Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment and application method thereof

Abstract

The application relates to a Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment and an application method, which comprises a connecting plate in the shape of an equilateral triangle, three arm channels respectively fixedly connected and arranged on three sides of the connecting plate, and a bottom support, wherein the upper surface of the bottom support is provided with a circular excrement collecting disc; a mounting column is arranged at the center of the excrement collecting disc, the top end of the mounting column is provided with a rotary motor with a movable end upward, the movable end of the rotary motor is detachably connected with the lower surface of the connecting plate; the arm channel comprises a bottom plate and three side plates hinged with the bottom plate; three support plates corresponding to the bottom plate are arranged on the movable end of the rotary motor; the support plates are provided with turnover units for driving the corresponding three side plates to turn over outward; the device can not only realize automatic sweeping of mouse excrement, but also realize automatic alcohol uniform spraying disinfection and alcohol residual liquid rapid volatilization treatment, and has no dead angle, so that the cleaning efficiency and cleaning effect can be greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vascular cognitive impairment detection technology, and more specifically, to a Y-maze device and application method for detecting vascular cognitive impairment. Background Technology

[0002] The Y-maze apparatus is an experimental device widely used in animal behavioral research, primarily for assessing spatial learning, memory, and olfactory cognitive functions in rodents (such as mice and rats). The Y-maze experiment has significant application value in vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) research, and its core mechanisms are closely related to spatial working memory assessment, neural plasticity, and cerebrovascular injury: 1. VCI patients often exhibit executive dysfunction and short-term memory loss. The Y-maze quantifies working memory capacity through spontaneous alternation behavior (animals tend to explore unvisited arms), and a decreased alternation rate reflects prefrontal cortex dysfunction; 2. In chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) models (such as mice with bilateral carotid artery stenosis), the Y-maze alternation rate is significantly reduced, which is associated with vascular remodeling and neuroinflammation driven by EPAS1 molecules in venous endothelial cells; 3. Cerebrovascular injury leads to blood-brain barrier disruption and reduced cerebral blood flow, resulting in decreased animal exploration efficiency in the Y-maze test, which is related to neuronal energy metabolism disorders caused by mitochondrial autophagy dysfunction (such as PINK1 / Parkin pathway abnormalities).

[0003] The Y-maze device features a Y-shaped three-arm design, with each arm typically 30-50cm long, 8-10cm wide, and 15-30cm high. The arms are usually made of opaque PVC or dark-colored materials to minimize interference. The included angle of the three arms is 120°. Some models are equipped with electric grids for applying electrical stimulation. Due to the narrow, long, and deep characteristics of the Y-maze's channels, removing odors with alcohol solutions can be challenging. Dead corners are difficult to clean, often requiring researchers to disassemble each panel individually for alcohol wiping. Cleaning mouse feces is also difficult due to the electric grids (feces can fall into their gaps). Even more challenging is cleaning mouse urine. This is a major problem that plagues researchers when using the Y-maze device, and poor odor and feces removal can directly affect the success of subsequent experiments.

[0004] Chinese patent application number CN201210067099.8 discloses a noise Y-maze device that uses noise to replace electric grids for stimulation and deflection. While this method can be effective to some extent, the Y-maze device has an open-top structure, making sound insulation very difficult to achieve. When noise is generated in one channel, the other two channels will also be affected. Furthermore, although the device uses a mesh plate for cleaning, the mesh plate itself is still susceptible to odor from mouse excrement, making cleaning very difficult. There is a need for a Y-maze device and application method for detecting vascular cognitive impairment that can solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment, and to provide a method for applying the Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment, in view of the above-mentioned defects of the prior art.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is:

[0007] A Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment is constructed, comprising an equilateral triangular connecting plate and three support arm channels respectively fixedly connected to the three sides of the connecting plate. The device also includes a base, the upper surface of which is provided with an annular excrement collection tray. A mounting post is inserted through the center of the excrement collection tray, and a rotary motor with its movable end facing upward is mounted at the top of the mounting post. The movable end of the rotary motor is detachably connected to the lower surface of the connecting plate. Each support arm channel includes a base plate and three side plates hinged to the base plate. Three corresponding supports are provided on the movable end of the rotary motor. The base plate has a support plate; the support plate is provided with a flipping unit that drives the three corresponding side plates to flip outward; a column is provided on the side of the base, and a crossbeam for mounting a camera and a jet unit are provided on the column. The camera is used to film the device downward, and the jet unit is used to blow air downward at an angle to clean the device and stimulate the mice; the base is provided with an air supply unit for supplying air and alcohol mist to the jet unit and a control host. The rotary motor, the camera, the jet unit and the air supply unit are all connected to and controlled by the control host.

