experimental system

Abstract

The application provides an experimental system. The experimental system comprises a light-proof box, cage boxes, light-emitting pieces, food inlet opening and closing assemblies and activity sensing assemblies, a controller and a control terminal; the number of the cage boxes comprises at least two, and the cage boxes are arranged in the light-proof box; the cage boxes are made of a light-transmitting material and are provided with air holes and food inlets, and a feeding trough is arranged outside the cage boxes; the light-emitting pieces comprise at least one and are arranged in the light-proof box; the food inlet opening and closing assemblies and the activity sensing assemblies are correspondingly arranged at the cage boxes; the controller is electrically connected with each light-emitting piece, food inlet opening and closing assembly and activity sensing assembly; and the control terminal is electrically connected with the controller. The experimental system of the application provides a hardware basis or framework for various animal experiments based on the same clock reference, can support technicians to carry out various animal experiments based on the same clock reference, is convenient for carrying out control experiments of different variables in multiple groups, and can carry out data integration and analysis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of experimental equipment, and more specifically, to an experimental system. Background Technology

[0002] In experimental systems involving animal behavior analysis, it is crucial to analyze the effects of light stimulation and feeding time on animal activity.

[0003] In related technologies, the equipment used for animal experiments is usually single-function, and the various devices are independent of each other, making it inconvenient to conduct multiple control experiments and integrate and analyze the experimental results. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application addresses the shortcomings of existing methods by proposing an experimental system to solve the technical problems of existing technologies where multiple devices used for animal experiments are independent of each other, making it inconvenient to conduct multiple control experiments and integrate and analyze experimental results.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an experimental system, comprising: Light-proof box; The cages, including at least two, are set in the light-proof box to contain the experimental animals; the cages are made of light-transmitting material and are provided with ventilation holes and feeding openings, and a feeding trough is provided on the outside of the cages; Light-emitting components, including at least one, are disposed in the light-shielding box; The feeding port opening and closing component and the activity sensing component are both respectively installed at the cage box; The controller is electrically connected to each of the light-emitting elements, the feeding port opening and closing assembly, and the motion sensing assembly. The control terminal is electrically connected to the controller.

[0006] Optionally, the feeding port opening and closing assembly includes a feed trough door and a telescopic member that are driven together. The telescopic member is configured to drive the feed trough door to move to cover or expose the feeding port, and the telescopic member is electrically connected to the controller.

[0007] Optionally, the side plate of the cage box is provided with a mounting hole, the feeding trough is detachably connected to the mounting hole, the mounting hole is located above the feeding trough door and extends along the extension and retraction direction of the feeding trough door.

[0008] Optionally, the activity sensing component includes a running wheel and a Hall switch, wherein a magnet is disposed on the running wheel and the Hall switch is located near the pitch circle of the magnet.

[0009] Optionally, the light-shielding box includes multiple partitions, and the cages are distributed on multiple partitions; the ventilation holes of the cages are opened on the top surface, and the light-emitting element is provided on the top plate of the light-shielding box and the bottom surface of each partition. A wire hole is provided on any one side panel of the light-shielding box, and a fan is provided on any two opposite side panels of the light-shielding box.

[0010] Optionally, the light-emitting element includes multiple types capable of producing light of different wavelengths, and any one of the light-emitting elements of a certain wavelength can be detachably mounted on the partition or the top plate of the light-shielding box.

[0011] Optionally, the experimental system further includes a transformer, which is electrically connected to the controller.

[0012] Optionally, the controller includes a housing and a control motherboard located inside the housing. The housing is provided with a first data transmission interface, a second data transmission interface, a first control interface, a second control interface, and a power interface, all of which are electrically connected to the control motherboard. The power interface is electrically connected to the transformer via a power line. The control terminal is electrically connected to the first data transmission interface via a data transmission line. The activity sensing component is electrically connected to the second data transmission interface via a data transmission line. The light-emitting component is electrically connected to the first control interface via a power line. The feeding port opening and closing component is electrically connected to the second control interface via a power line and a data transmission line.

