A liquid supply device and a control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a liquid supply device and a control method thereof. The liquid supply device comprises a liquid supply mechanism, a drop nozzle, a protection tunnel, a sensing mechanism and a control mechanism. The liquid supply mechanism comprises a liquid storage bottle, a first pipeline and a peristaltic pump assembly. The first pipeline is connected with the liquid storage bottle and the peristaltic pump assembly at two ends respectively. The drop nozzle is connected with the peristaltic pump assembly. The drop nozzle is arranged at the deepest part of the protection tunnel. The protection tunnel only allows the tongue of an animal to extend in. The sensing mechanism comprises a first sensing assembly. The first sensing assembly is arranged in the protection tunnel and close to the drop nozzle. The control mechanism is connected with the sensing mechanism and the peristaltic pump assembly respectively. The liquid supply device blocks other parts of the experimental animal from contacting the drop nozzle from the structural level. The controller analyzes the first shielding signal, the signal characteristics and the second shielding signal. The double combination of the structural level and the control level realizes the high-confidence liquid supply control of once quantitative liquid supply only when the real licking behavior of the animal occurs. Therefore, the accuracy of the feeding experiment is improved significantly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of pharmacological research technology, and in particular to a liquid supply device and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid dispensing devices are widely used in laboratory animal and veterinary fields for liquid drug management, reward stimuli, aversive stimuli, and learning behavior assessment. By feeding laboratory animals ordinary water or solutions containing veterinary chemicals, and recording and analyzing their behavioral responses, it is an important tool for studying animal motivation, preferences, cognition, conditioned reflexes, and the effects of different veterinary chemicals on animals.

[0003] Currently used liquid supply devices typically consist of a storage bottle and a pipette, relying on gravity for automatic replenishment and using sensors mounted on the pipette to record the number of times the animal licks the liquid. However, this type of device has several significant limitations: When placing the storage bottle into the cage, a few drops of liquid (approximately 0.1 mL to 0.5 mL) often leak from the pipette due to shaking or changes in negative pressure inside the bottle. This liquid is lost before the animal drinks it, making it impossible for the experimenter to accurately determine the initial amount of solvent actually accessible to the animal, introducing an incalculable systematic error.

[0004] During the experiment, the animal's body, fur, or tail may accidentally bump or scratch the straw or accidentally trigger the sensor, resulting in non-drinking leakage of liquid (5% to 15%). This type of leakage is unrelated to the animal's active ingestion behavior, but it will still be included in the "total consumption" obtained by weighing, resulting in a large error and seriously distorting the true intake data.

[0005] Traditional methods can only obtain the total consumption over the entire experimental period by weighing, but cannot capture the micro-behavioral characteristics of animal licking, such as the number of licks, the interval time, and the burst pattern. However, these details are key indicators reflecting the intensity of animal motivation and perceptual state, drug response, behavioral inhibition, or stimulus effect, and are of great significance to neurological and pharmacological research. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application aims to address at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. This application provides a liquid supply device and its control method, which can effectively eliminate non-licking interference, accurately identify the effective licking behavior of experimental animals, and significantly improve the accuracy of liquid supply.

[0007] The liquid supply device according to the first aspect of this application includes: A liquid supply mechanism, comprising a liquid storage bottle, a first pipeline, and a peristaltic pump assembly, wherein the two ends of the first pipeline are respectively connected to the liquid storage bottle and the peristaltic pump assembly; A dropper nozzle, which is connected to the output end of the peristaltic pump assembly; A protective tunnel is provided at one end, and the dropper is located at the end of the protective tunnel away from the entrance; the inner dimensions of the protective tunnel are configured to allow only the tongue of the experimental animal to enter, while preventing other parts of the experimental animal's body from making non-licking contact with the dropper. The sensing mechanism includes a first sensing component, which is disposed between the inlet and the nozzle and close to the nozzle. The first sensing component is configured to detect the licking behavior of the experimental animal and output a corresponding detection signal. A control mechanism is provided, wherein the sensing mechanism and the peristaltic pump assembly are respectively connected to the control mechanism, and the control mechanism is configured to control the peristaltic pump assembly to supply a predetermined dose of solvent to the dropper within a predetermined time when the detection signal is received as valid licking.

[0008] The liquid supply device according to the embodiments of this application has at least the following beneficial effects: The liquid supply device of this application includes a liquid supply mechanism, a nozzle, a protective tunnel, a sensing mechanism, and a control mechanism. The liquid supply mechanism includes a storage bottle, a first pipeline, and a peristaltic pump assembly. The two ends of the first pipeline are connected to the storage bottle and the peristaltic pump assembly, respectively. The nozzle is connected to the output end of the peristaltic pump assembly. One end of the protective tunnel has an entrance for the experimental animal's tongue to enter. The nozzle is located at the end of the protective tunnel away from the entrance. The inner dimensions of the protective tunnel only allow the experimental animal's tongue to enter, restricting contact between the experimental animal's mouth, nose, head, or other body parts and the nozzle, thus enabling non-licking contact and physically screening the experimental animal's behavior at a structural level. The sensing mechanism includes a first sensing component, located within the protective tunnel, between the entrance and the nozzle, and close to the nozzle. This component detects the obstruction behavior caused by the experimental animal's tongue licking the nozzle and outputs a corresponding detection signal. The control mechanism is connected to both the sensing mechanism and the peristaltic pump assembly. When the experimental animal's tongue enters the protective tunnel and touches the dropper to lick, the tongue passes through the first sensing assembly located between the entrance and the dropper, thus blocking the first sensing assembly. After detecting this blockage, the first sensing assembly generates a corresponding detection signal and sends it to the control mechanism. Upon receiving the detection signal, the control mechanism controls the peristaltic pump assembly based on the determination result of the detection signal. When the determination result is valid licking, the control mechanism controls the peristaltic pump assembly to supply a predetermined dose of solvent to the dropper within a predetermined time. This ensures that the liquid supply device only drives the peristaltic pump assembly to supply liquid when valid licking behavior is detected, avoiding invalid solvent output when there is no licking behavior. The liquid supply device of this application restricts the size of the protective tunnel, allowing only the tongue of the experimental animal to enter. This structurally prevents other parts of the experimental animal's body from contacting the dropper. Combined with a first sensing component located near the dropper, it reduces liquid supply deviations caused by non-behavioral factors, making the detection signal more accurately reflect the animal's licking behavior. This improves the accuracy of liquid supply triggering and, consequently, enhances the reliability of animal behavioral evaluation, neuroscience research, and pharmacological effect analysis based on this liquid supply process.

