Mouse feeding device based on circadian rhythm regulation

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of test device, disclose a kind of mouse feeding device based on circadian rhythm regulation, including feeding box, the feeding box is provided with lighting mechanism, feeding mechanism and detection mechanism, still including base and drive mechanism, the feeding box includes cover and seat, the seat is rotatably installed on base, the drive mechanism is transmission connection with seat, the cover is detachably connected with base, the cover is covered on seat and forms the feeding cavity for feeding mouse, the cover is provided with baffle, when the seat rotates relative to baffle, the baffle pushes mouse in feeding cavity and forces mouse to move.The present application is used to solve the problem that the existing experimental device induces mouse movement by food, the movement effect of mouse in hunger state is poor, the collected movement physiological indexes are inaccurate, and the judgment of treatment effect is affected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of experimental device technology, and in particular to a mouse feeding device based on circadian rhythm regulation. Background Technology

[0002] Circadian rhythm refers to the variation of life activities in a cycle of approximately 24 hours. It is also known as daily rhythm. Because natural light can influence the circadian rhythm of life activities, living organisms automatically adjust their circadian rhythm in response to changes in natural light. However, for people who do not receive natural light for extended periods, such as workers in indoor artificial lighting environments, the body cannot automatically adjust its circadian rhythm, leading to circadian rhythm disorders. This can result in decreased appetite, reduced work efficiency, increased accidents, and even various diseases.

[0003] In response to the above situation, existing technologies involve establishing a mouse model of circadian rhythm disorder to disrupt the mouse's circadian rhythm, then treating the mice with a series of treatments and detecting various physiological indicators to achieve the therapeutic effect of the experimental treatments.

[0004] Current experimental devices for mouse circadian rhythm disorder models, such as the rodent circadian rhythm regulation experimental device disclosed in Chinese Patent [Publication No.: CN205623727U], include an experimental box with a metal wire mesh bottom, an environmental simulation component, and a monitoring component.

[0005] In experiments, the effectiveness of treatment is often assessed by detecting various physiological indicators of mice during movement. However, the aforementioned experimental setup can only induce movement in mice through food, relying entirely on the mice's subjective will, resulting in a poor induction effect. While inducing movement in mice under hunger conditions can ensure the induction effect, the movement of hungry mice is less effective, leading to inaccurate collection of movement physiological indicators and affecting the assessment of treatment efficacy. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the purpose of this invention is to provide a mouse feeding device based on circadian rhythm regulation, which solves the problem that existing experimental devices induce mouse movement through food, but the movement effect is poor when the mouse is in a state of hunger, and the collected exercise physiological indicators are inaccurate, affecting the judgment of treatment effect.

[0007] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical means:

[0008] A mouse rearing device based on circadian rhythm regulation includes a rearing box, which is equipped with a lighting mechanism, a feeding mechanism, and a detection mechanism. It also includes a base and a drive mechanism. The rearing box includes a cover and a seat. The seat is rotatably mounted on the base. The drive mechanism is drivenly connected to the seat. The cover is detachably connected to the base. The cover is placed on the seat to form a rearing cavity for raising mice. A baffle is provided in the cover. When the seat rotates relative to the baffle, the baffle pushes the mouse in the rearing cavity, forcing the mouse to move.

[0009] Furthermore, multiple feeding boxes are provided, and the base of each feeding box is connected to the drive mechanism. A path adjustment mechanism is provided inside the feeding box. The path adjustment mechanism includes a blocking member and an adjustment component. The two ends of the blocking member are respectively connected to the two sides of the baffle. A running area is formed between the blocking member and the inner wall of the cover. The adjustment component is used to adjust the size of the running area.

[0010] Furthermore, the barrier includes a barrier strip and several support rods, all of which are fixedly connected to the barrier strip and are evenly distributed. A partition plate is provided inside the feeding chamber, and several grooves corresponding to the support rods are provided on the partition plate. One end of each support rod is slidably disposed in the groove.

[0011] Furthermore, each end of the barrier strip is provided with a connecting rod, which is slidably connected to the baffle.

[0012] Furthermore, an indicator rod is slidably disposed inside the cover, and the indicator rod is provided with scale lines. One end of the indicator rod is fixedly connected to one of a plurality of support rods, and the other end passes through the cover and protrudes outside the cover.

