An IVC cage with independent temperature control

Abstract

This utility model relates to the technical field of animal husbandry equipment and discloses an IVC cage with independent temperature control, including an air supply duct and a cage. The cage is snapped onto the bottom outer wall of the air supply duct, and an air inlet is provided on the bottom inner wall of the cage. A compact TEC cooling module is embedded in the inner wall of the air supply duct. The cooling module includes a TEC cooling plate, a cold-end heat sink, hot-end needle-shaped fins, and an axial fan. The cold-end heat sink is tightly fitted to the inner wall of the air supply duct, and its surface is covered with a hydrophilic coating. A V-shaped guide groove body is welded below the cold-end heat sink, and the V-shaped guide groove body is tightly fitted to the cold-end heat sink. In this utility model, by integrating a compact TEC cooling module into the air supply duct, the IVC cage has independent cooling and dehumidification functions, making the temperature and humidity parameters of each cage more consistent and reducing differences. The compact TEC cooling module is small in size and light in weight, making it suitable for embedding in the limited space of the IVC cage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of animal husbandry equipment technology, and in particular to an IVC cage with independent temperature control. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, IVC (Independent Ventilated Cage) systems have become the main equipment for housing laboratory animals. Traditional IVC systems consist of three parts: the main unit, the cage rack, and the cage housing. Air is filtered by the main unit and then delivered to each cage housing through independent pipes, creating a stable microenvironment. However, the temperature control system of existing IVC cage housings mainly relies on the main unit system, resulting in differences in environmental parameters between cage housings, which cannot meet the special experimental needs with extremely strict temperature and humidity requirements.

[0003] Existing IVC cages are mostly made of polycarbonate (PC) or polysulfone (PSU), which are transparent, acid and alkali resistant, and resistant to high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization (134 degrees Celsius). The connection between the cage and the cage rack is a non-invasive structure. When the cage is removed from the rack, the air inlet and outlet valves automatically close to prevent contamination. The air supply duct is mostly made of 304 stainless steel shaped pipe, which is connected to the cage via silicone nozzles and rotating slots to ensure airtightness. According to technical parameters, the temperature inside the IVC cage is usually controlled between 18-26℃, the humidity is controlled within the range of 40-70%, the air exchange rate is 20-70 times / hour, and the airflow velocity is 0.04-0.20m / s.

[0004] The existing IVC cage box has the following drawbacks. The temperature control system of the existing IVC cage box mainly provides power for the supply and exhaust of air to the IVC system by having two fans in the main unit work simultaneously. Even if one fan fails, the other fan can still provide a stable airflow to the system. However, the temperature control system designed in this way cannot integrate an independent temperature control module in the air supply duct, resulting in inconsistent temperature and humidity parameters in each cage box. Moreover, it cannot maintain basic temperature and humidity control when the main unit system fails. Therefore, an IVC cage box with independent temperature control is proposed to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the above deficiencies, this utility model provides an IVC cage with independent temperature control, which aims to improve the problem that the existing temperature control system cannot integrate an independent temperature control module in the air supply duct, resulting in inconsistent temperature and humidity parameters in each cage and the inability to maintain basic temperature and humidity control when the main system fails.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model adopts the following technical solution: an IVC cage with independent temperature control, comprising an air supply duct and a cage, wherein the cage is snapped onto the bottom outer wall of the air supply duct, and an air inlet is provided on the bottom inner wall of the cage. A compact TEC cooling module is embedded in the inner wall of the air supply duct, the cooling module comprising a TEC cooling chip, a cold-end heat sink, hot-end needle-shaped fins, and an axial fan. The cold-end heat sink is tightly fitted to the inner wall of the air supply duct, and the surface of the cold-end heat sink is covered with a hydrophilic coating. A V-shaped guide groove body is welded below the cold-end heat sink, and the V-shaped guide groove body is tightly fitted to the cold-end heat sink. The V-shaped guide channel body is connected to a PPSU drain pipe via a silicone check valve. The other end of the drain pipe is connected to a detachable water tray. A 40mm diameter axial fan is installed on the outside of the hot end, and the exhaust is vented outdoors through an exhaust pipe to dissipate heat, ensuring that the temperature of the hot end is less than 45 degrees Celsius. A temperature and humidity sensor is fixedly connected to the inner side wall of the cage box. A PLC controller is fixedly connected to the inner side wall of the cage box. A medical-grade miniature diaphragm pump is fixedly connected to the inner side wall of the cage box. The detachable water tray is located at the bottom of the cage box in the non-animal activity area and is connected to the cage box via a snap-fit ​​connection structure.

[0007] As a further description of the above technical solution: the top outer wall of the cold end heat dissipation plate is provided with a five-degree tilt angle.

[0008] As a further description of the above technical solution: the hot-end needle-shaped fins are three millimeters thick, four millimeters apart, and arranged at an angle of three degrees.

[0009] As a further description of the above technical solution: when the humidity reaches 60% RH, the temperature and humidity sensor triggers the medical-grade micro diaphragm pump to start drainage, and the detachable water receiving tray supports high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization at 134 degrees Celsius.

