Modeling auxiliary device for mouse knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

The utility model provides a mouse knee osteoarthritis modeling auxiliary device, which belongs to the technical field of medical instruments and comprises an experiment box, an upright unit and a load bearing unit, a rotating ring and a driving part in transmission connection with the rotating ring are arranged in the experiment box, and the driving part is used for driving the rotating ring to rotate by taking a horizontal axis as a rotating shaft; the upright unit comprises a limiting frame inserted in the rotating ring and connected to the inner wall of the experiment box and two fastening belts connected to the limiting frame, the limiting frame is horizontally arranged, the fastening belts and the limiting frame define a fastening area for containing the forelimb of a mouse, and at least one end of each fastening belt is movably connected to the limiting frame so as to adjust the size of the fastening area; the load-bearing unit is connected to the limiting frame and used for applying load to the upper body of the mouse. According to the utility model, the technical problems of poor mouse movement compliance, uncontrollable activity intensity and long modeling period in conventional treadmill training are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of medical devices, specifically relating to an auxiliary device for modeling knee osteoarthritis in mice. Background Technology

[0002] Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disease worldwide. Research on its pathogenesis and the development of treatment methods require the support of animal models. Mice are important animal models for studying the pathogenesis, risk factors and treatment methods of osteoarthritis due to their advantages such as small size, large reproduction, short lifespan and gene knockout.

[0003] Currently, methods for inducing knee osteoarthritis models in mice mainly include medial meniscectomy (DMM), anterior cruciate ligament resection (ACLT), collagenase injection, intra-articular injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and spontaneous osteoarthritis models. Surgical induction methods such as DMM and ACLT generally achieve early osteoarthritis around 4 weeks post-surgery, with significant cartilage destruction only observed after 8 weeks or more. While drug injection shortens the model induction time, its stability is poor. Spontaneous osteoarthritis models can take months to years to establish. To shorten the model induction time and improve model effectiveness, quantitative treadmill training can be used. However, conventional treadmill training results in poor mouse compliance and uncontrollable activity intensity, leading to insufficient exercise and a long model induction period. A device is needed that can both fix mice for forced training and adjust the exercise intensity. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides an auxiliary device for modeling knee osteoarthritis in mice, aiming to solve the technical problems of poor exercise compliance, uncontrollable activity intensity, and long modeling cycle in mice.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: an auxiliary device for modeling knee osteoarthritis in mice, comprising:

[0006] The experimental chamber contains a rotating ring and a driving component that is connected to the rotating ring. The driving component is used to drive the rotating ring to rotate about a horizontal axis.

[0007] An upright unit includes a limiting frame inserted into the rotating ring and connected to the inner wall of the experimental chamber, and two restraining straps connected to the limiting frame. The limiting frame is horizontally positioned, and the restraining straps and the limiting frame enclose a restraining area for accommodating a mouse's forelimb. At least one end of each restraining strap is movably connected to the limiting frame to adjust the size of the restraining area.

[0008] The weight-bearing unit is connected to the limiting frame and is used to apply weight to the upper body of the mouse.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the limiting frame has a mounting block for mounting the restraining belt, the mounting block having a through mounting groove, at least one end of the restraining belt being inserted into the mounting groove, and the other end being fixedly or movably connected to the mounting block.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the upright unit further includes an adjustment assembly disposed within the mounting slot. The adjustment assembly includes two adjustment gears rotatably connected to the mounting block and an adjustment member pulsatorically connected to the adjustment gears. The restraining belt passes between the two adjustment gears and has teeth that mesh with the adjustment gears. The adjustment member is used to drive the adjustment gears to rotate about the vertical axis.

[0011] In one possible implementation, anti-deviation wings are provided on both the upper and lower sides of the tooth, the anti-deviation wings are fixedly connected to the restraining belt, and the side of the anti-deviation wings away from the restraining belt extends to the surface of the adjusting gear.

[0012] In one possible implementation, limiting plates are provided at both ends of the tooth, and the limiting plates are fixedly connected to the restraining belt.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the load-bearing unit includes:

[0014] A telescopic component is connected to the limiting frame, and the telescopic component extends and retracts along the axial direction of the rotating ring;

[0015] The lifting ring is connected to the telescopic member; and

[0016] A weight block is connected to the lifting ring.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the telescopic element includes:

[0018] An expansion joint, connected to the limiting frame, extends and retracts along the axial direction of the rotating ring;

[0019] A rotating component is fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the telescopic device;

[0020] A winding section, drive-connected to the rotating member, wherein the rotation axis of the winding section is parallel to the axial direction of the rotating ring; and

[0021] A winding rope is wound around the winding section, and the free end of the winding rope is fixedly connected to the corresponding lifting ring.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the load-bearing unit is provided in at least two sets, and the load-bearing block has an adsorption part, with two adjacent adsorption parts generating an adsorption force on each other.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the inner sidewall of the experimental chamber is provided with a lifting groove along the vertical direction, and a lifting unit is provided in the lifting groove, the lifting unit comprising:

[0024] The lifting column is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the lifting groove. The lifting column has a vertical axis of rotation and is also screwed to the limiting frame.