[0009] According to some embodiments of this application, the width of the inner side of the protective tunnel is set to 3mm to 4mm, the height of the inner side of the protective tunnel is set to 5mm to 6mm, the distance between the nozzle and the inlet is set to 10mm to 15mm, and the distance between the first sensing component and the nozzle is set to 1mm to 2mm.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this application, the sensing mechanism further includes a second sensing component disposed outside the protective tunnel, the second sensing component being configured to detect non-licking body contact interference from experimental animals.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this application, the first sensing component includes a transmitting component and a receiving component, the transmitting component and the receiving component being respectively disposed on both sides of the inner wall of the protective tunnel.

[0012] According to a control method for a liquid supply device in a second aspect of this application, the control mechanism includes a controller, and the control method includes: The controller acquires the first detection signal output by the first sensing component and analyzes the first detection signal to determine whether it is a valid licking; When a valid lick is detected, the controller controls the peristaltic pump assembly to supply a predetermined dose of solvent to the dropper within a predetermined time.

[0013] According to some embodiments of this application, the controller acquires a first detection signal output by a first sensing component, and analyzes the first detection signal to determine whether it is a valid lick, including: The controller acquires a first detection signal output by the first sensing component, the first detection signal including a first occlusion signal, and analyzes the duration of the first occlusion signal to obtain a first result. When the duration of the first blocking signal is within 10ms to a preset time, the first result is effective licking; When the duration of the first blocking signal is less than 10ms or greater than the preset time, the first result is interference.

[0014] According to some embodiments of this application, the controller acquires a first detection signal output by a first sensing component, and analyzes the first detection signal to determine whether it is a valid lick, including: The first sensing component outputs a first occlusion signal, the second sensing component outputs a second occlusion signal, the controller acquires the first occlusion signal and the second occlusion signal, and analyzes the first occlusion signal and the second occlusion signal to obtain a second result; When the duration of the first occlusion signal is between 10ms and a preset time, and the duration of the second occlusion signal is equal to 0ms, the second result is effective licking; When the duration of the first blocking signal is within 10ms to a preset time, and the duration of the second blocking signal is greater than 0ms, the second result is interference. When the duration of the first blocking signal is 0 ms and the duration of the second blocking signal is greater than 0 ms, the second result is interference.

[0015] According to some embodiments of this application, the analysis of the first detection signal to determine whether it is valid licking includes: The first detection signal includes a first occlusion signal and signal characteristics. The controller analyzes the waveform characteristics of the first occlusion signal to obtain signal characteristics. The controller analyzes the first occlusion signal and signal characteristics to determine whether it is effective licking.

[0016] According to some embodiments of this application, the control mechanism further includes a storage device, and the control method further includes: The memory stores historical licking data. The controller obtains the standard licking pattern and abnormal licking pattern based on the historical licking data, and makes auxiliary judgments based on the historical licking pattern. The abnormal licking pattern is judged as interference.

[0017] According to some embodiments of this application, the control method further includes: Once a valid lick is confirmed, subsequent first detection signals are ignored for a preset minimum time interval to prevent a single licking behavior from triggering repeated fluid supply. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid supply device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Another structural diagram; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a protective tunnel, a nozzle, and a sensing mechanism according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 for Figure 3 Another structural diagram; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the nozzle and sensing mechanism according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 for Figure 5 A structural diagram from another angle.

[0019] Figure label: Liquid supply mechanism 1; liquid storage bottle 11; first pipeline 12; peristaltic pump assembly 13; second pipeline 14; Protective Tunnel 2; Entrance 21; Dropper 3; Sensing mechanism 4; first sensing component 41; transmitting component 411; receiving component 412; second sensing component 42. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0021] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the use of terms such as "center," "middle," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and does 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0022] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] The following reference Figures 1 to 6 The liquid supply device and its control method in the embodiments of this application are described.

[0024] according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a liquid supply device according to one embodiment of this application includes a liquid supply mechanism 1, a nozzle 3, a protective tunnel 2, a sensing mechanism 4, and a control mechanism (not shown).

[0025] The liquid supply mechanism 1 includes a storage bottle 11, a first pipeline 12, and a peristaltic pump assembly 13. The storage bottle 11 stores the supplied solvent, which can be water or a solvent containing veterinary chemicals. By adding different types or concentrations of veterinary chemicals to the solvent, a solvent with specific taste properties, such as bittering agents and sweeteners, can be formed. One end of the first pipeline 12 is connected to the output end of the storage bottle 11, and the other end is connected to the input end of the peristaltic pump assembly 13. The output end of the peristaltic pump assembly 13 is connected to a dropper nozzle 3, thereby pumping the solvent in the storage bottle 11 through the pipeline and the peristaltic pump assembly 13 to the dropper nozzle 3. The dropper nozzle 3 is used to release the solvent to a position where the experimental animal can lick it. The protective tunnel 2 has a hollow tubular structure, with an entrance 21 at one end for the experimental animal's tongue to enter. (Continue to the next section...) Figure 3 The dropper 3 is installed at the end of the protective tunnel 2 away from the entrance 21, i.e., the very end. The inner dimensions of the protective tunnel 2 are specially designed to allow only the tongue of the experimental animal to enter, while restricting the mouth, nose, head, or other parts of the experimental animal from contacting the dropper 3. This restricts other parts of the experimental animal from making non-licking contact with the dropper, thereby physically screening the behavior of the experimental animal at the structural level.

[0026] See also Figures 4 to 6 The sensing mechanism 4 includes a first sensing component 41, which is installed inside the protective tunnel 2. The first sensing component 41 is located between the entrance 21 and the dropper 3 and is positioned close to the dropper 3. It is used to detect the obstruction behavior of the experimental animal's tongue when licking the dropper 3 and output the corresponding detection signal.

[0027] The control mechanism is connected to the sensing mechanism 4 and the peristaltic pump assembly 13 respectively. The control mechanism is used to receive the detection signal output by the first sensing component 41 and control the peristaltic pump assembly 13 according to the judgment result of the detection signal.

