Mouse helmet

By designing a thickened neck ring and a main fixation platform on the top of the head for mouse helmets, combined with multiple functional holes, the problems of crude structure and cumbersome fixation methods in existing mouse helmet platforms have been solved. This improves the comfort of mice wearing the helmets and the stability of experimental operations, enabling precise drug administration and multi-functional applicability.

CN224112822UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-14HENAN UNIVERSITY
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
HENAN UNIVERSITY
Filing Date
2024-12-28
Publication Date
2026-04-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing mouse helmet platforms are crudely designed, heavy, bulky, cumbersome to operate, and have limited functionality. Furthermore, their fixation method relies on binding and adhesive, resulting in poor reusability and impacting drug delivery efficiency and mouse comfort.

Method used

A mouse helmet was designed, which uses a thickened neck ring and a main fixation platform on the top of the head. It combines multiple functional holes and fixation platforms to fit the anatomical structure of the mouse and achieves precise fixation by injection or screw fastening. It provides multiple functional areas to facilitate experimental adjustments.

Benefits of technology

It improved the comfort of mice wearing the device, reduced the risk of suffocation, enhanced fixation stability and experimental applicability, simplified the operation procedure, and improved the accuracy and reusability of drug administration.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a mouse helmet, relates to the technical field of biomedical experiment auxiliary instruments, and solves the problems that a mouse helmet technology platform in the prior art is rough in structure, scalp slides, the weight and the size are large, operation is tedious, and the function is single. The device comprises a thickened neck ring and a head top main fixing platform attached to the streamline curve of the head of the mouse, and the thickened neck ring and the head top main fixing platform are connected to form an annular helmet structure capable of being arranged on the head of the mouse in a sleeving mode. The head top main fixing platform is provided with double-ear root limiting holes corresponding to the ears of the mouse and two eye holes corresponding to the eyes of the mouse, the head top main fixing platform is further provided with a plurality of functional holes, and the functional holes are located between the double-ear root limiting holes and the eye holes. According to the mouse helmet platform, the inside and outside design matched with the anatomical structure of the mouse is adopted, the fitting degree is increased, the situation that the suffocation mouse is pressed is reduced, the wearing comfort of the mouse is improved, and the accidental suffocation death rate of the mouse is reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biomedical experimental auxiliary device technology, and in particular to an auxiliary wearable device for research on the control and optimization of drug administration methods and drug dosage evaluation of exogenous physical factors in mouse brains. Background Technology

[0002] Magnetic nanomedicines show promise for crossing the blood-brain barrier and treating brain diseases. Head-mounted platforms utilize the magnetic properties of magnets to attract magnetic molecules, further improving the delivery efficiency of magnetic nanomedicines to targeted brain lesions. Existing mouse head-mounted platforms suffer from rudimentary structures and large weights, severely impacting the appearance and ease of operation of mice wearing them. This leads to accidental death of mice due to equipment detachment or misalignment. Furthermore, the uniform thickness of the wearable device's coverage area lacks specific functional area divisions, requiring re-optimization of the frequency and intensity of the magnetic field or electromagnetic pulse based on individual mice, thus failing to meet diverse experimental needs. Current platform fixation methods rely on binding and adhesive, resulting in poor reusability; and continuous anesthesia of mice is required, affecting the optimization of magnetic field conditions and drug dosage.

[0003] A prior art utility model patent, CN218075329U, published on 2022-12-20, discloses a magnetic adsorption treatment device for mice. This device includes a tubular helmet that fits over the head and neck of a mouse. The helmet has a first hole corresponding to the mouse's ear and a second hole corresponding to the mouse's throat. A limiting block with an inwardly arc-shaped protrusion corresponding to the mouse's forehead is located on the top front side of the helmet. An arc-shaped transverse groove is provided on the inner wall of the limiting block, and a first magnet that can move laterally along the groove is located within the groove. A transverse sliding channel is provided above the helmet corresponding to the transverse sliding groove, and a push rod is provided on the transverse sliding channel. One end of the push rod is inserted into the transverse sliding groove, and the other end protrudes above the helmet. A push rod groove for inserting the push rod is provided on the side of the first magnet. A slot for engaging a second magnet is provided on the side of the first hole. While this patent can fix the helmet to the mouse's head, its magnetic adsorption method results in a large weight and volume, and the mouse needs to pass through the second hole to see the helmet on its head, which imposes significant limitations on the mouse.

