Running wheel rhythm system for small animals

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of devices for animal experiments, in particular to a small animal running wheel rhythm system which comprises a box body, a running wheel assembly and a monitoring system, the box body is provided with a containing space, the running wheel assembly is arranged in the containing space and comprises running wheels capable of rotating, and the monitoring system is arranged on the running wheel assembly. The monitoring system comprises a mechanical counting assembly, a pressure sensing ring and a data recording system, the mechanical counting assembly is in linkage with the running wheel and can count clockwise and anticlockwise rotation turns of the running wheel, the pressure sensing ring is arranged at the bottom of the running wheel, and the data recording system is arranged on the running wheel. The pressure sensing ring is used for monitoring the front part or the rear part of the running wheel where the foot pressure of the small animal is concentrated, and the data recording system displays the number of turns of forward rotation and reverse rotation of the animal. The motion rhythm of the small animal is recorded more accurately by distinguishing forward rotation and reverse rotation of the animal on the running wheel, and the motion rhythm recording device is of great significance to deepening mechanism research of metabolism-related diseases and improving accuracy of drug research and development experiments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of animal experimental apparatus, specifically to a small animal running wheel rhythm system. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of life science research, monitoring the movement behavior of small animals (such as rodents) is an important means of exploring physiological rhythms, metabolic mechanisms, and disease pathology. Under current laboratory conditions, animals such as mice and rats will spontaneously move on a running wheel. Data such as the intensity, rhythm, and direction of their running can directly reflect the physiological state of the body. Therefore, running wheel-based monitoring systems are widely used in studies related to metabolism, such as animal physiological rhythms, circulatory rhythms, feeding behavior, nutrient metabolism, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

[0003] Chinese Patent Publication No. CN212255266U discloses a rhythm detection device. By fixing a blocking component to the shaft of a running wheel, the blocking component is fixedly connected to the running wheel. During the rotation of the running wheel, the running wheel drives the blocking component to rotate. When the blocking component moves to a preset position under the drive of the running wheel, the blocking component triggers a detector, which counts the rotation of the running wheel. By recording the number of rotations of the running wheel, the biological clock rhythm phenotype of the animal under test can be analyzed. This effectively reduces mechanical resistance and improves system stability.

[0004] However, this device can only record the number of rotations and cannot distinguish the behavioral differences between forward and reverse movements in animals. When an animal runs forward on the wheel, it is considered forward rotation, which is usually the animal's natural movement mode and reflects normal activity rhythm. However, if a small animal runs backward or accidentally moves backward, it is considered reverse rotation. Reverse rotation may be a manifestation of animal exploration behavior, stress response, or movement disorder. It is necessary to distinguish between forward and reverse rotation of animals on the running wheel in order to more accurately record the animal's movement rhythm. Solving these problems is of great significance for deepening the research on the mechanism of metabolic-related diseases and improving the accuracy of drug development experiments. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, a small animal running wheel rhythm system is provided. By incorporating a mechanical counting component and a pressure sensing ring, the system distinguishes between forward and reverse rotation of the animal on the running wheel, thereby recording the animal's movement rhythm more accurately.

[0006] To address the problems of existing technologies, this invention provides a small animal running wheel rhythm system, including a housing, a running wheel assembly, and a monitoring system. The housing has an accommodating space, and the running wheel assembly is disposed within the accommodating space. The running wheel assembly includes a rotatable running wheel. The monitoring system is disposed on the running wheel assembly and includes a mechanical counting component, a pressure sensing ring, and a data recording system. The mechanical counting component is linked to the running wheel and can count the number of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the running wheel. The pressure sensing ring is disposed at the bottom of the running wheel and is used to monitor whether the animal's center of gravity pressure is concentrated in the front or rear part of the running wheel. The data recording system displays the number of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the animal.

[0007] Preferably, the running wheel assembly includes a support frame and a running wheel. The support frame is vertically arranged in the accommodating space, and the running wheel is rotatably arranged on the support frame. The pressure sensing ring includes a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor. The pressure sensing ring is evenly distributed on the support frame and is used to monitor the pressure distribution on the running wheel when the animal runs.