[0013] Optionally, the controller further includes a lighting control circuit unit and a feeding control circuit unit. One end of the lighting control circuit unit is electrically connected to the control motherboard, and the other end is connected to the power interface. Both ends of the feeding control circuit unit are electrically connected to the control motherboard.

[0014] Optionally, a water supply component is detachably provided on the outside of the cage, and a water inlet is provided on one side of the cage for communicating with the water supply component.

[0015] The beneficial technical effects of the technical solutions provided in this application include: This application provides an experimental system comprising a light-shielding box, a cage, a light-emitting element, a feeding port opening / closing component, an activity sensing component, a controller, and a control terminal. This experimental system provides a hardware foundation or framework for multiple animal experiments based on the same clock reference, enabling technicians to conduct various animal experiments based on the same clock reference, thus allowing for more precise control of different stimuli. Based on the hardware of this experimental system, technicians can analyze the activity of animals under different light exposure times, light intensities, and feeding times. For example, by setting the light-emitting element to turn on or off at a set time, light stimulation experiments can be conducted on animals in the cage; by setting the feeding port opening / closing component to turn on or off at a set time, the feeding time of the experimental animals can be controlled by blocking or revealing the feeding port; and by monitoring the activity status of animals in the cage through the activity sensing component, technicians can comprehensively analyze the relationship between the light environment, feeding time, and movement behavior.

[0016] Furthermore, this application places the feeding trough on the outside of the cage, and the feeding opening can be closed to achieve accurate fasting, which improves the accuracy and repeatability of feeding time control. It can also prevent food debris from falling into the lower cage and affecting the feeding time of animals in other cages, making the experimental analysis results more accurate.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will become apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an experimental system provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a light-shielding box provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 A structural schematic diagram of a cage box from a slightly orthogonal viewpoint provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 A structural schematic diagram of a cage from a side view, provided for an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an activity sensing component provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a controller housing from a slightly orthographic view, provided for an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 A rear-view structural schematic diagram of the housing of a controller provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This application provides a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a controller according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the framework of an experimental system provided in an embodiment of this application. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1-Control terminal; 2-Controller; 21-Housing; 211-First data transmission interface; 212-Second data transmission interface; 213-First control interface; 214-Second control interface; 215-Power interface; 216-Fan; 22-Control main board; 23-Feeding control circuit unit; 24-Lighting control circuit unit; 3-Light-shielding box; 31-Top panel; 32-Partition; 33-Wire hole; 34-Door panel; 35-Roller; 4-Cage box; 41-Ventilation hole; 42-Feeding inlet; 43-Mounting hole; 44-Water inlet; 5-Light-emitting components; 6-Feeding inlet opening and closing assembly; 61-Telescopic component; 611-Fixing part; 612-Telescopic part; 62-Feeding trough door; 7-Activity sensing component; 71-Running wheel; 72-Hall switch; 73-Magnet; 8-Transformer; 9-Water supply fitting; 10-U-shaped buckle; 11-Data transmission line; 12-Power cord. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary descriptions for explaining the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0020] Those skilled in the art will understand that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the terms "described" and "the" as used herein may also include plural forms. It should be further understood that the term "comprising" as used in the specification of this application means the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude other features, information, data, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof supported by the art. The term "and / or" as used herein refers to at least one of the items defined by the term; for example, "A and / or B" can be implemented as "A," or as "B," or as "A and B."

[0021] In animal experiments, precise control of light stimulation, feeding time, and recording of animal activity data (such as running wheel activity) are crucial. These control and recording functions are of great significance for studying animal behavior, neuroscience, and physiology. Existing equipment is often single-function and has limited control modes, making it difficult to meet diverse experimental needs.

