Laboratory mouse composite molding device
By designing a multi-layered mouse cage combined with motion and display devices, the problem of the single function of existing devices was solved, and multiple environmental stimuli were integrated for efficient experimentation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 成都药康生物科技有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing experimental mouse modeling devices have limited functionality and are difficult to integrate multiple controllable stimuli, resulting in high usage and learning costs, and making it difficult to conduct various modeling experiments.
Design a composite modeling device for laboratory mice, comprising a multi-layered mouse cage frame within an outer frame, with each layer equipped with an independent motion mechanism, combined with slope generation, swinging and rotation mechanisms, and equipped with a display device to realize brightness, color temperature and dynamic pattern display, supporting combinations of various environmental stimuli and control experiments.
It enables complex research to be conducted on the same platform, improves experimental efficiency, supports the simultaneous execution of multiple modeling experiments, and reduces the cost of use and learning.
Smart Images
Figure CN224219182U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of animal training device technology, and in particular to a composite modeling device for laboratory mice. Background Technology
[0002] Laboratory mouse modeling devices are used to induce specific disease or behavioral models by controlling the living environment of laboratory animals, such as chronic unpredictable mild stress depression models, sleep deprivation models, and anxiety models. Currently, laboratory mouse modeling devices have relatively limited functionality, only able to apply single environmental stimuli, such as manually tilting the cage, setting up a flashing light source in the housing, manually shaking the cage at regular intervals, or changing damp bedding. It is difficult to integrate multiple controllable stimuli such as light, slope, and physical movement on a single platform, making comprehensive experiments challenging. Furthermore, when multiple modeling experiments are required, separate modeling devices are needed, resulting in high operating and learning costs. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a composite modeling device for laboratory mice, which solves the problem of the single function of existing laboratory mouse modeling devices.
[0004] This utility model provides a composite modeling device for laboratory mice, including an outer frame, with at least two layers of mouse cages inside the outer frame. Each layer of mouse cages is equipped with an independent motion mechanism, which drives the mouse cages to move relative to the outer frame. Each layer of mouse cages has at least two mounting compartments for mounting feeding boxes containing laboratory mice. Each mounting compartment is equipped with a display device for realizing at least one of brightness adjustment, color temperature adjustment, strobe, and dynamic pattern display. The motion mechanism includes at least two of the following: a slope generation mechanism, a swing mechanism, and a rotation mechanism. The slope generation mechanism is used to generate and maintain a slope for the mouse cages relative to the outer frame, the swing mechanism is used to drive the mouse cages to swing back and forth relative to the outer frame, and the rotation mechanism is used to drive the mouse cages to rotate relative to the outer frame.
[0005] In an alternative embodiment, the display device is located on at least one of the top surface and two sides of the mounting grid.
[0006] In an optional implementation, the inner surface of the mounting grid is a highly reflective panel.
[0007] In an optional embodiment, the outer frame also includes a partition, on which the mouse cage is mounted.
[0008] In an optional embodiment, the front of the mounting compartment is provided with an opening for the feeding box to enter and exit.
[0009] In an optional embodiment, a feeding device is provided at the rear of the mounting compartment.
[0010] In an optional embodiment, a limiting guide structure is provided at the opening of the mounting compartment. The limiting guide structure includes a ramp at the bottom of the mounting compartment entrance, which gradually decreases inward from the entrance of the mounting compartment.
[0011] In an optional implementation, the slope angle of the slope generation mechanism is continuously adjustable between 0° and 30°.
[0012] In an optional implementation, the maximum slope of the slope generation mechanism is 30° to 60°.
[0013] In an optional implementation, the swing amplitude of the swing mechanism is 5° to 20°.
[0014] The experimental mouse composite modeling device provided by this utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0015] 1. The motion mechanism drives the mouse cage frame to move relative to the outer frame. The display device is used to adjust the display device in the installation grid. The display device is used to realize at least one of brightness adjustment, color temperature adjustment, strobe and dynamic pattern display. The display device and the motion mechanism can be combined with each other to generate two types of stimuli: light and environmental motion, which is convenient for complex research.
[0016] 2. Each layer of the mouse cage rack has at least two mounting slots, which can accommodate at least two feeding boxes at the same time. The environmental movement factors of multiple feeding boxes in each layer of the mouse cage rack are the same. The display device in each mounting slot can be set to the same display mode, which can improve experimental efficiency and allow the same experimental operation to be performed on mice in multiple feeding boxes. Alternatively, it can be set to different display modes, which can be used for control experiments. Under the condition of the same environmental movement factors, a control experiment of display modes can be carried out.