[0008] The Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment according to the present invention includes a clamp on the movable end of the rotary motor for holding and fixing the connecting plate; an iron piece is provided on the base plate, and a magnet is provided on the support plate to attract the iron piece; the side plate is rotatably connected to the corresponding base plate via a rotating shaft, and a torsion spring is provided on the rotating shaft to keep the side plate vertical.

[0009] The Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment according to the present invention includes an external gear ring with a central angle of 180 degrees at the lower end of the side plate, the external gear ring being coaxial with the rotation axis of the side plate; the flipping unit includes three drive gears corresponding to the external gear ring, a mounting frame for rotatably mounting the three drive gears, and three racks for driving the drive gears; the support plate is provided with a sliding groove for slidingly connecting the racks, a return spring for resetting the racks, and a pull rope for pulling the racks; the support plate is provided with a synchronous pulley for fixing the three pull ropes; the three synchronous pulleys are connected by a synchronous belt; each of the support plates is provided with a drive motor for driving the synchronous pulleys, a power supply battery, and a wireless controller for controlling the drive motor; the wireless controller is wirelessly connected to and controlled by the control host.

[0010] The Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment according to the present invention includes a positioning post in the shape of a polygonal prism at the lower end of the connecting plate, a clamping seat including a clamping seat, a positioning groove at the upper end of the clamping seat that mates with the positioning post, and a clamping screw threaded through the side of the clamping seat to abut and fix the positioning post.

[0011] The Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment according to the present invention includes a jet unit comprising a nozzle connected to the column via a flexible metal tube, the nozzle being strip-shaped and having multiple nozzle holes arranged on its surface along its length.

[0012] The Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment according to the present invention includes an air supply unit comprising a first container containing alcohol and a second container containing water. The first container is equipped with a pump for drawing alcohol into the second container. The second container is equipped with an air inlet, a pump, and a nebulizing unit for atomizing alcohol. The air inlet of the pump is connected to the second container, and the air outlet is connected to the flexible metal tube.

[0013] The Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment according to the present invention includes a waste collection disc comprising a left disc and a right disc, both of which are semi-circular.

[0014] A method for using a Y-maze apparatus for detecting vascular cognitive impairment, comprising the steps of:

[0015] When it is necessary to stimulate the mouse during the experiment, the host computer controls the rotary motor to slowly move the support arm channel where the mouse is located to the jet area of ​​the jet unit, and controls the jet unit to stimulate the mouse to move by jetting.

[0016] During cleaning, the main control unit controls the flipping unit to rotate the three side panels outward by more than 90 degrees.

[0017] The control unit controls the rotary motor to rotate at the first set speed, the air supply unit supplies air to the jet unit, and the jet unit blows air onto the connecting plate, each side plate and each bottom plate to clean the mouse excrement.

[0018] The air supply unit supplies alcohol mist to the jet unit, and the jet unit sprays alcohol mist evenly onto the connecting plate, side plates and bottom plate to disinfect and remove odors.

[0019] The control unit controls the rotary motor to rotate at a second set speed greater than the first set speed, using centrifugal force to remove residual alcohol droplets. At the same time, the air supply unit supplies air to the jet unit, and the jet unit blows air onto the connecting plate, each side plate and each bottom plate to accelerate the evaporation of alcohol droplets.

