Animal head holder

Abstract

The utility model discloses an animal head fixing device, including head fixed frame, the front side of head fixed frame is provided with the flared medicine pouring subassembly, head fixed frame includes the U-shaped handle, the servo motor of fixed in the U-shaped handle rear end face to the guide rod of traversing U-shaped handle front end. Compared with the past hand fixing mode, the present fixing device avoids the direct contact between the personnel and the animal, the operator does not need to close contact with the potentially aggressive animal, and the risk of being bitten by the animal is effectively reduced. Moreover, the present fixing device adopts the side plate and the mouth opener design, which can realize stable fixation without causing harm to the animal's oral cavity, avoid the damage of the animal's oral mucosa and the loosening of the teeth, and is beneficial to the maintenance of the animal's health, the accuracy and reliability of the experimental data, and the animal welfare principle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of animal experimental equipment technology, specifically to an animal head restraint. Background Technology

[0002] In animal experimental research, head immobilization is a fundamental and crucial procedure. For example, cynomolgus monkeys, due to their physiological similarities to humans, are frequently used in experimental research in fields such as medicine and biology. In many experimental procedures, such as oral administration, the accurate delivery of drugs to the animal's stomach requires keeping the animal's head stable and immobilized.

[0003] Traditional methods of animal head restraint have significant drawbacks. Manual restraint requires direct contact between the operator and the animal, and animals like cynomolgus monkeys are aggressive and can easily bite or scratch, threatening operator safety. Furthermore, while using iron or rubber rods to clamp the mouth can achieve some degree of immobilization, considerable force is often required to ensure effectiveness, which can easily lead to damage to the animal's oral mucosa, loose teeth, and other injuries, affecting the animal's health and potentially interfering with the accuracy and reliability of experimental results. Therefore, developing a safe, reliable animal head restraint that does not harm the animal is of significant practical importance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a technical solution for an animal head restraint, thereby addressing the shortcomings mentioned in the background art. To overcome the drawbacks and defects described in the background art, this technical solution includes the following:

[0005] The device includes a head fixing frame, with a flared dispensing component on the front side of the head fixing frame; the head fixing frame includes a U-shaped handle, a servo motor fixed to the rear end face of the U-shaped handle, and a guide rod that extends laterally through the front end of the U-shaped handle. Two sliding blocks are slidably provided on the outer ring of the guide rod. The output end of the servo motor is connected to a lead screw, and a lead screw nut is movably provided on the outer ring of the lead screw. Two traction rods are hinged to the left and right sides of the lead screw nut, and the ends of the traction rods are respectively hinged to the rear side of the sliding blocks.

[0006] The flared filling assembly includes two side plates fixed to the front end of the sliding block, a horizontal bar passing through the side plates, and a filling tube passing through the horizontal bar. A flared piece is fixed to the upper and lower surfaces of the rear end of the filling tube, and the rear ends of the flared pieces converge with each other to form a wedge shape with a pointed rear end and a wide front end.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model: the output shaft is fixedly connected to the rear end of the lead screw via a coupling, and a circular hole is provided in the middle of the U-shaped handle for the lead screw to pass through and rotate, and a bearing is provided inside the circular hole.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a limiting block is fixed at the middle section of the outer ring of the guide rod to control the sliding blocks to maintain a minimum distance from each other.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model: the interior of each sliding block is provided with a through hole for the guide rod to pass through and for the sliding block to slide on the guide rod.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the side plates are all arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner with the central axis of the U-shaped handle as the base point.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model: silicone pads are adhered to the surfaces of the side plates that are close to each other by an adhesive, and the inner surface of the silicone pads is in contact with the two sides of the cynomolgus monkey's head.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model: each of the side plates has a notch at its front end, a support ring is fixed inside the notch, and the crossbar passes through the inside of the support ring.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model: the middle section of the crossbar is provided with a through hole for the medicine-filling tube to pass through, and the medicine-filling tube is provided with a medicine-filling channel inside.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model: the upper and lower surfaces of the rear end of the drug delivery tube are fixed with connecting posts, the sides of the flared pieces that are close to each other are connected to the ends of the connecting posts, and the rear ends of the flared pieces that are close to each other have a gap for drug flow.

[0015] The technical effects and advantages provided by this utility model in the above technical solution are as follows:

[0016] Compared to traditional manual restraint methods, this restraint device avoids direct contact between personnel and animals. Operators do not need to be in close proximity to potentially aggressive animals, effectively reducing the risk of being scratched or bitten and ensuring personnel safety. Furthermore, it abandons the crude method of using iron or rubber rods to clamp the mouth. The side plate and mouth opener design of this restraint device achieves stable fixation without harming the animal's oral cavity, avoiding problems such as oral mucosal damage and loose teeth. This is beneficial for maintaining animal health, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of experimental data, and also conforms to animal welfare principles. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of an animal head restraint;

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a head-mounted actuator;

[0020] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a head fixation frame;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the side panel;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a flared-mouth medication dispensing assembly.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0024] 1. Head fixing frame; 11. U-shaped handle; 12. Servo motor; 13. Lead screw; 14. Lead nut; 15. Pull rod; 16. Sliding block; 17. Guide rod; 2. Flaring infusion assembly; 21. Side plate; 22. Infusion tube; 23. Crossbar; 24. Silicone pad; 25. Support ring; 26. Connecting column; 27. Flaring plate. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To provide a clearer explanation and description of the technical solution and implementation of this utility model, several preferred specific embodiments for implementing the technical solution of this utility model are introduced below.

