Mouse metabolism cage for medical research
By designing a connection between the observation unit, urine separation unit, and activity unit in the mouse metabolic cage, the problem of stereotyped behaviors in mice in a monotonous environment was solved, the accuracy of experimental data and the health of mice were improved, and effective separation of urine and feces was achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JIANGSU AILINGFEI BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
The lack of activity facilities in existing mouse metabolic cages leads to stereotyped behaviors in mice in a monotonous environment, affecting the accuracy of experimental data and the health of the mice.
A metabolic cage was designed, comprising a mouse living area observation unit, a urine separation unit, and an activity unit. The observation unit and the activity unit are connected by a connecting component, providing activity space and urine separation function, thereby increasing the mouse's activity range and autonomy.
It improves the accuracy of experimental data and the health status of mice, reduces stereotyped behaviors by providing space for movement, promotes effective separation of urine and feces, and facilitates data collection and analysis by researchers.
Smart Images
Figure CN224234442U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of mouse metabolic cages, specifically a mouse metabolic cage for medical research. Background Technology
[0002] A mouse metabolic cage is an experimental device used to study the metabolism and behavior of mice. It can monitor the physiological parameters of mice in their natural living conditions and is widely used in fields such as biomedicine, nutrition, and behavior. By providing a standardized breeding environment, it ensures the objectivity and reliability of experimental data and is an important tool for studying mouse physiology and behavior.
[0003] According to Chinese Patent Application No. 202421849715.X, a mouse metabolic cage for medical research is disclosed, including a feces hopper with a placement plate below it; a striking assembly is provided on the placement plate, the striking assembly including a base plate, a control box, a rotating shaft, an eccentric wheel, a first fixing block, a first push rod, a striking head, a second fixing block, and a second push rod; the base plate is fixed to the placement plate; the control box is fixed to the base plate; the rotating shaft rotates on the control box; the eccentric wheel is fixed to the rotating shaft; the first fixing block is fixed to the right side of the eccentric wheel, and the second fixing block is fixed to the left side of the eccentric wheel; the first push rod is fixed to the right side of the first fixing block, and the second push rod is fixed to the left side of the second fixing block; the striking head is fixed to the right end of the first push rod.
[0004] Existing technology effectively solves the problems of feces clogging the filter when mouse feces are granular, and feces falling off the filter and mixing with urine when the filter pores are too small, which is not conducive to the separation of feces and urine. It has the advantages of preventing filter clogging and improving the collection efficiency of mouse urine. However, the facilities in the mouse metabolic cage are simple and lack the activity facilities for the mice. Since mice are naturally active, they are prone to stereotyped behaviors when they are in a monotonous environment for a long time, such as repetitive circling, chewing on cages, excessive grooming, and increased aggression. This leads to increased stress hormone levels, which can interfere with the research data on metabolism and immunity.
[0005] In summary, this invention provides a mouse metabolic cage for medical research to solve the above-mentioned problems. Utility Model Content
[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0007] A metabolic cage for mice used in medical research includes a metabolic cage assembly comprising a mouse living area observation unit, a urine separation unit for separating mouse feces, an activity unit for providing activity for the mice, and a communication assembly for connecting the observation unit and the activity unit. The observation unit includes a stand, a first partition fixed to one side of the upper end of the inner cavity of the stand, a feeder for feeding the mice, a cage door for handling the mice, a latch for securing the cage door, and a flap hinged to one side of the top of the stand. The urine separation unit includes a conical collection box, a sieve fixed to the inner cavity of the conical collection box, a collection bottle for collecting mouse urine, a guide tube, a union connector, and a support bracket for providing support. The activity unit includes a mesh cage, a sealing plate fixed to the top of the mesh cage, a running wheel installed in the inner cavity of the mesh cage, a support plate for supporting the running wheel, and a second partition fixed to the bottom of the inner cavity of the mesh cage.
[0008] Furthermore, in this utility model, the upright plate is fixed to the top of the conical collection box by bolts, the upright plate is made of transparent acrylic sheet, the box door is hinged to the upright plate by hinges, the latch is fixed to the surface of the box door, and the feeder is located on the top of the first partition.
[0009] Furthermore, in this utility model, one end of the guide tube is connected to the conical collection box, the union joint is sleeved on the surface of the guide tube, the collection bottle is threadedly connected to the union joint, and the bracket is fixed to the bottom of the conical collection box.