[0020] The host controls the operation of the flipping unit, which drives the three side plates to flip inward and reset.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: When stimulating mice is required for experiments, the host computer controls the rotary motor to slowly move the support arm channel where the mouse is located to the jet area of ​​the jet unit, and controls the jet unit to stimulate the mouse to move by jetting air; during cleaning, the host computer controls the flipping unit to operate, causing the three side plates to flip outward by more than 90 degrees; the host computer controls the rotary motor to rotate at a first set speed, the air supply unit supplies air to the jet unit, and the jet unit blows air onto the connecting plate, each side plate, and each bottom plate to clean the mouse excrement; the air supply unit supplies alcohol mist to the jet unit, and the jet unit sprays alcohol mist evenly onto the connecting plate, each side plate, and each bottom plate to disinfect and remove odors; the host computer controls the rotary motor to rotate at a second set speed greater than the first set speed, using centrifugal force to remove residual alcohol droplets, while the air supply unit supplies air to the jet unit, and the jet unit blows air onto the connecting plate, each side plate, and each bottom plate to accelerate the evaporation of alcohol droplets; the host computer controls the flipping unit to operate, causing the three side plates to flip inward to reset;

[0022] The improved device described in this application replaces electric grid stimulation and noise stimulation with jet stimulation, which is more targeted and effectively avoids the difficulties in adjusting electric grid stimulation parameters and the problem of stimulating mouse excretion, as well as the echo interference problem of noise stimulation. Moreover, it can not only automatically blow away mouse excrement (feces and urine), but also complete cleaning and drive away the mice. It can also achieve automatic uniform alcohol spray disinfection and rapid evaporation of alcohol residue without dead corners, which can greatly improve cleaning efficiency and cleaning effect, and effectively reduce the experimental interference caused by incomplete cleaning. After cleaning, the next experiment can be carried out directly, saving a lot of time and ensuring the reliability of the experiment. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the maze structure of the Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the fixture structure of the Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the support arm channel of the Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the support plate structure of the Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the application method of the Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, a clear and complete description will be provided below in conjunction with the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] A preferred embodiment of the Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment of the present invention, such as... Figure 1 As shown, see also Figure 2The system includes a connecting plate 1 in the shape of an equilateral triangle, and three support arm channels 2 respectively fixedly connected to the three sides of the connecting plate 1. It also includes a base 3, the upper surface of which is provided with an annular excrement collection tray 30. A mounting post 31 is inserted through the center of the excrement collection tray 30, and a rotary motor 32 with its movable end facing upwards is provided at the top of the mounting post 31. The movable end of the rotary motor 32 is detachably connected to the lower surface of the connecting plate 1. The support arm channels 2 include a base plate 20 and three side plates 21 hinged to the base plate 20. Three support plates 33, each corresponding to a side plate 20, are provided on the movable end of the rotary motor 32. Each support plate 33 is equipped with a drive mechanism for the corresponding support arm channel. The side panel 21 is flipped outward by a flipping unit 34 (which can adopt the integrated structure described below, or a form in which a single motor controls the flipping of the side panel; both can implement this solution); a column 4 is provided on the side of the base 3, and a crossbeam 5 for mounting a camera 50 and a jet unit 6 are provided on the column 4. The camera 50 is used to take pictures of the device from below, and the jet unit 6 is used to blow air obliquely downwards onto the device; the base 3 is provided with an air supply unit 7 for supplying air and alcohol mist to the jet unit 6 and a control host 8. The rotary motor 32, camera 50, jet unit 6 and air supply unit 7 are all connected to and controlled by the control host 8.

[0033] When stimulation of mice is required for experiments, the control unit 8 controls the rotary motor 32 to slowly move the support arm channel 2 where the mouse is located to the jet area of ​​the jet unit 6, and controls the jet unit 6 to stimulate the mouse to move by jetting air. During cleaning, the control unit 8 controls the flipping unit 34 to operate, causing the three side plates to flip outwards by more than 90 degrees. The control unit 8 controls the rotary motor 32 to rotate at a first set speed, and the air supply unit 7 supplies air to the jet unit. The jet unit 6 blows air onto the connecting plate, each side plate, and each base plate to clean the mouse excrement. Unit 7 supplies alcohol mist to the jet unit 6, which evenly sprays alcohol mist onto the connecting plate, side plates, and bottom plate to disinfect and remove odors. The control host 8 controls the rotary motor 32 to rotate at a second set speed greater than the first set speed, using centrifugal force to remove residual alcohol droplets. At the same time, the air supply unit 7 supplies air to the jet unit 6, which blows air onto the connecting plate 1, side plates 21, and bottom plate 20 to accelerate the evaporation of alcohol droplets. The control host 8 controls the flipping unit 34 to operate, causing the three side plates 21 to flip inward and reset.

