Automatic sheep blood sample collecting device

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic sheep blood sample collecting device, and relates to the technical field of livestock breeding, the automatic sheep blood sample collecting device comprises a blood collecting box and a blood collecting arm, a rotating frame with a mounting groove is arranged in the blood collecting box, and the rotating frame is used for bearing blood collecting tubes; the blood sampling arm comprises a fixing frame and a plurality of hinge frames, the fixing frame is provided with a second circulating belt and a second clamping block, the hinge frames are provided with a first circulating belt and a first clamping block, and the first telescopic rod, the second telescopic rod and the positioning clamp are matched to clamp and move a blood sampling needle; the opening of the top plate corresponds to the blood collection tube and is matched with an infrared positioning sensor and a control system for precise regulation. The device can automatically complete blood taking needle feeding, puncturing, blood taking, sample collecting and continuous operation, manual intervention is not needed, the blood taking efficiency and accuracy are improved, the sample integrity and operation safety are guaranteed, and the device is suitable for large-scale sheep blood collecting scenes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of animal husbandry technology, and in particular to an automated sheep blood sample collection device. Background Technology

[0002] In sheep farming health monitoring, bio-breeding, and scientific research, sheep blood sample collection is a crucial preliminary step. The collection process includes manually securing the sheep, puncturing the blood with a needle and collecting blood through a blood collection tube, manually marking the blood collection tube with an ear tag or sample number, and placing the blood collection tube in its place. Currently, traditional collection methods rely mainly on manual operation, which has many shortcomings.

[0003] First, the standardized operation of manual blood collection relies heavily on the experience of the staff. Precise control of blood collection speed and dosage is difficult, leading to problems such as insufficient blood volume and confusion in blood collection tube markings, affecting sample integrity and the reliability of subsequent testing. Second, for large-scale farming scenarios or batch sample collection needs, manual blood collection is extremely inefficient, failing to meet the requirements for efficient and large-scale collection, thus hindering the advancement of farming management and scientific research. Third, for frontline blood collection personnel, close contact with sheep and the risk of accidental infection from blood collection needles during the process, especially if the sheep have zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis, poses a greater threat to the health and safety of the blood collection personnel.

[0004] To address the drawbacks of manual blood collection, related fields have begun exploring automated blood collection equipment. However, existing automated blood collection equipment is mostly designed for humans or small laboratory animals, making it difficult to adapt to the body size characteristics and blood collection needs of sheep. Furthermore, it generally suffers from problems such as inconvenient blood collection tube load-bearing and switching, and poor flexibility of blood collection arm movement, making it impossible to stably and efficiently complete the automated collection of sheep blood samples.

[0005] Therefore, this invention proposes an automated sheep blood sample collection device that can adapt to the needs of sheep blood collection, has precise positioning, high efficiency and safety, and has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in the current animal husbandry and scientific research fields. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to address the deficiencies in the existing technology by proposing an automated sheep blood sample collection device.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An automated sheep blood sample collection device includes a blood collection box and a blood collection arm. The blood collection box is provided with a top plate and a rotating frame inside. The rotating frame has an installation groove for supporting the blood collection tube. The blood collection arm includes a fixed frame and a hinged frame. The fixed frame is fixedly connected to the top plate. A second circulation belt is provided on the fixed frame. A plurality of second locking blocks are provided on the second circulation belt. The second locking blocks are used to lock the needle hub of the blood collection needle. A second telescopic rod is provided on one side of the second circulation belt. A second positioning clamp is provided at the end of the second telescopic rod. The second positioning clamp is used to hold the needle hub. An opening is provided on the top plate. The opening is located below the second positioning clamp. The hinge frame consists of multiple sets, which are hinged sequentially. The hinge frame at the tail end is hinged to the fixed frame. The hinge frame at the head end is provided with a first circulating belt. The first circulating belt is provided with several first locking blocks. The first locking blocks are used to lock the needle handle of the blood collection needle. The first locking blocks are correspondingly provided with the second locking blocks. A first telescopic rod is provided on one side of the first circulating belt. A first positioning clamp is provided at the end of the first telescopic rod. The first positioning clamp is used to hold the needle handle. The needle handle is connected to the tailstock through the needle tube.

