Ankle fixation device for mouse muscle strength testing

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of experimental tools for mice, specifically an ankle joint fixation device for testing mouse muscle strength. It includes an ankle joint fixator, a U-shaped clamping member mounted on one side of the ankle joint fixator, a threaded opening at the bottom of the ankle joint fixator, and a tightening bolt threaded onto the threaded opening. Several height adjustment slots are provided on the surface of the clamping member, which is used to clamp and position the sensor. In this ankle joint fixation device for testing mouse muscle strength, the U-shaped ankle joint fixator, combined with the clamping member and tightening bolt, can firmly and stably fix the mouse's ankle joint. This fixation method effectively avoids the mouse struggling and moving during the test, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the muscle strength test. The height adjustment slots on the side of the clamping member, as well as the threaded sleeve and locking bolt on the upper part of the ankle joint fixator, allow the height of the device to be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of experimental tools for mice, and more specifically, to an ankle joint fixation device for testing muscle strength in mice. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of biomedical research, mice are widely used as model organisms in various experimental studies, including the assessment of mouse muscle strength. Muscle strength is an important indicator for evaluating muscle function and health, and is crucial for understanding muscle physiology, pathological changes, and the effects of drugs on the muscular system. However, traditional methods for testing mouse muscle strength often suffer from problems such as complex operation, low accuracy, or significant stress on mice, limiting their accuracy and reliability in scientific research and clinical applications.

[0003] Especially in live mouse knee extension muscle strength tests, the small size and high mobility of mice present a challenge for researchers: accurately and stably immobilizing the mouse's ankle joint while ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the test. Traditional immobilization methods may use straps or manual fixation, which are not only cumbersome to operate but also difficult to guarantee the consistency and stability of the immobilization, thus affecting the accuracy of the test results. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an ankle joint fixation device for testing mouse muscle strength, addressing the challenge raised in the background section regarding how to accurately and stably fix the ankle joint of mice, given their small size and high mobility, while ensuring safety and effectiveness during testing. Traditional fixation methods may use straps or manual fixation, which are not only cumbersome but also difficult to guarantee consistent and stable fixation, thus affecting the accuracy of test results.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an ankle joint fixation device for testing mouse muscle strength, including an ankle joint fixation component. A clamping component is installed on one side of the ankle joint fixation component. The ankle joint fixation component has a U-shaped structure. A threaded opening is provided at the bottom of the ankle joint fixation component. A tightening bolt is threaded onto the threaded opening. Several height adjustment openings are provided on the side of the clamping component along the vertical direction. The clamping component is used to clamp and position the sensor.

[0006] Preferably, a threaded sleeve is installed on the upper side of the ankle joint fixation member, and a locking bolt is installed on the threaded sleeve. The locking bolt passes through the corresponding height adjustment port and is inserted into the threaded sleeve for connection.

[0007] Preferably, a sensor clamping port is provided on the top of one side of the clamping member, and a notch is provided on the top of the sensor clamping port. The clamping port communicates with the notch. A through locking port is provided on the outer side of the top of the clamping member. A mounting bolt is threaded to the outer side of the locking port. The sensor clamping port is used to clamp the rotating shaft of the sensor and lock it in place by the mounting bolt.

[0008] Preferably, the clamping member has an internal thread on the locking port on the side away from the mounting bolt, and the mounting bolt passes through one locking port and is threadedly connected to the other locking port.

[0009] Preferably, the height adjustment ports are arranged at equal intervals from top to bottom.

[0010] Preferably, the tightening bolt includes a threaded rod, the top thread of which extends through the threaded opening to the inside of the ankle joint fixation member and is rotatably mounted with a tightening plate, and the bottom end of the tightening plate is fixedly mounted with a knob.

[0011] Preferably, the outer wall of the knob is provided with anti-slip texture.

[0012] Preferably, the clamping plate is made of silicone material.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0014] The ankle fixation device for this mouse muscle strength test uses a U-shaped ankle joint fixation component, along with clamps and tightening bolts, to securely and stably fix the mouse's ankle joint. This fixation method effectively prevents the mouse from struggling and moving during the test, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the muscle strength test.

[0015] The height adjustment port on the side of the clamping component, along with the threaded sleeve and locking bolt on the top of the ankle joint fixation component, allows the height of the device to be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs. This design meets the fixation requirements of mice of different sizes, improving the versatility and adaptability of the device.

[0016] The sensor clamping port and locking port on the top of the clamping component, along with the mounting bolts, allow for convenient and quick installation of the sensor onto the device, and secure fixation via the locking bolts. This design ensures the stability and accuracy of the sensor during testing, improving the precision of muscle strength testing. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the ankle joint fixation component in this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping component in this utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the tightening bolt in this utility model;

[0021] The meanings of the labels in the diagram are as follows:

[0022] 1. Ankle joint fixation component; 11. Threaded sleeve; 12. Locking bolt; 13. Threaded opening; 14. Tightening bolt; 141. Threaded rod; 142. Tightening plate; 143. Knob; 144. Anti-slip texture; 2. Clamping component; 21. Sensor clamping port; 22. Notch; 23. Locking port; 24. Mounting bolt; 25. Height adjustment port. Detailed Implementation

[0023] 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.