[0013] Furthermore, the adjustment assembly includes an adjustment sleeve, a lead screw, and several adjustment rods. The lead screw is rotatably installed inside the feeding chamber. The adjustment sleeve is threaded onto the lead screw. A first hinge seat is provided at the top of the support rod. Several second hinge seats are provided on the adjustment sleeve. One end of the adjustment rod intersects with the first hinge seat, and the other end intersects with the corresponding second hinge seat.

[0014] Furthermore, the drive mechanism includes a drive motor and a chain. The drive motor is fixedly mounted on the base, and a drive gear is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive motor. A transmission gear is provided at the bottom of the base, and the chain is tensioned on the drive gear and multiple transmission gears.

[0015] Furthermore, the feeding mechanism is located on one side of the baffle, and several stimulating elements are provided on the other side of the baffle.

[0016] Furthermore, the base has multiple mounting slots, the seat body is rotatably mounted in the mounting slots, the base has multiple limiting slots, and the bottom of the cover body has a retaining strip that is engaged in the limiting slots.

[0017] Furthermore, the bottom of the base is provided with a receiving groove, and the top of the receiving groove is provided with several through grooves.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0019] 1. By housing mice in a feeding chamber, when the drive mechanism rotates the seat, the baffle forces the mice in the feeding chamber to move, ensuring the effectiveness of their movement and improving the accuracy of collecting exercise physiological indicators in order to judge the treatment effect.

[0020] 2. The size of the running area for mice can be adjusted by a path adjustment mechanism, facilitating the detection of physiological indicators of mice at different running speeds. Furthermore, using the same drive mechanism allows for varying levels of exercise in mice within different enclosures, enabling the creation of a control experiment.

[0021] 3. A barrier is formed by a barrier strip and several support rods. By adjusting the position of the support rods in the groove, the position of the barrier strip can be changed, thereby adjusting the size of the running area.

[0022] 4. By setting up an adjusting sleeve, a lead screw, and several adjusting rods, rotating the lead screw can drive several support rods to move synchronously through the adjusting sleeve and adjusting rods, making the operation simple, convenient, and quick.

[0023] 5. By observing the scale lines on the indicator bar, you can observe the size of the running area and easily adjust the size of the running area. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a mouse feeding device based on circadian rhythm regulation according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of a mouse feeding device based on circadian rhythm regulation according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the feeding box in a mouse feeding device based on diurnal rhythm regulation according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the path adjustment mechanism in a mouse feeding device based on circadian rhythm regulation according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cover in a mouse feeding device based on diurnal rhythm regulation according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the seat in a mouse feeding device based on circadian rhythm regulation according to the present invention;

[0030] Among them, 1. base; 11. mounting slot; 12. limiting slot; 13. drive slot; 14. drive frame; 15. annular slot;

[0031] 2. Drive mechanism; 21. Drive motor; 22. Chain; 23. Drive gear;

[0032] 3. Feeding box; 31. Cover; 311. Locking bar; 312. Groove; 32. Base; 321. Transmission gear; 322. Receiving groove; 323. Through groove; 33. Baffle; 331. Stimulator; 332. Slide rail; 34. Divider; 341. Slide groove; 35. Indicator rod; 351. Scale line;

[0033] 41. Barrier component; 411. Barrier strip; 412. Support rod; 413. Connecting rod; 414. Limiting strip; 415. First hinge seat; 42. Adjustment assembly; 421. Adjustment sleeve; 422. Lead screw; 423. Adjustment rod; 424. Second hinge seat;

[0034] 6. Feeding mechanism; 61. Box body. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] like Figures 1-6 As shown, a mouse feeding device based on circadian rhythm regulation according to the present invention includes a base 1, a drive mechanism 2 and multiple feeding boxes 3, each of which is equipped with a lighting mechanism, a feeding mechanism 6 and a detection mechanism.