[0010] Furthermore, in this utility model, the net cage is fixed to the other side of the top of the upright plate, the support plate is fixed to the outside of the net cage, and the running wheel is movably connected to the support plate through a bearing.
[0011] Furthermore, in this utility model, the connecting component includes a tunnel pipe and a branch pipe connected to the tunnel pipe. The other end of the branch pipe is connected to the upper end of the inner cavity of the upright plate and is located above the first partition plate. One end of the tunnel pipe is connected to the lower end of the inner cavity of the upright plate, and the other end of the tunnel pipe is connected to the inner cavity of the cage.
[0012] Beneficial effects: This utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0013] This invention provides mice with an activity space through an active unit. The running wheel allows the mice to move autonomously, simulating their activity in the natural environment, which helps maintain the mice's health and normal physiological functions, making the experimental results more reliable. The connecting components promote the movement of mice within the area, achieving regional connectivity. The tunnel tubes and branch tubes in the connecting components connect the observation unit and the active unit, allowing the mice to move freely between the two areas, increasing their activity range and autonomy, which is more in line with the mice's natural behavior and helps improve the accuracy of experimental data. The urine separation unit has a conical collection box with a sieve inside, which can effectively separate mouse feces and urine. The urine flows into the collection bottle through the guide tube and the union connector, making it convenient for researchers to collect the urine and perform subsequent component analysis. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of this utility model;
[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the metabolic cage assembly of this utility model;
[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model from below;
[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection state structure between the observation unit and the activity unit of this utility model;
[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the separation state structure of the urine separation unit of this utility model.
[0019] In the picture:
[0020] 100. Metabolic cage assembly; 110. Observation unit; 111. Upright plate; 112. First partition; 113. Feeder; 114. Box door; 115. Lock; 116. Flip-up plate; 120. Urine separation unit; 121. Conical collection box; 122. Screen; 123. Collection bottle; 124. Drainage tube; 125. Union connector; 126. Support; 130. Movable unit; 131. Wire cage; 132. Sealing plate; 133. Support plate; 134. Running wheel; 135. Second partition; 140. Connecting assembly; 141. Tunnel pipe; 142. Branch pipe. Detailed Implementation
[0021] To better understand the technical content of this utility model, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of this utility model are described in this disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate numerous illustrative embodiments. The embodiments of this disclosure are not necessarily defined to include all aspects of this utility model. It should be understood that the various concepts and embodiments described above, as well as those described in more detail below, can be implemented in any of many ways, because the concepts and embodiments disclosed in this utility model are not limited to any particular implementation. Furthermore, some aspects of this utility model can be used alone or in any suitable combination with other aspects disclosed in this utility model.
[0022] Example 1
[0023] like Figure 1-5 The image shows the first embodiment of this utility model, which provides a metabolic cage for mice used in medical research. The embodiment includes a metabolic cage assembly 100, comprising a mouse living area observation unit 110, a urine separation unit 120 for separating mouse feces, an activity unit 130 for providing activity for the mice, and a communication assembly 140 for connecting the observation unit 110 and the activity unit 130. The observation unit 110 includes a vertical plate 111, a first partition 112 fixed to one side of the upper end of the inner cavity of the vertical plate 111, a feeder 113 for feeding the mice, a cage door 114 for removing the mice, and a lock for securing the cage door 114. The urine separation unit 120 includes a conical collection box 121, a sieve 122 fixed to the inner cavity of the conical collection box 121, a collection bottle 123 for collecting mouse urine, a guide tube 124 and a union joint 125, and a support 126 for providing support. The movable unit 130 includes a net box 131, a sealing plate 132 fixed to the top of the net box 131, a running wheel 134 installed in the inner cavity of the net box 131, a support plate 133 for supporting the running wheel 134, and a second partition 135 fixed to the bottom of the inner cavity of the net box 131.