[0028] When the liquid supply device is running, the experimental animal approaches the entrance 21 of the protective tunnel 2 and attempts to lick the dropper 3. Due to the size of the protective tunnel 2, the experimental animal can only insert its tongue inside the tunnel 2, while other parts of its body cannot contact the dropper 3. When the experimental animal's tongue enters the protective tunnel 2 and touches the dropper 3 to lick, the tongue passes through the first sensing component 41 located between the entrance 21 and the dropper 3, thus blocking the first sensing component 41. After detecting this blockage, the first sensing component 41 generates a corresponding detection signal and sends it to the control mechanism. After receiving the detection signal, the control mechanism analyzes the signal and obtains a judgment result. When the judgment result is valid licking, the control mechanism controls the peristaltic pump assembly 13 to supply a predetermined dose of solvent to the dropper 3 within a predetermined time. After the predetermined time, the control mechanism controls the peristaltic pump assembly 13 to stop running and re-enter the monitoring state.

[0029] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The liquid supply mechanism 1 also includes a second conduit 14, one end of which is connected to the output end of the peristaltic pump assembly 13, and the other end of which is connected to the input end of the dropper 3. The first conduit 12 uses a relatively thick flexible tube, with an inner diameter of 2mm to 3mm to reduce flow resistance. The second conduit 14 uses a thinner, more flexible tube, such as a PharMed BPT tube or a silicone tube, which has good elastic recovery and chemical compatibility. Setting the inner diameter to 0.5mm to 1mm ensures accurate dosage of the solvent supplied each time.

[0030] In some preferred embodiments, the peristaltic pump assembly 13 includes a stepper motor (not shown) and a miniature peristaltic pump (not shown), with the miniature peristaltic pump and the output of the stepper motor connected together. Each step angle of the motor corresponds to a precise solvent dosage, and micro-level dosage control can be achieved by controlling the number of pulses. The motor drives the alternating compression of the elastic second conduit 14 to pump the solvent forward. The solvent only contacts the inner wall of the second conduit 14. The miniature peristaltic pump has no valve structure and automatically seals after a predetermined time.

[0031] In some embodiments, the experimental animal is placed in an experimental cage (not shown), and the liquid supply device is fixedly installed on the outside of the experimental cage. The entrance 21 of the protective tunnel 2 is connected to the experimental cage. In some preferred embodiments, the liquid supply device is fixedly installed on the inside of the experimental cage, and the first pipeline 12 and the second pipeline 14 are both fixedly installed on the inner wall of the experimental cage by clamps (not shown), thereby avoiding errors caused by the experimental animal pulling or its own vibration, and further improving the accuracy of the experiment.

[0032] The liquid supply device of this application first establishes an active liquid supply mechanism triggered by the licking behavior of experimental animals through the linkage control between the first sensing component 41, the control mechanism, and the peristaltic pump component 13. Specifically, the control mechanism only drives the peristaltic pump component 13 to operate and supply solvent to the nozzle when the first sensing component 41 detects valid licking behavior that meets preset conditions. When no valid licking behavior is detected, the peristaltic pump component 13 is not driven, and the liquid supply pipeline remains closed, effectively avoiding passive leakage or unintended liquid supply caused by gravity, vibration, or accidental contact in non-licking situations, thus preventing ineffective solvent output. Simultaneously, the liquid supply device of this application restricts the size of the inner side of the protective tunnel 2, allowing only the tongue of the experimental animal to enter, structurally preventing other parts of the experimental animal's body from contacting the dropper 3, and physically reducing the impact of non-licking contact on the liquid supply behavior. By positioning the first sensing component 41 close to the nozzle 3, ensuring its detection area highly overlaps with the actual licking area, the output detection signal accurately reflects the actual licking behavior, improving the accuracy of liquid supply trigger judgment. Furthermore, the liquid supply device of this application precisely controls the running time of the peristaltic pump component 13 through a control mechanism, ensuring that the peristaltic pump component 13 operates within a predetermined time for each effective licking behavior, thereby supplying a predetermined dose of solvent to the nozzle 3, meeting the requirements for liquid supply accuracy and repeatability during experiments. Finally, since the liquid supply behavior is directly related to the actual licking behavior of the experimental animal, and the structure and control logic jointly suppress liquid supply triggering caused by non-licking behavior, the liquid supply deviation caused by non-licking behavioral factors (such as vibration, collision, etc.) is significantly reduced, making the experimental records more realistic and reliable. This improves the data accuracy and experimental credibility of behavioral feeding experiments, thereby enhancing the reliability of animal behavioral evaluation, neuroscience research, and pharmacological effect analysis based on this liquid supply process.

[0033] In some embodiments, the capacity of the reservoir bottle 11 is set to 20 ml to 50 ml, and it can be a transparent or amber glass bottle. Amber glass bottles are used to store special photosensitive solvents. The reservoir bottle 11 is equipped with a sealing cap (not shown) with a microporous filter. The sealing cap allows air exchange to balance pressure differences while preventing contaminants from entering the reservoir bottle 11. The reservoir bottle 11 is equipped with a standard Luer connector (not shown) and connects to the first conduit 12 through this connector for easy disassembly and cleaning.

[0034] In some embodiments, the dropper 3 is made of medical-grade PEEK or stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant and does not affect the taste of the solvent. Setting the inner diameter of the dropper 3 to 0.5 mm to 1 mm enables the formation of stable and consistent micro-droplets, ensuring the dosage accuracy of each solvent supply; at the same time, the tapered shape of the dropper 3 facilitates droplet aggregation and release; furthermore, setting the installation angle of the dropper 3 to a downward tilt of 15° to 30° allows gravity-assisted droplet separation and release from the dropper 3.

[0035] In some embodiments, the control mechanism includes interconnected controllers (not shown), memory (not shown), and human-computer interaction devices (not shown). The controllers include a host computer and a slave computer. The host computer includes a real-time monitoring interface, data management, analysis tools, and report generation. The real-time monitoring interface includes a graphical display of the time series of licking events and cumulative intake curves. Data management includes automatically creating experimental logs and integrating and summarizing data by date, animal number, and experimental type. Analysis tools include licking pattern analysis, preference index analysis, avoidance behavior quantification, and statistical analysis; licking pattern analysis includes identifying patterns such as standard licking, abnormal licking, and explosive licking; preference index analysis includes relative preference analysis based on intake; avoidance behavior quantification includes automatically identifying and quantifying avoidance responses; statistical analysis includes basic statistical tests and data visualization. Report generation includes automatically generating standard format experimental reports containing key indicators and charts. The slave computer includes a millisecond-level real-time clock module, a data buffer, a data packet structure, and local storage. The real-time clock module provides a precise time reference for each time period, ensuring time synchronization between different devices. The data buffer includes a 512-byte circular buffer to ensure no data loss during high-frequency events. The data packet structure consists of several packets, each containing fields such as timestamp, event type, cumulative volume, and interval. Local storage can be an SD card module to store data locally in the event of communication interruption. The human-machine interface provides a graphical user interface for parameter setting, experimental monitoring, data visualization (real-time display of licking curves and cumulative intake), and in-depth analysis (behavioral pattern analysis).