[0008] If the animal runs forward with its head facing forward, its body leans forward, causing the first pressure sensor to be continuously triggered. If the animal runs backward with its head facing forward, its forelimbs support its body and its hind limbs exert force, causing the first pressure sensor to be continuously triggered.

[0009] If the animal moves backward with its head facing backward, its body leans back, causing the second sensor to be continuously triggered. If the animal runs forward with its head facing backward, its forelimbs support its weight and its hind limbs exert force, causing the second sensor to be continuously triggered.

[0010] Preferably, the mechanical counting assembly includes a rotating shaft and two sets of one-way rotating mechanisms. The rotating shaft is linked to the running wheel. The two sets of one-way rotating mechanisms are arranged opposite each other along the axial direction of the rotating shaft. Each one-way rotating mechanism includes a rotating ratchet, a one-way ratchet, a pawl, and a rotating gear. The rotating ratchet is sleeved on the rotating shaft and rotates with the rotating shaft. The pawl is disposed on the one-way ratchet, and the one-way ratchet is linked to the pawl. The rotating ratchet can drive the one-way ratchet to rotate in one direction. The rotating gear meshes with the one-way ratchet.

[0011] Preferably, the unidirectional rotation mechanism includes a 2-pole magnetic ring and a Hall sensor. The 2-pole magnetic ring is linked to the rotating gear, and the Hall sensor is disposed next to the 2-pole magnetic ring to monitor the rotation of the 2-pole magnetic ring and output a pulse signal to the data recording system.

[0012] Preferably, the mechanical counting assembly further includes a fixed shaft, a first fixed bracket, and a movable bracket. The fixed shaft is disposed on two sets of the fixed brackets, and the axial direction of the fixed shaft is parallel to the axial direction of the rotating shaft. The rotating gear is disposed at both ends of the fixed shaft. The two sets of movable brackets are disposed next to the two 2-pole magnetic rings, and the Hall sensor is disposed on the movable bracket.

[0013] Preferably, the mechanical counting assembly further includes two sets of limiting rings and a second fixed bracket. The limiting rings are sleeved on the rotating shaft, and the two sets of limiting rings are respectively linked to the two sets of one-way ratchet wheels. The fixed bracket is provided with a limiting groove, and the limiting rings are restricted to rotating in the limiting groove.

[0014] Preferably, the unidirectional rotation mechanism further includes a rotating ring, which is linked to the rotating gear. The rotating ring is disposed at both ends of the fixed shaft, and a mounting post protrudes from one end of the rotating ring. The 2-pole magnetic ring can be sleeved on the mounting post, and the movable bracket is close to the mounting post.

[0015] Preferably, the mechanical counting component is disposed inside the device box, and the device box is disposed on a support plate extending from the inner wall of the box.

[0016] Preferably, two sets of support grooves are arranged in parallel on the support frame, and the two sides of the running wheel are respectively arranged in the two support grooves for rotation. An oil injection hole is provided at the upper end of the support groove, through which oil can be injected into the contact surface between the running wheel and the support groove. The pressure sensing ring is arranged on the edge of the support groove.

[0017] Preferably, the top of the box is provided with a cover plate, the cover plate is provided with a feeding hole, and the box and the cover plate are made of transparent material.

[0018] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are:

[0019] 1. This invention distinguishes between forward and reverse rotation of an animal on a running wheel by setting up a mechanical counting component and a pressure sensing ring, thereby more accurately recording the animal's movement rhythm. This is of great significance for deepening the study of the mechanism of metabolic-related diseases and improving the accuracy of drug development experiments.