[0025] The power component is connected to the lifting column via a transmission; and

[0026] A telescopic rod is fixed between the inner bottom wall of the experimental box and the limiting frame, and the telescopic rod extends and retracts in the vertical direction.

[0027] In one possible implementation, a pad is fixed to the inside of the restraining belt.

[0028] This invention provides an auxiliary device for modeling knee osteoarthritis in mice. Compared with existing technologies, the upright unit uses a limiting frame and restraint strap to fix the mouse's forelimbs, forcing it to maintain an upright posture and increasing the stress on the mouse's lower limb joints. Simultaneously, the rotation of the rotating ring forces the mouse to move, ensuring the mouse's daily exercise. The weight-bearing unit directly applies a vertical load to the mouse's upper body, ensuring overweight or long-term weight-bearing scenarios. This invention can guarantee the daily joint movement of mice, thereby effectively accelerating the modeling of arthritis, improving the modeling effect, and shortening the modeling cycle. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary device for modeling knee osteoarthritis in mice according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting unit used in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a partial schematic diagram of the upright unit and the load-bearing unit used in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a partial schematic diagram of one embodiment of the fastener used in this utility model.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a partial schematic diagram of another embodiment of the fastener used in this utility model.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0035] 10. Experimental chamber; 101. Rotating ring; 102. Lifting groove;

[0036] 20. Upright unit; 201. Limiting bracket; 2011. Mounting block; 2012. Mounting slot; 202. Restraining belt; 2021. Anti-deviation wing; 2022. Limiting plate;

[0037] 30. Load-bearing unit; 301. Lifting ring; 302. Expansion joint; 303. Load-bearing block; 304. Rotating component; 305. Winding section; 306. Winding rope;

[0038] 40. Lifting unit; 401. Lifting column; 402. Power component; 403. Telescopic pole;

[0039] 50. Adjustment assembly; 501. Adjustment gear; 502. Adjustment component; 503. Side top component. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0041] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 5 This invention describes an auxiliary device for modeling knee osteoarthritis in mice. The auxiliary device includes an experimental chamber 10, an upright unit 20, and a weight-bearing unit 30. The experimental chamber 10 contains a rotating ring 101 and a driving component connected to the rotating ring 101. The driving component drives the rotating ring 101 to rotate about a horizontal axis. The upright unit 20 includes a limiting frame 201 inserted into the rotating ring 101 and connected to the inner wall of the experimental chamber 10, and two restraining straps 202 connected to the limiting frame 201. The limiting frame 201 is horizontally positioned, and the restraining straps 202 and the limiting frame 201 enclose a restraining area for accommodating the mouse's forelimb. At least one end of each restraining strap 202 is movably connected to the limiting frame 201 to adjust the size of the restraining area. The weight-bearing unit 30 is connected to the limiting frame 201 and is used to apply weight to the upper body of the mouse.

[0042] It should be noted that the rotating component 304 can be a motor, and the rotating component 304 is connected to the rotating ring 101 through a gear set; the rotation speed of the rotating ring 101 is adjustable, and the rotation speed of the rotating ring 101 can be adjusted by changing the rotation speed of the rotating component 304 or by changing the transmission ratio of the gear set.

[0043] The mouse knee osteoarthritis modeling aid device provided in this embodiment inserts the mouse's forelimb into the restraint area, and the free end of the restraint belt 202 is locked to the limiting frame 201, forcing the mouse to maintain an upright standing posture. The mouse's hind limb (knee joint) bears the weight of the entire body, forming axial pressure. The drive component drives the rotating ring 101 to rotate around the horizontal axis through the gear set, forcing the upright and fixed mouse to move. Because the mouse's forelimb is fixed, the mouse's hind limb needs to continuously and alternately kick to maintain balance. The knee joint bears periodic shear force and compressive force during flexion and extension movements, increasing the continuous mechanical load on the mouse's joint. The weight-bearing unit 30 applies weight to the upper body of the mouse, and the weight is transmitted to the hind limb through the mouse's spine.