[0024] like Figure 1-5As shown, the metabolic cage assembly 100 includes multiple functional units. Besides the activity unit 130, it also includes a mouse living area observation unit 110 and a urine separation unit 120. The observation unit 110 consists of a stand plate 111, a first partition 112, a feeder 113, a cage door 114, and a flap 116. The stand plate 111 is made of transparent acrylic, facilitating observation of the mice by researchers while also providing the mice with different visual experiences. Meanwhile, the tunnel tube 141 and branch tube 142 in the connecting assembly 140 connect the observation unit 110 and the activity unit 130, allowing the mice to move between different areas, increasing... The activity unit 130 provides a richer living environment and avoids prolonged exposure to a monotonous environment. It provides mice with space to move around. The running wheel 134 is installed inside the cage 131 and supported by the support plate 133. Mice can move on the running wheel 134, which can satisfy the mice's natural need for activity and give them more opportunities to engage in autonomous activities. This reduces the possibility of stereotyped behaviors caused by prolonged exposure to a monotonous environment. By setting up the activity unit 130 and a richer living environment, the problems of existing mouse metabolic cages can be effectively improved, providing mice with more suitable living conditions and reducing interference with research data.
[0025] Example 2
[0026] Reference Figure 1-5 This is the second embodiment of the present invention, which is based on the previous embodiment.
[0027] In this embodiment, the upright plate 111 is fixed to the top of the conical collection box 121 by bolts. The upright plate 111 is made of transparent acrylic sheet. The box door 114 is hinged to the upright plate 111 by hinges. The latch 115 is fixed to the surface of the box door 114. The feeder 113 is located on the top of the first partition 112.
[0028] One end of the guide tube 124 is connected to the conical collection box 121, the union joint 125 is sleeved on the surface of the guide tube 124, the collection bottle 123 is threadedly connected to the union joint 125, and the bracket 126 is fixed to the bottom of the conical collection box 121.
[0029] The cage 131 is fixed to the other side of the top of the upright plate 111, the support plate 133 is fixed to the outside of the cage 131, and the running wheel 134 is movably connected to the support plate 133 through bearings.
[0030] The connecting component 140 includes a tunnel pipe 141 and a branch pipe 142 connected to the tunnel pipe 141. The other end of the branch pipe 142 is connected to the upper end of the inner cavity of the upright plate 111 and is located above the first partition plate 112. One end of the tunnel pipe 141 is connected to the lower end of the inner cavity of the upright plate 111, and the other end of the tunnel pipe 141 is connected to the inner cavity of the cage 131.
[0031] like Figure 1-5 As shown, the upright plate 111 is fixed to the top of the conical collection box 121. Urine and feces produced by the mice fall into the conical collection box 121. The screen 122 inside the conical collection box 121 separates the feces, while the urine flows downwards through the screen 122. One end of the guide tube 124 is connected to the conical collection box 121, and the urine flows through the guide tube 124 to the collection bottle 123. A union connector 125 is fitted onto the surface of the guide tube 124, and the collection bottle 123 is threadedly connected to the union connector 125 for easy collection and replacement. The support 126 is fixed to the bottom of the conical collection box 121, providing support for the entire device. The mesh cage 131 is fixed to the other side of the top of the upright plate 111, providing activity space for the mice. The sealing plate 132 is fixed to the top of the mesh cage 131 to prevent the mice from escaping. The wheel 134 is installed inside the cage 131, and the support plate 133 is fixed to the outside of the cage 131. The running wheel 134 is movably connected to the support plate 133 through a bearing. The mouse can move on the running wheel 134 to simulate natural movement. The second partition 135 is fixed to the bottom of the cage 131, which serves to separate and support. The connecting component 140 includes a tunnel tube 141 and a branch tube 142. The other end of the branch tube 142 is connected to the upper end of the inner cavity of the upright plate 111 and is located above the first partition 112. One end of the tunnel tube 141 is connected to the lower end of the inner cavity of the upright plate 111, and the other end is connected to the inner cavity of the cage 131. The mouse can move freely between the observation unit 110 and the activity unit 130 through the tunnel tube 141 and the branch tube 142, which increases the mouse's range of activity and naturalness of life.