[0008] Furthermore, a rotary motor is fixedly connected inside the blood collection box, and the rotating frame is located at the output end of the rotary motor. The rotating frame has a circular structure, and the blood collection tube is inserted into the rotating frame.

[0009] Furthermore, the mounting groove is a through groove, and the height of the mounting groove is less than the length of the blood collection tube; a support block is provided at the bottom of the blood collection box, the upper end of the support block has an arc-shaped structure, and the support block is located directly below the opening.

[0010] Furthermore, a second extension frame is fixedly connected to the fixed frame, the fixed end of the second telescopic rod is fixedly connected to the second extension frame, and the second positioning clamp is fixedly connected to the free end of the second telescopic rod.

[0011] Furthermore, both the first and second positioning clamps are pneumatic gripper structures, including two symmetrically arranged clamping petals, a miniature cylinder for driving the clamping petals to open and close, and a return spring sleeved on the outside of the clamping petals; the inner side of the clamping end of each clamping petal is provided with an anti-slip rubber pad, and the surface of the anti-slip rubber pad is provided with several anti-slip patterns, which extend along the clamping direction of the positioning clamp.

[0012] Furthermore, the control system includes a main controller, a position detection module electrically connected to the main controller, and a touch display module; the position detection module includes an angle sensor installed at the hinge of the articulated frame and a displacement sensor installed on the first and second telescopic rods, for real-time feedback of the blood collection arm posture and the telescopic rod extension amount; the touch display module is embedded in the outer wall of the blood collection box for parameter setting and working status display.

[0013] Furthermore, both the first and second circulating belts are driven by a drive motor, which is fixedly connected to the corresponding hinge frame or fixed frame. The drive motor, the first telescopic rod, and the second telescopic rod are all electrically connected to the main controller.

[0014] Furthermore, a third circulation belt is provided on the hinge frame between the fixing frame and the tail hinge frame, and a plurality of third locking blocks are provided on the third circulation belt. The third locking blocks are used to lock the needle tube of the blood collection needle.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a positioning base, on which an infrared positioning sensor is fixedly connected. The positioning base has a through hole located on one side of the infrared positioning sensor, and the through hole is for the needle tip of the blood collection needle to pass through.

[0016] Furthermore, the rotating frame is also equipped with a sample label printing component, which is used to affix labels to the test tubes after blood collection.

[0017] Beneficial effects

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: High degree of automation: Through the control system, the drive motor, telescopic rod, positioning clamp and other components work together to complete the entire process of blood collection needle loading, positioning, puncture, blood collection, sample collection and recycling. No human intervention is required in the core blood collection process, which greatly improves blood collection efficiency and meets the large-scale blood collection needs of large-scale breeding scenarios.

[0019] Accurate and reliable blood collection: Infrared positioning sensors enable precise positioning of the blood collection site, the position detection module provides real-time feedback of device operation data, and the main controller precisely controls the posture of the blood collection arm and the extension and retraction of the telescopic rod, ensuring the accuracy of puncture position, depth, and blood collection tube connection, thereby improving sample integrity and blood collection success rate.

[0020] Safe and controllable operation: The automated process reduces direct contact between staff and sheep and blood collection needles, avoiding the risk of needle pricks caused by sheep agitation, while also reducing the risk of biological contamination; the touch display module monitors the device's operating status in real time, facilitating timely detection and handling of faults and improving safety.

[0021] High degree of standardization: Blood collection parameters are uniformly controlled through preset programs to ensure consistent blood collection conditions for each sample, avoiding the randomness of manual operation, ensuring sample homogeneity, and providing support for the accuracy of subsequent test results.

