Sampling device for exhaust dust of IVC cage frame

Abstract

The utility model relates to an IVC cage frame exhaust dust sampling device, and the sampling device comprises a fixing assembly which is used for abutting against the inner wall of an exhaust channel, and the length of the fixing assembly can be adjusted; the mounting assembly is obliquely arranged on one side of the fixing assembly, and the mounting assembly is provided with a mounting groove; and the film body is arranged in the mounting groove, and the film body is used for collecting dust in the exhaust channel. According to the sampling device for the exhaust dust of the IVC cage frame, the fixed assembly with the adjustable length is arranged, so that the whole sampling device is detachable and convenient to install, a user or mechanical operation is facilitated, and the sampling device is suitable for most IVC cages in the market and can be applied to collection of animal health monitoring environment samples in experimental animal facilities; and the mounting assembly is obliquely arranged, so that the collection area is increased to obtain sufficient collection dose, and normal channel air exhaust is not influenced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of experimental apparatus technology, and in particular to a sampling device for exhaust dust from IVC cages. Background Technology

[0002] The microbiological quality of laboratory animals is crucial for animal welfare, the validity and reproducibility of research data, and the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases. Therefore, health monitoring of animals in laboratory facilities is essential. Taking laboratory mice as an example, the health monitoring of their populations is currently mainly conducted using the dirty bedding sentinel mouse method. The sentinel mouse method is generally divided into the dirty bedding sentinel mouse method, the direct contact sentinel mouse method, and the airborne sentinel mouse method, with the dirty bedding sentinel mouse method being the most commonly used. The dirty bedding sentinel mouse method requires sampling sentinel mice and monitoring the microbial status of the laboratory mouse population through methods such as dissection, microbial culture, microscopic examination, serological testing, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) / quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Simultaneously, samples can also be collected directly from sentinel mice or the group of mice, such as oral / pharyngeal swabs, genital swabs, fur tape samples, fresh fecal particles, and blood samples, for microbial monitoring.

[0003] It is well known that the detection of infectious pathogens in facilities using sentinel mice with dirty bedding is influenced by a variety of factors, such as the prevalence of infectious pathogens, transmission methods, infectious dose, duration and intensity of shedding, resistance of microorganisms to environmental conditions, the level of the sentinel mice's own immunity, and the frequency and quantity of transfer of sentinel mice and dirty bedding. For example, when dirty bedding from multiple cages is mixed, the infectious dose of pathogens is diluted, so the number of transmissible pathogens may be lower than the infectious dose, failing to achieve infection and seroconversion. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of studies using environmental samples from facilities housing experimental animals for health monitoring, such as dust swabs from cage lids, cage walls, or exhaust ducts, exhaust filters, cage rack exhaust devices, or exhaust air dust (EAD) trapping media from dirty bedding in cages. Some researchers have used PCR / qPCR to demonstrate the effectiveness of EAD trapping media in individually ventilated cages (IVCs). High sensitivity and fast detection speed are the biggest advantages of PCR environmental detection. Some pathogens that are difficult to detect by traditional culture methods can be easily identified by PCR. Furthermore, as a contribution to the 3Rs (Reliability, Reliability, and Rationality), the detection of EAD does not require the use of live animals for monitoring, thus greatly reducing the animal maintenance and transportation required for diagnostic purposes.

[0004] Currently, health monitoring of environmental samples in animal facilities has not been widely applied. Among related technologies, some suppliers have developed matching exhaust dust EAD capture devices based on the cages they produce to meet user needs. However, these devices are only applicable to the cages they produce, have complex structures, are difficult to install and assemble, lack wide applicability, and are not easy to promote and use. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a sampling device for IVC cage exhaust dust that is widely applicable, simple in structure, easy to operate, and highly efficient in collecting data, addressing the aforementioned technical problems.

[0006] A sampling device for exhaust dust from an IVC cage, the sampling device comprising:

[0007] A fixing component is provided to abut against the inner wall of the exhaust duct, and the length of the fixing component can be adjusted;

[0008] The mounting component is inclinedly disposed on one side of the fixing component, and the mounting component has a mounting groove; and

[0009] A membrane body is disposed in the mounting groove, and the membrane body is used to collect dust in the exhaust channel.

