Experimental zebra fish embryo hatching device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of incubation equipment, in particular to an experimental zebra fish embryo incubation device which comprises a box body, a partition plate is fixedly connected in the box body, and an incubation assembly, an illumination assembly and a moving assembly are arranged in an incubation cavity. A driving assembly, an air supply assembly, a storage assembly, a water supply assembly and a constant temperature assembly are arranged in the operation cavity. The moving assembly and the hatching assembly are driven by the driving assembly to move in an 8 shape, zebrafish embryos at different positions in the hatching assembly can be evenly illuminated through the 8-shaped movement of the hatching assembly, the possibility that the embryos are damaged by light is reduced, and the survival rate of the embryos is increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of incubation equipment technology, specifically to an experimental zebrafish embryo incubation device. Background Technology

[0002] Laboratory zebrafish embryos refer to the embryonic stage of zebrafish (Danio rerio) used in scientific research. Zebrafish are tropical freshwater fish, and due to their transparent embryos, external development, short reproductive cycle, and high genetic homology with humans, they have become important model organisms in developmental biology, genetics, toxicology, drug screening, and disease model research. The Thmorgan zebrafish larvae incubator promotes the growth and development of zebrafish embryos by providing them with the appropriate temperature and light.

[0003] In the existing technology, the Thmorgan zebrafish larvae incubator uses direct light to illuminate the embryos. Although this can promote the growth and development of zebrafish embryos, direct irradiation of zebrafish embryos can cause light damage and affect the survival rate of the embryos.

[0004] To address the problem of zebrafish embryo damage caused by direct sunlight, the applicant invented a zebrafish embryo incubation device that allows zebrafish embryos in different locations to receive uniform light. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides an incubation device that ensures zebrafish embryos in different locations within the incubation assembly receive uniform illumination. This device prevents light damage to the embryos during their development, thereby improving their survival rate.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: An experimental zebrafish embryo incubation device includes a box body, a door detachably connected to one side of the box body, a water inlet at the top of the box body, and an L-shaped partition plate fixedly connected inside the box body to divide the box body into an incubation chamber and an operating chamber. The incubation chamber contains an incubation component for incubating zebrafish embryos, a lighting component for providing uniform light to the zebrafish embryos, and a moving component. The operating chamber contains a driving component for driving the moving component, an air supply component for supplying oxygen to the zebrafish embryos, a water storage component, a water supply component for introducing water into the incubation component, and a temperature control component for maintaining a constant temperature in the water flow.

[0007] The technical principle of the above solution is as follows: The controller controls the operation of the drive component, causing it to move the moving component in a figure-eight pattern, which in turn drives the hatching component in a figure-eight pattern, ensuring that the hatching component is evenly illuminated by the light-emitting component. An air supply component provides air to the hatching component, providing the zebrafish with the necessary oxygen. A water supply component and a temperature control component provide a constant-temperature water bath environment for the zebrafish embryos, improving their growth and development.

[0008] The above approach has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention drives the operation of the driving component, which in turn drives the moving component to move back and forth in a figure-eight pattern, thereby driving the incubation component to move back and forth. At this time, the back and forth movement of the incubation component covers all directions centered on the light-emitting component. This means that each area within the incubation component will periodically pass directly under the light-emitting component, thereby ensuring that each embryo receives uniform light, reducing the possibility of light damage, and improving the uniformity of embryo development.

[0009] 2. This invention ensures a stable water temperature of 28°C for embryonic development through a constant temperature component and a water supply component, reducing the interference of temperature fluctuations on embryonic development. An air supply component provides the zebrafish embryos with the oxygen required for embryonic development, meeting their respiratory needs.

[0010] 3. This invention provides necessary light to zebrafish embryos through a light-emitting component, promotes the growth and development of zebrafish embryos by simulating the light cycle, and reduces the incidence of developmental delay.