[0010] As a further description of the above technical solution: the cold end heat dissipation plate is fixed to the inner wall of the air supply duct by a silicone sealing strip, the silicone sealing strip being two millimeters thick.

[0011] As a further description of the above technical solution: the refrigeration module is fixed inside the cage by six evenly distributed buckles. The buckles are made of medical-grade polymer material, which is resistant to chemical corrosion and has a long service life.

[0012] As a further description of the above technical solution: the TEC cooling element is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the side of the air supply duct, and the top inner wall of the detachable water receiving tray is provided with a drain outlet.

[0013] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0014] 1. In this utility model, by integrating a compact TEC refrigeration module into the air supply duct, the IVC cage box has an independent cooling and dehumidification function, the temperature and humidity parameters of each cage box are more consistent, and the differences are reduced. The compact TEC refrigeration module is small in size and light in weight, suitable for embedding in the limited space of the IVC cage box, has no mechanical moving parts, low noise, and simple maintenance.

[0015] 2. In this utility model, the V-shaped guide groove combined with the hydrophilic coating improves the condensate collection efficiency. The combination of active and passive drainage ensures timely discharge of condensate. The silicone check valve and detachable structure design facilitate cleaning and disinfection. The medical-grade micro diaphragm pump features a low-power design, making it suitable for long-term use in IVC cages. The PLC-based automatic control system can monitor the temperature and humidity parameters inside the cage in real time and adjust the working status of the refrigeration module in a timely manner. It can be seamlessly integrated with existing IVC systems without changing the original operating procedures. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall front view of an IVC cage with independent temperature control proposed in this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an IVC cage with independent temperature control proposed in this utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the disassembly of an IVC cage with independent temperature control proposed in this utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0019] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the disassembly of an IVC cage with independent temperature control proposed in this utility model. Figure 2 .

[0020] Legend:

[0021] 1. Air supply duct; 101. Cage box; 102. Air inlet; 2. Refrigeration module; 4. Medical-grade miniature diaphragm pump; 5. Detachable drip tray; 6. Temperature and humidity sensor; 7. PLC controller; 21. TEC cooling chip; 22. Cold end heat sink; 23. Hot end needle-shaped fins; 24. Axial flow fan; 31. V-shaped guide groove body; 32. Hydrophilic coating; 33. Silicone check valve; 34. Drain pipe; 51. Snap-fit ​​connection structure; 52. Drain outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0022] 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.

[0023] Reference Figures 1-3 This utility model provides an embodiment of an IVC cage with independent temperature control, comprising an air supply duct 1 and a cage 101. The cage 101 is snapped onto the bottom outer wall of the air supply duct 1. An air inlet 102 is provided on the bottom inner wall of the cage 101. A compact TEC cooling module 2 is embedded in the inner wall of the air supply duct 1. The cooling module 2 includes a TEC cooling chip 21, a cold end heat sink 22, a hot end needle-shaped fin 23, and an axial fan 24. The cold end heat sink 22 is tightly fitted to the inner wall of the air supply duct 1. The surface of the cold end heat sink 22 is covered with a hydrophilic coating 32. A V-shaped guide channel body 31 is welded below the cold end heat sink 22. The V-shaped guide channel body 31 is tightly fitted to the cold end heat sink 22. The V-shaped guide channel body 31 is connected to a PPSU through a silicone check valve 33. The drain pipe 34 is made of PPSU material and is connected to the V-shaped guide channel body 31 and silicone one-way valve 33. The other end of the drain pipe 34 is connected to a detachable water tray 5. A 40 mm diameter axial flow fan 24 is installed on the outside of the hot end and is discharged to the outside through the exhaust pipe to dissipate heat and ensure that the temperature of the hot end is less than 45 degrees. A temperature and humidity sensor 6 is fixedly connected to the inner side wall of the cage box 101. A PLC controller 7 is fixedly connected to the inner side wall of the cage box 101. A medical-grade micro diaphragm pump 4 is fixedly connected to the inner side wall of the cage box 101. The detachable water tray 5 is located at the bottom of the cage box 101 in the non-animal activity area and is connected to the cage box 101 through a snap-fit ​​connection structure 51.

[0024] Reference Figures 2-4 The hot-end needle-shaped fins 23 are 3 mm thick, 4 mm apart, and arranged at a 3-degree angle. With a thickness of 3 mm, a spacing of 4 mm, and an inclination of 3°, and a 40 mm axial fan 24, the hot-end temperature is ensured to be ≤45℃. The temperature and humidity sensor 6 triggers the medical-grade micro diaphragm pump 4 to start drainage when the humidity is 60%RH. The water tray is detachable and fixed to the non-active area at the bottom of the cage box 101 by buckles. It supports high-temperature sterilization. The cooling module 2 is fixed inside the cage box 101 by six evenly distributed buckles. The buckles are made of medical-grade polymer material, which is resistant to chemical corrosion and has a long service life.