[0022] In related technologies, photostimulation devices generally suffer from limited functionality and insufficient control precision. For example, the ParkBioservices rhythm chamber only supports the synchronous control of 5-6 cages for a single photostimulation setting; the Tenebace BIO-C36 rhythm chamber can only set and repeat one light cycle, lacking millisecond-level temporal resolution and the ability to flexibly set the light cycle according to experimental requirements. Although the low-cost rhythm chamber developed by He Wenyan's team has reduced equipment investment to some extent, it still cannot achieve remote control and lacks the ability to control light intensity and different wavelengths of light. This severely restricts research in optogenetics, visual behavior, and other fields requiring complex photostimulation paradigms.

[0023] While related technologies have achieved programmed feeding control through mechatronics design (such as rotating feeders), significant design flaws have been exposed in practical applications. When animals nibble on solid feed, the resulting debris leaks through the grid structure to the bottom of the cage. Animals that were originally in a fasting period can still eat the leftover feed, causing the actual feeding time to exceed the programmed limits. This not only affects the accuracy and repeatability of experimental data but may also cause systematic errors in studies that require precise control of feeding time (such as the effects of time-restricted feeding on metabolism).

[0024] Although activity monitoring devices in related technologies have achieved independent monitoring of animal activity behavior through technologies such as infrared imaging and wheel counting, they generally lack high integration with light stimulation and feeding time control modules. Although current experimental devices can realize single functions such as light stimulation regulation, feeding time control, and activity behavior monitoring, the three functional modules are very fragmented and the experimental devices are relatively independent, lacking an integrated experimental device that can perform multifunctional operation simultaneously. This discrete experimental device design leads to: (1) asynchronous timing control accuracy of different modules: each functional module uses an independent clock reference, and there is a millisecond delay in the start-up of different modules; (2) data integration obstacles: the hardware devices of each functional module are scattered, and the data acquisition systems are independent of each other, making it difficult to carry out causal analysis of dual regulation of light stimulation and feeding time and activity behavior response, which restricts the research on complex behavioral paradigms.

[0025] Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides a multifunctional experimental system that integrates light stimulation regulation, feeding time control and activity behavior monitoring, so that the hardware framework of the experimental system constructed by this application can be used in rhythmic behavior experiments, metabolic research on time-limited feeding, motion detection and light environment control experiments.

[0026] The research work on this utility model was supported by the following grants: the Chinese Academy of Sciences Project for Young Scientists in Basic Research (YSBR-097), the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2024YFA1803200), and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82495180).

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Reference Figures 1-9 The experimental system of this application embodiment includes a control terminal 1, a controller 2, a light-shielding box 3, a cage 4 disposed within the light-shielding box 3, light-emitting elements 5 disposed within the light-shielding box 3, an inlet opening / closing component 6 disposed at the cage 4, and an activity sensing component 7. The controller 2 is electrically connected to each of the light-emitting elements 5, the inlet opening / closing component 6, and the activity sensing component 7. The control terminal 1 is electrically connected to the controller 2.

[0029] Reference Figures 2-4 The cage 4 comprises at least two cages, each used to house experimental animals. Each cage 4 has a ventilation hole 41 and a feeding opening 42, and a feeding trough is located on the outside of the cage 4. At least one light-emitting element 5 is present. The cage 4 is made of a translucent material; in this application, the cage 4 is made of transparent acrylic sheet. The light-emitting element 5 can be positioned on either side of the cage 4 to provide corresponding light stimulation to the animals inside. A feeding opening / closing component 6 and an activity sensing component 7 are both correspondingly located at the cage 4.

[0030] This application provides an experimental system comprising a light-shielding box 3, a cage 4, a light-emitting element 5, a feeding port opening / closing component 6, an activity sensing component 7, a controller 2, and a control terminal 1. This experimental system provides a hardware foundation or framework for multiple animal experiments based on the same clock reference, enabling technicians to conduct various animal experiments based on the same clock reference, thus allowing for more precise control of different stimuli. Based on the hardware of this experimental system, technicians can analyze the activity of animals under different light exposure times, light intensities, and feeding times. For example, by setting the light-emitting element 5 to turn on or off at a set time, light stimulation experiments can be conducted on animals in the cage. By setting the feeding port opening / closing component 6 to turn on or off at a set time, the feeding time of the experimental animals can be controlled by blocking or exposing the feeding port 42. The activity sensing component 7 monitors the activity information of the animals in the cage 4, including the amount of activity, movement speed, duration of activity, and time interval between activities. The activity sensing component 7 is electrically connected to the controller 2 via a data transmission line 11 to transmit the electrical signals generated during animal activity to the controller 2, and finally to the control program in the control terminal 1 for recording and storage. This allows technicians to comprehensively analyze the relationship between the light environment, feeding time, and movement behavior.