[0011] Furthermore, the drive assembly includes a drive component and a controller. The controller controls the operation of the drive component. The drive component is fixedly connected to the partition plate. A first gear is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive component through the partition plate. The first gear meshes with a second gear, and both the first and second gears are rotatably engaged with the bottom of the partition plate. A rotating rod is coaxially fixedly connected to the end of the first gear away from the partition plate. A sliding block is fixedly connected to the end of the rotating rod away from the first gear, and the sliding block is slidably engaged with the moving component. A triangular wheel is eccentrically fixedly connected to the end of the second gear away from the partition plate, and all three sides of the triangular wheel are in contact with the moving component.

[0012] Beneficial effects: By combining the meshing transmission of the first and second gears with the eccentric structure and sliding block design of the triangular wheel, the incubation component can simultaneously achieve a compound motion of rotation and reciprocating oscillation, thereby enabling it to move in a figure-eight shape, so that the embryo inside can receive uniform light.

[0013] Furthermore, the incubation component includes an incubator, within which a water bath pipe is fixedly connected. The water bath pipe has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connected to a storage component, and the outlet is connected to a collection component. The collection component includes a collection box, which is connected to the outlet.

[0014] Beneficial effects: Water is guided through the water bath pipes to circulate within the incubator, providing water bath heating and maintaining the stability of the incubation process. Simultaneously, the collection tank gathers the cooled water, ensuring temperature stability within the water bath pipes.

[0015] Furthermore, the storage component includes a storage tank, which is fixedly connected to the top of the partition plate, and both the water inlet and the water outlet are connected to the storage tank.

[0016] Beneficial effects: Water is injected into the storage tank through the water inlet and then flows into the water bath pipes through the water inlet, ensuring the stability of the water bath.

[0017] Furthermore, the water supply assembly includes a rotating column, which is coaxially fixedly connected to the second gear. The end of the rotating column away from the second gear extends through the partition plate and the storage tank into the interior of the storage tank. A fan blade is fixedly connected circumferentially to the rotating column, and a guide tooth is fixedly connected to the edge of the fan blade.

[0018] Beneficial effects: The rotation of the second gear drives the fan blades to rotate, allowing water in the storage tank to flow into the inlet under the rotation of the fan blades. The continuous flow of water keeps the water temperature of the water bath stable. The guide teeth guide the water flow, promote the flow of water, and further improve the efficiency of water entering the inlet, thereby ensuring the stability of the water bath temperature.

[0019] Furthermore, the air supply assembly includes a rotating disk, which is coaxially and fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive component at the end away from the first gear. A push rod is eccentrically hinged to the rotating disk. A piston cylinder is fixedly connected inside the housing, and the piston cylinder has an air inlet and an air outlet. Both the air inlet and the air outlet are connected to a one-way valve. The air outlet is connected to the incubator. A piston head is slidably fitted inside the piston cylinder, and the end of the piston head away from the air inlet is hinged to the push rod.

[0020] Beneficial effects: As the piston head slides back and forth inside the piston cylinder, external gas can enter the piston cylinder through the air inlet and then enter the incubator through the air outlet, providing the necessary oxygen for the zebrafish embryos and promoting their growth and development.

[0021] Furthermore, the temperature control component includes a heating wire and a temperature sensor, both of which are fixedly connected inside the storage box. A controller is used to control the opening and closing of the heating wire and to receive temperature data monitored by the temperature sensor.

[0022] Beneficial effects: By using the temperature sensor on the heating wire, staff can ensure that the water bath temperature is maintained at 28°C, which improves the stable growth and development of zebrafish embryos.

[0023] Furthermore, the lighting component includes a fluorescent lamp, which is fixedly connected to the top wall of the housing, and the controller is used to control the opening and closing of the fluorescent lamp.

[0024] Beneficial effects: By irradiating zebrafish embryos with fluorescent lamps to simulate sunlight, the development of the hypothalamus-pituitary axis is promoted by activating the photoreceptor cells of the embryonic retina, thereby enhancing the visual tracking ability of the juvenile fish after hatching.