[0020] 2. In this invention, through the cooperation of a mechanical counting component and a pressure sensing ring, in a data recording system, when the first sensor is triggered and transmits a signal to the data recording system, the pulse count transmitted by the Hall sensor next to the first unidirectional rotation mechanism is recorded as the number of clockwise rotations of the animal, and the pulse count transmitted by the Hall sensor next to the second unidirectional rotation mechanism is recorded as the number of counterclockwise rotations of the animal; when the second sensor is triggered and transmits a signal to the data recording system, the pulse count transmitted by the Hall sensor next to the second unidirectional rotation mechanism is recorded as the number of clockwise rotations of the animal, and the pulse count transmitted by the Hall sensor next to the first unidirectional rotation mechanism is recorded as the number of counterclockwise rotations of the animal.

[0021] 3. This invention reduces the resistance of animals moving on the running wheel by setting oil injection holes in the support groove on the support frame, thereby increasing the accuracy of recording animal activity levels. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the (removal of cover) device structure of the small animal running wheel rhythm system of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the running wheel assembly of the small animal running wheel rhythm system of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the split structure of the running wheel assembly of the small animal running wheel rhythm system of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the running wheel assembly and the mechanical counting assembly of the small animal running wheel rhythm system of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the running wheel assembly and the mechanical counting assembly (removal device box) of the small animal running wheel rhythm system of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the mechanical counting component structure of the small animal running wheel rhythm system of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the rotating shaft and the rotating ratchet, one-way ratchet, and pawl of the small animal running wheel rhythm system of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating gear, fixed shaft, and 2-pole magnetic ring connection structure of the small animal running wheel rhythm system of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the split structure of the small animal running wheel rhythm system of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the small animal running wheel rhythm system of the present invention.

[0032] The components in the diagram are labeled as follows: box body 1, cover plate 2, feeding hole 20, running wheel assembly 3, support frame 30, support groove 300, running wheel 31, mechanical counting assembly 4, rotating shaft 40, one-way rotating mechanism 41, rotating ratchet 410, one-way ratchet 411, pawl 412, rotating gear 413, 2-pole magnetic ring 414, fixed shaft 415, first fixed bracket 416, moving bracket 417, limiting ring 418, and second fixed bracket 419. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To further understand the features, technical means, and specific objectives and functions achieved by the present invention, the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0034] like Figures 1-10 As shown, the present invention provides a small animal running wheel rhythm system, including a housing 1, a running wheel assembly 3, and a monitoring system. The housing 1 has an accommodating space, and the running wheel assembly 3 is disposed within the accommodating space. The running wheel assembly 3 includes a rotatable running wheel 31. The monitoring system is disposed on the running wheel assembly 3 and includes a mechanical counting component 4, a pressure sensing ring, and a data recording system. The mechanical counting component 4 is linked to the running wheel 31 and can count the number of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the running wheel 31 respectively. The pressure sensing ring is disposed at the bottom of the running wheel 31 and is used to monitor whether the pressure on the small animal's foot is concentrated in the front or rear part of the running wheel 31. The data recording system displays the number of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the animal.

[0035] A single mouse or other animal to be observed is placed in the enclosure 1 and moves within the space. When the animal runs on the running wheel assembly 3, the monitoring system can record the mouse's movement to explore physiological rhythms, metabolic mechanisms, and disease pathology. The mechanical counting component 4 in the monitoring system can distinguish between forward and reverse rotation of the running wheel 31. The pressure sensing ring is used to distinguish whether the foot pressure of the animal on the running wheel 31 is forward or backward, so as to accurately distinguish whether the animal is rotating forward or backward on the running wheel 31 and accurately record the animal's movement rhythm.

[0036] The running wheel assembly 3 includes a support frame 30 and a running wheel 31. The support frame 30 is vertically arranged in the accommodating space, and the running wheel 31 is rotatably arranged on the support frame 30. The pressure sensing ring includes a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor. The pressure sensing ring is evenly distributed on the support frame 30 and is used to monitor the pressure distribution on the running wheel 31 when the animal is running.

[0037] If the animal runs forward with its head facing forward, its body leans forward, causing the first pressure sensor to be continuously triggered. If the animal runs backward with its head facing forward, its forelimbs support its body and its hind limbs exert force, causing the first pressure sensor to be continuously triggered.

