A device for inducing, accurately identifying and evaluating seizures in heat-sensitive small animals

Abstract

The application discloses a device for inducing, accurately identifying and evaluating heat-sensitive small animal epilepsy, and belongs to the technical field of medical instruments. The device comprises an incubator, an infrared heating lamp for heating the incubator is installed in the incubator, a high-definition camera is further installed in the incubator, the high-definition camera is used for observing and recording the behavior of animals, a data recording analyzer is arranged outside the incubator, the data recording analyzer is connected with a temperature sensor and a rectal temperature probe through wires, a control device for controlling the opening and closing of the infrared heating lamp is further installed outside the incubator, the integrated high-definition camera, the sound monitoring device and the body temperature monitoring device can simultaneously capture the behavior, sound and physiological parameters of animals, and provide a comprehensive data perspective for research. The multi-dimensional data acquisition helps to deeply understand the complex mechanism of epilepsy, improves the quality of the disease model, and provides key information for revealing the pathogenesis and developing new therapies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of medical device technology, specifically a device for research on a mouse model of heat-sensitive epilepsy. Background Technology

[0002] Heat-sensitive epilepsy is a serious neurological disorder characterized by fever accompanied by altered consciousness and high-frequency abnormal electrical discharges. Although various treatments and medications are available for heat-sensitive epilepsy, a significant proportion of patients still experience difficulty achieving complete symptom relief. Current diagnostic methods are inadequate and fail to clearly define its pathophysiological mechanisms; therefore, there is an urgent need to establish new disease models to gain a deeper understanding of its pathological basis and pathogenic mechanisms.

[0003] Existing methods for inducing and monitoring thermosensitive epilepsy in small animal models have limitations, such as outdated equipment (using water bath heating, inaccurate rectal temperature measurement devices, and inability to perform continuous monitoring), cumbersome material preparation (non-integrated, requiring self-assembly of equipment), lack of automated auxiliary tools, and susceptibility to human error. Therefore, researchers have proposed a novel monitoring device that automatically performs temperature monitoring and data analysis through program setting and control, improving the convenience and accuracy of monitoring and contributing to a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of thermosensitive epilepsy. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problem of excessive needle insertion and difficulty in control in existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a device for inducing, accurately identifying, and assessing epilepsy in heat-sensitive small animals.

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0006] A device for inducing, accurately identifying and assessing epilepsy in heat-sensitive small animals includes an incubator with an infrared heating lamp installed inside for heating the interior of the incubator.

[0007] The incubator is also equipped with a high-definition camera, which is used to observe and record the animal's behavior;

[0008] The insulated box is equipped with a data recording and analysis instrument on its exterior. The data recording and analysis instrument is connected to a temperature sensor and a rectal temperature probe via wires.

[0009] The outside of the insulated box is also equipped with a control device for controlling the opening and closing of the infrared heating lamps, and the data recording and analysis instrument is installed on the side wall of the control device.

[0010] Optionally, the data logging and analysis instrument is equipped with a USB data transfer port for exporting data.

[0011] Optionally, there are multiple infrared heating lamps, which are distributed and installed at the upper part of the insulated box to uniformly heat the inside of the insulated box. Multiple irradiation lamps are rotatably installed on the inner side wall of the insulated box, and a storage tank is opened at the position corresponding to the irradiation lamp on the side wall of the insulated box. The storage tank stores thermally expanding liquid, and a piston block is slidably installed on the upper side of the storage tank. A pressure block is fixedly installed at the connection between the irradiation lamp and the insulated box, and the piston block squeezes the pressure block.

[0012] Optionally, the high-definition camera is installed on the upper side of the inner side wall of the insulated box, and the high-definition camera is set at an angle.

[0013] Optionally, the device for accurately identifying and assessing epilepsy in heat-sensitive small animals is characterized in that a sound sensor is also installed inside the incubator to monitor and collect the sounds emitted by the animal.

[0014] Optionally, a silicone frame is fixedly installed on the lower side of the inside of the incubator. The silicone frame is used to prevent animals from hitting the inner wall of the incubator. The silicone frame has a square structure, and there is a gap between the outer wall of the silicone frame and the inner wall of the incubator.