[0010] In one embodiment, the fixing component includes:

[0011] The fixed body, wherein the fixed body is provided with an adjustment groove; and

[0012] The support head has one end movably disposed in the adjustment groove and the other end used to abut against the inner wall of the exhaust channel; at least two support heads are provided.

[0013] In one embodiment, the fixing component further includes an elastic element that abuts against the support head to provide an elastic force to the support head against the inner wall of the exhaust duct.

[0014] In one embodiment, the fixing assembly further includes an operating member connected to the elastic element, the operating member being used to operate the position of the support head relative to the adjustment groove to compress or release the elastic element.

[0015] In one embodiment, the end of the support head that abuts against the inner wall of the exhaust duct is provided with an elastic layer.

[0016] In one embodiment, the end of the support head that abuts against the inner wall of the exhaust duct is provided with anti-slip texture.

[0017] In one embodiment, the angle between the mounting component and the fixing component is greater than or equal to 45 degrees.

[0018] In one embodiment, the end of the mounting component away from the fixing component can be disposed against the inner wall of the exhaust duct, or the end of the mounting component away from the fixing component can be disposed at a predetermined distance from the inner wall of the exhaust duct.

[0019] In one embodiment, the width of the mounting groove is 2-15 mm.

[0020] In one embodiment, when the inner wall diameter of the exhaust duct is less than 85 mm, the area of ​​the mounting assembly is less than or equal to 60 × 100 mm. 2 Or, the area of ​​the collection area exposed by the membrane in the mounting assembly is less than or equal to 45 × 80 mm. 2 .

[0021] The aforementioned sampling device for exhaust dust from IVC cages features an adjustable-length fixing component, allowing for complete disassembly and easy installation. This facilitates user or mechanized operation and is suitable for most commercially available IVC cages. It can be used for collecting environmental samples for animal health monitoring within laboratory animal facilities. The tilted mounting component increases the sampling area to obtain sufficient sample dosage without affecting normal ventilation. Based on literature review and practical application, the device was independently designed, applied, and tested to verify its feasibility and dust capture effectiveness. This device's application in environmental monitoring represents a development and supplement to traditional animal health monitoring methods. It reduces the use of live mice in the sentinel rat method, saving manpower and resources in the production process, and offers advantages such as speed, efficiency, and high sensitivity. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of a sampling device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sampling device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sampling device according to an embodiment of this application from another perspective.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a sampling device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0027] 10. Exhaust duct; 100. Sampling device; 110. Fixing component; 111. Fixing body; 1111. Adjustment groove; 1112. Slide groove; 112. Support head; 1121. Head; 1122. Rod; 113. Operating component; 114. Elastic component; 120. Mounting component; 121. Mounting groove; 130. Membrane body. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0029] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0030] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0033] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0034] See Figure 1-4 , Figure 1-4 The diagram shows a schematic of the sampling device 100 in one embodiment of the present application. The sampling device 100 for exhaust air dust of the IVC cage provided in one embodiment of the present application is located in the exhaust channel 10, which is connected to the downstream of the IVC cage for laboratory animals. The sampling device 100 is used to collect exhaust air dust (EAD).

[0035] The sampling device 100 includes a fixing component 110, a mounting component 120, and a membrane 130. The fixing component 110 is disposed against the inner wall of the exhaust duct 10, and its length is adjustable. The mounting component 120 is inclinedly disposed on one side of the fixing component 110 and has a mounting groove 121. The membrane 130 is disposed within the mounting groove 121 and is used to collect dust within the exhaust duct 10.

[0036] The aforementioned IVC cage exhaust dust sampling device 100, through the inclusion of an adjustable-length fixing component, allows for complete detachment and easy installation, facilitating user or mechanized operation. It is suitable for most IVC cages on the market and can be used for collecting environmental samples for animal health monitoring within laboratory animal facilities. The inclined mounting component 120 increases the sampling area to obtain sufficient sampling dosage without affecting normal ventilation. This device's application in environmental monitoring represents a development and supplement to traditional animal health monitoring methods. It reduces the use of live animals in the sentinel rat method, saving manpower and resources in the production process, and offers advantages such as speed, efficiency, and high sensitivity.

[0037] In one embodiment, the fixing component 110 includes: a fixing body 111, the fixing body 111 having an adjustment groove 1111 therein; and a support head 112, one end of which is movably disposed in the adjustment groove 1111, and the other end of which is used to abut against the inner wall of the exhaust channel 10; at least two support heads 112 are provided.