[0044] Compared with existing technologies, the upright unit 20 fixes the mouse's forelimbs with the limiting frame 201 and the restraint strap 202, increasing the load on the mouse's lower limbs and accelerating the establishment of the pathological model. Simultaneously, the rotation of the rotating ring 101 forces the mouse to move, ensuring the mouse's daily exercise. The weight-bearing unit 30 directly applies a vertical load to the mouse's upper body, ensuring the mouse is not overweight or subjected to prolonged weight-bearing conditions. This invention can guarantee the daily joint movement of mice, thereby effectively accelerating the progression of arthritis and shortening the modeling period.

[0045] In some embodiments, the limiting frame 201 has a mounting block 2011 for mounting the restraining belt 202. The mounting block 2011 has a through mounting groove 2012. At least one end of the restraining belt 202 is inserted into the mounting groove 2012, and the other end is fixedly or movably connected to the mounting block 2011.

[0046] Optionally, the mounting block 2011 has two mounting slots 2012, and the two ends of the restraining belt 202 are respectively inserted into the corresponding mounting slots 2012.

[0047] Optional, see Figure 3 One end of the mounting block 2011 is fixed to the mounting block 2011, and the other end is inserted into the mounting groove 2012.

[0048] The mouse's forelimb is inserted into the restraint area, and the restraint strap 202 is used to firmly attach the mouse's forelimb to the mounting block 2011, thereby fixing the mouse's forelimb to the mounting block 2011. The area of ​​the restraint area enclosed by the restraint strap 202 and the mounting block 2011 can be adjusted according to the thickness of the mouse's forelimb, which can accommodate mice of different sizes and improve the applicability of the auxiliary device.

[0049] In some embodiments, see Figure 4The upright unit 20 also includes an adjustment component 50 disposed in the mounting groove 2012. The adjustment component 50 includes two adjustment gears 501 rotatably connected to the mounting block 2011, and an adjustment member 502 that is pultrusively connected to the adjustment gears 501. A retaining belt 202 passes between the two adjustment gears 501. The retaining belt 202 has teeth that mesh with the adjustment gears 501. The adjustment member 502 is used to drive the adjustment gears 501 to rotate about the vertical axis as the rotation axis.

[0050] It should be noted that the adjusting component 2014 can be a motor. The output shaft of the adjusting component 2014 is fixedly connected to the center of the adjusting gear 2013. The two adjusting gears 2013 rotate in opposite directions, and the rotation directions of the two adjusting gears 2013 need to be adjusted simultaneously.

[0051] There is a gap between the two adjusting gears 2013. The teeth of the clamping belt 202 pass through the gap. When the adjusting gear 2013 rotates, force is applied to the teeth on both sides at the same time, causing the clamping belt 202 to be tightened or loosened. When the clamping belt 202 is tightened, the area of ​​the clamping region increases. When the clamping belt 202 is loosened, the area of ​​the clamping region decreases. When the teeth of the adjusting gear 2013 apply force to the teeth, a symmetrical clamping force is formed, which avoids the clamping belt 202 from being deviated or slipped due to force on one side.

[0052] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 The upper and lower sides of the tooth are provided with anti-deviation wings 2021. The anti-deviation wings 2021 are fixedly connected to the restraining belt 202, and the side of the anti-deviation wings 2021 away from the restraining belt 202 extends to the surface of the adjusting gear 2013.

[0053] It should be noted that there is a gap between the anti-deviation wing 2021 and the end face of the adjusting gear 2013, which allows the adjusting gear 2013 to rotate freely, and guides the teeth to move along the preset axial movement trajectory through contact sliding, so as to avoid misalignment of the teeth and the tooth grooves of the adjusting gear 2013 during meshing.

[0054] The anti-deviation wing 2021 is a sheet-like structure extending outward from the upper and lower surfaces of the tooth. When the restraining belt 202 moves with the adjusting gear 2013, the anti-deviation wing 2021 slides close to the upper and lower end surfaces of the adjusting gear 2013, forming a lateral physical barrier to limit the displacement of the tooth in the plane perpendicular to the rotation of the adjusting gear 2013, and prevent the tooth from shifting laterally due to the twisting of the restraining belt 202 or the struggle of the mouse.

[0055] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 Both ends of the tooth are provided with limiting plates 2022, which are fixedly connected to the restraining belt 202.

[0056] When adjusting the restraining belt 202, the limiting plate 2022 moves with the restraining belt 202. When the limiting plate 2022 contacts the root of the tooth of the adjusting gear 2013, it blocks the adjusting gear 2013 from continuing to rotate, preventing the restraining belt 202 from disengaging from the adjusting gear 2013 and being unable to re-engage.