[0015] Optionally, a thin-film sensor is installed at the lower end of the insulated box, corresponding to the position of the silicone frame, to detect and determine the animal's epileptic condition by sensing different forces applied to the thin-film sensor.

[0016] Optionally, the insulated box is equipped with an openable and closable door panel on one side, and both the outer wall of the insulated box and the door panel are made of visible transparent material, and the height of the silicone frame is lower than the height of the door panel.

[0017] Optionally, a wire hole is provided on the door panel, and a sealing gasket is installed inside the wire hole. The sealing gasket compresses the outer wall of the wire. A reserved hole is provided at the position corresponding to the wire hole on the silicone frame. The wire extends from the wire hole and the reserved hole into the silicone frame. A handle is fixedly installed on the upper end of the insulated box.

[0018] Optionally, the control device includes a power switch for controlling the power supply, a temperature display screen, and a temperature adjustment switch for controlling the temperature of the infrared heating lamp. The control device is equipped with a central processing unit and data analysis software. The central processing unit and data analysis software receive data from various systems and perform intelligent analysis and evaluation according to the Racine standard.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution provided by this invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0020] The aforementioned approach, through the integration of high-definition cameras, sound monitoring, and body temperature monitoring devices, can simultaneously capture the animal's behavior, sounds, and physiological parameters, providing a comprehensive data perspective for research. This multi-dimensional data acquisition helps to deepen the understanding of the complex mechanisms of epilepsy, improve the quality of disease models, and provide crucial information for elucidating pathogenesis and developing new therapies.

[0021] The central processing unit (CPU) and advanced data analysis software enable rapid and accurate processing of large amounts of collected data, automatically assessing the severity and seizure characteristics of epilepsy. This not only speeds up data processing but also improves the accuracy of data analysis, allowing researchers to make rapid scientific decisions.

[0022] Through automated temperature control and a real-time multi-parameter monitoring system, this invention ensures the consistency and precise control of experimental conditions. This precise control reduces human error and improves the reliability and repeatability of experimental results.

[0023] The portable handle makes the device suitable not only for laboratory conditions but also for use in varied environments, such as field surveys or collaborations between different research institutions. The modular and user-friendly interface makes the device easy to operate and maintain, reducing the technical requirements for operators.

[0024] The silicone frame effectively protects small animals in a state of epilepsy, preventing them from hitting the inner wall of the incubator during convulsions and causing injury. Furthermore, through a precise and automated monitoring system, this invention reduces unnecessary interventions for experimental animals, thereby mitigating stress responses and potential harm, while ensuring biosafety and the safety of operators during the experiment. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the specification, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and enable those skilled in the art to practice and use the invention.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the data recording and analysis instrument and the USB data transmission port of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the silicone frame structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the door panel, wiring hole, and sealing gasket of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sound sensor, infrared heating lamp, and high-definition camera components of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the illumination lamp part of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the thin-film sensor portion of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit layout of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the data analysis process of the present invention.

[0035] [Figure Labels]

[0036] 1. Insulated box; 11. Infrared heating lamp; 12. High-definition camera; 13. Sound sensor; 14. Thin-film sensor; 15. Door panel; 16. Wiring hole; 17. Sealing gasket; 18. Handle; 19. Illumination lamp; 110. Storage tank; 111. Piston block; 112. Pressure block;

[0037] 2. Data logging and analysis instrument; 21. Wires; 22. Temperature sensor; 23. Rectal temperature probe; 24. USB data transmission port;

[0038] 3. Control device; 31. Power switch; 32. Temperature display screen; 33. Temperature adjustment switch;

[0039] 4. Silicone frame; 41. Pre-drilled holes.

[0040] As shown in the figure, specific structures and devices are marked in the figure to clearly illustrate the structure of the embodiments of the present invention. However, this is only for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the present invention to this specific structure, device and environment. Those skilled in the art can adjust or modify these devices and environments according to specific needs. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should also be noted that, to make the embodiments more comprehensive, the following embodiments are the best and preferred embodiments. For some well-known technologies, those skilled in the art can also use other alternative methods to implement the invention; moreover, the accompanying drawings are only for more specific description of the embodiments and are not intended to specifically limit the present invention.