[0022] Stable and durable structure: The various locking blocks work together to achieve all-round fixation of the blood collection needle to the needle handle, needle hub, and needle tube, ensuring the stability of the blood collection needle during movement and puncture; the rotating frame and support block cooperate to ensure that the blood collection tube is placed firmly. The overall structure of the device is reasonably designed and operates reliably. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an automated sheep blood sample collection device.

[0025] Figure 2 This is an enlarged structural diagram of part A.

[0026] Figure 3 This is an enlarged structural diagram of part B.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a blood collection box.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure for the third circulation belt.

[0029] In the diagram: 1. Top plate; 2. Fixing frame; 3. Hinge frame; 4. Blood collection box; 5. First extension frame; 6. First telescopic rod; 7. First positioning clamp; 8. First locking block; 9. First circulation belt; 10. Infrared positioning sensor; 11. Second telescopic rod; 12. Second locking block; 13. Second positioning clamp; 14. Second circulation belt. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0032] Reference Figures 1-4An automated sheep blood sample collection device includes a blood collection box 4 and a blood collection arm. The blood collection box 4 has a top plate 1 and a rotating frame inside, with a mounting groove for holding blood collection tubes. The blood collection arm includes a fixed frame 2 and a hinged frame 3. The fixed frame 2 is fixedly connected to the top plate 1. A second circulation belt 14 is provided on the fixed frame 2, and several second locking blocks 12 are provided on the second circulation belt 14 for engaging the needle holder of the blood collection needle. A second telescopic rod 11 is provided on one side of the second circulation belt 14, and a second positioning clamp 13 is provided at the end of the second telescopic rod 11. Clamp 13 is used to hold the needle hub; the top plate 1 is provided with an opening located below the second positioning clamp 13; there are multiple sets of hinge frames 3, which are hinged in sequence, with the tail end hinge frame 3 hinged to the fixed frame 2, and the head end hinge frame 3 is provided with a first circulation belt 9, and the first circulation belt 9 is provided with several first locking blocks 8, which are used to lock the needle handle of the blood collection needle, and the first locking blocks 8 are correspondingly provided with the second locking blocks 12; a first telescopic rod 6 is provided on one side of the first circulation belt 9, and a first positioning clamp 7 is provided at the end of the first telescopic rod 6, which is used to hold the needle handle, and the needle handle is connected to the needle hub through the needle tube.

[0033] The automatic feeding and conveying of blood collection needles is achieved through the cooperation of the first circulating belt 9, the second circulating belt 14, the first clamping block 8, and the second clamping block 12. Combined with the coordinated action of the first telescopic rod 6, the second telescopic rod 11, the first positioning clamp 7, and the second positioning clamp 13, the precise clamping, movement, and puncture of the blood collection needles are accomplished. The rotating frame inside the blood collection box 4, with its mounting slot, can hold blood collection tubes in batches. Combined with the rotary motor drive, it enables continuous collection of multiple samples, eliminating the need for frequent manual replacement of blood collection tubes and manipulation of blood collection needles. This effectively adapts to large-scale sheep blood collection scenarios and solves the problem of low efficiency in traditional manual collection. Multiple sets of hinged frames 3 are sequentially hinged, allowing for flexible adjustment of the overall posture of the blood collection arm to suit the blood collection needs of sheep of different sizes. The infrared positioning sensor 10 can accurately detect the blood collection site of the sheep.

[0034] In other preferred embodiments, a rotary motor is fixedly connected inside the blood collection box 4, and a rotating frame is disposed at the output end of the rotary motor. The rotating frame is a ring or cylindrical structure, and the blood collection tube is inserted into the rotating frame.

[0035] During use, the rotary motor drives the rotating frame to rotate intermittently, causing the blood collection tubes in the mounting slot to move sequentially to directly below the opening of the top plate 1, enabling continuous blood collection operations without the need for frequent manual replacement of blood collection tubes. This is especially suitable for large-scale sheep farms with batch blood collection scenarios. The circular structure of the rotating frame distributes the force evenly, effectively preventing the blood collection tubes from shifting or tipping over during rotation, thus ensuring the stability of blood collection tube delivery.