[0017] 3. The motion mechanism includes at least two of the following: slope generation mechanism, swing mechanism, and rotation mechanism. It can provide rich and complex environmental motion stimulation factors to carry out various types of modeling, such as depression modeling, sleep deprivation modeling, etc.
[0018] 4. Each layer of mouse cages is equipped with an independent movement mechanism. The movement mechanisms of multiple mouse cages can adopt the same movement mode, which can improve experimental efficiency and allow the same experimental operations to be performed on mice in multiple enclosures. The movement mechanisms of multiple mouse cages can also adopt different movement modes, allowing for control experiments on movement modes among multiple mouse cages. Attached Figure Description
[0019] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the experimental mouse composite modeling device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 2 One of the schematic diagrams of the mounting grid in the experimental mouse composite modeling device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0022] Figure 3 A second schematic diagram of the mounting grid in the experimental mouse composite modeling device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0023] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the motion mechanism in the experimental mouse composite modeling device provided in this embodiment of the utility model.
[0024] Icons: 100-Outer frame; 110-Divider; 200-Rat cage frame; 210-Mounting grid; 211-Display device; 212-Feeding device; 213-Ramp; 220-Servo cylinder; 221-Push rod; 222-Rotating shaft; 300-Feeding box. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0026] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0027] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.
[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0029] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.
[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" 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 of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0031] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, outlines some embodiments of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.
[0032] This utility model embodiment provides a composite modeling device for laboratory mice, such as... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the system includes an outer frame 100, within which at least two layers of mouse cage shelves 200 are provided. Each layer of mouse cage shelf 200 is equipped with an independent motion mechanism that drives the mouse cage shelf 200 to move relative to the outer frame 100. Each layer of mouse cage shelf 200 has at least two mounting compartments 210 for placing a feeding box 300 containing laboratory mice. A display device 211 is provided within each mounting compartment 210 for providing light stimulation to the laboratory mice within the feeding box 300. The stimulation method includes at least one of brightness adjustment, color temperature adjustment, strobe, and dynamic pattern display. Specifically, the number of layers in the mouse cage shelf 200 can be two, three, or four. Preferably, as shown... Figure 1As shown, this embodiment has three layers. Each layer of the mouse cage 200 is equipped with an independent motion mechanism, allowing the motion stimulation of each layer to be controlled independently without interference, thus enabling the setup of different experimental and control groups within the same device. Preferably, each layer can have multiple side-by-side mounting grids 210, for example, 4 to 6, to achieve high-throughput experiments.
[0033] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the motion mechanism includes a slope generating mechanism and a swinging mechanism. The slope generating mechanism is used to generate and maintain a slope between the mouse cage frame 200 and the outer frame 100, and the swinging mechanism is used to drive the mouse cage frame 200 to reciprocate relative to the outer frame 100. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the motion mechanism in the experimental mouse composite modeling device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 Some components have been omitted.
[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, the motion mechanism includes two drive mechanisms, respectively located at both ends of the cage frame 200. Each drive mechanism includes a servo cylinder 220, the cylinder body of which is hinged to the outer frame 100. The push rod 221 of the servo cylinder 220 is fixedly connected to a rotating shaft 222, which is hinged to the cage frame 200. When the servo cylinder 220 actuates, it drives the push rod 221 to extend or retract, thereby moving the cage frame 200 up and down via the rotating shaft 222. When one drive mechanism is active while the other is stationary, the stationary drive mechanism forms the fulcrum, and the active drive mechanism forms the drive end. In this case, the motion mechanism constitutes a slope generation mechanism. When both drive mechanisms actuate, through the coordinated action of the two sets of mechanisms, such as alternating extension and retraction, the cage frame 200 can be driven to swing. In this case, the motion mechanism constitutes a swing mechanism, which can achieve periodic reciprocating swing in a vertical plane.
[0035] The slope generation mechanism provides slope stimulation, which can be used to simulate mountainous environments or study the movement ability and stress response of laboratory mice on inclined planes. It can also serve as a stimulus for establishing models of depression and sleep deprivation in laboratory mice. The swing mechanism provides reciprocating swing, and this unstable movement environment can be used to construct models of movement disorders, depression, sleep deprivation, vestibular stimulation, or chronic mild stress.
[0036] In other embodiments, the motion mechanism may employ other specific structures and components. For example, the slope generation mechanism may be mounted on the moving parts of the swing mechanism to achieve a composite configuration of the two motion mechanisms. The slope generation mechanism may employ driving elements such as cylinders or linear motors, while the swing mechanism may employ a crank-connecting rod mechanism or an eccentric wheel mechanism driven by a motor.