[0042] It should be noted that the use of terms such as "an embodiment," "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," and "some embodiments" in the specification indicates that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, when describing a specific feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with embodiments, the implementation of such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, should be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0043] Generally, terms can be understood at least partly from their use in context. For example, depending at least partly on the context, the term "one or more" as used herein can be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense, or a combination of features, structures, or characteristics in a plural sense. Additionally, the term "based on" can be understood not necessarily to convey an exclusive set of factors, but rather, alternatively, depending at least partly on the context, to allow for the presence of other factors that are not necessarily explicitly described.

[0044] It is understood that the meanings of “on”, “above”, and “above” in this invention should be interpreted in the broadest manner, such that “on” means not only “directly on” something, but also includes the meaning of being “on” something with an intervening feature or layer, and that “above” or “above” means not only “on” something, but also includes the meaning of being “on” something without an intervening feature or layer.

[0045] Furthermore, spatially related terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” are used herein for convenience to describe the relationship of one element or feature to one or more other elements or features, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Spatially related terms are intended to cover different orientations in the use or operation of the device other than those depicted in the accompanying drawings. The device may be oriented in other ways, and the spatially related descriptive terms used herein can be interpreted similarly.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 9As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a device for inducing, accurately identifying, and assessing epilepsy in heat-sensitive small animals. It includes an incubator 1, inside which are installed infrared heating lamps 11 for heating the interior. Multiple infrared heating lamps 11 are distributed and installed at the upper part of the interior of the incubator 1 to uniformly heat the interior. Multiple illumination lamps 19 are rotatably mounted on the inner sidewall of the incubator 1, and storage tanks 110 are formed on the sidewall of the incubator 1 at positions corresponding to the illumination lamps 19. The storage tanks 110 store thermally expanding liquid, and a piston block 111 is slidably mounted on the upper side of the storage tanks 110. The illumination lamps 19 are connected to the incubator 1. A pressure block 112 is fixedly installed at the location. The piston block 111 squeezes the pressure block 112. The illumination lamp 19 emits light into the incubator 1, thereby stimulating the animal with light. After the temperature inside the incubator 1 rises, the thermally expanding liquid expands and squeezes the piston block 111. After being squeezed, the piston block 111 squeezes the pressure block 112, causing the pressure block 112 to rise. Since the illumination lamp 19 is rotatably connected to the incubator 1, the pressure on the end of the pressure block 112 can drive the illumination lamp 19 to rotate. The light emitted by the rotating illumination lamp 19 will gradually approach the small animal, thereby changing the light intensity, thus judging the effect of light on the animal.

[0047] The incubator 1 is also equipped with a high-definition camera 12, which is used to observe and record the behavior of the animal. The high-definition camera 12 is installed on the upper side of the inner side wall of the incubator 1 and is set at an angle.

[0048] The insulated box 1 is equipped with a data recording and analysis instrument 2 on its exterior. The data recording and analysis instrument 2 is connected to a temperature sensor 22 and a rectal temperature probe 23 via a wire 21.

[0049] The insulation box 1 is also equipped with a control device 3 for controlling the opening and closing of the infrared heating lamp 11. The data recording and analysis instrument 2 is installed on the side wall of the control device 3. The control device 3 includes a power switch 31 for controlling the power supply, a temperature display screen 32, and a temperature adjustment switch 33 for controlling the temperature of the infrared heating lamp 11. The control device 3 is equipped with a central processing unit. The central processing unit receives data from various systems and performs intelligent analysis and evaluation according to the Racine standard.

[0050] After the staff inserts the anal temperature probe 23 into the animal's anus, the temperature sensor 22 monitors the animal's body temperature and transmits the data to the data recording and analysis instrument 2 via the wire 21. The data recording and analysis instrument 2 records and analyzes the data and transmits it in real time to the central processing unit. At the same time, the infrared heating lamp 11 is turned on to heat the incubator 1, and the heating temperature of the heating lamp is controlled by the temperature adjustment switch 33, thereby controlling the temperature inside the incubator 1. The high-definition camera 12 captures the animal's behavior and transmits the data to the central processing unit and data analysis software, which then process and analyze the animal's behavior.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the data recording and analysis instrument 2 is equipped with a USB data transmission port 24 for exporting data.

[0052] By adopting the above technical solution, staff can export data from the device for storage and recording via USB data transmission port 24.