[0038] Specifically, when there are two support heads 112, the fixing body 111 is in the shape of a straight line or an L-shape, and the fixing body 111 is a cuboid or a column. There are two adjustment slots 1111, which are respectively located at the two ends of the fixing body 111, with the slot openings facing the external space. Each support head 112 is located in each adjustment slot 1111, and the end of the support head 112 extends out of the adjustment slot 1111 and remains outside the adjustment slot 1111 to abut against the inner wall of the exhaust duct 10.

[0039] Specifically, when there are more than two support heads 112, the fixed body 111 is Y-shaped, cross-shaped, etc. There are multiple adjustment slots 1111, which are respectively located at multiple ends of the fixed body 111, with the slot openings facing the external space, and each support head 112 is located in each adjustment slot 1111.

[0040] In one embodiment, the support head 112 includes a head 1121 and a rod 1122. The width of the head 1121 is greater than the width of the rod 1122 to form a T-shaped structure. The width of the head 1121 is greater than the maximum size of the opening of the adjustment groove 1111, such that the head 1121 is located outside the adjustment groove 1111. The width of the rod 1122 is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the adjustment groove 1111, and the rod 1122 is movable within the adjustment groove 1111 to move the head 1121 closer to or further away from the fixing component 110.

[0041] In one embodiment, the fixing component 110 further includes an elastic element 114 that abuts against the support head 112 to provide the support head 112 with an elastic force against the inner wall of the exhaust channel 10.

[0042] Specifically, the elastic element is located within the adjusting groove 1111. One end of the elastic element abuts against the support head 112, and the other end abuts against the bottom of the adjusting groove 1111. When the support head 112 abuts against the inner wall of the exhaust channel 10, the elastic element is compressed. The elastic force generated by the compression tightly fixes the fixing component 110 within the exhaust channel 10. By setting the elastic element, firstly, it can provide pressure support to the exhaust pipe wall, ensuring that the catcher can continue to operate inside the pipe without falling off; secondly, it enables the fixing component 110 to have an adjustable length function to adapt to exhaust pipes of different diameters.

[0043] Furthermore, one end of the elastic element can be sleeved on the rod 1122, and the other end abuts against the bottom of the adjusting groove 1111. Alternatively, a guide rod can be provided inside the elastic element, which is fixedly installed in the adjusting groove 1111. The guide rod is used to fix the movement path of the spring and prevent slippage.

[0044] In one embodiment, the fixing assembly 110 further includes an operating member 113 connected to the support head, the operating member 113 being used to operate the position of the support head 112 relative to the adjustment groove 1111 to compress or release the elastic member.

[0045] Specifically, the fixed body 111 is provided with a sliding groove 1112 connected to the adjustment groove 1111 on the side away from the mold body. One end of the operating component 113 is located outside the fixed body 111, preferably on the side of the fixed body 111 away from the mold body; the other end passes through the sliding groove 1112 and connects to the support head 112 in the adjustment groove 1111. The end located outside the fixed body 111 is used for operation by the user. The operating component 113 is not limited to any material. The operating component 113 is used to operate the installation and removal of the sampling device 100. For example, the method of use is for the user to pinch the operating component 113 with the second section of their thumb and forefinger, so that the two operating components 113 are brought closer together, thereby shortening the distance between the two support heads; align the sampling device 100 with the diameter of the exhaust pipe, slowly release the hand, and after confirming that the support heads 112 on both sides are pressed firmly, release the hand completely to complete the installation of the sampling device in the exhaust channel.

[0046] In one embodiment, the end of the support head 112 abutting against the inner wall of the exhaust duct 10 is provided with an elastic layer. Specifically, the elastic layer is made of materials such as rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or thermoplastic polyolefin (POE). Further, the head 1121 of the support head 112 and the elastic layer can be configured to match the shape or curvature of the inner wall of the exhaust duct 10. The thickness of the elastic layer is 1-10 mm, preferably including, but not limited to, 3 mm and 6 mm.

[0047] In one embodiment, the end of the support head 112 that abuts against the inner wall of the exhaust duct 10 is provided with anti-slip texture. Specifically, the surface of the head 1121 of the support head 112 facing the inner wall of the exhaust duct 10 is provided with anti-slip texture, or the surface of the elastic layer facing the inner wall of the exhaust duct 10 is provided with anti-slip texture.