[0025] Furthermore, the movable component includes a triangular plate, one end of which is hinged to the bottom of the partition plate. A groove is formed on the triangular plate, and a sliding block is located within and slidably engages with the groove. A movable plate is hinged to the side of the triangular plate away from the partition plate. A rectangular groove is formed on the movable plate, and three sides of the triangular wheel contact the inner wall of the rectangular groove. The movable plate slidably engages with the bottom wall of the housing.

[0026] Beneficial effects: The sliding block and triangular wheel drive the triangular plate and the moving plate to move back and forth, thus forming an 8-shaped motion trajectory, which improves the lighting effect of the incubation component.

[0027] Furthermore, the end of the movable plate furthest from the triangular plate is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the incubator.

[0028] Beneficial effects: By fixing the movable plate to the outer wall of the incubator, the incubator can be stably moved along a predetermined path.

[0029] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of an experimental zebrafish embryo incubation device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is an internal isometric view of an experimental zebrafish embryo incubation device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is an isometric view of a moving component in an experimental zebrafish embryo incubation device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a frontal cross-sectional view of an experimental zebrafish embryo incubation device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 This is an internal isometric view of an experimental zebrafish embryo incubation device provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0035] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings of the instruction manual include: 1. Box body; 2. Box door; 3. Incubator; 4. Fan blade; 5. Rotating column; 6. Dual-head motor; 7. Rotating disk; 8. Push rod; 9. Piston cylinder; 10. First gear; 11. Triangular plate; 12. Moving plate; 13. Second gear; 14. Sliding block; 15. Triangular wheel; 16. Fluorescent lamp; 17. Divider plate; 18. Storage box; 19. Heating wire; 20. Piston head; 21. Temperature sensor; 22. Water bath pipe; 23. Collection box. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method: Example 1: As shown in the attached document Figure 1 As shown: An experimental zebrafish embryo incubation device includes a box 1, a door 2 detachably connected to one side of the box 1, and a water inlet at the top of the box 1. Figure 4 As shown, an L-shaped partition plate 17 is fixedly connected inside the housing 1, dividing the interior of the housing 1 into an incubation chamber and an operating chamber. The incubation chamber contains an incubation component for incubating zebrafish embryos, a lighting component for providing uniform light to the zebrafish embryos, and a moving component. The operating chamber contains a drive component for operating the moving component, an air supply component for supplying oxygen to the zebrafish embryos, a water storage component, a water supply component for introducing water into the incubation component, and a temperature control component for maintaining a constant water temperature.

[0037] Specifically, in combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the drive assembly mainly consists of a drive component and a controller. In this embodiment, the drive component is selected as a dual-head motor 6, preferably model XRC-3860-2980-134. Its top and bottom are both output terminals. The controller is used to control the operation of the dual-head motor 6. The dual-head motor 6 is fixedly installed on the partition plate 17 and located in the running cavity. The output shaft at the bottom of the dual-head motor 6 passes through the partition plate 17 and is fixedly connected to the shaft of the first gear 10. The first gear 10 meshes with the second gear 13. The first gear 10 and the second gear 13 are both axially positioned below the partition plate 17, and the end faces of the two gears are tightly attached to the lower surface of the partition plate 17.

[0038] The first gear 10, at its end furthest from the partition plate 17, is bolted to a rotating rod coaxially. The rotating rod, at its end furthest from the first gear 10, is bolted to a sliding block 14, which slides in engagement with the moving component. The second gear 13, at its end furthest from the partition plate 17, is eccentrically bolted to a triangular wheel 15, all three sides of which contact the moving component. The moving component includes a triangular plate 11, one end of which is hinged to the bottom of the partition plate 17. A groove is formed on the triangular plate 11, and the sliding block 14 is located within and slides in engagement with the groove. A moving plate 12 is hinged to the side of the triangular plate 11 furthest from the partition plate 17. A rectangular groove is formed on the moving plate 12, and all three sides of the triangular wheel 15 contact the inner wall of the rectangular groove. The moving plate 12 slides in engagement with the inner bottom wall of the housing 1. The end of the moving plate 12 furthest from the triangular plate 11 is fixedly connected to the incubation component.