[0004] To further improve the above situation, we will develop a mouse helmet with a reasonable structure and multiple functions, which can make up for some of the defects and pain points of the existing technology platform and is suitable for mouse brain science research operations. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the shortcomings of the aforementioned background technology, this utility model proposes a mouse helmet that solves the problems of crude structure, scalp slippage, large weight and volume, cumbersome operation, and limited functionality in existing mouse helmet technology platforms.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows: A mouse helmet includes a thickened neck ring and a main head fixing platform that conforms to the streamlined curve of the mouse's head. The thickened neck ring is connected to the main head fixing platform to form a ring helmet structure that can be fitted onto the mouse's head. The main head fixing platform is provided with two ear root limiting holes corresponding to the mouse's ears and two eye holes corresponding to the mouse's eyes. The main head fixing platform is also provided with several functional holes, which are located between the ear root limiting holes and the eye holes.

[0007] More preferably, both ends of the thickened neck ring are connected to transition connecting rods, and the thickened neck ring and the transition connecting rods are connected to an H-shaped fixed structural frame, with both ends of the transition connecting rods connected to the main fixed platform on the top of the head.

[0008] More preferably, the main fixing platform at the top of the head is provided with a square functional hole for the neck, which is located between the limiting holes at the base of the ears.

[0009] More preferably, the main head fixation platform is provided with cheek fixation platforms on both sides, and the thickness of the cheek fixation platforms is 1.2-1.4mm.

[0010] More preferably, the cheek fixing platform is provided with a square functional hole for the cheek.

[0011] More preferably, the upper part of the main head fixing platform is provided with a muzzle fixing platform, and the thickness of the muzzle fixing platform is 1.4-1.6mm.

[0012] More preferably, the snout fixing platform is provided with a square functional hole for the snout.

[0013] More preferably, the main fixing platform on the top of the head gradually thickens from the central region to the outer edge, with the thinnest part in the central region having a thickness of 0.75-0.85mm and the thickest part in the outer edge having a thickness of 1.45-1.55mm.

[0014] More preferably, the main head-mounted fixing platform, the transition connecting rod, the thickened neck ring, the cheek fixing platform, and the muzzle fixing platform are a thermoplastic molded integrated helmet structure.

[0015] More preferably, the length of the integrated helmet structure is a, where a is 13.5 mm-15.5 mm; the width is b, where b is 12.4 mm-14.4 mm; and the height is c, where c is 22.5 mm-25.5 mm.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0017] 1. The mouse helmet platform of this utility model adopts an internal and external design that conforms to the anatomical structure of mice, which increases the fit, reduces the possibility of suffocation of mice due to pressure, improves the comfort of mice wearing it, and reduces the mortality rate of mice due to accidental suffocation.

[0018] 2. It has multiple fixed platforms, and uses different colors to distinguish functional areas. It can also fix the equipment in different positions on the mouse's head according to experimental needs, thus improving its applicability. It adopts a design with two sets of four square functional holes, which can adjust the position and apply tension to the mouse's scalp during and after wearing, so as to achieve precise matching between the platform and the scalp.

