability of operation in its structural details. The inclined surface design of the shovel plate, combined with the self-locking function of the sliding groove and the locking teeth, enables the adjustment components to maintain a stable position during the transfer process, avoiding displacement due to vibration or animal collision, and ensuring the controllability and consistency of the operation. The plum blossom-shaped rotating chuck, combined with the locking function of the fixing components, makes the opening and closing of the door more precise and easier to operate, reducing the possibility of misoperation. At the same time, the modular structure design of the device facilitates quick disassembly, assembly, cleaning and maintenance, reducing the cost of use and equipment downtime. These beneficial effects are not only reflected in the dual protection of laboratory mice and operators, but also significantly improve the efficiency and standardization of transfer work, providing the laboratory animal industry with a safe, efficient transfer solution that conforms to the concept of animal welfare. Attached Figure Description
[0021] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0022] The above and other aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the transfer chamber of this utility model;
[0025] Figure 3 This is a utility model Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image;
[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the switch assembly of this utility model;
[0027] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the fixing component of this utility model;
[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adjustment component of this utility model;
[0029] In the diagram: 1. Transfer compartment; 2. Top cover plate; 3. Vent hole; 4. Handle; 5. Shovel plate; 501. Sliding groove; 502. Clamping tooth; 503. Limiting groove; 504. Mounting vertical groove; 6. Mounting block; 601. Positioning hole; 602. Rotating hole; 7. Switch assembly; 701. Rotating shaft; 702. Mounting shaft; 703. Rotating chuck; 704. Opening and closing door; 8. Fixing assembly; 801. Fixing plate; 802. Fixing block; 803. Mating hole; 9. Adjusting assembly; 901. Moving lever; 902. Baffle; 903. Sliding block; 904. Limiting block; 905. Sliding tooth. Detailed Implementation
[0030] To better understand the above technical solutions, the following will provide a detailed explanation of the technical solutions in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.
[0031] like Figure 1-6 As shown, a non-contact rapid transfer device for laboratory mice includes multiple functional components such as a transfer chamber 1, a top cover 2, ventilation holes 3, a handle 4, a shovel 5, a mounting block 6, a switch assembly 7, a fixing assembly 8, and an adjustment assembly 9. The transfer chamber 1 adopts a hollow, rectangular-like structure design, providing a relatively enclosed and safe temporary containment space for the laboratory mice. Its rear section is intentionally designed with a rounded shape to avoid collisions or abrasions to the mice during transfer, thereby improving animal welfare. A top cover 2 is installed on top of the transfer chamber 1 to cover and protect the internal space, preventing the mice from escaping during transfer. Ventilation holes 3 are evenly distributed on the surface of the top cover 2 to ensure air circulation within the chamber, providing sufficient fresh air and preventing oxygen deficiency or respiratory distress in the mice. A handle 4 is provided on the rear side of the transfer chamber 1 for easy gripping and handling by keepers or researchers, enabling rapid transfer of the laboratory mice.
[0032] A shovel plate 5 is installed at the front door of the transfer chamber 1. Its main function is to quickly scoop the laboratory mouse into the transfer chamber 1 by pushing the shovel plate 5 when it is necessary to transfer the laboratory mouse, achieving a non-contact transfer method, thereby reducing animal stress and potential risks to operators. A mounting block 6 is located on the top front side of the transfer chamber 1 to provide a stable mounting position for the switch assembly 7 and other auxiliary components. The switch assembly 7 is installed on the front side of the transfer chamber 1 and is connected to the door panel by a rotating mounting method, realizing the opening and closing of the front door for easy control of the laboratory mouse's entry and exit. A fixing assembly 8 is installed on the side of the mounting block 6 to stabilize the relevant structures during operation, preventing loosening and displacement when pushing the shovel plate 5 or opening / closing the door 704. An adjustment assembly 9 is installed above the shovel plate 5 and uses a sliding mounting method, allowing for flexible adjustment of the opening area of the transfer chamber 1. This allows for flexible adaptation to different usage needs based on the size or number of laboratory mice, thereby improving the versatility and ease of operation of the device. This overall structure not only achieves efficient, safe, and non-contact transfer of laboratory mice but also effectively improves work efficiency.
