Intelligent feeding device for medical experimental mice
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521883772.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-29
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-09-02
AI Technical Summary
当前主流实验小鼠摄食器功能局限于日常饲养场景，主要功能包括：基础投喂、减少饲料浪费或维持饲养环境清洁，难以满足科研高精度需求
[0019]1.饮食量与时间的精准记录，通过数据处理器精确控制出粮量，进而精确控制饲养小鼠的饮食量，通过第一传感器、第二传感器和第三传感器精准记录小鼠饲养行为；
Smart Images
Figure CN224805680U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of feeding device technology, and in particular to an intelligent feeding device for medical laboratory mice. Background Technology
[0002] Laboratory mice, as model organisms, are widely used in experiments in behavioral science, neuroscience, and metabolic diseases. Current mainstream laboratory mouse feeders are limited to routine feeding scenarios, primarily serving functions such as basic feeding, reducing feed waste, or maintaining a clean environment, which are insufficient to meet the high-precision demands of scientific research. Specifically, firstly, they cannot accurately record food intake and timing—relying mainly on manual observation or rough weighing, making it difficult to achieve milligram-level food intake and second-level feeding time quantification accuracy, thus failing to support the analysis of subtle behavioral differences in behavioral experiments; secondly, they lack intelligent incentive regulation—only providing passive feeding functionality, making it difficult to quantify key behavioral indicators such as mouse learning ability and motivation intensity; thirdly, they lack data interaction capabilities—unable to connect directly to a computer, requiring researchers to manually record data, which is inefficient, prone to introducing errors, and difficult to achieve real-time storage and analysis.
[0003] Therefore, the applicant proposes a smart feeding device for medical laboratory mice to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an intelligent feeder for medical laboratory mice, which can accurately quantify the amount and time of feeding, encourage mice to eat, accurately record and export mouse feeding data, and facilitate analysis by experimental personnel.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the solution in this case is an intelligent feeding device for medical laboratory mice, including a food storage device, a food dispensing mechanism, a feeding trough, a nose-punching mechanism, and a data processor;
[0006] The grain dispensing mechanism includes a grain dispensing component and a driving device. The grain storage container is used to store food. A grain dispensing port is provided between the grain storage container and the feeding trough. A grain dispensing component is provided at the grain dispensing port. The driving device is connected to and drives the grain dispensing component to open or close the grain dispensing port. When the grain dispensing component is driven to open the grain dispensing port, a certain amount of food in the grain storage container is brought to the grain dispensing port. The food falls from the grain dispensing port into the feeding trough. When the grain dispensing component is driven to close the grain dispensing port, the grain dispensing port stops dispensing food.
[0007] The feeding trough is equipped with a first sensor;
[0008] The nose-punching mechanism includes at least two nose-punching holes, which are located on both sides of the feeding trough. A second sensor is provided on the left nose-punching hole, and a third sensor is provided on the right nose-punching hole.
[0009] The data processor communicates with the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, and the drive device. The data processor collects the sensing data from the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor. The data processor is equipped with a charging and data transmission interface and a wireless data transmission module. The computer connects to the charging and data transmission interface of the data processor via a data cable, and then inputs or downloads data via the data cable. Alternatively, the computer communicates with the wireless data transmission module of the data processor, and then inputs or downloads data.
[0010] Furthermore, the grain dispensing mechanism also includes a grain guiding channel. The grain dispensing component is a turntable structure. The grain dispensing component is inclined at the bottom of the grain storage unit. The driving device is connected to and drives the grain dispensing component to rotate and open or close the grain dispensing port. The grain dispensing port is connected to one end of the grain guiding channel, and the other end of the grain guiding channel is connected to the feeding trough. The grain dispensing component rotates to open the grain dispensing port, so that the food in the grain storage unit is quantitatively brought to the grain dispensing port. The food falls from the grain dispensing port into the grain guiding channel, and the food falls into the feeding trough through the grain guiding channel. The grain dispensing component rotates to close the grain dispensing port, and the grain dispensing port stops dispensing grain.