[0019] 3. Three sets of eight circular array functional holes correspond to the mouse skull. After adjusting the wearing position, it can be fastened by injection or screws to achieve positioning and hinge connection with the skull. The turning edges and hole edges are all smooth chamfered to avoid accidental scratching and injury to the experimental mice. It is made of thermoplastic material and is molded in one piece. All functional areas are integrated into one part, which makes it convenient for experimental personnel to make temporary adjustments according to the differences between individual mice. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0023] Figure 3 This is the front view of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a side view of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a bottom view of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a top view of the present invention.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Eye hole, 2. Limiting hole at the base of both ears, 3. Main fixing platform on top of the head, 3-1. Functional hole, 4. Square functional hole in the cheek, 5. Square functional hole in the neck, 6. Cheek fixing platform, 7. Transition connecting rod, 8. Thickened neck ring, 9. Square functional hole in the snout, 10. Snout fixing platform. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0029] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown in Example 1, a mouse helmet includes a thickened neck ring 8 and a main head fixation platform 3 that conforms to the streamlined curve of the mouse's head. The thickened neck ring 8 is connected to the main head fixation platform 3 to form a ring-shaped helmet structure that can be fitted onto the mouse's head. The main head fixation platform 3 has ear root limiting holes 2 corresponding to the mouse's ears and two eye holes 1 corresponding to the mouse's eyes. The thickness of the main head fixation platform 3 around the eye holes 1 is relatively thin, ranging from 0.9 to 1 mm. The main head fixation platform 3 also has several functional holes 3-1 located between the ear root limiting holes 2 and the eye holes 1. The main fixation platform corresponds to the location of the mouse's brain and has three sets of eight circular functional holes 3-1 running through it. The functional holes 3-1 can be used to fix the scalp with glue or to fasten the skull with screws or to fix magnets, electrodes, and transmitters, etc., and can also serve as holes for skin grafting or implanting electrode wiring. The device's internal and external design conforms to the mouse's anatomical structure, increasing the fit, reducing the risk of suffocation, improving the mouse's comfort, and lowering the mortality rate from accidental suffocation.

[0030] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown in Example 2, a mouse helmet differs from the technical solution of Example 1 in that both ends of the thickened neck ring 8 are connected to transition connecting rods 7, and the thickened neck ring 8 and the transition connecting rods 7 are connected to an H-shaped fixing structure frame. Both ends of the transition connecting rods 7 are connected to the main fixing platform 3 on the top of the head. The H-shaped fixing structure frame conforms to the physiological curve of the mouse's head and converges to form the thickened neck ring 8 below the mouse's neck, forming a front limit. The main fixing platform 3 on the top of the head has a square functional hole 5 for the neck, which is located between the limiting holes 2 at the base of the ears. The square functional hole 5 between the two ear holes facilitates adjustment of the wearing position. The three holes, together with the H-shaped fixing structure frame, align the scalp symmetry axis with the helmet symmetry axis and align it with the main fixing platform on the top of the head.

[0031] In this embodiment, cheek fixing platforms 6 are provided on both sides of the main head fixing platform 3. The cheek fixing platform is a protrusion extending from the main head fixing platform 3 to the thickened neck ring 8. The cheek fixing platform 6 is located between the main head fixing platform 3 and the transition connecting rod 7 and is an integral structure of the main head fixing platform 3. The thickness of the cheek fixing platform 6 is 1.2-1.4mm. The cheek fixing platform 6 is provided with a cheek square functional hole 4. The upper part of the main head fixing platform 3 is smoothly connected to the snout fixing platform 10. The thickness of the snout fixing platform 10 is 1.4-1.6mm, preferably 1.5mm. The main fixing platform transitions forward and to the sides to the snout fixing platform 10 and the cheek fixing platform 6, respectively. The thickness of the two is greater than that of the former, with an overall thickness of 1.5mm. They have high mechanical strength and are all provided with square functional holes 3-1 for connecting equipment such as cameras, electrodes, and sensors. The square functional holes 3-1 of the snout fixing platform 10 can be used to install eye masks or filters to cover the olive-shaped eye holes 1. The outer surface of the snout fixing platform 10 is a planar structure, facilitating installation. The snout fixing platform 10 is provided with square functional holes 9 for the snout. The square functional holes 3-1 of the snout fixing platform 10 and the square functional holes 5 of the neck are aligned front-to-back on the axis of symmetry, and the scalp under the main head fixing platform can be pulled flat by tweezers. The design employing two sets of four square functional holes 3-1 allows for adjustment and tension application of the mouse's scalp during and after wearing, achieving precise alignment between the platform and the scalp.

[0032] All other structures are the same as in Example 1.