[0026] The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or use of this disclosure. It should be understood that in all these figures, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts and features. The figures are merely schematic representations of the concept and principles of embodiments of this disclosure and do not necessarily show the specific dimensions and scale of each embodiment. Specific details or structures of embodiments of this disclosure may be exaggerated in particular portions of certain figures. The disclosures of various publications, patents, and published patent specifications cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model.

[0027] Example 1: The animal head restraint includes a head fixing frame 1 with a flared medication delivery assembly 2 on its front side. The head fixing frame 1 consists of a U-shaped handle 11, a servo motor 12 fixed to the rear end face of the U-shaped handle 11, and a guide rod 17 extending laterally through the front end of the U-shaped handle 11. The output shaft of the servo motor 12 is fixedly connected to the rear end of a lead screw 13 via a coupling. The lead screw 13 passes through a circular hole in the middle of the U-shaped handle 11, and a bearing is installed inside the circular hole to allow the lead screw 13 to rotate smoothly. The U-shaped handle 11 is made of 304 stainless steel, polished to a smooth, burr-free surface, and has good corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. A limiting block is fixed at the middle of the outer ring of the guide rod 17 to control the sliding blocks 16 to maintain a minimum distance even when they are close to each other. The guide rod 17 is made of aluminum alloy, anodized to form a dense oxide film on its surface, effectively preventing corrosion and wear. Each sliding block 16 has a through hole for the guide rod 17 to pass through, allowing the sliding block 16 to slide on the guide rod 17. The sliding block 16 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene, which has a low coefficient of friction, allowing it to slide smoothly on the guide rod 17. A nut 14 is movably mounted on the outer ring of the lead screw 13. Two pull rods 15 are hinged to both sides of the nut 14. The ends of the pull rods 15 are respectively hinged to the rear side of the sliding block 16. The lead screw 13 is driven to rotate by the servo motor 12, which drives the nut 14 to move, and then drives the sliding block 16 to slide on the guide rod 17 through the pull rods 15.

[0028] The flared-mouth medication dispensing assembly 2 includes two side plates 21 fixed to the front end of the sliding block 16. The side plates 21 are arranged symmetrically in a mirror image with the central axis of the U-shaped handle 11 as the base point. Silicone pads 24 are adhered to the surfaces of their adjacent sides with adhesive. The inner surfaces of the silicone pads 24 contact the sides of the cynomolgus monkey's head. The side plates 21 are made of aluminum alloy and have undergone anodizing treatment, forming an oxide layer on the surface to effectively prevent scratches and deformation. The silicone pads 24 are made of medical-grade silicone material, which has good elasticity. Each side plate 21 has a notch at its front end, inside which a support ring 25 is fixed. A crossbar 23 passes through the support ring 25. The support ring 25 is made of polyoxymethylene material, which has high hardness and wear resistance, allowing the crossbar 23 to pass through stably. The crossbar 23 has a through hole in its middle section for the drug-filling tube 22 to pass through, and the drug-filling tube 22 has a drug-filling channel inside. The crossbar 23 is made of 316 stainless steel, polished to a smooth, burr-free surface, and has good corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. The drug-filling tube 22 is made of medical-grade polyvinyl chloride, with a soft, smooth surface and good elasticity and sealing properties. Connecting posts 26 are fixed to the upper and lower surfaces of the rear end of the drug-filling tube 22. The flared pieces 27 are connected to the ends of the connecting posts 26 on their adjacent sides. The rear ends of the flared pieces 27 converge vertically to form a wedge shape with a pointed rear end and a wide front end, and there is a gap between the adjacent rear ends of the flared pieces 27 to allow drug flow. The connecting posts 26 are made of 304 stainless steel, polished to a smooth, burr-free surface, and have good corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. The flared pieces 27 are made of medical-grade silicone, with a soft, smooth surface.

[0029] Example 2, based on Example 1, adds an adjustable height support frame. A support frame is located below the U-shaped handle 11, comprising a fixed rod and an adjusting rod. One end of the fixed rod is fixedly connected to the U-shaped handle 11, and the other end has an external thread. One end of the adjusting rod has an internal thread that engages with the external thread of the fixed rod. The height of the support frame can be adjusted by rotating the adjusting rod to accommodate animal heads of different sizes. Simultaneously, an anti-slip pad is provided at the bottom of the support frame to increase friction with the contact surface and prevent slippage during use. The servo motor 12 is a stepper motor with a self-locking function, and precise rotation control is achieved through a PLC control system. The PLC control system can automatically adjust the rotation speed and direction of the servo motor 12 according to a preset program, thereby controlling the position of the sliding block 16. Furthermore, a display screen and operation buttons are provided on the U-shaped handle 11, which can display the current working status in real time and allow for parameter setting and operation control of the equipment via the operation buttons. In addition, adjustable fixing straps are provided on both sides of the head fixing frame 1, which can be adjusted according to the head size of different animals, further increasing the stability and applicability of the equipment.