[0037] In other embodiments, the motion mechanism can be a combination of a slope generating mechanism and a rotating mechanism, or a combination of a swinging mechanism and a rotating mechanism, or a combination of a slope generating mechanism, a swinging mechanism, and a rotating mechanism. Specifically, the rotating mechanism may include a slewing bearing and a drive motor to drive the squirrel cage 200 to perform unidirectional or reciprocating rotational motion around a vertical axis. Taking the combination of a slope generating mechanism, a swinging mechanism, and a rotating mechanism as an example, the slope generating mechanism can be mounted on the moving part of the swinging mechanism, the swinging mechanism can be mounted on the moving part of the rotating mechanism, and the rotating mechanism can be mounted on the outer frame 100.
[0038] Preferably, the slope angle of the slope generation mechanism is continuously adjustable between 0° and 30°. Specifically, the tilt angle of the cage frame 200 is precisely adjusted by controlling the extension and retraction length of the push rod 221 of the servo cylinder 220. In other embodiments, a cylinder can also be used as the driving element. However, this cannot achieve continuous adjustment of the slope angle, but is only used to achieve fixed angle adjustment, such as adjusting between two slopes of 0° and 15°. Alternatively, an adjustable cylinder can be used, and by changing the extension and retraction length of the adjustable cylinder, the fixed angle of the slope generation mechanism can be adjusted to a fixed level. For example, the fully obtained state is 0°, and by changing the extension and retraction length of the adjustable cylinder, another slope can be switched between 10°, 15°, and 20°.
[0039] Preferably, the maximum slope range of the slope generation mechanism can be 30° to 60°. The slope generation mechanism is used to achieve and maintain a specific slope. The maximum slope range of 30° to 60° can meet the requirements, while having low requirements for longitudinal space, making it easy to set up multiple layers of rat cages 200 in one device.
[0040] Preferably, the swing amplitude and frequency of the swing mechanism are adjustable, for example, the swing amplitude is between ±5 degrees and ±20 degrees, and the frequency is between 0.1 Hz and 2 Hz.
[0041] Preferably, the rotation speed of the rotating mechanism is adjustable, for example, between 0.5 rpm and 10 rpm. Rotational stimulation can be used to study disorientation, dizziness, or specific behavioral paradigms. Preferably, the display device 211 is located on at least one of the top surface and two sides of the mounting grid 210. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the display device 211 is simultaneously disposed on the top surface and an inner sidewall of the mounting grid 210. This multi-faceted arrangement allows for more uniform and seamless lighting coverage inside the feeding box 300, simulating an all-around lighting environment.
[0042] Multiple display devices 211 can employ the same display mode or different display modes. Using the same display mode provides better display coverage, especially considering the mouse's body size and eye position distribution. Furthermore, placing display devices 211 on the top and sides enhances the effective stimulation of light factors. When using different display modes, for example, the top display device 211 primarily simulates the brightness and color temperature changes of the diurnal rhythm, while the side display devices 211 can be used to display dynamic patterns (such as moving stripes of light, flashing geometric shapes, etc.) to induce specific behavioral responses or visual stimulation stress in the experimental mice.
[0043] Specifically, the display device 211 can use LED lights to provide functions such as brightness adjustment, color temperature adjustment, and strobe. The display device 211 can also use an LED screen to provide functions such as brightness adjustment, color temperature adjustment, strobe, and dynamic patterns.
[0044] Preferably, the inner surface of the mounting grid 210 is a highly reflective panel. The top, bottom, and sides of the mounting grid 210 are all made of a white or mirrored material with high light reflectivity (e.g., reflectivity greater than 80%). The advantage of this design is that the light emitted by the display device 211 can be reflected multiple times within the mounting grid 210, greatly improving the uniformity of illumination, avoiding uneven stimulation caused by direct light or shadow areas, ensuring that the experimental mice in different positions within the same mounting grid 210 receive consistent light stimulation parameters, improving the reliability of the experiment, and allowing for the use of fewer display devices 211.
[0045] Preferred, such as Figure 1 As shown, the outer frame 100 also includes a horizontal partition 110, on which the cage racks 200 are mounted. The horizontal partition 110 is fixed inside the outer frame 100, providing a stable mounting surface for each layer of cage racks 200, effectively separating the layers, preventing interference between cage racks, preventing debris from falling from the upper layer to the lower layer, and facilitating layered maintenance and cleaning. The horizontal partition 110 also serves to mount motion mechanisms, providing stable support.