[0033] like Figures 3-6 As shown in Example 3, a mouse helmet differs from the technical solution of Example 2 in that the main head-fixing platform 3 gradually thickens from the central region to the outer perimeter, with the thinnest part in the central region having a thickness of 0.75-0.85 mm and the thickest part at the outer edge having a thickness of 1.45-1.55 mm. Preferably, the thinnest part in the central region has a thickness of 0.8 mm and the thickest part at the outer edge has a thickness of 15 mm. The thickness of the entire helmet platform is not uniform, being thickest at the frame and extension platform to ensure mechanical strength, and thinnest at the top main fixing platform to facilitate the connection of the magnet and the transmitter head as close to the skull as possible. The main head-fixing platform 3, the transition connecting rod 7, the thickened neck ring 8, the cheek fixing platform 6, and the snout fixing platform 10 are a thermoplastic molded integrated helmet structure. The one-piece helmet structure has a length of 'a', where a is 13.5mm-15.5mm; a width of 'b', where b is 12.4mm-14.4mm; and a height of 'c', where c is 22.5mm-25.5mm. The length, width, and height of the one-piece helmet structure depend on the individual's body size. The one-piece helmet structure should be made of thermoplastic polymer material, and the manufacturing method should be photopolymerization, powder sintering additive construction, or precision injection molding.

[0034] All other structures are the same as in Example 2.

[0035] like Figures 1-6 As shown in Example 1, an integrated mouse helmet is composed of three parts: multiple functional areas, functional holes, and a fixing structural frame. The functional areas include a main head fixing platform 3, a cheek fixing platform 6, and a snout fixing platform 10. The main head fixing platform 3 is a thin, slightly convex shell structure, mainly used for bonding or riveting devices that directly act on the brain, or for fixing cameras, sensors, etc. The material thickness gradually increases towards both sides, transitioning to the cheek fixing platform 6. The cheek fixing platform 6 has high mechanical strength, conforms to the physiological curve of the mouse's zygomatic arch, and its left and right halves provide horizontal force to maintain the position of the main head fixing platform 3. The inner sides of its outward-facing sides are all smooth chamfered. The material of the main head fixing platform 3 gradually thickens forward and connects to the snout fixing platform 10. The snout fixing platform 10 has a concave curved surface facing the mouse's snout, a flat surface on the back, smooth chamfered edges on its outward-facing sides and corners, and its length is slightly shorter than the mouse's snout tip, its width is slightly narrower than the mouse's snout tip, and its overall downward fold angle is approximately 15°. Each functional area corresponds to a different position on the head of the experimental mouse. In actual use, each functional area can be set to a different color for easy differentiation.

[0036] The functional holes include an array of square functional holes 9 on the snout, 5 on the neck, 4 on the cheeks, 1 on the olive-shaped eye holes, and circular functional holes on the head, all located on the symmetrical axis of the helmet's back, as well as circular ear fixing holes. The square functional hole 9 on the snout can work in conjunction with the square functional hole 5 on the neck, also located on the symmetrical axis, to allow for precise alignment of the scalp with the brain by using tweezers in the front-back direction after simple wear, applying tension to the scalp. It can also be used alone to fix cameras, electrodes, and other equipment. Alternatively, an eye mask or filter can be installed to cover the olive-shaped eye holes 1. The square functional holes 4 on the cheeks, located on the cheek fixing platforms on both sides, can work together to apply tension to the scalp by using tweezers in the left-right direction. Combined with the square functional holes on the snout and neck, they allow for precise adjustment of the relative positions of equipment after wear, as well as control of scalp thickness. They can also be used alone to connect cameras, sensors, and to fix cables. The olive-shaped eye holes 1 are relatively thin and can be enlarged or reshaped using simple tools, or covered with equipment. The oval-shaped eye opening 1 has a circular functional hole array on its oblique rear side; the circular functional hole array includes three groups of a total of 8 circular holes, penetrating the top of the platform, with a diameter sufficient to allow needle insertion for injecting skin adhesive or disinfectant, to connect implanted electrode sensors via 1.5mm diameter insulated wires, or to anchor the skull via 1mm diameter screws. The inner side of the circular ear fixation hole has a smooth chamfer, and its diameter is slightly smaller than the average diameter of the ear root of an adult mouse, serving a simple fixation function during wearing.

[0037] The fixed structural frame includes: an H-shaped frame with smooth chamfers, thickened frames on both sides merging to form a thickened neck ring 8, and a double ear root limiting hole 2 with smooth chamfers; the H-shaped frame is the main fixed structure of the helmet, bearing and supporting the main forces of each platform, wherein the thickened frames on both sides merge towards the neck to form a thickened neck ring 8 with a fused reinforcing rib structure; the double ear root limiting hole 2 with smooth chamfers locks the mouse's ear root, preventing the platform from slipping forward.