[0034] The improved device described in this application replaces electric grid stimulation and noise stimulation with jet stimulation (repelling), making it more targeted and effectively avoiding the difficulties in adjusting electric grid stimulation parameters and the problem of stimulating mouse excretion, as well as the echo interference problem of noise stimulation (when switching stimulation channels, the maze device can be slowly rotated by a rotary motor so that the channel to be stimulated reaches the jet area of ​​the jet unit); moreover, the jet speed is well controllable and the jet will not harm the mice; in addition, it can not only automatically blow away mouse excrement (feces and urine), but also complete cleaning and repelling stimulation of mice. It can also achieve automatic uniform alcohol spray disinfection and rapid evaporation of alcohol residue without dead corners, which can greatly improve cleaning efficiency and cleaning effect, and effectively reduce the experimental interference caused by incomplete cleaning. After cleaning, the next experiment can be carried out directly, saving a lot of time and ensuring the reliability of the experiment.

[0035] Preferably, the jet unit 6 includes a nozzle 61 connected to the column 4 via a flexible metal tube 60. The nozzle 61 is strip-shaped and has multiple nozzle holes 62 arranged along its length. This allows for easy adjustment of the nozzle 61's orientation via the flexible metal tube 60. The strip-shaped nozzle holes 62 are also beneficial for stimulating and driving away mice in the passage, as well as for overall jet cleaning and alcohol mist cleaning.

[0036] Preferably, the gas supply unit 7 includes a first container 70 containing alcohol and a second container 71 containing water. The first container 70 is provided with a liquid pump 72 for drawing alcohol into the second container 71. The second container 71 is provided with an air inlet 73, a vacuum pump 74, and an atomizing unit 75 for atomizing alcohol. The air inlet of the vacuum pump 74 is connected to the second container 71, and the air outlet is connected to a flexible metal tube 60.

[0037] When only air is needed, the control unit 8 controls the liquid pump 72 and the atomizing unit 75 to remain inactive, and the air pump 74 draws air and provides air pressure.

[0038] When alcohol mist needs to be sprayed, the control unit 8 controls the pump 72 to pump a small amount of alcohol from the first container 70 into the second container 71. The atomization unit 75 then atomizes the alcohol, and the air pump 74 pumps out the air and provides pressure. This single-dose alcohol spray design can complete alcohol atomization while ensuring the safety of the application.

[0039] Preferably, the excrement collection tray 30 includes a left tray 300 and a right tray 301, both of which are semi-circular; this facilitates removal and cleaning.

[0040] Example 2

[0041] Another preferred embodiment is basically the same as the previous embodiment, and the similarities will not be repeated here, such as... Figures 3-5 As shown, the difference lies in the following: the movable end of the rotary motor 32 is equipped with a clamp 35 for holding and fixing the connecting plate; an iron piece 200 is provided on the base plate 20, and a magnet 330 for attracting the iron piece is provided on the support plate 33; the side plate 21 is rotatably connected to the corresponding base plate via a rotating shaft 22, and a torsion spring 23 is provided on the rotating shaft 22 to keep the side plate vertical; with this structure, the support arm channel 2 relies on three torsion springs 23 to keep the three side plates vertical, which facilitates the automatic reset of the side plate 21 after flipping; the vertical position of the side plate can be achieved by setting a limit block 24 on the base plate;

[0042] Preferably, the lower end of the side plate 21 is provided with an external gear ring 25 with a central angle of 180 degrees, and the external gear ring 25 is coaxial with the rotation axis of the side plate 21; the lower end of the connecting plate 1 is provided with a positioning post 10 in the shape of a polygonal prism, and the clamp 35 includes a clamping seat 350, the upper end of the clamping seat 350 is provided with a positioning groove 351 that cooperates with the positioning post 10, and the side of the clamping seat 350 is threaded with a clamping screw 352 for fixing the positioning post; so as to facilitate quick and easy disassembly and assembly of the base plate 20;