[0036] according to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, when the experimental animal is a laboratory mouse (with a tongue width of approximately 2mm to 3mm), the width 'a' of the inner side of the protective tunnel 2 is set to 3mm to 4mm to fit the mouse's tongue, allowing only the mouse's tongue to enter the protective tunnel 2, while restricting other body parts such as the mouse's nose and paws from entering the protective tunnel 2. See also... Figure 6 The height b of the inner side of the protective tunnel 2 is set to 5mm to 6mm to provide sufficient space for the up-and-down movement of the mouse's tongue, while restricting the entry of larger body parts. (See previous section) Figure 3The distance c between the dropper 3 and the inlet 21 is set to 10mm to 15mm, and the distance d between the first sensing component 41 and the dropper 3 is set to 1mm to 2mm. For the experimental mouse to contact the dropper 3, it must actively extend its tongue fully into the protective tunnel 2, allowing the tongue to move along the internal channel of the tunnel 2. During the tongue's movement towards the dropper 3, it first passes the first sensing component 41, which is positioned 1mm to 2mm away from the dropper 3. When the tongue approaches and contacts the dropper 3, its trajectory highly coincides with the position of the first sensing component 41, triggering it and ensuring reliable detection of the tongue's licking behavior.

[0037] This application first limits the inner width and height of the protective tunnel 2, ensuring that the tunnel is only sized to fit the tongue of the experimental mouse, thus structurally preventing other parts of the mouse's body from entering and reducing interference from non-licking behaviors. Secondly, by limiting the distances between the entrance 21, the first sensing component 41, and the dropper 3, this application prevents the experimental mouse from touching the dropper 3 without extending its tongue, thereby reducing interference from non-licking behaviors caused by brief approach, tentative movements, or close physical contact.

[0038] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the protective tunnel 2 is made of a smooth, chemically inert material (such as PEEK or 316 stainless steel) that is easy to clean and does not affect the properties of the solvent.

[0039] according to Figures 4 to 6 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the first sensing component 41 includes a transmitting component 411 and a receiving component 412. The transmitting component 411 and the receiving component 412 are respectively installed on both sides of the inner wall of the protective tunnel 2 and are arranged opposite to each other, so that the light beam emitted by the transmitting component 411 can pass through the protective tunnel 2 and be received by the receiving component 412.

[0040] In some embodiments, when the experimental animal is a mouse, the diameter of the light beam is 1 mm to 2 mm, thereby ensuring that the first sensing element can only be triggered when the tongue completely blocks the light beam, while hair or other parts will not trigger the first sensing element, thus preventing the first sensing element from being triggered falsely.

[0041] In some embodiments, the transmitting component 411 is configured as an infrared transmitting component 411, the receiving component 412 is configured as an infrared receiving component 412, and the light beam is an infrared light beam.

[0042] according to Figures 2 to 6As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the sensing mechanism 4 further includes a second sensing component 42. The second sensing component 42 is installed on the outside of the protective tunnel 2, specifically, in the direction close to the tunnel entrance 21. The second sensing component 42 is connected to the control mechanism. The second sensing component 42 is used to detect non-licking body contact interference from experimental animals. It can detect relevant behaviors in a timely manner when experimental animals make body contact, tentatively approach or collide with the protective tunnel 2, thereby avoiding misjudging such behaviors as effective licking.

[0043] When the first sensing component 41 is triggered and it is a valid lick, but the second sensing component 42 is not triggered, it is determined to be a valid lick with high confidence.

[0044] When the first sensing component 41 is triggered and the second sensing component 42 is triggered, it is determined to be interference from body contact.

[0045] When the first sensing component 41 is not triggered and the second sensing component 42 is triggered, it is determined to be interference from a body approaching but not extending into the protective tunnel 2.

[0046] The liquid supply device of this application forms a multi-level sensing detection through the spatial distribution of the first sensing component 41 and the second sensing component 42, which provides more judgment basis for distinguishing between effective licking and non-licking interference, thereby reducing the risk of false triggering and improving the reliability of the overall behavior detection results.

[0047] according to Figures 1 to 6 As shown, a control method for a liquid supply device according to an embodiment of this application can be applied to the liquid supply device of any of the above embodiments. The control mechanism includes a controller, and the control method includes the following steps: The S1 controller acquires the first detection signal output by the first sensing component 41 in real time, and analyzes the first detection signal to determine whether it is a valid lick.

[0048] When S2 determines that the licking is effective, the controller controls the peristaltic pump assembly 13 to start, and the peristaltic pump assembly 13 supplies a predetermined dose of solvent to the dropper 3 within a predetermined time.

[0049] When the peristaltic pump assembly 13 has run for the predetermined time, the controller stops the peristaltic pump assembly 13, completing one liquid supply cycle. After the liquid supply is completed, the controller returns to the monitoring state and continues to wait for the next effective licking behavior to occur.

[0050] In some embodiments, the predetermined time is set according to the actual situation, and the predetermined time is generally 80ms to 120ms, and the predetermined dose is 3. Up to 5 When the experimental animal is a mouse, the predetermined time is set to 100ms, with approximately 5 [units of something] delivered by a single pump. Solvent.

[0051] In some embodiments, the cumulative total dose is equal to the sum of all single predetermined doses. The control method further includes: when the cumulative total dose is greater than or equal to a predetermined target dose, the controller enters a locked state, stops responding to new licking signals, and sends a task completion signal.

[0052] In one embodiment of this application, the controller acquires a first detection signal output by a first sensing component, and analyzes the first detection signal to determine whether it is a valid lick, including: The first sensing component outputs a first occlusion signal, the second sensing component outputs a second occlusion signal, the controller acquires the first occlusion signal and the second occlusion signal, and analyzes the first occlusion signal and the second occlusion signal to obtain a second result; When the duration of the first occlusion signal is between 10ms and a preset time, and the duration of the second occlusion signal is equal to 0ms, the second result is effective licking; When the duration of the first blocking signal is within 10ms to a preset time, and the duration of the second blocking signal is greater than 0ms, the second result is interference. When the duration of the first blocking signal is 0 ms and the duration of the second blocking signal is greater than 0 ms, the second result is interference.