[0038] The dimensions of this device vary depending on the individual mouse size, ranging from 13.5mm to 15.5mm in length and 12.4mm to 14.4mm in width. The angle, curvature, and length of the H-shaped frame formed by the thickened neck ring and transition connecting rod can be adjusted by heating during use to ensure the allowance remains within a controllable range, preventing platform loosening and increasing usability. The mouse helmet is manufactured using photopolymerization, powder sintering additive construction, or precision injection molding, and the material is thermoplastic resin. If necessary, eye holes 1 can be sealed or filters can be attached; if the cheek fixing platform 6 is not attached to the mouse cheek, it can be adjusted by bending it with heat.

[0039] The specific implementation is as follows: Anesthetize the mouse, put on the platform, and make fine adjustments with tweezers to remove both ears from ear hole 2; adjust the square functional hole 5 in the neck to be located in the midline of the scalp; flatten the scalp at the square functional hole 9 in the snout, the square functional hole 5 in the neck, and the square functional holes 4 in the cheeks on both sides until the scalp position meets the requirements.

[0040] For simple positioning and fitting, the circular functional hole 3 in the main fixation area of ​​the head can be glued for fixation; if fixation to the skull is required, screws with the appropriate hole diameter can be used for fastening; thus completing the wearing and positioning.

[0041] To remove the mouse helmet of this utility model, apply adhesive remover or remove the screws at the circular functional hole 3 in the main fixation area of ​​the head.

[0042] 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, improvements, etc., 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. A mouse helmet, characterized in that: It includes a thickened neck ring (8) and a main head fixation platform (3) that fits the streamlined curve of the mouse's head. The thickened neck ring (8) is connected to the main head fixation platform (3) to form a ring helmet structure that can be fitted onto the mouse's head. The main head fixation platform (3) is provided with two ear root limiting holes (2) corresponding to the mouse's ears and two eye holes (1) corresponding to the mouse's eyes. The main head fixation platform (3) is also provided with several functional holes (3-1), which are located between the ear root limiting holes (2) and the eye holes (1).

2. The mouse helmet according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both ends of the thickened neck ring (8) are connected to transition connecting rods (7), and the thickened neck ring (8) and the transition connecting rods (7) are connected to an H-shaped fixed structure frame. Both ends of the transition connecting rods (7) are connected to the main fixed platform (3) on the top of the head.

3. The mouse helmet according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The main fixing platform (3) on the top of the head is provided with a square functional hole (5) for the neck, which is located between the limiting holes (2) at the base of the ears.

4. The mouse helmet according to claim 3, characterized in that: The main head fixation platform (3) is provided with cheek fixation platforms (6) on both sides, and the thickness of the cheek fixation platform (6) is 1.2-1.4mm.

5. The mouse helmet according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cheek fixing platform (6) is provided with a square functional hole (4) for the cheek.

6. The mouse helmet according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The upper part of the main head fixing platform (3) is provided with a snout fixing platform (10), and the thickness of the snout fixing platform (10) is 1.4-1.6mm.

7. The mouse helmet according to claim 6, characterized in that: The snout fixing platform (10) is provided with a square functional hole (9) for the snout.

8. The mouse helmet according to claim 7, characterized in that: The main fixed platform (3) on the top of the head gradually thickens from the middle area to the outer edge. The thickness of the thinnest part in the middle is 0.75-0.85mm, and the thickness of the thickest part in the outer edge is 1.45-1.55mm.

9. The mouse helmet according to claim 8, characterized in that: The main head-mounted platform (3), the transition connecting rod (7), the thickened neck ring (8), the cheek-mounted platform (6), and the snout-mounted platform (10) are thermoplastic molded one-piece helmet structures.

10. The mouse helmet according to claim 9, characterized in that: The length of the integrated helmet structure is a, where a is 13.5 mm to 15.5 mm; The width is b, where b is 12.4 mm to 14.4 mm; The height is c, where c is 22.5 mm-25.5 mm.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Mouse magnetic adsorption treatment device

    CN218075329U