[0025] Reference Figures 3-4The top outer wall of the cold end heat sink 22 is inclined at a 5-degree angle. The surface is covered with a hydrophilic coating 32, and the inclination angle is 5°-10° to improve the condensate drainage efficiency. The medical-grade micro diaphragm pump 4 is made of chemical corrosion resistant material (such as PTFE / fluororubber) with a life of ≥20 million working cycles. The cold end heat sink 22 is fixed to the inner wall of the air supply duct 1 by a silicone sealing strip with a thickness of 2 mm. The TEC cooling plate 21 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the side of the air supply duct 1. The top inner wall of the detachable water tray 5 is provided with a drain outlet 52.

[0026] Working Principle: The TEC cooling chip 21 of this invention uses a semiconductor cooling chip with a rated power of 30-40W, a cold junction temperature limit of ≥70℃, a maximum operating current of 4A, and a voltage range of 12-15V DC. It meets the cooling requirement of the cage 101 to reduce temperature by 10℃. Based on the temperature and humidity control requirements of the IVC cage 101 (reducing temperature by 10℃ and dehumidifying to 40%), the calculated required cooling capacity is approximately 15W, which meets the design requirements. The new medical-grade micro diaphragm pump uses medical-grade polymer materials such as PTFE and fluororubber, which are chemically resistant and have undergone a long lifespan of 20 million fatigue tests, suitable for the long-term use requirements of the IVC cage 101. The temperature and humidity sensor 6 is preferably a high-precision temperature and humidity sensor 6, with parameters described as "range -40℃ to +105℃, humidity 0-100%RH, power consumption ≤450μA, dehumidification trigger threshold of 60%RH". A programmable logic controller (PLC) is used. The system features an adaptive PID algorithm to regulate the current / voltage of the cooling chip in real time (limited range: Imax = 4A, Vmax = 15V), and supports temperature and humidity setting and alarm functions. By integrating a compact semiconductor cooling module 2 into the air supply duct 1, the IVC cage 101 has independent cooling and dehumidification functions. This system does not change the shape of the existing IVC cage 101 or the position of the air supply and exhaust vents. Instead, by adding a compact cooling module 2 to the air supply system, it achieves precise control and automatic adjustment of the temperature and humidity inside the cage, and effectively collects and removes condensate. This design can significantly improve the stability of the experimental animal breeding environment and animal welfare, while simplifying the operation process and reducing maintenance costs.

[0027] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. 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. An IVC cage with independent temperature control, comprising an air supply duct (1) and a cage (101), characterized in that: The cage (101) is snapped onto the bottom outer wall of the air supply duct (1). An air inlet (102) is provided on the bottom inner wall of the cage (101). A compact TEC cooling module (2) is embedded in the inner wall of the air supply duct (1). The cooling module (2) includes a TEC cooling chip (21), a cold end heat sink (22), a hot end needle-shaped fin (23), and an axial fan (24). The cold end heat sink (22) is tightly fitted to the inner wall of the air supply duct (1). The surface of the cold end heat sink (22) is covered with a hydrophilic coating (32). A V-shaped guide groove body (31) is welded below the cold end heat sink (22). The V-shaped guide groove body (31) and the cold end heat sink (24) are connected. 2) Tightly fitted, the V-shaped guide channel body (31) is connected to the PPSU material drain pipe (34) through the silicone check valve (33), the other end of the drain pipe (34) is connected to the detachable water tray (5), a 40 mm diameter axial flow fan (24) is installed on the outside of the hot end, a temperature and humidity sensor (6) is fixedly connected to the inner side wall of the cage (101), a PLC controller (7) is fixedly connected to the inner side wall of the cage (101), a medical grade micro diaphragm pump (4) is fixedly connected to the inner side wall of the cage (101), and the detachable water tray (5) is located at the bottom of the cage (101) and is connected to the cage (101) through the snap-fit ​​connection structure (51).

2. The IVC cage with independent temperature control according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top outer wall of the cold end heat dissipation plate (22) is provided with an inclination angle of 5°-10°.

3. The IVC cage with independent temperature control according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hot-end needle-shaped fins (23) are three millimeters thick, four millimeters apart, and arranged at an angle of three degrees.

4. The IVC cage with independent temperature control according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature and humidity sensor (6) triggers the medical-grade micro diaphragm pump (4) to start drainage when the humidity is 60%RH.

5. An IVC cage with independent temperature control according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cold end heat dissipation plate (22) is fixed to the inner wall of the air supply duct (1) by a silicone sealing strip, the silicone sealing strip being two millimeters thick.

6. The IVC cage with independent temperature control according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigeration module (2) is fixed inside the cage (101) by six evenly distributed buckles, which are made of medical-grade polymer material.

7. An IVC cage with independent temperature control according to claim 1, characterized in that: The TEC cooling chip (21) is fixedly connected to the inner side wall of the air supply duct (1), and the top inner wall of the detachable water receiving tray (5) is provided with a drain outlet (52).

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