A four-limb fixator for use in mouse and rat experiments

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of limb immobilization technology, and more particularly to a limb immobilization device for rat and mouse experiments. It includes a placement plate, a slider, a connecting plate, a lower fixing plate, guide rods, an upper fixing plate, and an elastic element. The placement plate has multiple grooves, within which a slider is slidably mounted. A connecting plate is rotatably mounted on the slider. The lower fixing plate is fixedly connected to the connecting plate, and two guide rods are fixedly connected to the lower fixing plate. The upper fixing plate is slidably mounted between the two guide rods, and an elastic element is fitted onto the guide rods. By rotating the fixing bolt, the fixing bolt is disengaged from the limiting rod. Then, rotating the limiting rod causes the guide frustum to rotate, positioning the mouse's head between the placement plate and the limiting rod. After positioning, releasing the limiting rod allows the torsion spring to return to its original state, causing the limiting rod and the guide frustum to reverse direction. This effectively immobilizes the mouse's head, preventing frequent head movement or obstruction of the surgical area during surgery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of limb fixation technology, and in particular to a limb fixation device for experiments on mice and rats. Background Technology

[0002] Mouse and rat are among the most commonly used laboratory animals in biological and medical research. During experimental surgeries, they need to be immobilized with limb fixation devices.

[0003] Patent CN219354254U discloses an animal limb restraint device. The device comprises a platform and sliders. First guide rails are fixedly connected to both sides of the upper surface of the platform. The sliders include a first slider and a second slider. First sliders are slidably connected to both ends of the first guide rails. Second guide rails are fixedly connected between the first sliders on the same side of the first guide rails at both ends of the platform. Second sliders are slidably connected to both ends of the second guide rails. A fixing device is rotatably connected to the upper part of the second sliders. When using this patent to restrain animal limbs, buttons, latches, straps, and locking teeth are used to secure the limbs. However, this existing patent still has some shortcomings in practical use. Because it can only restrain the limbs of mice, and the distance between the head and forelimbs of mice is relatively long, after anesthetizing the mouse, the mouse's head will droop to its chest due to lack of support, easily causing partial obstruction of the airway and affecting the mouse's respiratory function. Furthermore, when operating on the head or neck area, the mouse's head needs to be frequently lifted, which is inconvenient.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide a limb fixation device for rats and mice with head fixation function. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of existing patents, which can only fix the limbs of mice, but the distance between the head and forelimbs of mice is relatively long, after anesthesia, the mouse's head will droop to the chest due to lack of support, which can easily lead to partial obstruction of the airway and affect the mouse's respiratory function. In addition, when it is necessary to operate on the head or neck area, the mouse's head needs to be lifted frequently, which is inconvenient. Therefore, this utility model provides a limb fixation device for rats and mice with head fixation function.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model adopts the following technical solution: A limb fixation device for rat and mouse experiments, comprising a placement plate, a slider, a connecting plate, a lower fixing plate, guide rods, an upper fixing plate, and an elastic element. The placement plate has multiple grooves, within which a slider is slidably mounted. A connecting plate is rotatably mounted on the slider. A lower fixing plate is fixedly connected to the connecting plate. Two guide rods are fixedly connected to the lower fixing plate. An upper fixing plate is slidably mounted between the two guide rods. An elastic element is fitted onto each guide rod, with both ends of the elastic element connected to the upper fixing plate and the guide rods, respectively. The device also includes a fixing bolt, a support base, a guide frustum, a torsion spring, and a limiting rod. A support base is fixedly connected to the placement plate. A guide frustum is rotatably mounted on the support base. A torsion spring is fitted onto the guide frustum, with both ends of the torsion spring connected to the support base and the guide frustum, respectively. A limiting rod is rotatably mounted between the two guide frustums. A fixing bolt is threaded onto the guide frustum, and the fixing bolt contacts the limiting rod.

[0007] More preferably, it also includes a contact rod, a push rod, a first screw, and a first mounting base. The contact rod is fixedly connected to the slider, and two first mounting bases are fixedly connected to the placement plate. The first mounting base is threaded with a first screw, and the first screw is fixedly connected to a push rod. The two contact rods located on the same horizontal line slide on adjacent push rods.

[0008] More preferably, it also includes electric heating elements and a control panel. Multiple electric heating elements are installed inside the placement plate, and a control panel is installed on the placement plate. The control panel is electrically connected to the electric heating elements.