[0053] The preset time can be customized according to actual conditions. When the solvent is neutral water, the preset time is set to 80ms; when the solvent is a bittering agent, the preset time is set to 20ms.

[0054] Specifically, step S1 includes: The S1.1 controller acquires the first detection signal output by the first sensing component 41 in real time. The first detection signal includes a first occlusion signal, which is used to reflect the occlusion state of the experimental animal's tongue on the first sensing component 41.

[0055] The S1.2 controller analyzes the duration of the first blocking signal to obtain a first result, which includes effective licking and interference, wherein: When the duration of the first blocking signal is within the time range of 10ms to 80ms, the first result is effective licking.

[0056] When the duration of the first blocking signal is less than 10ms or greater than 80ms, the first result is interference.

[0057] Specifically, when the duration of the first occlusion signal is less than 10ms, the interference is instantaneous noise, such as dust drifting by or electrical burrs, and is considered a discard event, so the memory does not record it; when the duration of the first occlusion signal is greater than 80ms, the interference is due to physical contact or prolonged occlusion, and is marked as non-licking interference, so the memory records it.

[0058] The control method of the liquid supply device of this application determines short-term blocking with a blocking time of less than 10ms as interference, which is beneficial for filtering environmental noise or momentary contact; and determines long-term blocking with a blocking time of more than 80ms as interference, which is beneficial for eliminating non-licking behaviors such as body contact or staying.

[0059] In one embodiment of this application, step S1 includes: The first sensing component 41 outputs a first occlusion signal, and the second sensing component 42 outputs a second occlusion signal. The controller acquires the first occlusion signal and the second occlusion signal, and analyzes the first occlusion signal and the second occlusion signal to obtain a second result. When the duration of the first occlusion signal is between 10ms and a preset time, and the duration of the second occlusion signal is equal to 0ms, the second result is effective licking; When the duration of the first blocking signal is within 10ms to a preset time, and the duration of the second blocking signal is greater than 0ms, the second result is interference. When the duration of the first blocking signal is 0 ms and the duration of the second blocking signal is greater than 0 ms, the second result is interference.

[0060] Specifically, step S1 includes: S1.1 The first sensing component 41 outputs a first occlusion signal, and the second sensing component 42 outputs a second occlusion signal. The controller acquires the first occlusion signal and the second occlusion signal. The first occlusion signal is used to reflect the occlusion status of the inner area of ​​the protective tunnel 2, and the second occlusion signal is used to reflect the occlusion status of the outer area of ​​the protective tunnel 2.

[0061] The S1.2 controller analyzes the duration of the first and second blocking signals to obtain a second result, which includes effective licking and interference, wherein: When the duration of the first blocking signal is between 10ms and 80ms (i.e., triggered), and the duration of the second blocking signal is equal to 0ms (i.e., not triggered), the second result is a valid lick.

[0062] When the duration of the first blocking signal is between 10ms and 80ms (i.e., triggering), and the duration of the second blocking signal is greater than 0ms (i.e., triggering), the second result is interference; this interference is interference caused by physical contact.

[0063] When the duration of the first blocking signal is 0ms (i.e., not triggered) and the duration of the second blocking signal is greater than 0ms (i.e., triggered), the second result is interference; this interference is interference caused by a body approaching but not extending into the protective tunnel 2.

[0064] The control method of the liquid supply device in this application provides more judgment basis for behavior recognition through the multi-sensor collaborative judgment of the first sensing component 41 and the second sensing component 42, so that the liquid supply device can still maintain stable and reliable behavior judgment capability in complex experimental environments.

[0065] In one embodiment of this application, analyzing the first detection signal to determine whether it is valid licking includes: The first detection signal includes a first occlusion signal and signal characteristics. The controller analyzes the waveform characteristics of the first occlusion signal to obtain signal characteristics. The controller analyzes the first occlusion signal and signal characteristics to determine whether it is effective licking.

[0066] Specifically, step S1 includes: The S1.1 controller acquires the first detection signal output by the first sensing component 41 in real time. The first detection signal includes a first occlusion signal, which is used to reflect the occlusion state of the experimental animal's tongue on the first sensing component 41.

[0067] The S1.2 controller analyzes the waveform characteristics of the first occlusion signal to obtain signal characteristics. These signal characteristics are used to characterize the changes in the first occlusion signal during the occlusion process. The signal characteristics include slope characteristics, signal stability, and waveform symmetry.

[0068] The S1.3 controller performs a comprehensive analysis of the first obstruction signal and signal characteristics to obtain a first result, which includes effective licking and interference, wherein: A. When the duration of the first blocking signal is within the time range of 10ms to 80ms, the first result is effective licking.

[0069] a. The controller obtains the rising / falling edge slope characteristics through differential calculation: When the slope is characterized as a steep edge, i.e., the slope is greater than 0.5V / ms, the first result is still effective licking.

[0070] When the slope is characterized as a slow change, i.e., the slope is less than 0.1V / ms, the first result is changed to interference.

[0071] b. The controller obtains signal stability characteristics through standard deviation analysis: When the standard deviation is low, it means that the tongue stably blocks the light beam, and the first result is still effective licking.

[0072] When the standard deviation is high, it indicates signal fluctuations caused by partial obstruction of the beam, and the first result is changed to interference.

[0073] c. The controller obtains waveform symmetry characteristics through correlation analysis: When the rising and falling edges are approximately symmetrical, the first result is still effective licking.

[0074] When represented as an asymmetric waveform, the first result is changed to interference.

[0075] B. When the duration of the first blocking signal is less than 10ms or greater than 80ms, the first result is interference.

[0076] or Step S1 includes: S1.1 The first sensing component 41 outputs a first occlusion signal, and the second sensing component 42 outputs a second occlusion signal. The controller acquires the first occlusion signal and the second occlusion signal in real time. The first occlusion signal is used to reflect the occlusion status of the inner area of ​​the protective tunnel 2, and the second occlusion signal is used to reflect the occlusion status of the outer area of ​​the protective tunnel 2.

[0077] The S1.2 controller analyzes the waveform characteristics of the first occlusion signal to obtain signal characteristics. These signal characteristics are used to characterize the changes in the first occlusion signal during the occlusion process. The signal characteristics include slope characteristics, signal stability, and waveform symmetry.

[0078] The S1.3 controller performs comprehensive analysis on the first occlusion signal, signal characteristics, and second occlusion signal to obtain a second result. The second result includes effective licking and interference, including: A. When the duration of the first blocking signal is within the time interval of 10ms to 80ms (i.e., the trigger time), the second result is a valid licking. Then proceed to step SA1.