[0031] Furthermore, this application places the feeding trough on the outside of the cage 4, and accurate fasting can be achieved by closing the feeding trough door 62. By controlling the animal's feeding time by opening or closing the feeding opening 42 at set times, the accuracy and repeatability of feeding time control are improved. This eliminates the probability that food debris will fall into the lower cage 4 and thus affect the feeding time of animals in other cages 4, making the experimental analysis results more accurate.

[0032] Optionally, the control terminal 1 may include a computer or tablet computer, etc.

[0033] Optionally, control terminal 1 and controller 2 are connected via a wire.

[0034] The multiple cages 4 of this application can communicate with the control terminal 1 via a wireless network, enabling remote control and data recording, which facilitates real-time monitoring and recording of experimental data.

[0035] Optionally, refer to Figure 3 The feeding port opening and closing assembly 6 includes a feed trough door 62 and a telescopic member 61 that are driven to move. The telescopic member 61 is configured to drive the feed trough door 62 to cover or expose the feeding port 42. The telescopic member 61 is electrically connected to the controller 2.

[0036] In this embodiment, the controller 2 is electrically connected to the telescopic member 61 via the power line 12 to provide power to the telescopic member 61. The control terminal 1 stores a control program. The controller 2 is electrically connected to the telescopic member 61 via a signal transmission line to transmit the control signal sent by the control terminal 1 to the telescopic member 61, thereby controlling the extension and retraction time of the telescopic member 61, so as to control the opening or closing time of the feeding trough door 62, which facilitates precise control of the feeding time of the experimental animals.

[0037] Optionally, refer to Figure 3 The feeding trough door 62 is slidably fitted onto one side panel of the cage 4. The telescopic component 61 includes a telescopic electrode, which is designed for low noise and will not interfere with the experimental environment. The telescopic electrode includes a fixed part 611 and a telescopic part 612 that are slidably fitted. The fixed part 611 is fixed to the cage 4, and the telescopic part 612 is fixed to the feeding trough door 62. When the animal is fasting, the telescopic part 612 is in the extended state, and the feeding trough door 62 is closed. When the telescopic electrode receives a control signal from the controller 2 to allow the animal to eat, the telescopic part 612 retracts to slide the feeding trough door 62 until it overlaps with the side panel of the cage 4, opening the feeding trough and allowing the animal to eat. After a preset feeding time in the control program, the controller 2 sends an electrical signal indicating that feeding has ended, and the telescopic part 612 extends to close the feeding trough door 62.

[0038] Optionally, the telescopic component 61 may also include a linear drive motor or a lead screw drive component to achieve linear drive when the feed trough door 62 is opened or closed.

[0039] Optionally, refer to Figure 3 The side plate of the cage box 4 has an installation hole 43. The feed trough is detachably connected to the installation hole 43. The installation hole 43 is located above the feed trough door 62 and extends along the extension and retraction direction of the feed trough door 62.

[0040] In this embodiment of the application, by opening an installation hole 43 on the side plate of the cage box 4, the feed trough can be hung on the outside of the cage box 4 through the installation hole 43, thereby facilitating the detachable connection between the feed trough and the cage box 4 and making it easy to replace the feed trough.

[0041] Optionally, refer to Figures 4-5 The activity sensing component 7 includes a running wheel 71 and a Hall switch 72. A magnet 73 is provided on the running wheel 71, and the Hall switch 72 is close to the pitch circle of the magnet 73.