[0043] Preferably, the flipping unit 34 includes three drive gears 340 that mesh with the external gear ring 25, a mounting frame 341 for rotatably mounting the three drive gears 340, and three racks 342 that drive the drive gears 340; the support plate 33 is provided with a sliding groove 343 for slidingly connecting the racks 342, a return spring 344 for resetting the racks 342, and a pull rope 345 for pulling the racks (the pull ropes 345 on both sides can be changed 90 degrees in direction by a fixed pulley 3450); the support plate 33 is provided with a synchronous pulley 346 for fixing the three pull ropes; the three synchronous pulleys 346 are connected by a synchronous belt 347; any support plate 33 is provided with a drive motor 348 for driving the synchronous pulley 347 to rotate, a power supply battery 349, and a wireless controller 9 for controlling the drive motor; the wireless controller 9 is wirelessly connected to the control host 8 and is controlled by it to open and close.

[0044] During operation, the wireless controller 350 receives control commands from the control host 8 and controls the drive motor 348 to rotate at a set angle according to the commands. The synchronous belt 347 drives the three synchronous pulleys 346 to rotate synchronously. Each synchronous pulley 346 pulls three pull ropes 345 to move. The pull ropes 345 pull the rack 342 to move. The return spring 344 is compressed. The rack 342 drives the drive gear 340 to rotate. The drive gear 342 drives the outer gear ring 25 to rotate, thereby causing the three side plates 21 to flip outward.

[0045] By applying the special support arm channel structure and special flipping structure of this embodiment, the three support arm channels 2 can be flipped by a single drive, while the support arm channels can be quickly disassembled and removed from the flipping structure. The purpose of this design is to use the entire mechanism not only as an experimental platform, but also as a dedicated cleaning platform for Y-maze devices. That is, the Y-maze device to be cleaned can be installed, rotated for cleaning, and then removed, thereby improving the utilization rate of the entire mechanism and reducing application costs.

[0046] Example 3

[0047] A method for using a Y-maze apparatus for detecting vascular cognitive impairment, employing the aforementioned Y-maze apparatus for detecting vascular cognitive impairment, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0048] S01: When it is necessary to stimulate the mouse during the experiment, the host computer controls the rotary motor to slowly move the support arm channel where the mouse is located to the jet area of ​​the jet unit, and controls the jet unit to stimulate the mouse to move by jetting.

[0049] S02: During cleaning, the main control unit controls the flipping unit to rotate the three side panels outward by more than 90 degrees.

[0050] S03: The control host controls the rotary motor to rotate at the first set speed, the air supply unit supplies air to the jet unit, and the jet unit blows air to the connecting plate, each side plate and each bottom plate to clean the mouse excrement.

[0051] S04: The air supply unit supplies alcohol mist to the jet unit, and the jet unit sprays alcohol mist evenly onto the connecting plate, each side plate and each bottom plate to disinfect and remove odor.

[0052] S05: The control unit controls the rotary motor to rotate at a second set speed greater than the first set speed, using centrifugal force to remove residual alcohol droplets. At the same time, the air supply unit supplies air to the jet unit, and the jet unit blows air onto the connecting plate, each side plate and each bottom plate to accelerate the evaporation of alcohol droplets.

[0053] S06: The host controls the operation of the flipping unit, which drives the three side plates to flip inward and reset.

[0054] The method described in this application replaces electric grid stimulation and noise stimulation with jet stimulation, which is more targeted and effectively avoids the difficulties in adjusting electric grid stimulation parameters and the problem of stimulating mouse excretion, as well as the echo interference problem of noise stimulation. Moreover, it can not only automatically blow away mouse excrement (feces and urine), but also complete cleaning and drive away the mice. It can also achieve automatic uniform alcohol spray disinfection and rapid evaporation of alcohol residue without dead corners, which can greatly improve cleaning efficiency and cleaning effect, and effectively reduce the experimental interference caused by incomplete cleaning. After cleaning, the next experiment can be carried out directly, saving a lot of time and ensuring the reliability of the experiment.