[0079] The SA1 controller obtains the rising / falling edge slope characteristics through differential calculation: When the slope is characterized as a steep edge, i.e., the slope is greater than 0.5V / ms, the second result is still considered a valid lick. Then proceed to step SA2.

[0080] When the slope is characterized as a slow change, i.e., the slope is less than 0.1V / ms, the second result is changed to interference. The process returns to step S1.1.

[0081] The SA2 controller obtains signal stability characteristics through standard deviation analysis: When the standard deviation is low, it indicates that the tongue is stably blocking the light beam, and the second result is still considered effective licking. Then proceed to step SA3.

[0082] When the standard deviation is high, it indicates signal fluctuations caused by partial beam obstruction, and the second result is changed to interference. The process returns to step S1.1.

[0083] The SA3 controller obtains waveform symmetry characteristics through correlation analysis: When the rising and falling edges are approximately symmetrical, the second result is still considered a valid lick. Then proceed to step SA4.

[0084] When the waveform is characterized as asymmetric, the second result is changed to interference. The process returns to step S1.1.

[0085] SA4 determines the duration of the second blocking signal: When the duration of the second blocking signal is 0ms (i.e., not triggered), the second result is finally confirmed as a valid licking.

[0086] When the duration of the second blocking signal is greater than 0ms (i.e., triggered), the second result is interference. The process returns to step S1.1.

[0087] B. When the duration of the first blocking signal is less than 10ms or greater than 80ms, the second result is interference. The process returns to step S1.1.

[0088] C. When the duration of the first blocking signal is 0ms (i.e., not triggered), the second result is interference. The process returns to step S1.1.

[0089] In one embodiment of this application, the control mechanism further includes a storage device, and the control method further includes: The memory stores historical licking data. The controller obtains the standard licking pattern and abnormal licking pattern based on the historical licking data, and makes auxiliary judgments based on the historical licking pattern. The abnormal licking pattern is judged as interference.

[0090] Specifically, including: The memory stores historical licking data generated by laboratory animals during the use of the fluid supply device. This historical licking data includes detection data related to the animals' licking behavior. The controller reads the historical licking data from the memory and obtains standard and abnormal licking patterns based on this data. When comprehensively analyzing the first occlusion signal, the second occlusion signal, and / or signal characteristics, the controller incorporates the standard and abnormal licking patterns for auxiliary judgment. Behaviors conforming to abnormal licking patterns are identified as interference.

[0091] The control method of the liquid supply device in this application uses historical licking data to form a standard licking pattern, enabling the controller to adapt to individual differences and behavioral changes in experimental animals, thereby improving the adaptive ability of behavior recognition in long-term operation.

[0092] In some embodiments, the detection data related to the licking behavior of experimental animals include, for example: Event ID: 000123; Timestamp: 2026-01-01 00:00:00123456; Time type: Effective licking; Occlusion time: 35ms; Algorithm confidence level: 8.5 / 10; Total number of licks: 123; Cumulative dose administered: 0.615 mL; Interval with last supply: 210ms; Raw sensor values: [1023, 1021, ..., 125]; Ambient temperature: 24.5°C; System status: Normal.

[0093] In some embodiments, the feeding intervals between consecutive licks recorded in the memory are used by the controller to perform behavioral pattern analysis. In some embodiments, when the licking interval is between 100ms and 500ms, it is determined to be a normal licking interval (physiological licking rhythm); when it is triggered continuously and the interval is less than 50ms, it is determined to be an abnormal mode (interference such as mechanical vibration).

[0094] In one embodiment of this application, the control method further includes: Once a valid lick is confirmed, subsequent first detection signals are ignored for a preset minimum time interval to prevent a single licking behavior from triggering repeated fluid supply.

[0095] Specifically, including: Once the controller confirms a valid licking action, it generates a corresponding valid licking confirmation result. After a valid licking action is confirmed, the controller starts timing a preset minimum time interval. Within this minimum time interval, the controller will not process subsequent first detection signals for valid licking action; that is, it will ignore subsequent first detection signals. After the minimum time interval ends, the controller resumes normal detection and judgment of first detection signals, waiting for the next valid licking action to occur.

[0096] In some embodiments, the preset minimum time interval can be set to 200ms.

[0097] In some embodiments, the controller includes a 50ms anti-jitter timer, and the control method further includes dejitter processing. Dejitter processing includes: when the sensing mechanism 4 is triggered, the controller waits 50ms before detecting again to eliminate erroneous signals caused by mechanical vibration or transient interference. In some embodiments, within 50ms, the sampling frequency of the first sensing component 41 is 1kHz. If the signal returns to a high level within 50ms, it is determined to be transient interference (such as dust or electrical noise); if the signal remains at a low level for more than 50ms, it is determined to be effective obstruction, and the analysis proceeds to the next step. This dejitter processing can filter out more than 99% of transient interference, providing a clean signal source for subsequent accurate analysis.

[0098] In some embodiments, the control method further includes signal quality assessment. Signal quality assessment involves real-time calculation of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the signal from sensor 4, including: a reference noise level, signal strength, and quality judgment. The reference noise level is calculated by continuously sampling 1000 points during system idle time and calculating the root mean square value. The signal strength includes the amplitude of signal level changes during obstruction. The quality judgment includes determining a low-quality signal and marking it as a suspicious event when the SNR is less than 3.

[0099] The following is one of the specific embodiments of the liquid supply device and control method of this application: In the initial state: when the liquid supply device is in standby state, the liquid storage bottle 11 stores solvent; the peristaltic pump assembly 13 is in a stopped state; the controller is in real-time monitoring state, continuously collecting the detection signals of the first sensing component 41 and the second sensing component 42; the controller has a minimum time interval parameter set to prevent repeated triggering.

[0100] When the experimental animal approaches the liquid supply device and inserts its tongue to lick it: the tongue blocks the first sensing component 41, the first sensing component 41 is triggered, and the second sensing component 42 is not triggered.

[0101] S1.1 The first sensing component 41 outputs a first occlusion signal, and the second sensing component 42 outputs a second occlusion signal (0ms). The controller acquires the first occlusion signal and the second occlusion signal in real time.

[0102] The S1.2 controller analyzes the waveform characteristics of the first occlusion signal to obtain signal characteristics, including slope characteristics, signal stability, and waveform symmetry.