[0009] More preferably, it also includes a support plate, a fixed shaft, a limiting sleeve, a connecting seat, a support rod, a second mounting seat, a second screw, a sliding seat, and a base plate. Two second mounting seats are fixedly connected to the base plate, and a second screw is rotatably arranged between the two second mounting seats. A sliding seat is threaded onto the second screw, and two support rods are rotatably arranged on the sliding seat. A support plate is rotatably arranged on the base plate and rotatably connected to the two support rods. A fixed shaft is fixedly connected to the support plate, and a connecting seat is rotatably arranged on the fixed shaft. The connecting seat is fixedly connected to the placement plate, and a limiting sleeve is threaded onto the fixed shaft.

[0010] More preferably, it also includes a limiting plate, with two limiting plates fixedly connected to the base plate.

[0011] More preferably, it also includes a pull ring, with the pull ring fixedly connected to the upper fixing plate.

[0012] More preferably, it also includes suction cups, with multiple suction cups provided on the base plate.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following technical effects: 1. By rotating the fixing bolt, the fixing bolt is disengaged from the limiting rod. Then, the limiting rod is rotated, and the limiting rod drives the guide round platform to rotate. The mouse's head is placed between the placement plate and the limiting rod. After placement, the limiting rod is released, so that the torsion spring returns to its original state and drives the limiting rod and the guide round platform to reverse. This can fix the mouse's head and prevent the mouse's head from moving around frequently or obstructing the surgical area during surgery.

[0014] 2. By rotating the first screw, the first screw drives the push rod to move outward. As the push rod moves, it squeezes the two sliders to move, thereby increasing the fixing efficiency by moving the two sliders.

[0015] 3. By setting a suitable temperature on the control panel and then activating the electric heating element, the electric heating element converts electrical energy into heat, thereby heating the placement plate to the specified temperature. This allows for continuous heating of the mouse during surgery, preventing the mouse from dying due to hypothermia.

[0016] 4. By rotating the second screw, the sliding seat moves. As the sliding seat moves, it drives the two support rods, support plate, fixed shaft, and the components above them to rotate. This allows for large-angle adjustment of the angle and position of the placement plate. Then, by rotating the limiting sleeve, the connecting seat rotates. As the connecting seat rotates, the placement plate rotates. This allows for angle adjustment around the center of the placement plate, enabling fine-tuning of the mouse's angle for medical personnel to perform surgery or other operations. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional sectional view of the placement plate, slider, and limiting rod of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional sectional view of the support base, guide frustum, and limiting rod of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the slider, contact rod, and pull ring of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the placement plate, push rod, and electric heating tube of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the slider, contact rod, and push rod of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 7This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the placement plate, support plate, and base plate of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the support plate, fixed shaft, and limiting sleeve of this utility model.

[0025] The components in the attached diagram are labeled as follows: 1. Placement plate, 2. Slide groove, 3. Slider, 4. Connecting plate, 5. Lower fixed plate, 6. Guide rod, 7. Upper fixed plate, 8. Elastic element, 9. Support seat, 10. Guide frustum, 11. Torsion spring, 12. Limiting rod, 13. Fixing bolt, 14. Contact rod, 15. Push rod, 16. First screw, 17. First mounting seat, 18. Electric heating tube, 19. Control panel, 20. Support plate, 2001. Fixed shaft, 2002. Limiting sleeve, 2003. Connecting seat, 21. Support rod, 22. Second mounting seat, 23. Second screw, 24. Sliding seat, 25. Limiting plate, 26. Pull ring, 27. Base plate, 28. Suction cup. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0027] Example 1: A limb immobilizer for rat and mouse experiments, see reference. Figures 1-7 As shown, the device includes a placement plate 1, a slider 3, a connecting plate 4, a lower fixed plate 5, a guide rod 6, an upper fixed plate 7, and an elastic element 8. The placement plate 1 has four evenly spaced grooves 2. A slider 3 is slidably mounted within each groove 2. A connecting plate 4 is rotatably mounted on the upper part of the slider 3. A lower fixed plate 5 is fixedly connected to the inner side of the connecting plate 4. Guide rods 6 are symmetrically mounted on the top of the lower fixed plate 5 by welding. An upper fixed plate 7 is slidably mounted between two guide rods 6. An elastic element 8 is fitted onto each guide rod 6. The two ends of the elastic element 8 are respectively connected to the upper fixed plate 7 and the guide rod 6. The rod 6 connection also includes a fixing bolt 13, a support seat 9, a guide frustum 10, a torsion spring 11, and a limiting rod 12. The top of the placement plate 1 is symmetrically provided with support seats 9 by welding. The guide frustum 10 is rotatably provided on the support seat 9. The torsion spring 11 is sleeved on the guide frustum 10. The two ends of the torsion spring 11 are respectively connected to the support seat 9 and the guide frustum 10. The limiting rod 12 is rotatably provided between the two guide frustums 10. The fixing bolt 13 is threaded on the guide frustum 10 and contacts the limiting rod 12.