[0039] The dual-head motor 6 is controlled by a controller. When the dual-head motor 6 is running, it drives the first gear 10 to rotate. Since the first gear 10 meshes with the second gear 13, the rotation of the first gear 10 drives the second gear 13 to rotate simultaneously. As the first gear 10 rotates, the sliding block 14 slides continuously along the groove. Through the rotation of the second gear 13, the triangular wheel 15 continuously drives the rectangular groove to move. Through the sliding of the sliding block 14 and the rotation of the triangular wheel 15, the moving plate 12 can reciprocate in a figure-eight pattern.

[0040] Specifically, in combination Figure 4 As shown, the incubation component includes an incubator 3, with a water bath pipe 22 fixedly connected inside. The water bath pipe 22 has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connected to the storage component via a pipe, and the outlet is connected to the collection component via a pipe. The storage component includes a storage tank 18, which is bolted to the top of the partition plate 17. Both the inlet and outlet are connected to the storage tank 18. The collection component includes a collection tank 23, which is connected to the outlet.

[0041] As the moving plate 12 moves back and forth, it causes the incubator 3 to move back and forth in a figure-eight pattern. Workers introduce water into the storage tank 18 through the water inlet. The water then flows into the water bath pipe 22 through the inlet, where it is heated by a thermostat to maintain a constant temperature within the incubator 3. After passing through the water bath pipe 22, the water flows into the collection tank 23 through the outlet for subsequent secondary heating.

[0042] Specifically, the water supply assembly includes a rotating column 5, which is coaxially bolted to the second gear 13. The end of the rotating column 5 away from the second gear 13 extends through the partition plate 17 and the storage tank 18 into the interior of the storage tank 18. Multiple fan blades 4 are circumferentially mounted on the side wall of the rotating column 5. Guide teeth are screwed to the edge of the fan blades 4.

[0043] When the second gear 13 rotates, it will synchronously drive the fan blade 4 to rotate. As the fan blade 4 rotates, it will push the water in the storage tank 18 through the water inlet into the water bath pipe 22, thereby increasing the water flow rate and reducing the loss of water temperature.

[0044] In this embodiment, the air supply assembly includes a rotating disk 7, which is coaxially connected to the output shaft of the dual-head motor 6 at the end furthest from the first gear 10. A push rod 8 is eccentrically hinged to the rotating disk 7. A piston cylinder 9 is bolted to the housing 1. The piston cylinder 9 has an air inlet and an air outlet, both of which are connected to a one-way valve. The one-way valve at the air inlet allows flow from the outside of the piston cylinder 9 to the inside of the piston cylinder 9, while the one-way valve at the air outlet allows flow from the inside of the piston cylinder 9 to the outside of the piston cylinder 9. The air outlet is connected to the incubator 3. In this embodiment, the air outlet and the incubator 3 are connected through a pipe. A piston head 20 is slidably fitted inside the piston cylinder 9, and the end of the piston head 20 furthest from the air inlet is hinged to the push rod 8.

[0045] The operation of the dual-head motor 6 drives the rotation of the rotating disk 7, which in turn drives the push rod 8 to slide back and forth continuously. This causes the piston head 20 to slide back and forth continuously within the piston cylinder 9. As the piston head 20 slides back and forth continuously, outside air continuously enters the piston cylinder 9 through the one-way valve of the air inlet, and then enters the incubator 3 through the one-way valve of the air outlet. The outside air contains sufficient oxygen, which aerates the incubator 3, providing the necessary oxygen for the zebrafish embryos and promoting their growth and development.

[0046] Specifically, the temperature control component includes a heating wire 19 and a temperature sensor 21, both of which are fixedly connected to the storage box 18 with screws. The controller is used to control the opening and closing of the heating wire 19 and to receive the temperature data monitored by the temperature sensor 21.