[0037] The feeding box 3 includes a lid 31 and a base 32. The lid 31 covers the base 32 to form a feeding cavity for raising mice. Both the lid 31 and the base 32 are made of opaque material. In some other embodiments, if the lid 31 and the base 32 are made of translucent material, an additional opaque cover can be added to cover the feeding box 3 to prevent external light from affecting it. A baffle 33 is fixedly installed inside the lid 31. In some other embodiments, the baffle 33 can be set as a barrier layer composed of multiple rails, which can prevent mice from passing through. When the base 32 rotates, the lid 31 is locked to the base 1 and cannot rotate, thereby causing the base 32 and the baffle 33 to rotate relative to each other. As the base 32 rotates, the baffle 33 will prevent the mice in the feeding cavity from rotating with the base 32, thereby pushing the mice and forcing them to move.

[0038] The base 1 has multiple mounting slots 11, and the seat 32 is rotatably mounted in the mounting slots 11, allowing the seat 32 to be rotatably mounted on the base 1. The base 1 also has multiple limiting slots 12, and the bottom of the cover 31 has a retaining strip 311 that engages with the limiting slot 12, allowing the cover 31 to be detachably connected to the base 1, and preventing the cover 31 from rotating relative to the base 1. The drive mechanism 2 includes a drive motor 21 and a chain 22. One end of the base 1 has a drive slot 13, and a drive frame 14 fixedly connected to the base 1 is located above the drive slot 13. The drive motor 21 is fixedly mounted on the drive frame 14 and is located within the drive slot 13, thus achieving a fixed connection between the drive motor 21 and the base 1. The base 1 has an annular groove 15, and multiple mounting slots 11 communicate with the annular groove 15. A chain 22 is disposed within the annular groove 15. A drive gear 23 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive motor 21. A transmission gear 321 is disposed at the bottom of the seat 32, and the chain 22 is tensioned on the drive gear 23 and the multiple transmission gears 321. When it is necessary to detect physiological indicators of mice in a state of motion, the drive motor 21 can drive multiple seats 32 to rotate synchronously through the drive gear 23, chain 22, and transmission gears 321. In some other embodiments, the drive mechanism 2 can also use a drive motor 21 and a gear set for transmission.

[0039] In this embodiment, the bottom of the seat 32 is provided with a receiving groove 322, and the top of the receiving groove 322 is provided with several through grooves 323. The excrement of the mice in the feeding cavity can enter the receiving groove 322 through the through grooves 323, which is convenient for cleaning.

[0040] In this embodiment, the baffle 33 is provided with a plurality of stimulating elements 331, which are preferably electrical stimulation pads. When the mouse is placed against the baffle 33, it can stimulate the mouse and prevent the mouse from staying still at the baffle 33. In other embodiments, the stimulating elements 331 may also be needles, swing strips, etc.

[0041] In this embodiment, a path adjustment mechanism is provided inside the feeding box 3. The path adjustment mechanism includes a barrier 41 and an adjustment component 42. The two ends of the barrier 41 are connected to the two sides of the baffle 33, respectively. A running area is formed between the barrier 41 and the inner sidewall of the cover 31. The adjustment component 42 is used to adjust the size of the running area to facilitate the detection of the mouse's exercise physiological indicators at different running speeds. For example, if the size of the running area is increased, the minimum running radius of the mouse is closer to the center of the seat 32, the running speed is relatively slower, and the amount of exercise is smaller. Moreover, by using the same drive mechanism 2, it is not necessary to set an independent drive for each feeding box 3, so that the amount of exercise of mice in different feeding boxes 3 can be different, so as to form a control experiment. In other embodiments, two layers of barrier 41 can also be set, one layer to limit the maximum running radius of the mouse and the other layer to limit the minimum running radius of the mouse. However, since the mouse will basically spontaneously choose to run closer to the side with the minimum running radius when running, this embodiment only selects to limit the minimum running radius, which can effectively reduce costs.