[0038] If the animal moves backward with its head facing backward, its body leans back, causing the second sensor to be continuously triggered. If the animal runs forward with its head facing backward, its forelimbs support its body and its hind limbs exert force, causing the second sensor to be continuously triggered.

[0039] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the small animal in the running wheel assembly 3 can move on the running wheel 31. The pressure sensing ring can distinguish whether the small animal is running forward or backward on the running wheel 31.

[0040] It should be noted that forward rotation is defined as the animal running headfirst on the running wheel 31, or running headfirst on the running wheel 31; reverse rotation is defined as the animal running headfirst on the running wheel 31, or running headfirst on the running wheel 31, or running headfirst on the running wheel 31, or running headfirst on the running wheel 31, or running headfirst on the running wheel 31, or running headfirst on the running wheel 31. The distribution of the animal's center of gravity on the running wheel 31 is determined by a pressure sensing ring installed on the support frame 30, and the pressure sensing ring inputs a signal to the data recording system.

[0041] The mechanical counting assembly 4 includes a rotating shaft 40 and two sets of one-way rotating mechanisms 41. The rotating shaft 40 is linked to the running wheel 31. The two sets of one-way rotating mechanisms 41 are arranged opposite each other along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 40. Each one-way rotating mechanism 41 includes a rotating ratchet 410, a one-way ratchet 411, a pawl 412, and a rotating gear 413. The rotating ratchet 410 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 40 and rotates with the rotating shaft 40. The pawl 412 is set on the one-way ratchet 411. The one-way ratchet 411 is linked to the pawl 412. The rotating ratchet 410 can drive the one-way ratchet 411 to rotate in one direction. The rotating gear 413 meshes with the one-way ratchet 411.

[0042] like Figure 6 As shown, the two sets of one-way rotation mechanisms 41 can be driven by the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the rotating shaft 40 respectively. The two sets of one-way rotation mechanisms 41 are named the first one-way rotation mechanism 41 and the second one-way rotation mechanism 41 respectively. When the running wheel 31 rotates and drives the rotating shaft 40 to rotate, if the running wheel 31 rotates counterclockwise, it can drive the first one-way rotation mechanism 41 to rotate; when the running wheel 31 rotates clockwise, it can drive the second one-way rotation mechanism 41 to rotate.

[0043] The unidirectional rotation mechanism 41 includes a bipolar magnetic ring 414 and a Hall sensor. The bipolar magnetic ring 414 is linked to the rotating gear 413. The Hall sensor is located next to the bipolar magnetic ring 414 to monitor its rotation and output pulse signals to the data recording system. Figure 6As shown, the Hall sensor and the two-pole magnetic ring 414 enable precise counting of the rotating gear 413 and transmit the recorded values ​​to the data recording system. It should be noted that the transmission ratio between the rotating ratchet 410 and the rotating gear 413 is 1:1, meaning the number of rotations of the rotating gear 413 is equal to the number of rotations the mouse makes on the running wheel 31.

[0044] In the data recording system, when the first sensor is triggered and transmits a signal to the data recording system, the pulse count transmitted by the Hall sensor next to the first one-way rotation mechanism 41 is recorded as the number of clockwise rotations of the animal, and the pulse count transmitted by the Hall sensor next to the second one-way rotation mechanism 41 is recorded as the number of counterclockwise rotations of the animal; when the second sensor is triggered and transmits a signal to the data recording system, the pulse count transmitted by the Hall sensor next to the second one-way rotation mechanism 41 is recorded as the number of clockwise rotations of the animal, and the pulse count transmitted by the Hall sensor next to the first one-way rotation mechanism 41 is recorded as the number of counterclockwise rotations of the animal.

[0045] like Figure 8 As shown, the mechanical counting assembly 4 also includes a fixed shaft 415, a first fixed bracket 416, and a movable bracket 417. The fixed shaft 415 is provided on the two sets of fixed brackets. The axial direction of the fixed shaft 415 is parallel to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 40. The rotating gear 413 is provided at both ends of the fixed shaft 415. The two sets of movable brackets 417 are provided next to the two 2-pole magnetic rings 414. The Hall sensor is provided on the movable bracket 417.