[0103] The S1.3 controller performs comprehensive analysis on the first occlusion signal, signal characteristics, and second occlusion signal to obtain a second result. The second result includes effective licking and interference, including: A. When the duration of the first blocking signal is within the time interval of 10ms to 80ms (i.e., the trigger time), the second result is a valid licking. Then proceed to step SA1.

[0104] The SA1 controller obtains the rising / falling edge slope characteristics through differential calculation: When the slope is characterized as a steep edge, i.e., the slope is greater than 0.5V / ms, the second result is still considered a valid lick. Then proceed to step SA2.

[0105] The SA2 controller obtains signal stability characteristics through standard deviation analysis: When the standard deviation is low, it indicates that the tongue is stably blocking the light beam, and the second result is still considered effective licking. Then proceed to step SA3.

[0106] The SA3 controller obtains waveform symmetry characteristics through correlation analysis: When the rising and falling edges are approximately symmetrical, the second result is still considered a valid lick. Then proceed to step SA4.

[0107] SA4 determines the duration of the second blocking signal: When the duration of the second blocking signal is 0ms (i.e., not triggered), the second result is finally confirmed as a valid licking.

[0108] While step S1.3 is being executed, the controller will make an auxiliary judgment by comparing the current licking behavior with historical standard licking data; if it does not meet the abnormal licking pattern, it will be confirmed as valid licking.

[0109] B. When the duration of the first blocking signal is less than 10ms or greater than 80ms, the second result is interference. The process returns to step S1.1.

[0110] When S2 determines that the licking is effective, the controller controls the peristaltic pump assembly 13 to start, and the peristaltic pump assembly 13 supplies a predetermined dose of solvent to the dropper 3 within a predetermined time.

[0111] When the peristaltic pump assembly 13 has run for the predetermined time, the controller stops the peristaltic pump assembly 13, completing one liquid supply cycle. After the liquid supply is completed, the controller returns to the monitoring state and continues to wait for the next effective licking behavior to occur.

[0112] In feeding experiments involving irritating veterinary chemicals with sweet or bitter tastes, the solvent stored in the reservoir 11 can be a solvent containing the corresponding drug ingredient, such as a sweetener (e.g., sweet sucrose solution) or a bitter agent (e.g., bitter quinine solution). In these experiments, the experimental animals typically exhibit a very brief licking (only 1 to 2 times) followed by avoidance. However, traditional dispensing devices cannot capture this rapid, minute behavioral response, nor can they provide a precise dose on the first lick and immediately begin recording the animal's avoidance behavior, thus limiting the accurate assessment of the effects of irritating veterinary chemicals.

[0113] Therefore, in some preferred embodiments, the sampling frequency of the first sensing component 41 is set to 1 kHz to ensure that it can capture brief licking events lasting only 10 ms to 20 ms.

[0114] In some preferred embodiments, the time interval from the triggering and determination of effective licking by the sensing mechanism 4 to the activation of the peristaltic pump assembly 13 is set to be less than or equal to 20 ms, so as to ensure that the experimental animal can receive stimulation on the first lick.

[0115] In some preferred embodiments, the predetermined dose for a single administration is set to 3 mL to 5 mL, which is the average amount that an animal can ingest in a single lick.

[0116] In some embodiments, the maximum number of feedings can be programmed (e.g., up to two) to prevent experimental animals from being forced to accept stimulation when they are in a state of extreme aversion.

[0117] In some embodiments, the liquid supply device further includes an additional reservoir (not shown), which is connected to the dropper 3 via a tubing. When the reservoir contains neutral water, it automatically provides neutral water for rinsing after bitter stimulation, reducing the impact of residual bitterness on subsequent licking behavior. When the reservoir contains a higher concentration of bittering agent, different concentrations of bittering agent can be configured to achieve experimental conditions with progressively increasing bitter stimulation intensity.

[0118] In bitterness stimulation experiments, experimental animals often exhibit avoidance behavior when licking the bittering agent. Avoidance is typically manifested as a significantly prolonged licking interval (greater than 2 seconds). Therefore, in some preferred embodiments, the control method also includes avoidance behavior monitoring. Avoidance behavior monitoring includes: continuously monitoring and recording licking behavior within 10 seconds after the peristaltic pump assembly 13 starts supplying the agent. Licking behavior includes the number of subsequent licks, the time interval between each lick, and the type of avoidance behavior, which includes complete avoidance, partial avoidance, and low avoidance. If there is no licking behavior within a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) after the peristaltic pump assembly 13 starts supplying the agent, the controller marks it as "complete avoidance" and calculates the avoidance index, where the avoidance index = (total number of licks after supply) / (number of licks per unit time before supply).

[0119] The following is one specific embodiment of the liquid supply device and its control method of this application, wherein the solvent is a solvent containing bitter veterinary chemicals: In the initial state: when the liquid supply device is in standby state, the liquid storage bottle 11 stores solvent; the peristaltic pump assembly 13 is in a stopped state; the controller is in real-time monitoring state, continuously collecting the detection signals of the first sensing component 41 and the second sensing component 42; the controller has a minimum time interval parameter set to prevent repeated triggering.

[0120] When the experimental animal approaches the liquid supply device and its tongue is inserted and licked: the first sensing component 41 outputs a first blocking signal.

[0121] The first sensing component 41 of S1 outputs a first occlusion signal. The controller acquires the first occlusion signal in real time and analyzes it to obtain a first result. The first result includes effective licking and interference, including: A. When the duration of the first blocking signal is within the time interval of 10ms to 20ms (i.e., the trigger time), the first result is effective licking.

[0122] B. When the duration of the first blocking signal is less than 10ms or greater than 20ms, the first result is interference. The process returns to step S1.

[0123] When S2 determines that the licking is effective, the controller activates the peristaltic pump assembly 13, which supplies 5g of liquid to the dropper 3 within a predetermined time. Solvent.

[0124] Within 10 seconds of the start-up of the S3 peristaltic pump assembly 13, the controller continuously monitors the licking behavior, including the number of subsequent licks, the time interval between each lick, and the types of avoidance behavior. Avoidance behavior types include complete avoidance (no licking within 10 seconds), partial avoidance (licking interval greater than 2 seconds), and low avoidance (licking interval less than or equal to 2 seconds). Simultaneously, when the peristaltic pump assembly 13 has run for a predetermined period, the controller stops the peristaltic pump assembly 13, completing one fluid supply cycle.

[0125] In the bitterness stimulus experiment, the decision-making process was simplified by performing feature detection only on the first occlusion signal and skipping the feature detection of other signals, while maintaining a fixed single dose (e.g., 5). This reduces the computation process, ensuring the fastest response time, with a total latency of less than 20ms.