[0047] Staff can set a threshold temperature for the water flow in storage tank 18 using a controller. When the water temperature in storage tank 18 is below 28°C, the controller turns on the heating element 19; when the water temperature in storage tank 18 exceeds 28°C, the controller turns off the heating element 19. By controlling the heating element 19, the controller maintains the water temperature in storage tank 18 at 28°C, providing a stable temperature environment for the zebrafish embryos in incubator 3.

[0048] In this embodiment, the lighting component includes a fluorescent lamp 16, which is fixedly connected to the top wall of the housing 1 with screws, and the controller is used to control the opening and closing of the fluorescent lamp 16.

[0049] The specific implementation process is as follows: Figure 4For example, staff can first place zebrafish embryos in incubator 3, and then control the fluorescent light 16 to turn on, providing the necessary conditions for the growth and development of the zebrafish embryos.

[0050] Then, staff can inject water into the storage tank 18 through the water inlet. The controller monitors the water temperature in the storage tank 18 through the temperature sensor 21 and heats the water through the heating wire 19 to keep the water in the storage tank 18 at 28°C.

[0051] by Figure 2 and Figure 3 For example, staff can control the operation of the dual-head motor 6 through the controller. The operation of the dual-head motor 6 drives the first gear 10 and the second gear 13 to rotate, which in turn drives the moving plate 12 to move back and forth in a figure-eight shape through the sliding block 14 and the triangular wheel 15. This causes the incubator 3 to also move back and forth in a figure-eight shape, improving the light uniformity of the zebrafish embryos in the incubator 3 and promoting the uniform development of the zebrafish embryos.

[0052] When the dual-head motor 6 is running, it drives the rotating disk 7 to rotate, which in turn causes the piston head 20 to slide back and forth inside the piston cylinder 9. Through the back and forth sliding of the piston head 20, air is continuously aerated into the incubator 3, providing sufficient oxygen for the development of zebrafish embryos.

[0053] With the operation of the dual-head motor 6, the rotation of the second gear 13 drives the fan blade 4 to rotate as well. As the fan blade 4 rotates, it continuously draws water from the storage tank 18 into the water bath pipe 22 through the inlet, thus providing a constant-temperature water bath for the zebrafish embryos in the incubator 3. This ensures the stability of the zebrafish embryos' development. The collection tank 23 collects the water flowing out of the water bath pipe 22, facilitating subsequent secondary heating or other treatments. The guide teeth promote the flow of water within the storage tank 18, allowing the water to quickly enter the water bath pipe 22 through the inlet under the drive of the fan blade 4. This reduces the risk of temperature drops due to slow water flow, thereby maintaining a stable temperature within the incubator 3 and promoting the growth and development of the zebrafish embryos.

[0054] The present invention uses a sliding block 14 and a triangular wheel 15 to make the moving plate 12 move back and forth in a figure-eight shape, thereby driving the incubator 3 to move back and forth in a figure-eight shape, which improves the light uniformity of zebrafish embryos in the incubator 3, reduces the possibility of zebrafish embryos being damaged by light, and improves the survival rate of embryos.

[0055] Embodiment 2: An experimental zebrafish embryo incubation device. In this embodiment, in order to make the illumination of zebrafish embryos uniform, a new connection method is provided. In this embodiment, the power output end of the moving component is connected to the illumination component, and the illumination component is moved to provide uniform illumination intensity for zebrafish embryos in different regions.

[0056] Specifically, a "factory" - shaped connecting plate is fixedly connected to the moving plate 12, and the illumination component is installed on the connecting plate, as Figure 5 shown.

[0057] It should be clear that whether the connection method of Embodiment 1 is adopted or the connection method of this embodiment is adopted, zebrafish embryos at different positions in the incubator 3 can receive uniform illumination intensity, and such connection methods are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0058] Obviously, the above - mentioned embodiments are merely examples given for clear illustration and are not limitations on the implementation manners. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to list all the implementation manners here. And the obvious changes or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An experimental zebrafish embryo incubation device, comprising a box (1), a box door (2) detachably connected to one side of the box (1), a water inlet on the top of the box (1), and an L-shaped partition (17) fixedly connected inside the box (1) to divide the box (1) into an incubation chamber and an operating chamber, characterized in that, The incubation chamber is equipped with an incubation component for incubating zebrafish embryos, a lighting component for providing uniform light to the zebrafish embryos, and a moving component; The operating chamber is equipped with a drive component for driving the moving components, an air supply component for supplying oxygen to the zebrafish embryos, a storage component for storing water, a water supply component for introducing water into the incubation component, and a thermostat component for keeping the water at a constant temperature.