[0046] The mechanical counting assembly 4 also includes two sets of limiting rings 418 and a second fixed bracket 419. The limiting rings 418 are sleeved on the rotating shaft 40, and the two sets of limiting rings 418 are respectively linked to two sets of one-way ratchet wheels 411. The fixed bracket is provided with a limiting groove, and the limiting rings 418 are restricted to rotating within the limiting groove. Figure 7 As shown, the limiting ring 418 and the second fixed bracket 419 mainly serve to support the one-way rotation mechanism 41 and reduce the influence of the gravity of the one-way rotation mechanism 41 on the rotation of the rotating shaft 40.

[0047] The unidirectional rotation mechanism 41 also includes a rotating ring, which is linked to the rotating gear 413. The rotating ring is located at both ends of the fixed shaft 415, and a mounting post protrudes from one end of the rotating ring. A two-pole magnetic ring 414 can be fitted onto the mounting post, and a movable bracket 417 is close to the mounting post. Figure 8 As shown, the 2-pole magnetic ring 414 is easily and quickly installed on the mounting post.

[0048] The mechanical counting component 4 is housed inside the device box, which is mounted on a support plate extending from the inner wall of the housing 1. This design prevents the weight of the mechanical counting component 4 from being directly transmitted to the running wheel 31, thus avoiding increased resistance for the small animal on the running wheel 31.

[0049] Two sets of support grooves 300 are arranged in parallel on the support frame 30. The two sides of the running wheel 31 are respectively set in the two support grooves 300 for rotation. An oil injection hole is provided at the upper end of the support groove 300, through which oil can be injected into the contact surface between the running wheel 31 and the support groove 300. A pressure sensing ring is set on the edge of the support groove 300. By setting the oil injection hole to lubricate the contact surface between the running wheel 31 and the support frame 30, the resistance of the small animal running on the running wheel 31 is reduced, and excessive resistance to the rotation of the running wheel 31 is avoided from affecting the recorded values.

[0050] A cover plate 2 is installed on the top of the box body 1, and a feeding hole 20 is provided on the cover plate 2. Both the box body 1 and the cover plate 2 are made of transparent material. Figure 9-10 As shown, the transparent box 1 and lid allow for better observation of the small animals' movements. It should be noted that the device should be placed in an environment where factors such as lighting and sunlight can be controlled, because the intensity, period, and spectral composition of natural light vary with weather, season, and time, making it impossible to provide a stable and suitable lighting environment for experimental mice and rats. A specific spectral lighting system can precisely control these parameters, ensuring the consistency of experimental conditions. The influence of various variables on the movement rhythm of small animals can be observed in a coordinated manner.

[0051] To control the targeted nature of sunlight, specific spectrum lighting fixtures can be installed on the upper or side of the enclosure to ensure that light can evenly illuminate all corners of the enclosure. The selection of lighting fixtures should take into account their luminous efficiency, spectral composition, and heat dissipation performance. At the same time, a light sensor should be installed inside the enclosure to monitor the light intensity and spectral composition in real time. The output parameters of the specific spectrum lighting system should be adjusted according to the monitoring results to ensure that a suitable lighting environment is always maintained inside the enclosure.

[0052] The specific operating method is as follows:

[0053] First, the rearing environment was carefully constructed. A suitable enclosure (1) was selected as the core rearing unit, designed to accommodate ventilation, heat preservation, and ease of cleaning and maintenance. Inside the enclosure, a running wheel assembly (3) was precisely installed. The running wheels (31) were made of wear-resistant, low-noise material to ensure smooth and continuous rotation, meeting the daily exercise needs of the mice and rats. Simultaneously, a specific spectrum lighting system was cleverly installed on the top or side of the enclosure. This system utilizes a long, strip-shaped lamp with 2700K red light and 360° omnidirectional illumination. This lamp design aims to simulate natural light as closely as possible, creating a near-natural lighting atmosphere for the experimental mice and rats.