[0036] In other preferred embodiments, the mounting groove is a through groove, and the height of the mounting groove is less than the length of the blood collection tube; a support block is provided at the bottom of the blood collection box 4, the upper end of the support block is an arc-shaped structure, and the support block is located directly below the opening.

[0037] The height design of the mounting slot can limit the bottom of the blood collection tube to prevent it from shaking, and also allow the top of the blood collection tube to be close to the opening. The arc-shaped support block can lift the blood collection tube through the transition of its edge, so that the top of the blood collection tube is close to the opening.

[0038] In other preferred embodiments, a second extension frame is fixedly connected to the fixing frame 2, the fixed end of the second telescopic rod 11 is fixedly connected to the second extension frame, and the second positioning clamp 13 is fixedly connected to the free end of the second telescopic rod 11. The second extension frame provides a stable mounting fulcrum for the second telescopic rod 11, making the extension and retraction of the second telescopic rod 11 smoother, thereby ensuring the positional accuracy of the second positioning clamp 13 when holding the needle holder, ensuring that the blood collection needle can accurately pass through the opening and be inserted into the blood collection tube below, and improving the reliability of blood collection.

[0039] In other preferred embodiments, the first positioning clamp 7 and the second positioning clamp 13 are both pneumatic gripper structures, including two symmetrically arranged clamping petals, a miniature cylinder for driving the clamping petals to open and close, and a return spring sleeved on the outside of the clamping petals; the inner side of the clamping end of each clamping petal is provided with an anti-slip rubber pad, and the surface of the anti-slip rubber pad is provided with several anti-slip patterns, which extend along the clamping direction of the positioning clamp.

[0040] The miniature cylinder drives the clamping valve to open and close, and the clamping force is controllable and can be flexibly adjusted according to the specifications of the blood collection needle, avoiding the blood collection needle from falling off due to excessive looseness or being damaged due to excessive tightness; the return spring can quickly drive the clamping valve to return to its original position when the miniature cylinder is depressurized, improving the response speed of the clamping action; the anti-slip rubber pad and anti-slip texture can increase the friction between the clamping valve and the blood collection needle, effectively preventing the blood collection needle from slipping during movement and puncture, and ensuring the stable blood collection process.

[0041] In other preferred embodiments, a control system is also included. The control system includes a main controller, a position detection module electrically connected to the main controller, and a touch display module. The position detection module includes an angle sensor installed at the hinge of the hinge frame 3 and a displacement sensor installed on the first and second telescopic rods 6 and 11, for real-time feedback of the blood collection arm posture and the telescopic rod extension amount. The touch display module is embedded in the outer wall of the blood collection box 4 for parameter setting and working status display.

[0042] An angle sensor detects the included angle between the three articulated frames in real time, and a displacement sensor detects the extension and retraction length of the telescopic rod. The main controller accurately calculates the real-time position of the blood collection needle based on these data and compares it with the preset position, adjusting the drive motor and telescopic rod movements in a timely manner to achieve precise positioning of the blood collection needle. Staff can easily set parameters such as blood collection volume, puncture depth, and blood collection speed through the touch display module, and at the same time view information such as blood collection progress, number of samples collected, device operating status, and fault prompts in real time. The operation is intuitive and simple, reducing the difficulty of use.

[0043] Specifically, the first circulating belt 9 and the second circulating belt 14 are both driven by a drive motor. The drive motor is fixedly connected to the corresponding hinge frame 3 or fixed frame 2. The drive motor, the first telescopic rod 6 and the second telescopic rod 11 are all electrically connected to the main controller.