[0028] See Figure 4As shown, it also includes a pull ring 26, which is fixedly connected to the top of the upper fixing plate 7.

[0029] When it is necessary to restrain the mouse, first place the mouse on the placement plate 1, then slide the slider 3. While sliding, pull the corresponding pull ring 26. The pull ring 26 makes it easier for medical staff to pull the upper fixation plate 7, causing it to move upward. The elastic element 8 is then compressed, placing one of the mouse's forelimbs between the upper fixation plate 7 and the lower fixation plate 5. Then release the pull ring 26, causing the elastic element 8 to rebound and move the upper fixation plate 7 downward, thus fixing the mouse's limb. Repeat the above operation to fix the remaining limbs of the mouse. After fixing, rotate the fixing bolt 13 to disengage it from the limiting rod 12. Then rotate the limiting rod 12, which drives the guide frustum 10 to rotate. The torsion spring 11 deforms accordingly, placing the mouse's head between the placement plate 1 and the limiting rod 12. After placement, release the limiting rod 12, allowing the torsion spring 11 to return to its original shape and causing the limiting rod 12 and the guide frustum 10 to reverse. This fixes the mouse's head, preventing it from moving frequently or obstructing the surgical area during surgery.

[0030] Example 2: Based on Example 1, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, it also includes a contact rod 14, a push rod 15, a first screw 16 and a first mounting base 17. The bottom of the slider 3 is fixedly connected to the contact rod 14, and the bottom of the placement plate 1 is symmetrically fixedly connected to the first mounting base 17. The first mounting base 17 is threadedly provided with the first screw 16, and the end of the first screw 16 is fixedly connected to the push rod 15. The two contact rods 14 located on the same horizontal line slide on the adjacent push rods 15.

[0031] When it is necessary to move the slider 3, the first screw 16 is rotated, causing the first screw 16 to drive the push rod 15 to move outward. As the push rod 15 moves, it squeezes the two sliders 3 to move. This can speed up the fixing efficiency by moving the two sliders 3. After fixing the two front limbs of the mouse, the other first screw 16 is rotated to fix the remaining two hind limbs of the mouse.

[0032] See Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, it also includes an electric heating element 18 and a control panel 19. Four electric heating elements 18 are evenly spaced and connected by bolts inside the placement plate 1. The electric heating elements 18 are arranged in a U-shape. The control panel 19 is installed at the bottom of the placement plate 1 and is electrically connected to the electric heating elements 18.

[0033] When performing surgery on a mouse, a suitable temperature is set on the control panel 19, and then the electric heating tube 18 is activated to heat the mouse. The electric heating tube 18 converts electrical energy into heat, which heats the placement plate 1 to the specified temperature. This allows the mouse to be continuously heated during surgery, preventing it from dying due to hypothermia. After the surgery is completed, the electric heating tube 18 can be turned off through the control panel 19.

[0034] See Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, it also includes a support plate 20, a fixed shaft 2001, a limiting sleeve 2002, a connecting seat 2003, a support rod 21, a second mounting seat 22, a second screw 23, a sliding seat 24, and a base plate 27. The base plate 27 has second mounting seats 22 fixedly connected to both the front and rear sides of its top. A second screw 23 is rotatably mounted between the two second mounting seats 22. A sliding seat 24 is threaded onto the second screw 23. Support rods 21 are rotatably mounted on both the left and right sides of the sliding seat 24. A support plate 20 is rotatably mounted on the front of the base plate 27. The support plate 20 is rotatably connected to two support rods 21. A fixed shaft 2001 is fixedly connected to the upper right side of the support plate 20. A connecting seat 2003 is rotatably mounted on the fixed shaft 2001. The connecting seat 2003 is fixedly connected to the placement plate 1. A limit sleeve 2002 is threaded on the right end of the fixed shaft 2001. The contact surfaces of the limit sleeve 2002 and the connecting seat 2003 are both toothed surfaces, and the two toothed surfaces mesh.

[0035] See Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, it also includes a limiting plate 25. The bottom plate 27 is symmetrically and fixedly connected to the limiting plate 25 on the top left and right, and the two limiting plates 25 are located below the placement plate 1.

[0036] See Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, it also includes suction cups 28, and suction cups 28 are symmetrically arranged on both the front and back sides of the bottom of the base plate 27.