[0054] Next, an advanced motion monitoring system was integrated into the running wheel assembly. The core component of this system is the mechanical counting component 4, which is tightly connected to the running wheel via a precise mechanical linkage. This component accurately captures and records the number of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the running wheel, thereby quantifying the amount of exercise by the mice and rats. Simultaneously, a pressure sensing ring is cleverly embedded in the bottom of the running wheel. This ring can sense and record the distribution of pressure on the animal's center of gravity in real time as it moves on the wheel, thus analyzing its movement patterns and habits. All monitoring data is displayed in real time and stored long-term through a data recording system for further in-depth analysis.

[0055] In terms of lighting control, an existing intelligent lighting control system can be introduced. This system consists of a time switch, a voltage output controller, and a light flicker control device. The time switch is responsible for automatically turning the lighting system on and off according to a preset time program, achieving precise control of the lighting cycle, such as setting it to a 12-hour light / 12-hour darkness cycle mode. During operation, the voltage output controller adjusts the output voltage according to actual needs, thereby precisely controlling the brightness of the light and ensuring that the light intensity is maintained within the ideal range of 15-20 LUX. In addition, the light flicker control device effectively reduces the flickering of the lighting, providing a stable and comfortable lighting environment for mice and rats.

[0056] In daily husbandry and management, regular collection and analysis of movement data from the data recording system are crucial. In-depth analysis of this data allows for the assessment of the movement ability, activity level, and health status of mice and rats. Furthermore, combining this data with real-time monitoring of light conditions enables further analysis of the specific impact of light on the growth and reproductive performance of mice and rats. These analyses not only help understand the physiological needs of mice and rats but also significantly improve the accuracy of experimental testing. For example, comparing movement data under different light cycles allows for a more precise determination of the threshold of light's influence on movement behavior. Analyzing the correlation between movement patterns and health status allows for the timely detection of potential health problems, enabling more effective interventions. Based on these analytical results, timely adjustments to husbandry and management strategies, such as optimizing light cycles and intensity, and adjusting feed formulations and dosages, are necessary to continuously optimize the growth and reproductive environment of laboratory mice and rats.

[0057] Based on these analytical results, timely adjustments to husbandry and management strategies are made, such as optimizing light cycles and intensity, and adjusting feed formulations and amounts, to continuously optimize the growth and reproduction environment for laboratory mice and rats. Furthermore, to ensure the accuracy and reliability of experimental results, regular cleaning and disinfection of the husbandry environment are necessary to prevent the occurrence and spread of diseases. Simultaneously, regular health checks and behavioral observations of the mice and rats are conducted to promptly identify and address any abnormalities. Through the implementation of these comprehensive measures, it can be ensured that laboratory mice and rats grow and reproduce in a healthy, stable environment close to natural conditions, providing reliable data support for scientific research.

[0058] The above embodiments only illustrate one or more implementations of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A small animal running wheel rhythm system, characterized in that, The device includes a housing (1), a running wheel assembly (3), and a monitoring system. The housing (1) has a storage space. The running wheel assembly (3) is located within the storage space and includes a rotatable running wheel (31). The monitoring system is located on the running wheel assembly (3) and includes a mechanical counting component (4), a pressure sensing ring, and a data recording system. The mechanical counting component (4) is linked to the running wheel (31) and can count the number of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the running wheel (31). The pressure sensing ring is located at the bottom of the running wheel (31) and is used to monitor whether the animal's center of gravity pressure is concentrated in the front or rear part of the running wheel (31). The data recording system displays the number of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the animal.