[0042] In this embodiment, the Hall switch 72 is electrically connected to the controller 2 via the data transmission line 11. When the animal in the cage 4 moves spontaneously on the running wheel 71, the running wheel 71 drives the magnet 73 to rotate. When the magnet 73 contacts the Hall switch 72, it outputs a high-level signal, which is transmitted to the controller 2 via the data transmission line 11. The controller 2 then transmits this high-level signal to the control terminal 1 for recording and storage. The data recording uses high-frequency sampling, which can record not only the number of rotations of the running wheel 71 but also the animal's movement speed, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the recorded data.

[0043] Optionally, the running wheel 71 is suspended on the inner wall of one of the side plates of the cage box 4 and rotates flexibly through a bearing. In this embodiment, the running wheel 71 is rotatably mounted on a side plate opposite to the feeding trough door 62.

[0044] Optionally, the running wheel 71 is used to monitor the movement of the animal, and the activity sensing component 7 may also include a camera, such as an infrared camera, for capturing the movement of the animal inside the cage 4 and transmitting the captured data to the controller 2 via the data transmission line 11, and then to the control terminal 1 via the controller 2 for recording.

[0045] Optionally, refer to Figure 2 The light-shielding box 3 includes multiple layers of partitions 32, and multiple cages 4 are distributed on the partitions 32. Ventilation holes 41 are opened on the top surface of each cage 4. Light-emitting elements 5 are provided on the top plate 31 of the light-shielding box 3 and the bottom surface of each layer of partitions 32; that is, the light-emitting elements 5 are located on the top of the corresponding layer of cages 4. The light-emitting elements 5 are connected to the ventilation holes 41 of each cage 4 on the next layer of partitions 32.

[0046] By setting multiple partitions 32 inside the light-shielding box 3, and setting multiple cages 4 on each partition 32, and setting light-emitting elements 5 on the top plate 31 of the light-shielding box 3 and the bottom surface of each partition 32, the cages 4 can be rationally arranged inside the light-shielding box 3, reducing the volume of the light-shielding box 3. The light-emitting elements 5 on the top of each cage 4 are electrically connected to the controller 2 via power cord 12, meaning that the light-emitting elements 5 of each layer can be controlled individually by the controller 2. Different layers of cages 4 can be given light stimulation for different durations, enabling comparative analysis of animal behavior under different light stimuli. This is beneficial for conducting multiple control experiments simultaneously and can improve the accuracy of experimental analysis results.

[0047] Optionally, refer to Figures 1-2In this embodiment, the light-shielding box 3 is made of stainless steel and has three internal partitions 32, forming four layers of space for placing the cage 4. Each layer has an independently opening and closing door 34 for targeted management of the animals in the cage 4, minimizing the impact of external factors on the experimental results. The bottom of the light-shielding box 3 is equipped with rotatable casters 35 for easy repositioning.

[0048] Optionally, a wire hole 33 is provided on any one side plate of the light shield 3, and a fan 216 is provided on any two opposite side plates of the light shield 3.

[0049] In this embodiment, the wire holes on the light-shielding box 3 facilitate the passage of the power lines 12 and data transmission lines 11 of each telescopic electrode, the power lines 12 of each light-emitting element 5, and the data transmission lines 11 of each Hall switch 72, which are then connected sequentially to the corresponding circuit interfaces on the controller 2. By providing fans 216 on both opposite side plates of the light-shielding box 3—one side being an intake fan and the other an exhaust fan—it is convenient to dissipate heat from the internal cage 4, maintaining a suitable temperature inside the cage 4.

[0050] Optionally, refer to Figures 1-2 The experimental system also includes a transformer 8, which can output a variable voltage of 0-24V and an adjustable current of 0-10A. The transformer 8 is electrically connected to the power interface 215 of the controller 2. By adjusting the output voltage and output current of the transformer 8, the light intensity of the light-emitting element 5 can be adjusted, and the switching speed of the telescopic electrode can be adjusted, thereby controlling the opening and closing speed of the feeding trough door 62.

[0051] Optionally, the light-emitting element 5 includes multiple types that can produce light of different wavelengths, and any one type of light-emitting element 5 can be detachably mounted on the partition 32 or the top plate 31 of the light-shielding box 3.