[0053] like Figure 5 As shown, the incubator 1 is also equipped with a sound sensor 13, which monitors and collects the sounds made by the animals.

[0054] A thin-film sensor 14 is installed at the lower end of the insulated box 1, corresponding to the position of the silicone frame 4. The thin-film sensor 14 is used to sense and judge the animal's epileptic condition by applying different forces.

[0055] When an animal makes a sound due to discomfort, the sound sensor 13 can capture the animal's sound and transmit the data to the central processing unit and data analysis software. The thin film sensor 14 can sense and judge the animal's epileptic seizure situation through the force applied, and transmit the data to the central processing unit and data analysis software. The central processing unit and data analysis software record and analyze the behavior, sound and behavioral parameters, evaluate the experimental results and judge the impact of various factors on the animal.

[0056] This application, by setting up a central processing unit and data analysis software, can analyze and evaluate the behavior, sounds, body temperature, and extraction force of animals, determine the epileptic seizure status of small animals, and assess the impact of various data on small animals.

[0057] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, a silicone frame 4 is fixedly installed on the lower side of the inside of the incubator 1. The silicone frame 4 is used to prevent animals from hitting the inner wall of the incubator 1. The silicone frame 4 has a square structure, and there is a gap between the outer wall of the silicone frame 4 and the inner wall of the incubator 1.

[0058] The insulated box 1 is equipped with an openable and closable door panel 15 on one side. Both the outer wall of the insulated box 1 and the door panel 15 are made of visible transparent material. The height of the silicone frame 4 is lower than the height of the door panel 15. The door panel 15 can be installed on the insulated box 1 by hinge or plug-in connection, thereby sealing the insulated box 1.

[0059] The door panel 15 has a wire hole 16, and a sealing gasket 17 is installed inside the wire hole 16. The sealing gasket 17 compresses the outer wall of the wire 21. The silicone frame 4 has a reserved hole 41 at the position corresponding to the wire hole 16. The wire 21 extends from the wire hole 16 and the reserved hole 41 into the silicone frame 4. The upper end of the insulated box 1 is fixedly installed with a handle 18. The staff can carry the equipment to different work locations by pulling the handle 18, such as taking it to the field to conduct experiments on outdoor animals.

[0060] The silicone frame 4 prevents animals from trembling and colliding with the inner wall of the incubator 1 when they have epilepsy, thus avoiding injury. The silicone frame 4 effectively acts as a buffer. The height of the silicone plate is lower than that of the transparent door panel 15, which makes it easy for staff to observe the animal's condition inside the incubator 1 at all times. The wire hole 16 on the door panel 15 and the reserved hole 41 on the silicone frame 4 make it easy for staff to pass the rectal temperature probe 23 and the wire 21 from the outside of the incubator 1 to the inside of the silicone frame 4. The sealing gasket 17 can fit against the outer wall of the wire 21, so that the incubator 1 is in a sealed state.

[0061] The working process of the technical solution provided by this invention is as follows:

[0062] During use, place the device on a stable surface, turn on the power switch 31 and the infrared heating lamp 11, and preheat the incubator 1 with the infrared heating lamp 11. Then, insert the anal temperature probe 23 into the anus of the small animal and fix it in place. At the same time, ensure that the power cord and the wire 21 of the anal temperature probe 23 pass through the wire hole 16 and the reserved hole 41. Then, put the small animal into the incubator 1 and place the small animal in the silicone frame 4. With the infrared heating lamp 11 working properly, observe and record the behavior of the small animal through the high-definition camera 12, observe and record the sound of the small animal through the sound sensor 13, and judge the seizure status of the small animal through the pressure sensed by the thin film sensor 14. Monitor the body temperature of the small animal through the temperature sensor 22 and the anal temperature probe 23, and transmit the data to the central processing unit and data analysis software. Analyze the various behaviors of the small animal using the central processing unit and data analysis software. Finally, after the experiment, turn off the power switch 31, take out the small animal, and disinfect the incubator 1 for future use.

[0063] This invention encompasses any substitutions, modifications, equivalent methods, and solutions made within the spirit and scope of this invention. To provide the public with a thorough understanding of this invention, specific details are described in detail in the following preferred embodiments; however, those skilled in the art will fully understand the invention even without these details. Furthermore, to avoid unnecessary misunderstanding of the essence of this invention, well-known methods, processes, procedures, components, and circuits are not described in detail.