[0044] The main controller controls the drive motor to rotate, which in turn drives the first and second circulation belts 9 and 14 to rotate. This causes the first and second clamping blocks 8 and 12 to move the blood collection needle to the clamping position, thus achieving automatic feeding of the blood collection needle. After blood collection is completed, the drive motor continues to rotate, driving the blood collection needle of the next station to move to the clamping position. At the same time, the main controller coordinates the actions of the drive motor and the telescopic rod to ensure that all components work together and that the blood collection process is smooth.

[0045] In other preferred embodiments, a third circulating belt is provided on the hinge frame 3 between the fixing frame 2 and the tail hinge frame 3. The third circulating belt has several third locking blocks, which are used to engage the needle tube of the blood collection needle. The third locking blocks provide intermediate support for the needle tube, preventing it from bending or deforming due to its long length, ensuring the straightness of the blood collection needle, and preventing the needle tubes from tangling. The third circulating belt moves synchronously with the first and second circulating belts 9 and 14, ensuring uniform force distribution and enhanced stability during the movement of the blood collection needle.

[0046] In other preferred embodiments, a positioning base is also included, on which an infrared positioning sensor 10 is fixedly connected. The positioning base has a through hole located on one side of the infrared positioning sensor 10, through which the needle tip of the blood collection needle passes. The infrared positioning sensor 10 emits infrared light to detect the blood collection site on the sheep and transmits the position signal to the main controller. The main controller controls the articulated frame 3 to adjust the posture of the blood collection arm, aligning the needle tip with the through hole and accurately puncturing the blood collection site, effectively avoiding puncture position deviation, improving the blood collection success rate, and reducing injury to the sheep.

[0047] In other preferred embodiments, the rotating frame is also provided with a sample label printing component, which is used to affix labels to the test tubes after blood collection.

[0048] Working principle and usage process of this invention: Before use, staff insert multiple blood collection tubes into the mounting slots of the rotating frame and install the blood collection needles into the corresponding slots. They then set parameters such as blood collection volume, puncture depth, and blood collection speed using the touch display module, fix the sheep next to the blood collection device, and drive the blood collection arm to align the blood collection site with the through hole of the positioning seat.

[0049] After the device is started, the main controller controls the rotary motor to rotate, which drives the rotating frame to rotate, causing one of the blood collection tubes to move directly below the opening. The support block lifts the blood collection tube at the opening position and supports the bottom of the blood collection tube. At the same time, the main controller controls the drive motors of the first and second circulation belts 9 and 14 to rotate, which drives the blood collection needles on the first and second clamping blocks 8 and 12 to move to the clamping position. The first and second telescopic rods 6 and 11 extend, driving the first and second positioning clamps 7 and 13 to close, respectively clamping the needle handle and needle seat of the blood collection needle, thus fixing both ends of the blood collection needle.

[0050] Subsequently, the infrared positioning sensor 10 detects the accurate position of the blood collection site on the sheep and feeds the signal back to the main controller. The main controller controls the articulated frame 3 to adjust the posture of the blood collection arm according to the position signal, so that the blood collection needle tip is aligned with the through hole. The position detection module provides real-time feedback on the posture of the blood collection arm and the extension and retraction of the telescopic rod. The main controller adjusts the extension and retraction lengths of the first and second telescopic rods 6 and 11, driving the blood collection needle to pass through the through hole for puncture. At the same time, the main controller controls the second telescopic rod 11 to extend downward, driving the blood collection needle seat to pass through the opening of the top plate 1 and insert into the blood collection tube below, injecting the blood sample into the blood collection tube. After the injection is completed, the first and second positioning clamps 7 and 13 retain the clamping device, the first and second telescopic rods 6 and 11 reset, and drive the two ends of the blood collection needle to move to the original position of the locking block. Then the first and second positioning clamps 7 and 13 open. Finally, the rotary motor drives the rotating frame to rotate, moving the next empty blood collection tube directly below the opening. The first and second circulation belts 9 and 14 run, driving the locking block to move, preparing for the next blood collection.