[0024] This invention provides an ankle joint fixation device for testing muscle strength in mice, such as... Figures 1-4 As shown, the device includes an ankle joint fixation component 1, a clamping component 2 installed on one side of the ankle joint fixation component 1, the ankle joint fixation component 1 has a U-shaped structure, a threaded opening 13 is provided at the bottom of the ankle joint fixation component 1, a tightening bolt 14 is threaded at the threaded opening 13, and several height adjustment openings 25 are opened on the side of the clamping component 2 along the vertical direction, and the top side of the ankle joint fixation component 1 can be inserted into the corresponding height adjustment opening 25. The clamping component 2 is used to clamp and position the sensor.

[0025] In use, the U-shaped ankle joint fixation component 1 and the clamping component 2 work together to achieve stable fixation of the mouse's ankle joint. Simultaneously, the threaded design of the threaded opening 13 at the bottom of the ankle joint fixation component 1 and the threaded installation design of the tightening bolt 14 further enhances the stability of the fixation, ensuring that the mouse's ankle joint will not move or wobble during the test. The height adjustment port 25 on the side of the clamping component 2 provides flexible and adjustable space for the clamping and positioning of the mouse's ankle joint, allowing for accurate position adjustments according to actual needs, thereby ensuring the accuracy and reliability of muscle strength testing. Furthermore, the clamping and positioning design of the clamping component 2 for the sensor simplifies the installation and operation process of the testing device, improving experimental efficiency.

[0026] In this embodiment, a threaded sleeve 11 is installed on one side of the top of the ankle joint fixation component 1. A locking bolt 12 is installed on the threaded sleeve 11. The locking bolt 12 passes through the corresponding height adjustment port 25 and is inserted into the internal thread of the threaded sleeve 11 for connection. This design allows the height of the ankle joint fixation component 1 to be adjusted and securely locked by the position of the locking bolt 12 in the height adjustment port 25 at different height positions, thereby adapting to the ankle joint fixation needs of mice of different sizes and improving the versatility and flexibility of the device.

[0027] Specifically, a sensor clamping port 21 is provided on the top of one side of the clamping member 2, and a notch 22 is provided on the top of the sensor clamping port 21, with the clamping port 21 communicating with the notch 22. A through locking port 23 is provided on the outer side of the top of the clamping member 2, and a mounting bolt 24 is threadedly connected to the outer side of the locking port 23. The sensor clamping port 21 is used to clamp the rotating shaft of the sensor and lock it in place by the mounting bolt 24. This design ensures the stability and accuracy of the sensor during the testing process and prevents the sensor from loosening or shifting during the testing process.

[0028] Furthermore, the clamping member 2 has an internal thread on the locking port 23 on the side away from the mounting bolt 24. The mounting bolt 24 passes through one locking port 23 and is threadedly connected to the other locking port 23. This double-sided locking design further enhances the stability of the sensor clamping, ensures the sensor is firmly fixed on the clamping member 2, and improves the reliability of the test.

[0029] Furthermore, several height adjustment ports 25 are arranged at equal intervals from top to bottom. This design makes the height adjustment of the ankle joint fixation device 1 more precise and convenient. Researchers can select the appropriate position of the height adjustment port 25 for adjustment according to actual needs, meeting the height adjustment requirements under different experimental conditions.

[0030] Furthermore, the tightening bolt 14 includes a threaded rod 141, the top thread of which extends through the threaded opening 13 to the inside of the ankle joint fixation member 1 and is rotatably mounted with a tightening plate 142. A knob 143 is fixedly mounted at the bottom end of the tightening plate 142. This design allows the tightening bolt 14 to be easily rotated via the knob 143, thereby achieving a firm tightening and fixation of the mouse's ankle joint.

[0031] Furthermore, the outer wall of the knob 143 is provided with anti-slip texture 144. This design increases the friction and grip of the knob 143, making it easier and more stable for researchers to rotate the knob 143, thus improving the convenience and safety of operation.

[0032] Furthermore, the clamping plate 142 is made of silicone. Silicone has good elasticity and softness, effectively reducing pressure and damage to the mouse's ankle joint, thus improving the comfort and safety of the device. At the same time, silicone also has good wear resistance and corrosion resistance, extending the device's service life.

[0033] In use, the ankle joint fixation device for mouse muscle strength testing of this utility model involves first placing the mouse's ankle joint inside the U-shaped ankle joint fixation component 1. Then, by rotating the tightening bolt 14 at the bottom of the ankle joint fixation component 1, the tightening plate 142 moves upward, firmly pressing against the mouse's ankle joint, thus achieving initial fixation of the ankle joint. The tightening plate 142 is made of silicone material, which has good elasticity and softness, effectively reducing pressure and damage to the mouse's ankle joint.