[0064] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for inducing, accurately identifying, and assessing epilepsy in heat-sensitive small animals, comprising an incubator, characterized in that: The insulated box is equipped with an infrared heating lamp for heating the contents of the box. The incubator is also equipped with a high-definition camera, which is used to observe and record the animal's behavior; The insulated box is equipped with a data recording and analysis instrument on its exterior. The data recording and analysis instrument is connected to a temperature sensor and a rectal temperature probe via wires. The outside of the insulated box is also equipped with a control device for controlling the opening and closing of the infrared heating lamp, and the data recording and analysis instrument is installed on the side wall of the control device. Multiple illumination lamps are rotatably mounted on the inner side wall of the incubator, and a storage tank is provided on the side wall of the incubator corresponding to the illumination lamps. The storage tank contains a thermally expanding liquid, and a piston block is slidably mounted on the upper side of the storage tank. A pressure block is fixedly installed at the connection between the illumination lamp and the incubator, and the piston block compresses the pressure block. After the temperature inside the incubator rises, the thermally expanding liquid expands and compresses the piston block, which in turn compresses the pressure block, causing the pressure block to rise. Since the illumination lamp is rotatably connected to the incubator, the pressure on the end of the pressure block causes the illumination lamp to rotate. The light emitted by the rotating illumination lamp gradually approaches the small animal, thus changing the light intensity and allowing for the assessment of the effect of light on the animal. The incubator is also equipped with a sound sensor that monitors and collects the sounds made by the animals. A thin-film sensor is installed at the lower end of the insulated box, corresponding to the position of the silicone frame. The thin-film sensor can detect and judge the animal's epileptic condition by sensing different forces applied to it. By setting up a central processing unit and data analysis software, it is possible to analyze and evaluate the animal's behavior, sounds, body temperature, and extraction force, to determine the small animal's epileptic seizure status, and to assess the impact of various data on the small animal. A silicone frame is fixedly installed on the lower side of the inside of the incubator. The silicone frame is used to prevent animals from hitting the inner wall of the incubator. The silicone frame has a square structure and there is a gap between the outer wall of the silicone frame and the inner wall of the incubator. The control device includes a power switch for controlling the power supply, a temperature display screen, and a temperature adjustment switch for controlling the temperature of the infrared heating lamp. The control device is equipped with a central processing unit and data analysis software. The central processing unit and data analysis software receive data from various systems and perform intelligent analysis and evaluation according to the Racine standard. There are multiple infrared heating lamps, and these multiple infrared heating lamps are distributed and installed at the upper part of the inside of the heat preservation box to heat the inside of the heat preservation box evenly. The system uses high-definition cameras to observe and record the behavior of small animals, sound sensors to observe and record their sounds, thin-film sensors to detect pressure and determine the seizure status of small animals, and temperature sensors and rectal temperature probes to monitor the body temperature of small animals. The data is transmitted to a central processing unit and data analysis software, which then analyzes the various behaviors of the small animals.

2. The device for inducing, accurately identifying, and assessing epilepsy in heat-sensitive small animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data logging and analysis instrument is equipped with a USB data transfer port for exporting data.

3. The device for inducing, accurately identifying, and assessing epilepsy in heat-sensitive small animals according to claim 2, characterized in that, The high-definition camera is installed on the upper side of the inner side wall of the insulated box, and the high-definition camera is set at an angle.

4. The device for inducing, accurately identifying, and assessing epilepsy in heat-sensitive small animals according to claim 3, characterized in that, The insulated box has an openable and closable door panel installed on one side, and both the outer wall of the insulated box and the door panel are made of visible transparent material. The height of the silicone frame is lower than the height of the door panel.

5. The device for inducing, accurately identifying, and assessing epilepsy in heat-sensitive small animals according to claim 4, characterized in that, The door panel has a wire hole, and a sealing gasket is installed inside the wire hole. The sealing gasket squeezes the outer wall of the wire. The silicone frame has a reserved hole at the position corresponding to the wire hole. The wire extends from the wire hole and the reserved hole into the silicone frame. A handle is fixedly installed on the upper end of the insulated box.

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