2. The experimental zebrafish embryo incubation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a drive component and a controller. The controller is used to control the operation of the drive component. The drive component is fixedly connected to the partition plate (17). The output shaft of the drive component passes through the partition plate (17) and is fixedly connected to a first gear (10). The first gear (10) meshes with a second gear (13). The first gear (10) and the second gear (13) are both rotatably engaged with the bottom of the partition plate (17). The first gear (10) is coaxially fixedly connected to a rotating rod at one end away from the partition plate (17), and a sliding block (14) is fixedly connected to the other end of the rotating rod away from the first gear (10). The sliding block (14) is in sliding engagement with the moving component. The second gear (13) is eccentrically fixed to a triangular wheel (15) at the end away from the partition plate (17), and all three sides of the triangular wheel (15) are in contact with the moving component.

3. The experimental zebrafish embryo incubation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The incubation component includes an incubator (3), a water bath pipe (22) is fixedly connected inside the incubator (3), and an inlet and an outlet are opened on the water bath pipe (22). The inlet is connected to the storage component, and the outlet is connected to the collection component. The collection component includes a collection box (23), which is connected to the outlet.

4. The experimental zebrafish embryo incubation device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The storage component includes a storage tank (18), which is fixedly connected to the top of the partition plate (17). The water inlet and the water outlet are both connected to the storage tank (18).

5. The experimental zebrafish embryo incubation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water supply assembly includes a rotating column (5), which is coaxially fixedly connected to the second gear (13). The end of the rotating column (5) away from the second gear (13) extends through the partition plate (17) and the storage tank (18) into the interior of the storage tank (18). A fan blade (4) is fixedly connected to the rotating column (5) circumferentially, and a guide tooth is fixedly connected to the edge of the fan blade (4).

6. The experimental zebrafish embryo incubation device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The air supply assembly includes a rotating disk (7), which is coaxially and fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive unit at the end away from the first gear (10). A push rod (8) is eccentrically hinged on the rotating disk (7). A piston cylinder (9) is fixedly connected inside the housing (1). An air inlet and an air outlet are opened on the piston cylinder (9). A one-way valve is connected to both the air inlet and the air outlet. The air outlet is connected to the incubator (3). A piston head (20) is slidably fitted inside the piston cylinder (9). The end of the piston head (20) away from the air inlet is hinged to the push rod (8).

7. The experimental zebrafish embryo incubation device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The constant temperature component includes a heating wire (19) and a temperature sensor (21), both of which are fixedly connected inside the storage box (18); The controller is used to control the opening and closing of the heating wire (19) and to receive temperature data monitored by the temperature sensor (21).

8. The experimental zebrafish embryo incubation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lighting assembly includes a fluorescent lamp (16), which is fixedly connected to the top wall inside the housing (1). The controller is used to control the opening and closing of the fluorescent lamp (16).

9. The experimental zebrafish embryo incubation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable component includes a triangular plate (11), one end of which is hinged to the bottom of the partition plate (17). A groove is provided on the triangular plate (11), and a sliding block (14) is located in the groove and slides in cooperation with the groove. A movable plate (12) is hinged to the side of the triangular plate (11) away from the partition plate (17). A rectangular groove is opened on the movable plate (12), and the three sides of the triangular wheel (15) are in contact with the inner wall of the rectangular groove. The movable plate (12) slides with the bottom wall of the box (1).

10. The experimental zebrafish embryo incubation device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The end of the movable plate (12) away from the triangular plate (11) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the incubator (3).

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