[0032] In use, the mouse is placed in the observation unit 110. The upright plate 111 is made of transparent acrylic, which facilitates researchers to observe the mouse's living condition. The mouse can be taken out by opening the box door 114. The feeder 113 is located on top of the first partition 112 to provide food for the mouse. The flip plate 116 is hinged to one side of the top of the upright plate 111 for easy food delivery. The feces and urine produced by the mouse fall into the conical collection box 121 of the urine separation unit 120 below. The screen 122 inside the conical collection box 121 intercepts the feces, while the urine flows through the screen 122 into the guide tube 124. One end of the guide tube 124 is connected to the conical collection box 121, and its surface is fitted with a union joint 125. The collection bottle 123 is threadedly connected to the union joint 125. The urine flows into the collection bottle 123 through the guide tube 124 for collection. The bracket 126 is fixed to the conical collection box. The bottom of box 121 provides support for the entire device. The activity unit 130 provides activity space for the mouse. The net box 131 is fixed to the other side of the top of the upright plate 111. The top of the net box 131 has a sealing plate 132. The running wheel 134 is installed in the inner cavity of the net box 131 and supported by the support plate 133. The mouse can move on the running wheel 134. The second partition 135 is fixed to the bottom of the inner cavity of the net box 131, which serves to separate and support. The observation unit 110 and the activity unit 130 are connected through the connecting component 140. One end of the tunnel tube 141 is connected to the lower end of the inner cavity of the upright plate 111, and the other end is connected to the inner cavity of the net box 131. The branch tube 142 is connected to the tunnel tube 141, and its other end is connected to the upper end of the inner cavity of the upright plate 111 and is located above the first partition 112. The mouse can move freely between the observation unit 110 and the activity unit 130 through the tunnel tube 141 and the branch tube 142.
[0033] All standard parts used in this application can be purchased from the market, and can be customized according to the description and drawings. The specific connection methods of each part adopt conventional methods such as bolts, rivets, and welding that are mature in the prior art. The machinery, parts and equipment adopt conventional models in the prior art. The control method is automatic control through a controller. The control circuit of the controller can be implemented by simple programming by those skilled in the art and is common knowledge in the field. Since this application is mainly used to protect mechanical devices, the control method and circuit connection will not be explained in detail in this application.
[0034] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this invention shall be determined by the claims.
Claims
1. A mouse metabolic cage for medical research, characterized in that: include, The metabolic cage assembly (100) includes a mouse living area observation unit (110), a urine separation unit (120) for separating mouse feces, an activity unit (130) for providing activity for mice, and a communication component (140) for connecting the observation unit (110) and the activity unit (130). The observation unit (110) includes a stand (111), a first partition (112) fixed to one side of the upper end of the inner cavity of the stand (111), a feeder (113) for feeding mice, a box door (114) for taking out mice, a latch (115) for fixing the box door (114), and a flap (116) hinged to one side of the top of the stand (111). The urine separation unit (120) includes a conical collection box (121), a screen (122) fixed in the inner cavity of the conical collection box (121), a collection bottle (123) for collecting mouse urine, a guide tube (124) and a swivel connector (125), and a support (126) for providing support. The active unit (130) includes a net cage (131), a sealing plate (132) fixed to the top of the net cage (131), a running wheel (134) installed in the inner cavity of the net cage (131), a support plate (133) for supporting the running wheel (134), and a second partition plate (135) fixed to the bottom of the inner cavity of the net cage (131).
2. The medical research mouse metabolic cage as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The upright plate (111) is fixed to the top of the conical collection box (121) by bolts. The upright plate (111) is made of transparent acrylic sheet. The box door (114) is hinged to the upright plate (111) by hinges. The latch (115) is fixed to the surface of the box door (114). The feeder (113) is located on the top of the first partition (112).
3. The mouse metabolic cage for medical research as described in claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the guide tube (124) is connected to the conical collection box (121), the union joint (125) is sleeved on the surface of the guide tube (124), the collection bottle (123) is threadedly connected to the union joint (125), and the bracket (126) is fixed to the bottom of the conical collection box (121).
4. The medical research mouse metabolic cage as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The cage (131) is fixed to the other side of the top of the upright plate (111), the support plate (133) is fixed to the outside of the cage (131), and the running wheel (134) is movably connected to the support plate (133) through a bearing.
5. The mouse metabolic cage for medical research as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting component (140) includes a tunnel pipe (141) and a branch pipe (142) connected to the tunnel pipe (141). The other end of the branch pipe (142) is connected to the upper end of the inner cavity of the upright plate (111) and is located above the first partition plate (112). One end of the tunnel pipe (141) is connected to the lower end of the inner cavity of the upright plate (111), and the other end of the tunnel pipe (141) is connected to the inner cavity of the cage (131).