[0048] Furthermore, multiple support heads 112 are provided, and each support head 112 is detachably disposed within an adjustment groove 1111. To adapt to different exhaust ducts, the shape of the head 1121 and the thickness of the elastic layer of the support head 112 can differ in different sampling devices to suit different exhaust ducts 10, improve the fit between the sampling device 100 and the pipe wall, meet the requirements of different exhaust pipe diameters, and ensure that the sampling device 100 disposed within the exhaust duct will not fall off. Within the same sampling device, the shape of the head and the thickness of the elastic layer of multiple support heads 112 can also differ to suit different exhaust ducts 10.

[0049] In one embodiment, the angle α between the mounting component 120 and the fixing component 110 is greater than or equal to 45 degrees. Preferably, the angle between the mounting component 120 and the fixing component 110 is 50°, 55°, or 60°. This ensures that the membrane 130 can capture fresh dust. If the tilt angle is too large, dust accumulated in the exhaust duct and on the wall may be captured, potentially affecting subsequent test results.

[0050] In one embodiment, the end of the mounting component 120 away from the fixing component 110 can abut against the inner wall of the exhaust duct 10, or the end of the mounting component 120 away from the fixing component 110 can be arranged at a predetermined distance from the inner wall of the exhaust duct 10. Preferably, the end of the mounting component 120 away from the fixing component 110 can be arranged at a predetermined distance from the inner wall of the exhaust duct 10.

[0051] Specifically, the mounting component 120 is quadrilateral, preferably rectangular or trapezoidal, and more preferably trapezoidal in shape with the side length away from the fixing component being smaller than the side length near the fixing component. One side of the mounting component 120 abuts against or is fixedly connected to the lower part of the fixing body 111. When the end of the mounting component 120 away from the fixing component 110 abuts against the inner wall of the exhaust duct 10, both ends of the mounting component 120 away from the fixing body 111 abut against the inner wall of the exhaust duct 10. When the inner wall of the exhaust duct 10 is circular, the side of the mounting component 120 away from the fixing body 111 forms a flow gap with the inner wall of the exhaust duct 10. When the end of the mounting component 120 away from the fixing component 110 does not abut against the inner wall of the exhaust duct 10, the side of the mounting component 120 away from the fixing body 111 forms a larger flow gap with the inner wall of the exhaust duct 10.

[0052] The fixing body 111 can be installed through the center of the exhaust duct 10, and the mounting component 120 is installed at an angle. The ratio of the area of ​​the projection of the fixing body 111 and the mounting component 120 in the plane of the cross-section of the exhaust duct 10 to the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust duct 10 is less than or equal to 50%, preferably 40-50%.

[0053] The mounting assembly 120 is frame-shaped with a hollow center. The periphery of the membrane body 130 is recessed into the mounting groove 121, and the center of the membrane body 130 protrudes from the hollow portion to form a collection area. The mounting groove 121 is a recessed structure formed on the inner edge of the frame-shaped mounting assembly 120, with the opening of the groove facing the hollow portion so that the edge of the membrane body 130 enters the groove.

[0054] In one embodiment, the width of the mounting groove 121 is 2-15 mm, and the width direction is defined as perpendicular to the membrane surface. Specifically, the thickness of the membrane 130 can be 3 mm, 5 mm, etc. In one embodiment, the depth of the mounting groove 121 (i.e., the width to which the membrane 130 sinks into the mounting groove 121, and the depth direction is defined as parallel to the membrane surface) is 5-20 mm. Specifically, the depth of the mounting groove 121 can be 5 mm, 10 mm, etc.

[0055] When the mounting component 120 is rectangular, one side of the mounting component 120 is used to mate with the fixing body 111, and at least the other three sides of the mounting component 120 are provided with mounting grooves 121. The side of the mounting component 120 used to mate with the fixing body 111 is detachably connected to the fixing body 111, and the disassembled mounting component 120 is used for disassembling, collecting, and replacing the membrane 130.