2. The small animal running wheel rhythm system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The running wheel assembly (3) includes a support frame (30) and a running wheel (31). The support frame (30) is vertically arranged in the accommodating space. The running wheel (31) is rotatably arranged on the support frame (30). The pressure sensing ring includes a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor. The pressure sensing ring is evenly distributed on the support frame (30). The pressure sensing ring is used to monitor the pressure distribution on the running wheel (31) when the animal runs. If the animal runs forward with its head facing forward, its body leans forward, causing the first pressure sensor to be continuously triggered. If the animal runs backward with its head facing forward, its forelimbs support its body and its hind limbs exert force, causing the first pressure sensor to be continuously triggered. If the animal moves backward with its head facing backward, its body leans back, causing the second sensor to be continuously triggered. If the animal runs forward with its head facing backward, its forelimbs support its weight and its hind limbs exert force, causing the second sensor to be continuously triggered.

3. The small animal running wheel rhythm system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mechanical counting assembly (4) includes a rotating shaft (40) and two sets of one-way rotating mechanisms (41). The rotating shaft (40) is linked to the running wheel (31). The two sets of one-way rotating mechanisms (41) are arranged opposite each other along the axial direction of the rotating shaft (40). The one-way rotating mechanism (41) includes a rotating ratchet (410), a one-way ratchet (411), a pawl (412), and a rotating gear (413). The rotating ratchet (410) is sleeved on the rotating shaft (40) and rotates with the rotating shaft (40). The pawl (412) is arranged on the one-way ratchet (411). The one-way ratchet (411) is linked to the pawl (412). The rotating ratchet (410) can drive the one-way ratchet (411) to rotate in one direction. The rotating gear (413) meshes with the one-way ratchet (411).

4. The small animal running wheel rhythm system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The unidirectional rotation mechanism (41) includes a 2-pole magnetic ring (414) and a Hall sensor. The 2-pole magnetic ring (414) is linked to the rotating gear (413). The Hall sensor is located next to the 2-pole magnetic ring (414) to monitor the rotation of the 2-pole magnetic ring (414) and output a pulse signal to the data recording system.

5. The small animal running wheel rhythm system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mechanical counting assembly (4) further includes a fixed shaft (415), a first fixed bracket (416), and a movable bracket (417). The fixed shaft (415) is arranged on two sets of fixed brackets. The axial direction of the fixed shaft (415) is parallel to the axial direction of the rotating shaft (40). The rotating gear (413) is arranged at both ends of the fixed shaft (415). The two sets of movable brackets (417) are arranged next to the two 2-pole magnetic rings (414). The Hall sensor is arranged on the movable bracket (417).

6. The small animal running wheel rhythm system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mechanical counting assembly (4) further includes two sets of limiting rings (418) and a second fixed bracket (419). The limiting rings (418) are sleeved on the rotating shaft (40). The two sets of limiting rings (418) are respectively linked to the two sets of one-way ratchet wheels (411). The fixed bracket is provided with a limiting groove, and the limiting rings (418) are restricted to rotating in the limiting groove.

7. The small animal running wheel rhythm system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The unidirectional rotation mechanism (41) also includes a rotating ring, which is linked to the rotating gear (413). The rotating ring is disposed at both ends of the fixed shaft (415). One end of the rotating ring has a mounting post protruding from it. The 2-pole magnetic ring (414) can be sleeved on the mounting post. The movable bracket (417) is close to the mounting post.

8. The small animal running wheel rhythm system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mechanical counting component (4) is disposed inside the device box, which is disposed on a support plate extending from the inner wall of the housing (1).

9. The small animal running wheel rhythm system according to claim 2, characterized in that, Two sets of support grooves (300) are arranged in parallel on the support frame (30). The two sides of the running wheel (31) are respectively arranged in the two support grooves (300) for rotation. An oil injection hole is provided at the upper end of the support groove (300). Oil can be injected into the contact surface between the running wheel (31) and the support groove (300) through the oil injection hole. The pressure sensing ring is arranged on the edge of the support groove (300).

10. The small animal running wheel rhythm system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The box (1) is provided with a cover plate (2) on the top, and the cover plate (2) is provided with a feeding hole (20). The box (1) and the cover plate (2) are made of transparent material.

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