[0034] Depending on the size of the mice and the experimental requirements, the height of the ankle joint fixation piece 1 can be adjusted to accommodate different ankle joint positions in mice. Loosen the locking bolt 12 at the top of the ankle joint fixation piece 1, move the ankle joint fixation piece 1 to the appropriate height position, and then tighten the locking bolt 12 again to securely fix the ankle joint fixation piece 1 to the clamping piece 2.

[0035] Insert the sensor's rotating shaft into the sensor clamping port 21 at the top of the clamping member 2, and position it through the notch 22. Then, use a mounting bolt 24 to pass through the locking port 23 on one side and thread it into the locking port 23 on the other side, which has internal threads, so that the two sides of the notch 22 are close to each other, firmly clamping the sensor's rotating shaft onto the clamping member 2. This double-sided locking design enhances the stability of the sensor clamping and prevents the sensor from loosening or shifting during testing.

[0036] Ensure that the ankle joint fixation component 1, clamp 2, and sensor are securely installed and fixed. Check that the top bolt 14 and locking bolt 12 are tightened, and that the mounting bolt 24 secures the sensor.

[0037] The muscle strength testing equipment was activated, and the mouse was subjected to muscle strength testing. Electrodes were used to stimulate the quadriceps muscle of the mouse to extend its knee, which caused the ankle joint fixation device 1 to be driven by the force of knee extension. In turn, the force caused the sensor shaft to rotate when the knee was extended, and then the muscle strength data was measured by the sensor.

[0038] The sensor in this application is a torque sensor, capable of measuring rotational torque generated by muscle contraction, a common component in prior art mouse experiments. When a mouse's quadriceps muscle contracts due to electrical stimulation, it attempts to extend its knee joint, an action that generates a rotational torque. The sensor is connected to the mouse's leg via its pivot, which rotates as the leg attempts to extend. A strain gauge or similar element inside the sensor detects this rotation and converts it into an electrical signal. Changes in rotational torque or torque cause changes in the resistance, capacitance, or inductance of the sensor's internal elements (such as strain gauges).

[0039] These changes are converted into corresponding electrical signals, typically variations in voltage or current. These signals are then transmitted to a data acquisition system for further analysis and processing. The data acquisition system receives the electrical signals from the sensors and converts them into digital data. Using specific software algorithms, this data is used to calculate muscle strength, duration, and other relevant parameters.

[0040] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An ankle joint fixation device for testing mouse muscle strength, comprising an ankle joint fixation component (1), characterized in that: A clamping member (2) is installed on one side of the ankle joint fixation member (1). The ankle joint fixation member (1) has a U-shaped structure. A threaded opening (13) is provided at the bottom of the ankle joint fixation member (1). A tightening bolt (14) is threaded at the threaded opening (13). Several height adjustment openings (25) are provided on the side of the clamping member (2) in the vertical direction. The clamping member (2) is used to clamp and position the sensor.

2. The ankle joint fixation device for mouse muscle strength testing according to claim 1, characterized in that: A threaded sleeve (11) is installed on one side of the top of the ankle joint fixation device (1). A locking bolt (12) is installed on the threaded sleeve (11). The locking bolt (12) passes through the corresponding height adjustment port (25) and is inserted into the threaded sleeve (11) for threaded connection.

3. The ankle joint fixation device for mouse muscle strength testing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping member (2) has a sensor clamping port (21) on one side top, and a notch (22) is provided on the top of the sensor clamping port (21). The clamping port (21) and the notch (22) are connected. A through locking port (23) is provided on the outer side of the top of the clamping member (2). A mounting bolt (24) is threaded on the outer side of the locking port (23). The sensor clamping port (21) is used to clamp the rotating shaft of the sensor and lock it in place by the mounting bolt (24).

4. The ankle joint fixation device for mouse muscle strength testing according to claim 3, characterized in that: The clamping member (2) has an internal thread on the locking port (23) on the other side away from the mounting bolt (24). The mounting bolt (24) passes through one locking port (23) and is threaded to the other locking port (23).

5. The ankle joint fixation device for mouse muscle strength testing according to claim 1, characterized in that: Several height adjustment ports (25) are arranged at equal intervals from top to bottom.

6. The ankle joint fixation device for mouse muscle strength testing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tightening bolt (14) includes a threaded rod (141), the top thread of which extends through the threaded opening (13) to the inside of the ankle joint fixation member (1) and is rotatably mounted with a tightening plate (142), and a knob (143) is fixedly mounted on the bottom end of the tightening plate (142).

7. The ankle joint fixation device for mouse muscle strength testing according to claim 6, characterized in that: The outer wall of the knob (143) is provided with anti-slip texture (144).

8. The ankle joint fixation device for mouse muscle strength testing according to claim 6, characterized in that: The top clamping plate (142) is made of silicone material.

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