[0056] In one embodiment, when the inner wall diameter of the exhaust duct 10 is less than 85 mm, the area of ​​the mounting assembly 120 is less than or equal to 60 × 100 mm. 2 Or, the area of ​​the collection region exposed by the membrane 130 in the mounting assembly 120 is less than or equal to 45 × 80 mm. 2 For example, when the inner wall diameter of the exhaust duct 10 is 65-83 mm, the area of ​​the sampling area should not exceed 39 × 80 mm. 2 It can accommodate membrane bodies with a maximum area of ​​58×98mm. 2 .

[0057] Three sizes 98×58mm 2 50×30 mm 2 75×50mm 2 The membrane 130 is installed on the sampling device 100 and placed inside the IVC cage exhaust pipe for testing.

[0058] First, autoclave the sampling device 100 and membrane 130 and transfer them to the facility. Install the membrane 130, open the IVC cage exhaust pipe connection, and pinch the operating piece 113 on the top of the sampling device 100 with the second section of your thumb and forefinger. Place it into the exhaust pipe, adjust it to a suitable width against the exhaust pipe wall, and fix it at the front end of the exhaust pipe airflow at a certain angle, so that the two side support heads 112 press against the exhaust pipe wall, allowing the exhaust airflow to be filtered by the membrane 130, and the exhaust dust to be effectively collected by the membrane 130. After the sampling device 100 is firmly placed and will not fall off, connect the exhaust pipe. When there is enough dust on the membrane 130 for testing, remove it, disassemble the device, and take out the filter membrane for further dust sampling and testing.

[0059] Table 1. Dust capture effect of filter membrane

[0060]

[0061] In Table 1, m 捕捉前 To capture the mass of the membrane before the experiment, m 捕捉后 To capture the mass of the membrane after the experiment, m represents the difference in mass of the membrane before and after capture, which indicates the mass of the collected dust. The dust on the filter membrane was collected into a 10mL cryovial. Based on the mass difference of the filter membrane before and after dust capture for different filter membrane materials, it was found that the filter membrane had a good dust capture effect, and the capture device was firmly fixed within one month without falling or loosening, and the position of the filter membrane did not change.

[0062] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0063] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An IVC cage exhaust dust sampling device, characterized in that, The sampling device includes: A fixing component is provided to abut against the inner wall of the exhaust duct, and the length of the fixing component can be adjusted; The mounting component is inclinedly disposed on one side of the fixing component, and the mounting component has a mounting groove; and A membrane body is disposed in the mounting groove, and the membrane body is used to collect dust in the exhaust channel.

2. The IVC cage exhaust dust sampling device of claim 1, wherein, The fixing component includes: The fixed body, wherein the fixed body is provided with an adjustment groove; and The support head has one end movably disposed in the adjustment groove and the other end used to abut against the inner wall of the exhaust channel; at least two support heads are provided.

3. The IVC cage exhaust dust sampling device of claim 2, wherein, The fixing component also includes an elastic element that abuts against the support head to provide the support head with an elastic force against the inner wall of the exhaust duct.

4. The IVC cage exhaust dust sampling device of claim 3, wherein, The fixing assembly also includes an operating member connected to the elastic element, the operating member being used to operate the position of the support head relative to the adjustment groove to compress or release the elastic element.

5. The IVC cage exhaust dust sampling device of claim 2, wherein, The end of the support head that abuts against the inner wall of the exhaust duct is provided with an elastic layer.

6. The IVC cage exhaust dust sampling device of claim 2, wherein, The end of the support head that abuts against the inner wall of the exhaust duct is provided with anti-slip texture.

7. The IVC cage exhaust dust sampling device of claim 1, wherein, The angle between the mounting component and the fixing component is greater than or equal to 45 degrees.

8. The IVC cage exhaust dust sampling device of claim 1 or 6, wherein, The end of the mounting component away from the fixing component can be disposed against the inner wall of the exhaust duct, or the end of the mounting component away from the fixing component can be disposed at a predetermined distance from the inner wall of the exhaust duct.

9. The IVC cage exhaust dust sampling device of claim 1, wherein, The width of the mounting groove is 2-15mm.

10. The IVC cage exhaust dust sampling device of claim 1, wherein, When the inner wall diameter of the exhaust channel is less than 85 mm, the installation assembly area is less than or equal to 60x100 mm 2 , or the area of the collection area exposed by the membrane body in the installation assembly is less than or equal to 45x80 mm 2 .

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