[0030] Based on the above-described preferred technical solution, the workflow of this technical solution is explained as follows:

[0031] When using an animal head restraint, the device should be adjusted according to the size of the animal's head. The operator starts the device via the control panel. Upon startup, the servo motor 12 begins operation, driving the lead screw 13 to rotate. The rotation of the lead screw 13 causes the nut 14 to move along the lead screw 13. The movement of the nut 14, through the pull rod 15, causes the sliding block 16 to slide on the guide rod 17. When the sliding block 16 moves the side plate 21 to the appropriate position, the silicone pad 24 on the inner side of the side plate 21 makes tight contact with both sides of the animal's head, thus securing the head. At this point, the operator can prepare the medication and connect the front end of the infusion tube 22 to the medication container, allowing the medication to flow smoothly into the infusion channel.

[0032] Before administration, the administration tube 22 is moved back and forth along the through hole on the crossbar 23, thereby inserting the two wedge-shaped flared flaps 27 into the animal's mouth. The flared flaps 27 open the animal's oral cavity, allowing the medication to flow through the administration channel of the administration tube 22, pass through the through hole inside the crossbar 23, and finally reach the position of the flared flaps 27. The rear ends of the flared flaps 27 converge vertically, forming a wedge shape with a pointed rear end and a wide front end. This design helps to accurately deliver the medication into the animal's mouth. Simultaneously, the proximity of the rear ends of the flared flaps 27 provides sufficient space for medication flow, ensuring smooth flow without blockage or backflow.

[0033] The foregoing description only illustrates certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Undoubtedly, those skilled in the art can modify the described embodiments in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the above drawings and descriptions are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An animal head holder comprising a head fixation frame (1), characterized in that: The front side of the head fixation frame (1) is provided with a flared mouth drug delivery component (2); The head fixing frame (1) includes a U-shaped handle (11), a servo motor (12) fixed to the rear end face of the U-shaped handle (11), and a guide rod (17) that runs horizontally through the front end of the U-shaped handle (11). Two sliding blocks (16) are slidably provided on the outer ring of the guide rod (17). The output end of the servo motor (12) is connected to a lead screw (13). A lead screw nut (14) is movably provided on the outer ring of the lead screw (13). Two pulling rods (15) are hinged to the left and right sides of the lead screw nut (14). The ends of the pulling rods (15) are respectively hinged to the rear side of the sliding block (16). The flared filling assembly (2) includes two side plates (21) fixed to the front end of the sliding block (16), a horizontal bar (23) passing through the side plate (21) laterally, and a filling tube (22) passing through the horizontal bar (23) longitudinally. A flared piece (27) is fixed on the upper and lower surfaces of the rear end of the filling tube (22), and the rear ends of the flared pieces (27) converge with each other to form a wedge shape with a pointed rear end and a wide front end.

2. An animal head holder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The output shaft of the servo motor (12) is fixedly connected to the rear end of the lead screw (13) via a coupling. The U-shaped handle (11) has a circular hole in the middle for the lead screw (13) to pass through and rotate, and a bearing is installed inside the circular hole.

3. The animal head holder of claim 1, wherein: A limiting block is fixed at the middle section of the outer ring of the guide rod (17) to control the sliding blocks (16) to maintain a distance from each other even when they are close to each other to the minimum.

4. The animal head holder of claim 1, wherein: The interior of each sliding block (16) is provided with a through hole for the guide rod (17) to pass through and for the sliding block (16) to slide on the guide rod (17).

5. The animal head holder of claim 1, wherein: The side panels (21) are all set in a mirror image symmetrically with the central axis of the U-shaped handle (11) as the base point.

6. The animal head restraint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side surfaces of the side plates (21) that are close to each other are each covered with a silicone pad (24) by an adhesive, and the inner surface of the silicone pad (24) is in contact with the sides of the cynomolgus monkey's head.

7. The animal head restraint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front end of each side plate (21) is provided with a notch, and a support ring (25) is fixed inside the notch, and the crossbar (23) passes through the support ring (25).

8. The animal head restraint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The crossbar (23) has a through hole in the middle section for the medicine-filling pipe (22) to pass through, and the medicine-filling pipe (22) has a medicine-filling channel inside.

9. The animal head restraint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper and lower surfaces of the drug delivery tube (22) are fixed with connecting posts (26), and the sides of the flared pieces (27) that are close to each other are connected to the ends of the connecting posts (26). The rear ends of the flared pieces (27) are close to each other and have a gap for drug flow.

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