[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the upper surface of the shovel plate 5 is designed with an inclined surface structure, which facilitates guiding the experimental mouse into the transfer chamber 1 during operation and reduces the possibility of its escape. The shovel plate 5 includes three main functional parts: a sliding groove 501, a locking tooth 502, and a limiting groove 503. The sliding groove 501 is located on the upper surface of the shovel plate 5 near the transfer chamber 1, and its function is to provide a stable mounting and sliding track for the sliding block 903, ensuring that the adjustment component 9 moves smoothly on the shovel plate 5. The locking tooth 502 is fixedly installed inside the sliding groove 501 and works in conjunction with the sliding tooth 905 to achieve precise displacement control. The limiting groove 503 is formed on the inner side of the sliding groove 501, and its internal limiting block 904 can effectively prevent the adjustment component 9 from deviating or shaking during sliding, ensuring that it always moves along a straight trajectory. This design not only improves the smoothness of operation but also enhances the stability and safety of the device during the rapid transfer of experimental mice.
[0034] The locking teeth 502 have a right-angled triangular cross-section, with the inclined surfaces facing both sides of the shovel plate 5, and are mirror-distributed with the central plane of the shovel plate 5 as the axis of symmetry. This symmetrical structure maintains left-right balance under force, preventing the adjustment component 9 from shifting during operation. The locking teeth 502 tightly mesh with the sliding teeth 905 of the adjustment component 9. Through a special tooth shape design, the adjustment component 9 has a self-locking function, meaning it can only move in one direction under external force, preventing loosening or changes in opening area due to vibration or collision during the transfer of the experimental mouse. This not only ensures the stability of the opening size during transfer but also effectively reduces the risk of the experimental mouse escaping or being pinched, thereby improving the overall safety and reliability of the operation.
[0035] Above the sliding groove 501, there is a vertical mounting groove 504. The vertical mounting groove 504 is arranged in a linear array, providing multiple selectable mounting positions for the adjustment component 9. This design allows the operator to flexibly adjust the opening size according to different sizes and numbers of laboratory mice to meet various experimental needs. The vertical mounting groove 504 not only allows for quick replacement of the adjustment component 9 without disassembling the entire device, but also allows for readjustment from both sides of the shovel plate 5, making the operation more flexible and efficient. This quick loading, unloading, and adjustment function greatly improves the adaptability and reusability of the equipment, and also reduces maintenance costs.
[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the mounting block 6 includes two structures: positioning holes 601 and rotating holes 602. The positioning holes 601 are arranged in a circumferential array along the surface of the mounting block 6, with a depth half the width of the mounting block 6. They cooperate with the fixing block 802 to achieve a secure locking function, ensuring that the structure will not loosen during high-frequency operation. The rotating hole 602 is located in the middle of the mounting block 6 and extends through the entire mounting block 6, allowing the mounting shaft 702 to pass freely, realizing a rotational linkage function with the switch assembly 7. This structure not only improves the convenience of installation and disassembly but also ensures the reliable operation of the switching mechanism under long-term use.
[0037] like Figure 4 As shown, the switch assembly 7 consists of a rotating shaft 701, a mounting shaft 702, a rotating chuck 703, and a switch door 704. The rotating shaft 701 is installed inside the top cover plate 2 to support and drive the rotation of the switch door 704. The mounting shaft 702 is installed in the middle of the mounting block 6, cooperating with the rotating shaft 701 to realize the opening and closing action of the switch door 704. The rotating chuck 703 is installed on the side of the mounting shaft 702, providing a force point for manual operation, while the switch door 704 is located below the rotating shaft 701, used to close or open the entrance of the transfer chamber 1. This combined structure ensures stable and efficient switching action while reducing safety hazards caused by misoperation.