[0042] In this embodiment, the barrier component 41 includes a barrier strip 411 and several support rods 412. The barrier strip 411 is elastic. The support rods 412 are all fixedly connected to the barrier strip 411 and are evenly spaced. A partition plate 34 is provided inside the feeding chamber. The partition plate 34 has several sliding grooves 341 corresponding to the support rods 412. One end of each support rod 412 is slidably disposed within a sliding groove 341. In this embodiment, a limiting annular groove is provided on the support rod 412, and the sidewall of the sliding groove 341 is engaged within the limiting annular groove, achieving a sliding connection between the support rod 412 and the sliding groove 341. By adjusting the position of the support rod 412 within the sliding groove 341, the position of the barrier strip 411 can be changed, thereby adjusting the size of the running area. In some other embodiments, multiple annular plates of different diameters can be used directly. By opening corresponding annular slots on the partition plate 34, the minimum running radius can be adjusted. However, when inserting the annular plates, the mice are prone to move to the inner layer of the annular plates and escape the running area. It is necessary to insert the annular plates into the feeding cavity layer by layer to avoid this, which is more troublesome.

[0043] In this embodiment, both ends of the barrier band 411 are provided with connecting rods 413, and both sides of the baffle 33 are provided with multiple slide rails 332. The side of the connecting rod 413 near the baffle 33 is provided with multiple limiting strips 414. The limiting strips 414 are locked in the slide rails 332 to realize the sliding connection between the connecting rod 413 and the baffle 33.

[0044] In this embodiment, an indicator rod 35 is slidably disposed inside the cover 31. The indicator rod 35 is provided with a scale line 351. One end of the indicator rod 35 is fixedly connected to one of the several support rods 412, and the other end passes through the cover 31 and protrudes outside the cover 31. When the support rod 412 moves, it will drive the indicator rod 35 to move. By observing the scale line 351 protruding from the indicator rod 35, the size of the running area can be observed, which facilitates the adjustment of the size of the running area.

[0045] In this embodiment, the adjustment assembly 42 includes an adjustment sleeve 421, a lead screw 422, and several adjustment rods 423. The lead screw 422 is rotatably installed inside the feeding chamber. The adjustment sleeve 421 is threadedly connected to the lead screw 422. A first hinge seat 415 is provided on the top of the support rod 412. Several second hinge seats 424 are provided on the adjustment sleeve 421. One end of the adjustment rod 423 intersects with the first hinge seat 415, and the other end intersects with the corresponding second hinge seat 424. Rotating the lead screw 422 can drive the several support rods 412 to move synchronously through the adjustment sleeve 421 and the adjustment rods 423, making the operation simple, convenient, and quick. In some other embodiments, the adjustment assembly 42 can also use an adjustment rope and a spring. The tops of each support rod 412 are connected in series by the adjustment rope. Retracting the length of the adjustment rope can make the several support rods 412 move synchronously. Releasing the adjustment rope will cause the spring to automatically reset the support rods 412. However, due to the use of springs, the limited running area is not stable, and when the mouse hits the support rod 412, it is easy to cause the support rod 412 to move.

[0046] The lighting mechanism is used to provide light for mice housed in the feeding chamber. The lighting mechanism can be a solar light simulator that is already fully disclosed in the prior art. It provides simulated sunlight to the mice in the feeding chamber and forces the mice to disrupt their diurnal rhythm by adjusting the irradiation strategy.

[0047] The feeding mechanism 6 is used to provide food for mice. The feeding mechanism 6 includes a box 61, with a slot 312 at one end of the cover 31 near the seat 32. The box 61 is inserted into the slot 312. The box 61 is pulled out from the slot 312, food and water are filled into it, and then the box 61 is inserted back into the slot 312 to complete the feeding. It should be noted that the feeding mechanism 6 and the stimulator 331 are located on opposite sides of the baffle 33. When the seat 32 rotates, the food can also partially induce movement in the mice.

[0048] The testing facility is used to detect various physiological indicators of mice. In this embodiment, the testing facility uses wearable devices (such as electrocardiogram monitoring patches, body temperature monitoring patches, etc.) combined with wireless telemetry technology.

[0049] The working principle of this invention is as follows:

[0050] When it is necessary to detect physiological indicators in mice during exercise:

[0051] First, control the drive motor 21 to work. The drive motor 21 drives multiple seats 32 to rotate synchronously through the drive gear 23, chain 22 and transmission gear 321.

[0052] Subsequently, the seat 32 will move the mouse. When the mouse moves to the baffle 33, the baffle 33 will prevent the mouse in the feeding chamber from rotating with the seat 32, thereby pushing the mouse and forcing it to move.