[0055] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment, comprising a connecting plate in the shape of an equilateral triangle, and three support arm channels respectively fixedly connected to three sides of the connecting plate, characterized in that, The device also includes a base with a circular excrement collection tray on its upper surface. A mounting column passes through the center of the excrement collection tray, and a rotating motor with its movable end facing upwards is mounted at the top of the mounting column. The movable end of the rotating motor is detachably connected to the lower surface of the connecting plate. The support arm channel includes a base plate and three side plates hinged to the base plate. Three support plates, each corresponding to one of the base plates, are mounted on the movable end of the rotating motor. A flipping unit on each support plate drives the corresponding three side plates to flip outwards. A column is mounted on the side of the base, with a crossbeam for mounting a camera and a jet unit on the column. The camera is used to film the device from below, and the jet unit blows air downwards at an angle to clean the device and stimulate the mice. The base includes a gas supply unit for supplying air and alcohol mist to the jet unit, and a control unit. The rotating motor, camera, jet unit, and gas supply unit are all connected to and controlled by the control unit.

2. The Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable end of the rotary motor is provided with a clamp for holding and fixing the connecting plate; an iron part is provided on the base plate, and a magnet is provided on the support plate to attract the iron part; the side plate is rotatably connected to the corresponding base plate through a rotating shaft, and a torsion spring is provided on the rotating shaft to keep the side plate vertical.

3. The Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lower end of the side plate is provided with an external gear ring with a central angle of 180 degrees, and the external gear ring is coaxial with the rotation axis of the side plate; the flipping unit includes three drive gears that mesh with the external gear ring, a mounting frame for rotatably mounting the three drive gears, and three racks that drive the drive gears; the support plate is provided with a sliding groove for slidingly connecting the racks, a return spring for resetting the racks, and a pull rope for pulling the racks; the support plate is provided with a synchronous pulley for fixing the three pull ropes; the three synchronous pulleys are connected by a synchronous belt; each of the support plates is provided with a drive motor for driving the synchronous pulleys to rotate, a power supply battery, and a wireless controller for controlling the drive motor; the wireless controller is wirelessly connected to the control host and is controlled by it to start and stop.

4. The Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lower end of the connecting plate is provided with a positioning post in the shape of a polygonal prism. The clamp includes a clamping seat. The upper end of the clamping seat is provided with a positioning groove that cooperates with the positioning post. The side of the clamping seat is threaded with a clamping screw that abuts against the positioning post for fixation.

5. The Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The jet unit includes a nozzle connected to the column via a flexible metal tube. The nozzle is strip-shaped and has multiple nozzle holes along its length.

6. The Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The gas supply unit includes a first container containing alcohol and a second container containing water. The first container is equipped with a pump to draw alcohol into the second container. The second container is equipped with an air inlet, a pump, and an atomizing unit for atomizing alcohol. The air inlet of the pump is connected to the second container, and the air outlet is connected to the flexible metal tube.

7. The Y-maze device for detecting vascular cognitive impairment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The excrement collection tray includes a left tray and a right tray, both of which are semi-circular.

8. A method for using a Y-maze apparatus for detecting vascular cognitive impairment, employing the Y-maze apparatus for detecting vascular cognitive impairment as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: When it is necessary to stimulate the mouse during the experiment, the host computer controls the rotary motor to slowly move the support arm channel where the mouse is located to the jet area of ​​the jet unit, and controls the jet unit to stimulate the mouse to move by jetting. During cleaning, the main control unit controls the flipping unit to rotate the three side panels outward by more than 90 degrees. The control unit controls the rotary motor to rotate at the first set speed, the air supply unit supplies air to the jet unit, and the jet unit blows air onto the connecting plate, each side plate and each bottom plate to clean the mouse excrement. The air supply unit supplies alcohol mist to the jet unit, and the jet unit sprays alcohol mist evenly onto the connecting plate, side plates and bottom plate to disinfect and remove odors. The control unit controls the rotary motor to rotate at a second set speed greater than the first set speed, using centrifugal force to remove residual alcohol droplets. At the same time, the air supply unit supplies air to the jet unit, and the jet unit blows air onto the connecting plate, each side plate and each bottom plate to accelerate the evaporation of alcohol droplets. The host controls the operation of the flipping unit, which drives the three side plates to flip inward and reset.

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