[0051] The entire blood collection process requires no manual intervention, achieving automated and continuous collection. Staff only need to monitor the device's working status through the touch display module, and turn off the device and remove the blood collection tube after collection is complete.

[0052] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated sheep blood sample collection device, characterized in that, The device includes a blood collection box and a blood collection arm. The blood collection box has a top plate and a rotating frame inside. The rotating frame has an installation slot for supporting the blood collection tube. The blood collection arm includes a fixed frame and a hinged frame. The fixed frame is fixedly connected to the top plate. A second circulation belt is provided on the fixed frame. A plurality of second locking blocks are provided on the second circulation belt. The second locking blocks are used to lock the needle hub of the blood collection needle. A second telescopic rod is provided on one side of the second circulation belt. A second positioning clamp is provided at the end of the second telescopic rod. The second positioning clamp is used to hold the needle hub. An opening is provided on the top plate. The opening is located below the second positioning clamp. The hinge frame consists of multiple sets, which are hinged sequentially. The hinge frame at the tail end is hinged to the fixed frame. The hinge frame at the head end is provided with a first circulating belt. The first circulating belt is provided with several first locking blocks. The first locking blocks are used to lock the needle handle of the blood collection needle. The first locking blocks are correspondingly provided with the second locking blocks. A first telescopic rod is provided on one side of the first circulating belt. A first positioning clamp is provided at the end of the first telescopic rod. The first positioning clamp is used to hold the needle handle. The needle handle is connected to the tailstock through the needle tube.

2. The automated sheep blood sample collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A rotary motor is fixedly connected inside the blood collection box. The rotating frame is located at the output end of the rotary motor and has a circular structure. The blood collection tube is inserted into the rotating frame.

3. The automated sheep blood sample collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting groove is a through groove, and the height of the mounting groove is less than the length of the blood collection tube; a support block is provided at the bottom of the blood collection box, the upper end of the support block has an arc-shaped structure, and the support block is located directly below the opening.

4. The automated sheep blood sample collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second extension frame is fixedly connected to the fixed frame, the fixed end of the second telescopic rod is fixedly connected to the second extension frame, and the second positioning clamp is fixedly connected to the free end of the second telescopic rod.

5. The automated sheep blood sample collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first and second positioning clamps are pneumatic gripper structures, including two symmetrically arranged clamping petals, a miniature cylinder for driving the clamping petals to open and close, and a return spring sleeved on the outside of the clamping petals; the inner side of the clamping end of each clamping petal is provided with an anti-slip rubber pad, and the surface of the anti-slip rubber pad is provided with several anti-slip patterns, which extend along the clamping direction of the positioning clamp.

6. The automated sheep blood sample collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control system includes a main controller, a position detection module electrically connected to the main controller, and a touch display module. The position detection module includes an angle sensor installed at the hinge of the articulated frame and a displacement sensor installed on the first and second telescopic rods, which are used to provide real-time feedback on the posture of the blood collection arm and the extension and retraction of the telescopic rods. The touch display module is embedded in the outer wall of the blood collection box and is used for parameter setting and working status display.

7. The automated sheep blood sample collection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Both the first and second circulating belts are driven by a drive motor, which is fixedly connected to the corresponding hinge frame or fixed frame. The drive motor, the first telescopic rod, and the second telescopic rod are all electrically connected to the main controller.

8. The automated sheep blood sample collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A third circulation belt is provided on the hinge frame between the fixed frame and the tail hinge frame, and a number of third locking blocks are provided on the third circulation belt. The third locking blocks are used to lock the needle tube of the blood collection needle.

9. The automated sheep blood sample collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a positioning base, on which an infrared positioning sensor is fixedly connected. The positioning base has a through hole located on one side of the infrared positioning sensor, and the through hole is for the needle tip of the blood collection needle to pass through.

10. The automated sheep blood sample collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating frame is also equipped with a sample label printing component, which is used to affix labels to the test tubes after blood collection.

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