[0126] The liquid supply device of this application firstly, through the specialized design of the size of the protective tunnel 2 and the embedding of the first sensing component 41 and the nozzle 3 deep within the protective tunnel 2, structurally allows only the tongue to contact the nozzle 3, while restricting other body parts from touching it, thereby reducing interference from non-licking behaviors. Secondly, the liquid supply device of this application forms a multi-level spatial detection barrier through the first sensing component 41 and the second sensing component 42, further reducing interference from non-licking behaviors. Furthermore, the liquid supply device of this application uses a miniature peristaltic pump as the sole power source, without any valve structure, and can achieve precise control of pump operation time. The liquid supply device features volume control and a natural seal achieved through the elasticity of the hose during shutdown. The control method of this application forms a closed-loop control system encompassing detection, judgment, execution, and recording. It comprehensively analyzes the first blocking signal, signal characteristics, and the second blocking signal, triggering solvent supply only when effective licking is detected. During non-licking periods, the system remains completely leak-proof, fundamentally eliminating non-drinking losses. This application's liquid supply device and control method combine structural and control levels, achieving high-confidence liquid supply control that only performs quantitative liquid supply once when actual licking behavior occurs in the experimental animal, thus significantly improving the accuracy of feeding experiments. Finally, in comparative experiments with different drug concentrations or solvents containing different veterinary chemical components, the precise control of the liquid delivery device in this application ensures that the delivery process is triggered only when the experimental animal actually licks the drug. This significantly reduces delivery deviations caused by non-licking behavioral factors such as vibration and collision, resulting in higher consistency between the actual drug dosage ingested by the experimental animal and the recorded data. The experimental results are more reliable, significantly improving the accuracy and repeatability of data in behavioral feeding experiments. Furthermore, the liquid delivery device in this application enables precise control of the administration process of veterinary chemicals, particularly suitable for comparative experiments with different drug types, concentration gradients, and stimulus intensities. This provides a reliable data foundation for establishing the relationship between drug dosage and behavioral response, not only improving the credibility of animal behavioral experiments but also providing more accurate and repeatable data support for pharmacological studies of veterinary chemicals in areas such as neural regulation, behavioral modulation, and efficacy evaluation, demonstrating significant application value.

[0127] In the description of this specification, the use of terms such as "an embodiment," "some examples," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" indicates that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0128] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this application.

Claims

1. A liquid supply device, characterized in that: include A liquid supply mechanism, comprising a liquid storage bottle, a first pipeline, and a peristaltic pump assembly, wherein the two ends of the first pipeline are respectively connected to the liquid storage bottle and the peristaltic pump assembly; A dropper nozzle, which is connected to the output end of the peristaltic pump assembly; A protective tunnel is provided at one end, and the dropper is located at the end of the protective tunnel away from the entrance; the inner dimensions of the protective tunnel are configured to allow only the tongue of the experimental animal to enter, while preventing other parts of the experimental animal's body from making non-licking contact with the dropper. The sensing mechanism includes a first sensing component, which is disposed between the inlet and the nozzle and close to the nozzle. The first sensing component is configured to detect the licking behavior of the experimental animal and output a corresponding detection signal. A control mechanism is provided, wherein the sensing mechanism and the peristaltic pump assembly are respectively connected to the control mechanism, and the control mechanism is configured to control the peristaltic pump assembly to supply a predetermined dose of solvent to the dropper within a predetermined time when the detection signal is received as valid licking.

2. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The width of the inner side of the protective tunnel is set to 3mm to 4mm, the height of the inner side of the protective tunnel is set to 5mm to 6mm, the distance between the nozzle and the inlet is set to 10mm to 15mm, and the distance between the first sensing component and the nozzle is set to 1mm to 2mm.

3. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensing mechanism also includes a second sensing component disposed outside the protective tunnel, the second sensing component being configured to detect non-licking body contact interference from experimental animals.

4. The liquid supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first sensing component includes a transmitting component and a receiving component, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the inner wall of the protective tunnel.

5. A control method for a liquid supply device, characterized in that, The control mechanism includes a controller, and the control method includes: The controller acquires the first detection signal output by the first sensing component and analyzes the first detection signal to determine whether it is a valid licking; When a valid lick is detected, the controller controls the peristaltic pump assembly to supply a predetermined dose of solvent to the dropper within a predetermined time.

6. The control method for the liquid supply device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The controller acquires a first detection signal output by the first sensing component, and analyzes the first detection signal to determine whether it is a valid lick, including: The controller acquires a first detection signal output by the first sensing component, the first detection signal including a first occlusion signal, and analyzes the duration of the first occlusion signal to obtain a first result. When the duration of the first blocking signal is within 10ms to a preset time, the first result is effective licking; When the duration of the first blocking signal is less than 10ms or greater than the preset time, the first result is interference.

7. The control method for the liquid supply device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The controller acquires a first detection signal output by the first sensing component, and analyzes the first detection signal to determine whether it is a valid lick, including: The first sensing component outputs a first occlusion signal, the second sensing component outputs a second occlusion signal, the controller acquires the first occlusion signal and the second occlusion signal, and analyzes the first occlusion signal and the second occlusion signal to obtain a second result; When the duration of the first occlusion signal is between 10ms and a preset time, and the duration of the second occlusion signal is equal to 0ms, the second result is effective licking; When the duration of the first blocking signal is within 10ms to a preset time, and the duration of the second blocking signal is greater than 0ms, the second result is interference. When the duration of the first blocking signal is 0 ms and the duration of the second blocking signal is greater than 0 ms, the second result is interference.

8. The control method for the liquid supply device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The step of analyzing the first detection signal to determine whether it is a valid lick includes: The first detection signal includes a first occlusion signal and signal characteristics. The controller analyzes the waveform characteristics of the first occlusion signal to obtain signal characteristics. The controller analyzes the first occlusion signal and signal characteristics to determine whether it is effective licking.

9. The control method for the liquid supply device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The control mechanism also includes a storage device, and the control method further includes: The memory stores historical licking data. The controller obtains the standard licking pattern and abnormal licking pattern based on the historical licking data, and makes auxiliary judgments based on the historical licking pattern. The abnormal licking pattern is judged as interference.

10. The control method for the liquid supply device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control method further includes: Once a valid lick is confirmed, subsequent first detection signals are ignored for a preset minimum time interval to prevent a single licking behavior from triggering repeated fluid supply.

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