[0057] See Figure 5 Another embodiment of the adjusting component 50 is that the adjusting component 50 consists of two opposing side top members 503. The extension and retraction direction of the side top members 503 is parallel to the axial direction of the rotating ring 101. During the adjustment of the tension of the restraining belt 202, the side top members 503 are in the retracted state. At this time, the side top members 503 are not pressed against the restraining belt 202. After the restraining belt 202 is adjusted, the side top members 503 are in the extended state. At this time, the side top members 503 are pressed against the restraining belt 202.

[0058] When the adjusting component 50 is a side top part 503, the process of adjusting the tension of the restraining belt 202 needs to be done manually. However, when the adjusting component 50 is an adjusting gear 2013, the process of adjusting the tension of the restraining belt 202 is completed by a mechanical structure, which is more automated and easier to operate.

[0059] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 The load-bearing unit 30 includes a telescopic component, a lifting ring 301, and a load-bearing block 303. The telescopic component is connected to the limiting frame 201 and extends and retracts along the axis of the rotating ring 101. The lifting ring 301 is connected to the telescopic component, and the load-bearing block 303 is connected to the lifting ring 301.

[0060] It should be noted that the weight block 303 and the lifting ring 301 are detachably connected, and the weight of the weight block 303 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0061] Two rings 301 are placed on the two forelimbs of the mouse. The rings 301 are wrapped with a flexible material (such as silicone) to avoid compressing the mouse's blood vessels or nerves.

[0062] The telescopic component drives the lifting ring 301 and the weight block 303 to move along the axis of the rotating ring 101, so that the line of action of the load is close to the midline of the mouse spine, eliminating part of the lateral torque and putting more of the weight of the weight block 303 on the hind limb joints.

[0063] In some embodiments, see Figure 3The telescopic component includes a telescopic element 302, a rotating element 304, a winding section 305, and a winding rope 306. The telescopic element 302 is connected to the limiting frame 201 and extends and retracts along the axial direction of the rotating ring 101. The rotating element 304 is fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the telescopic element 302. The winding section 305 is drivenly connected to the rotating element 304, and the rotation axis of the winding section 305 is parallel to the axial direction of the rotating ring 101. The winding rope 306 is wound around the winding section 305, and the free end of the winding rope 306 is fixedly connected to the corresponding lifting ring 301.

[0064] It should be noted that the rotating part 304 can be a motor, the winding part 305 can be a drum, the motor is fixed to the center of the drum, and the telescopic device 302 can be a telescopic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric cylinder.

[0065] The rotation of the rotating component 304 drives the rotation of the winding part 305, thereby achieving the winding and unwinding of the winding rope 306. When the mouse needs to bear weight, the winding rope 306 is unwound, and the top of the hanging ring 301 presses on the mouse's forelimb, thus transferring the weight of the weight block 303 to the mouse; when the mouse does not need to bear weight, the winding rope 306 is wound up, and the hanging ring 301 does not contact the mouse's forelimb, and the weight of the weight block 303 is borne only by the hanging ring 301.

[0066] In some embodiments, the load-bearing unit 30 is provided in at least two sets, and the load-bearing block 303 has an adsorption part, with two adjacent adsorption parts generating an adsorption force on each other.

[0067] Optionally, when the adsorption section is energized, the two adsorption sections are fixed in place; when the adsorption section is not energized, the two adsorption sections are separated.

[0068] It should be noted that the adsorption part can be an electromagnet. When energized, the electromagnets on the two adsorption parts generate a mutual attraction force, causing the two weight blocks 303 to be adsorbed and fixed. When the power is off, the attraction force generated by the electromagnets on the two adsorption parts disappears, causing the two weight blocks 303 to separate. Alternatively, the adsorption part can be an electric suction cup. The electric suction cups on both adsorption parts generate a suction force, causing the two weight blocks 303 to be adsorbed and fixed. When the power is off, the attraction force generated by the electric suction cups on the two adsorption parts disappears, causing the two weight blocks 303 to separate.

[0069] Alternatively, the suction unit can be a regular suction cup, where two regular suction cups can be aligned and pressed together by human force to adhere and fix the suction.

[0070] The two weight blocks 303 are attached and fixed, making the position of the weight blocks 303 closer to the midline of the mouse's spine, further eliminating lateral torque, and further transferring more of the weight of the weight blocks 303 to the hind limb joints.

[0071] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 2The inner sidewall of the experimental chamber 10 is provided with a vertical lifting groove 102. The lifting groove 102 is provided with a lifting unit 40. The lifting unit 40 includes a lifting column 401, a power component 402 and a telescopic rod 403. The lifting column 401 is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the lifting groove 102. The lifting column 401 is rotated about the vertical direction and is also screwed to the limiting frame 201. The power component 402 is connected to the lifting column 401 through a transmission. The telescopic rod 403 is fixed between the inner bottom wall of the experimental chamber 10 and the limiting frame 201. The telescopic rod 403 extends and retracts in the vertical direction.