[0046] Preferably, the front of the mounting grid 210 has an opening for the entry and exit of the rearing box 300. This opening is slightly larger than that of a standard rearing box 300, making it easy for the experimenter to push or pull the rearing box 300 horizontally into or out of the mounting grid 210 from the front of the device (i.e., the opening side). The opening design concentrates the operation process at the front, saves experimental space, and facilitates observation.
[0047] Preferably, a feeding device 212 is provided at the rear or back of the mounting compartment 210. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the feeding device 212 can be configured as a feed tube fixed to the rear of the mounting grid 210. The feed tube can be further connected to the outer frame 100 and the automatic feeding system of the feeding system. The feed tube only serves as the feeding terminal of the automatic feeding system, and the feed outlet of the feed tube leads to the inside of the feeding box 300. Figure 3 As shown, the feeding device 212 is located at the rear of the mounting compartment 210, which can also avoid affecting the installation of the display device 211 in the mounting compartment 210. The feeding device 212 and the display device 211 can be installed on the top of the mounting compartment 210 at the same time.
[0048] Preferred, such as Figure 2 As shown, the opening of the mounting compartment 210 is equipped with a limiting guide structure to facilitate the accurate and smooth placement of the feeding box 300, and also to prevent the feeding box 300 from sliding out of the mounting compartment 210. Specifically, the limiting guide structure includes a ramp 213 at the bottom of the entrance of the mounting compartment 210, which gradually decreases inward from the entrance of the mounting compartment 210. More specifically, the height of the ramp 213 is 3 to 5 millimeters, and the length (i.e., the length of the inclined surface) is 5 to 10 centimeters. When the experimenter pushes the feeding box 300 in, the bottom of the feeding box 300 first contacts the inclined surface of the ramp 213, and slides down naturally under the action of gravity, accurately aligning itself into the predetermined position of the mounting compartment 210. This avoids damage to the feeding box 300 from hard impacts and ensures the consistency of the placement position each time. In other embodiments, the limiting guide structure may also include guide protrusions located on both sides of the opening of the mounting compartment 210. In other embodiments, handles, buckles, or other structures can be used to install and fix the feeding box 300 to prevent it from sliding out of the mounting compartment 210.
[0049] It should be noted that in this utility model, the outer frame 100 only serves as a fixed support frame. The outer frame 100 can be combined with the existing breeding environment of laboratory mice, such as setting up an exhaust system, feeding system, cleaning system, disinfection system, etc. This application does not limit the combination of the outer frame 100 and these technologies.
[0050] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.
Claims
1. A composite modeling device for laboratory mice, characterized in that, The system includes an outer frame (100), within which at least two layers of mouse cage racks (200) are provided. Each layer of mouse cage racks (200) is equipped with an independent motion mechanism, which drives the mouse cage racks (200) to move relative to the outer frame (100). Each layer of mouse cage racks (200) is provided with at least two mounting compartments (210), which are used to place a feeding box (300) containing laboratory mice. Each mounting compartment (210) is provided with a display device (211), which is used to realize at least one of brightness adjustment, color temperature adjustment, strobe, and dynamic pattern display. The motion mechanism includes at least two of the following: a slope generation mechanism, a swing mechanism, and a rotation mechanism. The slope generation mechanism is used to generate and maintain a slope of the mouse cage frame (200) relative to the outer frame (100). The swing mechanism is used to drive the mouse cage frame (200) to swing back and forth relative to the outer frame (100). The rotation mechanism is used to drive the mouse cage frame (200) to rotate relative to the outer frame (100).
2. The experimental mouse composite modeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display device (211) is located on at least one of the top surface and two sides of the mounting grid (210).
3. The experimental mouse composite modeling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner surface of the mounting grid (210) is a highly reflective panel.
4. The experimental mouse composite modeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer frame (100) also includes a partition (110), and the rat cage frame (200) is disposed on the partition (110).
5. The experimental mouse composite modeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front of the mounting compartment (210) is provided with an opening for the feeding box (300) to enter and exit.
6. The experimental mouse composite modeling device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rear of the mounting compartment (210) is provided with a feeding device (212).
7. The experimental mouse composite modeling device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The opening of the mounting compartment (210) is provided with a limiting guide structure, which includes a ramp (213) at the bottom of the entrance of the mounting compartment (210), and the ramp (213) gradually decreases from the entrance of the mounting compartment (210) inward.
8. The experimental mouse composite modeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slope angle of the slope generation mechanism is continuously adjustable between 0° and 30°.
9. The experimental mouse composite modeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The motion mechanism includes a swing mechanism, and the maximum slope of the slope generation mechanism is 30° to 60°.
10. The experimental mouse composite modeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The motion mechanism includes a rotating mechanism, and the swinging mechanism has a swinging amplitude of 5° to 20°.