[0052] In this embodiment, by detachably mounting the light-emitting element 5 on the bottom surface of each partition 32 and the top plate 31 of the light-shielding box 3, it is easy to replace the light-emitting element 5 with different wavelengths (corresponding to different light colors and different light frequencies), such as blue lights and red lights. This allows the light frequency of the light-emitting element 5 to be adjusted according to experimental needs, meeting specific experimental requirements. It also facilitates the study of the effects of the light environment on animal behavior and physiological parameters by setting different light intensities, frequencies, and periods. Furthermore, different light environments can be combined with the feeding opening / closing component 6 and the activity stimulation component to facilitate a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between the light environment, feeding time, and movement behavior.

[0053] Optionally, the light-emitting element 5 includes a lamp tube, and in practical applications, an LED lamp tube can be selected. Optionally, the LED lamp tube can be detachably connected to the partition 32 and the light-shielding box 3 by magnetic attraction, snap-fit, or clip-on.

[0054] Optionally, refer to Figures 6-8 The controller 2 includes a housing 21 and a control motherboard 22 located inside the housing 21. The housing 21 has a first data transmission interface 211, a second data transmission interface 212, a first control interface 213, a second control interface 214, and a power interface 215, all electrically connected to the control motherboard 22. The power interface 215 is electrically connected to the transformer 8 via a power cable 12. The control terminal 1 is electrically connected to the first data transmission interface 211 via the data transmission cable 11. The activity sensing component 7 is electrically connected to the second data transmission interface 212 via the data transmission cable 11. The light-emitting component 5 is electrically connected to the first control interface 213 via the power cable 12. The feeding port opening / closing component 6 is electrically connected to the second control interface 214 via the power cable 12 and the data transmission cable 11.

[0055] Optionally, refer to Figures 7-8 A fan 216 is also provided on one side of the housing 21 to facilitate heat dissipation for the controller 2.

[0056] Optionally, the control motherboard 22 can be selected as an Arduino development board, controlling the preset Matlab program in the control terminal 1 to make the control more precise.

[0057] Optionally, refer to Figure 8 The controller 2 also includes a lighting control circuit unit 24 and a feeding control circuit unit 23. One end of the lighting control circuit unit 24 is electrically connected to the control motherboard 22, and the other end is connected to the power interface 215. Both ends of the feeding control circuit unit 23 are electrically connected to the control motherboard 22.

[0058] In this embodiment, based on the existing Arduino development board, a lighting control circuit unit 24 is added to control the on-time of the light-emitting element 5, and a feeding control circuit unit 23 is added to control the opening or closing time of the feeding trough door 62. This achieves the required control functions while saving overall costs.

[0059] Optionally, refer to Figures 3-4 A water supply component 9 is detachably installed on the outside of the cage box 4, and a water inlet 44 is opened on one side of the cage box 4 for communicating with the water supply component 9.

[0060] By opening a water inlet 44 on one of the side plates of the cage 4, which is connected to the water supply component 9, water can be supplied to the animals in the cage 4, ensuring the normal life activities of the experimental animals.

[0061] Optionally, the water supply component 9 of this application includes a curved spout water bottle, the main body of which abuts against the outside of the cage box 4. The water supply end of the curved spout water bottle is curved to one side to penetrate the inlet 44 and insert into the interior of the cage box 4.

[0062] Optionally, the main body of the curved spout water bottle can be fixed by a U-shaped buckle 10, enabling a detachable connection between the curved spout water bottle and the cage box 4, facilitating replacement or refilling when the water in the curved spout water bottle is low on water. Alternatively, a hanging method can be used, for example, by installing a hook at the end of the water supply component 9 furthest from the inlet 44, and attaching the hook to the outside of the cage box 4 to achieve a detachable connection between the water supply component 9 and the cage box 4.