[0038] The rotary chuck 703 features a quincunx design with multiple evenly distributed circular notches on its outer edge. This shape not only increases the grip friction for the operator, making rotation easier, but also works with the fixing component 8 to achieve stable locking when a fixed position is required. The multiple notches allow the operator to easily operate from different angles, thus improving the flexibility and convenience of use.
[0039] like Figure 5As shown, the fixing component 8 consists of a fixing plate 801, a fixing block 802, and a mating hole 803. The fixing plate 801 is mounted above the mounting block 6, serving as the support base for the entire fixing mechanism. The fixing block 802 is mounted on the side of the fixing plate 801 and, through engagement with the notch of the rotating chuck 703, precisely locks its rotational position. The mating hole 803 is located in the middle of the fixing plate 801 and is used for positioning and engaging with other components. This fixing mechanism effectively prevents the switch assembly 7 from shifting during vibration or movement, ensuring the stability of the transfer chamber 1 inlet.
[0040] like Figure 6 As shown, the adjustment assembly 9 includes a movable stop 901, a baffle 902, a sliding block 903, a limiting block 904, and a sliding tooth 905. The movable stop 901 is installed above the shovel plate 5 and adjusts the passable area of the transfer chamber 1 opening by moving along the sliding groove 501 to accommodate the transfer needs of different numbers and sizes of laboratory mice. The baffle 902 is fixed to the side of the movable stop 901, providing a physical barrier for the laboratory mice during operation and preventing them from escaping. The sliding block 903 is installed below the movable stop 901 and fits tightly with the sliding groove 501 to achieve smooth sliding; the limiting block 904 is fixed to the side of the sliding block 903 to prevent the sliding assembly from falling off or shifting in the track; the sliding tooth 905 is installed at the bottom of the sliding block 903 and engages with the locking tooth 502 to achieve precise position control. This structure ensures the stability and durability of the adjustment assembly 9 during use.
[0041] In operation, the operator first places the transfer chamber 1 at the entrance of the dirty cage containing the laboratory mice, ensuring that the switch door 704 of the transfer chamber 1 is open. Then, by pushing the shovel 5, the laboratory mice are guided into the transfer chamber 1 along the inclined surface of the shovel 5. The adjustment component 9 can be pre-adjusted according to the number and size of the laboratory mice, facilitating entry while preventing escape during transfer. Once all the laboratory mice are inside the transfer chamber 1, the operator rotates the chuck 703, driving the switch door 704 to close and locking it with the fixing component 8, thus safely enclosing the laboratory mice inside the transfer chamber 1. Finally, the operator uses the handle 4 to move the entire transfer chamber 1 to the entrance of a new clean cage, reopens the switch door 704, and allows the laboratory mice to enter the new cage on their own, completing a contactless and rapid transfer process. The entire process requires no direct contact with the animals, reducing stress and the risk of accidents.
[0042] This device utilizes a combination and linkage of mechanical structures to achieve contactless and highly efficient transfer of laboratory mice. The transfer chamber 1, serving as the core containment space, provides a safe and comfortable temporary environment through its arc-shaped rear wall and ventilation holes 3. The shovel plate 5 guides the laboratory mice smoothly into the transfer chamber 1 using its inclined surface and sliding mechanism. The adjustment component 9, through the cooperation of the sliding groove 501, locking teeth 502, and limiting groove 503, can flexibly adjust the opening area and maintain stability through a self-locking function, preventing changes in the opening during transfer. The switch component 7 uses a rotating shaft 701, a mounting shaft 702, and a rotating chuck 703 to open and close the door. The notch on the outer edge of the quincunx-shaped chuck interacts with the mating hole 803 of the fixing component 8, ensuring reliable and effortless locking and unlocking of the door 704. The core principle lies in using sliding, self-locking, and rotational locking mechanisms to achieve a safe transition of the laboratory mice from the old cage to the new cage, achieving rapid, efficient, and contactless transfer.