[0037] After the mouse is secured to the placement plate 1, the device is placed in the designated position so that the suction cup 28 adheres to the support surface, thus preventing the device from shifting. By rotating the second screw 23, the sliding seat 24 is moved. Simultaneously, the sliding seat 24 rotates the two support rods 21, which in turn rotate the support plate 20, the fixed shaft 2001, and the components above them. This allows for large-angle adjustment of the angle and position of the placement plate 1, ensuring the experimental mouse is in the most suitable position for surgical operation. Finally, the limiting sleeve 2002 is rotated to limit the movement. The sleeve 2002 drives the connecting seat 2003 to rotate, and the rotating connecting seat 2003 drives the placement plate 1 to rotate. This allows the angle to be adjusted around the center of the placement plate 1, thus enabling fine-tuning of the mouse's angle for medical personnel to perform surgery or other operations. After the surgery is completed, the second screw 23 is reversed, causing the sliding seat 24 to move and drive the two support rods 21, support plate 20, fixed shaft 2001, placement plate 1 and limiting sleeve 2002 to rotate in reverse, so that the placement plate 1 is on a horizontal plane. The limiting plate 25 can limit the rotation angle of the placement plate 1.

[0038] Although this disclosure has been shown and described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made to this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the above embodiments, but should be defined not only by the appended claims, but also by their equivalents.

Claims

1. A limb fixation device for rat and mouse experiments, comprising a placement plate (1), a slider (3), a connecting plate (4), a lower fixing plate (5), a guide rod (6), an upper fixing plate (7), and an elastic element (8). The placement plate (1) has multiple grooves (2), in which the slider (3) is slidably disposed. The connecting plate (4) is rotatably disposed on the slider (3). The lower fixing plate (5) is fixedly connected to the connecting plate (4). Two guide rods (6) are fixedly connected to the lower fixing plate (5). The upper fixing plate (7) is slidably disposed between the two guide rods (6). An elastic element (8) is sleeved on the guide rod (6), with both ends of the elastic element (8) connected to the upper fixing plate (7) and the guide rod (6), respectively. The device is characterized in that… It also includes a fixing bolt (13), a support base (9), a guide frustum (10), a torsion spring (11), and a limiting rod (12). The support base (9) is fixedly connected to the placement plate (1). The guide frustum (10) is rotatably arranged on the support base (9). The torsion spring (11) is sleeved on the guide frustum (10). The two ends of the torsion spring (11) are respectively connected to the support base (9) and the guide frustum (10). The limiting rod (12) is rotatably arranged between the two guide frustums (10). The fixing bolt (13) is threaded on the guide frustum (10). The fixing bolt (13) is in contact with the limiting rod (12).

2. The animal limb holder for use in experiments on small animals according to claim 1, characterized in that It also includes a contact rod (14), a push rod (15), a first screw (16) and a first mounting base (17). The contact rod (14) is fixedly connected to the slider (3), and two first mounting bases (17) are fixedly connected to the placement plate (1). The first mounting base (17) is threaded with a first screw (16), and the push rod (15) is fixedly connected to the first screw (16). The two contact rods (14) located on the same horizontal line slide on the adjacent push rods (15).

3. The animal limb holder for use in experiments on small animals according to claim 2, characterized in that It also includes an electric heating element (18) and a control panel (19). Multiple electric heating elements (18) are installed inside the placement plate (1), and the control panel (19) is installed on the placement plate (1). The control panel (19) is electrically connected to the electric heating elements (18).

4. The animal limb holder according to claim 3, wherein It also includes a support plate (20), a fixed shaft (2001), a limiting sleeve (2002), a connecting seat (2003), a support rod (21), a second mounting seat (22), a second screw (23), a sliding seat (24), and a base plate (27). Two second mounting seats (22) are fixedly connected to the base plate (27). A second screw (23) is rotatably arranged between the two second mounting seats (22). A sliding seat (24) is threaded onto the second screw (23). (24) Two support rods (21) are rotatably mounted on the upper plate (27), and a support plate (20) is rotatably mounted on the bottom plate (27). The support plate (20) is rotatably connected to the two support rods (21). A fixed shaft (2001) is fixedly connected on the support plate (20), and a connecting seat (2003) is rotatably mounted on the fixed shaft (2001). The connecting seat (2003) is fixedly connected to the placement plate (1), and a limit sleeve (2002) is threaded on the fixed shaft (2001).

5. The animal limb holder for use in experiments on laboratory animals according to claim 4, characterized in that It also includes a limiting plate (25), and two limiting plates (25) are fixedly connected to the base plate (27).

6. The animal limb holder according to claim 5, wherein It also includes a pull ring (26), which is fixedly connected to the upper fixing plate (7).

7. The animal limb holder for use in experiments on laboratory animals according to claim 6, characterized in that It also includes suction cups (28), and multiple suction cups (28) are provided on the base plate (27).

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