[0072] It should be noted that the power component 402 can be an electric motor.

[0073] The rotating component 304 starts the drive to rotate the lifting column 401, and the telescopic rod 403 extends and retracts synchronously, causing the limit frame 201 to rise and fall vertically through the rigid guide; after the lifting column 401 stops rotating, the threaded pair self-locks to prevent the limit frame 201 from sliding down due to gravity or load.

[0074] The distance between the limiting frame 201 and the lowest point of the rotating ring 101 is the length of the mouse standing. The height of the limiting frame 201 can be adjusted by the lifting unit 40 so that the distance between the limiting frame 201 and the lowest point of the rotating ring 101 can be adjusted according to the actual situation of the mouse, thus improving the applicability of the device.

[0075] In some embodiments, a pad is fixed to the inside of the restraining belt 202.

[0076] It should be noted that the inner side of the restraint belt 202 is the side that contacts the mouse's skin.

[0077] The design of the soft pad reduces damage to the mouse's skin.

[0078] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An auxiliary device for inducing knee osteoarthritis in mice, characterized in that, include: The experimental chamber contains a rotating ring and a driving component that is connected to the rotating ring. The driving component is used to drive the rotating ring to rotate about a horizontal axis. The upright unit includes a limiting frame inserted into the rotating ring and connected to the inner wall of the experimental box, and two restraining straps connected to the limiting frame. The limiting frame is horizontally arranged, and the restraining straps and the limiting frame enclose a restraining area for accommodating the forelimb of a mouse. At least one end of the restraining straps is movably connected to the limiting frame to adjust the size of the restraining area. as well as The weight-bearing unit is connected to the limiting frame and is used to apply weight to the upper body of the mouse.

2. The mouse knee osteoarthritis modeling aid device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting frame has a mounting block for installing the restraining belt. The mounting block has a through mounting groove. At least one end of the restraining belt is inserted into the mounting groove, and the other end is fixedly or movably connected to the mounting block.

3. The mouse knee osteoarthritis modeling aid device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The upright unit also includes an adjustment assembly disposed in the mounting slot. The adjustment assembly includes two adjustment gears rotatably connected to the mounting block and an adjustment member that is pulsatorically connected to the adjustment gears. The restraining belt passes between the two adjustment gears and has teeth that mesh with the adjustment gears. The adjustment member is used to drive the adjustment gears to rotate about the vertical axis.

4. The mouse knee osteoarthritis modeling aid device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Anti-deviation wings are provided on both the upper and lower sides of the tooth. The anti-deviation wings are fixedly connected to the restraining belt, and the side of the anti-deviation wings away from the restraining belt extends to the surface of the adjusting gear.

5. The mouse knee osteoarthritis modeling aid device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Both ends of the tooth are provided with limiting plates, which are fixedly connected to the restraining belt.

6. The mouse knee osteoarthritis modeling aid device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The load-bearing unit includes: A telescopic component is connected to the limiting frame, and the telescopic component extends and retracts along the axial direction of the rotating ring; The lifting ring is connected to the telescopic member; and A weight block is connected to the lifting ring.

7. The mouse knee osteoarthritis modeling aid device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The telescopic component includes: An expansion joint, connected to the limiting frame, extends and retracts along the axial direction of the rotating ring; A rotating component is fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the telescopic device; A winding section, drive-connected to the rotating member, wherein the rotation axis of the winding section is parallel to the axial direction of the rotating ring; and A winding rope is wound around the winding section, and the free end of the winding rope is fixedly connected to the corresponding lifting ring.

8. The mouse knee osteoarthritis modeling aid device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The load-bearing unit is provided in at least two sets, and the load-bearing block has an adsorption part, with two adjacent adsorption parts generating an adsorption force on each other.

9. The mouse knee osteoarthritis modeling aid device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the experimental chamber is provided with a vertical lifting groove, and a lifting unit is provided in the lifting groove. The lifting unit includes: The lifting column is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the lifting groove. The lifting column has a vertical axis of rotation and is also screwed to the limiting frame. The power component is connected to the lifting column via a transmission; and The telescopic rod is fixed between the inner bottom wall of the experimental box and the limiting frame, and the telescopic rod extends and retracts in the vertical direction.

10. The mouse knee osteoarthritis modeling aid device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A soft pad is fixed to the inside of the restraining belt.

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