[0043] Various modifications to this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should be given the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Although one or more exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A non-contact rapid transfer device for laboratory mice, characterized in that, It includes a transfer compartment (1), a top cover plate (2), a vent (3), a handle (4), a shovel plate (5), a mounting block (6), a switch assembly (7), a fixing assembly (8), and an adjustment assembly (9); The transfer chamber (1) is configured as a hollow cuboid structure. The rear part of the transfer chamber (1) is configured as an arc shape. The top cover plate (2) is installed on the top of the transfer chamber (1). The vent (3) is opened on the top of the top cover plate (2). The handle (4) is installed on the rear side of the transfer chamber (1). The shovel plate (5) is set on the front door of the transfer chamber (1). The mounting block (6) is set on the front side of the top of the transfer chamber (1). The switch assembly (7) is installed on the front side of the transfer chamber (1) and the installation method is set as rotational installation. The fixing assembly (8) is installed on the side of the mounting block (6). The adjusting assembly (9) is installed on the top of the shovel plate (5) and the installation method is set as sliding installation.
2. The contactless rapid transfer device for laboratory mice according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top surface of the shovel plate (5) is set as an inclined surface, and the shovel plate (5) includes a sliding groove (501), a locking tooth (502) and a limiting groove (503). The sliding groove (501) is opened on the upper part of the shovel plate (5) near the transfer chamber (1), the locking teeth (502) are installed inside the sliding groove (501), and the limiting groove (503) is opened on the inner side of the sliding groove (501).
3. The contactless rapid transfer device for laboratory mice according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cross-sectional shape of the tooth (502) is set as a right triangle, the inclined surface of the tooth (502) is set towards both sides of the shovel plate (5), and the tooth (502) is set as a mirror image of the center surface of the shovel plate (5).
4. The contactless rapid transfer device for laboratory mice according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sliding groove (501) has a mounting vertical groove (504) on its upper surface, and the mounting vertical groove (504) is arranged in a linear array.
5. The contactless rapid transfer device for laboratory mice according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting block (6) includes a positioning hole (601) and a rotating hole (602); The positioning holes (601) are arranged in a circumferential array around the surface of the mounting block (6), and the depth of the positioning holes (601) is set to half the width of the mounting block (6). The rotating hole (602) is located in the middle of the mounting block (6) and passes through the mounting block (6).
6. The contactless rapid transfer device for laboratory mice according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switch assembly (7) includes a rotating shaft (701), a mounting shaft (702), a rotating chuck (703), and a switch door (704). The rotating shaft (701) is installed inside the top cover plate (2), the mounting shaft (702) is installed in the middle of the mounting block (6), the rotating chuck (703) is installed on the side of the mounting shaft (702), and the switch door (704) is installed below the rotating shaft (701).
7. The contactless rapid transfer device for laboratory mice according to claim 6, characterized in that: The rotating chuck (703) is configured in a plum blossom shape, and multiple circular notches are provided on the outer edge of the rotating chuck (703).
8. The contactless rapid transfer device for laboratory mice according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing component (8) includes a fixing plate (801), a fixing block (802), and a mating hole (803); The fixing plate (801) is mounted on the mounting block (6), the fixing block (802) is mounted on the side of the fixing plate (801), and the mating hole (803) is opened in the middle of the fixing plate (801).
9. The contactless rapid transfer device for laboratory mice according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjustment component (9) includes a movable lever (901), a baffle (902), a sliding block (903), a limiting block (904), and a sliding tooth (905). The movable stop lever (901) is installed on the top of the shovel plate (5), the baffle (902) is installed on the side of the movable stop lever (901), the sliding block (903) is installed below the movable stop lever (901), the limiting block (904) is installed on the side of the sliding block (903), and the sliding tooth (905) is installed below the sliding block (903).