[0053] When the mouse remains in contact with the baffle 33, the stimulator 331 can stimulate the mouse to prevent it from staying still at the baffle 33.

[0054] When it is necessary to adjust the size of the running area for mice in different enclosures: rotating the lead screw 422 causes the adjusting sleeve 421 to move up and down. The adjusting sleeve 421, through the adjusting rod 423, causes the support rod 412 to move closer to or further away from the center of the seat 32, thereby causing the barrier band 411 to contract or expand, thus adjusting the size of the running area.

[0055] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention. Technical aspects, shapes, and structures not described in detail in this invention are all well-known technologies.

Claims

1. A mouse rearing device based on circadian rhythm regulation, comprising a rearing box (3), wherein the rearing box (3) is provided with a lighting mechanism, a feeding mechanism (6), and a detection mechanism, characterized in that, It also includes a base (1) and a drive mechanism (2). The feeding box (3) includes a cover (31) and a seat (32). The seat (32) is rotatably mounted on the base (1). The drive mechanism (2) is connected to the seat (32) in a transmission manner. The cover (31) is detachably connected to the base (1). The cover (31) covers the seat (32) to form a feeding cavity for feeding mice. A baffle (33) is provided inside the cover (31). When the seat (32) rotates relative to the baffle (33), the baffle (33) pushes the mice in the feeding cavity to force the mice to move. Multiple feeding boxes (3) are provided, and the base (32) of each feeding box (3) is connected to the drive mechanism (2) for transmission. A path adjustment mechanism is provided inside the feeding box (3). The path adjustment mechanism includes a blocking member (41) and an adjustment component (42). The two ends of the blocking member (41) are respectively connected to the two sides of the baffle (33). A running area is formed between the blocking member (41) and the inner side wall of the cover (31). The adjustment component (42) is used to adjust the size of the running area. The barrier (41) includes a barrier strip (411) and a plurality of support rods (412). The plurality of support rods (412) are fixedly connected to the barrier strip (411). The plurality of support rods (412) are distributed at equal intervals. A partition plate (34) is provided inside the feeding chamber. The partition plate (34) has a plurality of sliding grooves (341) that correspond one-to-one with the plurality of support rods (412). One end of the support rod (412) is slidably disposed in the sliding groove (341). Both ends of the barrier strip (411) are provided with connecting rods (413), and the connecting rods (413) are slidably connected to the baffle (33); The adjustment assembly (42) includes an adjustment sleeve (421), a lead screw (422), and several adjustment rods (423). The lead screw (422) is rotatably installed in the feeding chamber. The adjustment sleeve (421) is threadedly connected to the lead screw (422). A first hinge seat (415) is provided on the top of the support rod (412). Several second hinge seats (424) are provided on the adjustment sleeve (421). One end of the adjustment rod (423) is hinged to the first hinge seat (415), and the other end is hinged to the corresponding second hinge seat (424).

2. The mouse rearing device based on circadian rhythm regulation according to claim 1, characterized in that, An indicator rod (35) is slidably disposed inside the cover (31). The indicator rod (35) is provided with a scale line (351). One end of the indicator rod (35) is fixedly connected to one of the several support rods (412), and the other end passes through the cover (31) and protrudes outside the cover (31).

3. The mouse rearing device based on circadian rhythm regulation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (2) includes a drive motor (21) and a chain (22). The drive motor (21) is fixedly mounted on the base (1). A drive gear (23) is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive motor (21). A transmission gear (321) is provided at the bottom of the base (32). The chain (22) is tensioned on the drive gear (23) and multiple transmission gears (321).

4. The mouse rearing device based on circadian rhythm regulation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism (6) is located on one side of the baffle (33), and a plurality of stimulating elements (331) are provided on the other side of the baffle (33).

5. The mouse rearing device based on circadian rhythm regulation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (1) has multiple mounting slots (11), the seat (32) is rotatably disposed in the mounting slots (11), the base (1) has multiple limiting slots (12), and the bottom of the cover (31) is provided with a locking strip (311), which is locked in the limiting slot (12).

6. The mouse rearing device based on circadian rhythm regulation according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bottom of the base (32) is provided with a receiving groove (322), and the top of the receiving groove (322) is provided with several through grooves (323).

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