[0063] The beneficial technical effects of the technical solutions provided in this application include: By integrating the light-emitting component 5, the feeding port opening and closing component 6, and the activity sensing component 7 into a single cage 4, the experimental system of this application provides a hardware foundation or framework for multiple animal experiments based on the same clock reference. This enables technicians to conduct multiple animal experiments based on the same clock reference, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between light environment, feeding time, and movement behavior.

[0064] This application places the feeding trough on the outside of the cage 4, and controls the sliding of the feeding trough door 62 via the telescopic component 61 to either cover or expose the feeding opening 42. Closing the feeding trough door 62 achieves accurate fasting. This eliminates the probability of food debris falling into the lower cage 4 and thus affecting the feeding time of animals in other cages 4, making the experimental analysis results more accurate.

[0065] By detachably mounting the light-emitting element 5 on the bottom surface of each partition 32 and the top plate 31 of the light-shielding box 3, it is easy to replace the light-emitting element 5 with different wavelengths (corresponding to different light colors and different light frequencies), so that the light frequency of the light-emitting element 5 can be adjusted according to experimental needs to meet special experimental requirements.

[0066] In the description of this application, the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate directions or positional relationships based on the exemplary directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used to facilitate the description or simplification of the embodiments of this application and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0067] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0068] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0069] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0070] The above description is only a partial implementation of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, other similar implementation methods based on the technical concept of this application, without departing from the technical concept of this application, also fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An experimental system, characterized in that, include: Light-proof box; The cages, including at least two, are set in the light-proof box to contain the experimental animals; the cages are made of light-transmitting material and are provided with ventilation holes and feeding openings, and a feeding trough is provided on the outside of the cages; Light-emitting components, including at least one, are disposed in the light-shielding box; The feeding port opening and closing component and the activity sensing component are both respectively installed at the cage box; The controller is electrically connected to each of the light-emitting elements, the feeding port opening and closing assembly, and the motion sensing assembly. The control terminal is electrically connected to the controller.

2. The experimental system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding port opening and closing assembly includes a feed trough door and a telescopic member that are driven together. The telescopic member is configured to drive the feed trough door to move to cover or expose the feeding port. The telescopic member is electrically connected to the controller.

3. The experimental system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cage box has mounting holes on its side panel. The feeding trough is detachably connected to the mounting holes. The mounting holes are located above the feeding trough door and extend along the extension and retraction direction of the feeding trough door.

4. The experimental system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The activity sensing component includes a running wheel and a Hall switch. A magnet is provided on the running wheel, and the Hall switch is located near the pitch circle of the magnet.

5. The experimental system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-shielding box includes multiple partitions, and the cages are distributed on multiple partitions; the ventilation holes of the cages are opened on the top surface, and the light-emitting element is provided on the top plate of the light-shielding box and the bottom surface of each partition. A wire hole is provided on any one side panel of the light-shielding box, and a fan is provided on any two opposite side panels of the light-shielding box.

6. The experimental system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The light-emitting element includes multiple types that can produce light of different wavelengths, and any one of the light-emitting elements of a certain wavelength can be detachably installed on the partition or the top plate of the light-proof box.

7. The experimental system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The experimental system also includes a transformer, which is electrically connected to the controller.

8. The experimental system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The controller includes a housing and a control motherboard located inside the housing. The housing is provided with a first data transmission interface, a second data transmission interface, a first control interface, a second control interface, and a power interface, all of which are electrically connected to the control motherboard. The power interface is electrically connected to the transformer via a power line. The control terminal is electrically connected to the first data transmission interface via a data transmission line. The activity sensing component is electrically connected to the second data transmission interface via a data transmission line. The light-emitting component is electrically connected to the first control interface via a power line. The feeding port opening and closing component is electrically connected to the second control interface via a power line and a data transmission line.

9. The experimental system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The controller also includes a lighting control circuit unit and a feeding control circuit unit. One end of the lighting control circuit unit is electrically connected to the control motherboard, and the other end is connected to the power interface. Both ends of the feeding control circuit unit are electrically connected to the control motherboard.

10. The experimental system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A water supply component is detachably installed on the outside of the cage, and a water inlet is provided on one side of the cage for communicating with the water supply component.

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