[0011] Furthermore, the grain dispensing component also includes at least one reinforcing rib.
[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a display screen, which is communicatively connected to the data processor. The display screen is used to display input data, sensing data from the first sensor, sensing data from the second sensor, and sensing data from the third sensor.
[0013] Furthermore, it also includes an indicator mechanism that is communicatively connected to the first sensor and responds based on the sensing data from the first sensor.
[0014] Furthermore, the indicating mechanism includes an indicator light, a buzzer, and an external connector. The external connector is used to connect to external devices. The indicator light, buzzer, and external connector are connected to the first sensor for communication. The indicator light, buzzer, and external connector respond according to the sensing information from the first sensor.
[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a shell, with the grain dispensing mechanism located inside the shell, and the grain dispensing mechanism connected to the feeding trough located outside the shell through a grain guiding channel.
[0016] Furthermore, the first sensor is a photoelectric sensor, the second sensor is a photoelectric sensor or a pressure sensor, and the third sensor is a photoelectric sensor.
[0017] Furthermore, the grain storage container is equipped with a screw cap, which is used by the operator to unscrew the cap to add food to the grain storage container.
[0018] The advantages of adopting the above scheme are as follows:
[0019] 1. Precise recording of food intake and timing: The data processor precisely controls the amount of food dispensed, thereby precisely controlling the amount of food fed to the mice. The first, second, and third sensors accurately record the feeding behavior of the mice.
[0020] 2. Motivation regulation of mice: quantification of key behavioral indicators such as learning ability and motivation intensity of mice through a nose-poking mechanism and a data processor;
[0021] 3. Experimental data interaction: By inputting data and downloading sensor data through the charging and data transmission interface or wireless data transmission module, operators can better set the required experimental conditions and analyze the corresponding experimental results, thus realizing intelligent experimental operation. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0023] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0024] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0025] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0026] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0027] Label Explanation:
[0028] 1. Grain dispensing mechanism; 11. Grain dispensing component; 111. Reinforcing rib; 12. Drive device; 13. Grain outlet; 14. Grain guide channel;
[0029] 2. Grain storage container; 3. Feed trough; 31. First sensor;
[0030] 4. Nose puncture mechanism; 41. Nose puncture hole; 42. Second sensor; 43. Third sensor;
[0031] 5. Data processor; 51. Charging and data transmission interface;
[0032] 6. Display screen;
[0033] 7. Shell;
[0034] 8. Food. Detailed Implementation
[0035] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0036] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0037] This invention provides an intelligent feeding device for medical laboratory mice, including a food storage device 2, a food dispensing mechanism 1, a feeding trough 3, a nose-punching mechanism 4, and a data processor 5.
[0038] The grain dispensing mechanism 1 includes a grain dispensing component 11 and a driving device 12. The grain storage container 2 is used to store food 8. A grain dispensing port 13 is provided between the grain storage container 2 and the feeding trough 3. The grain dispensing component 11 is provided at the grain dispensing port 13. The driving device 12 is connected to and drives the grain dispensing component 11 to open or close the grain dispensing port 13. When the grain dispensing component 11 is driven to open the grain dispensing port 13, the food 8 in the grain storage container 2 is brought to the grain dispensing port 13 in a measured amount. The food 8 falls from the grain dispensing port 13 into the feeding trough 3. When the grain dispensing component 11 is driven to close the grain dispensing port 13, the grain dispensing port 13 stops dispensing food.
[0039] The feeding trough 3 is equipped with a first sensor 31, which can be a photoelectric sensor. The first sensor 31 is used to sense the time when the food 8 falls into the feeding trough 3, the behavior of the mouse taking away the food 8, and the time when the mouse takes away the food 8. The information sensed by the first sensor 31 forms sensing data.
[0040] The nose-punch mechanism 4 includes at least two nose-punch holes 41, located on both sides of the feeding trough 3. A second sensor 42 is mounted on the left nose-punch hole 41, and a third sensor 43 is mounted on the right nose-punch hole 41. The nose-punch mechanism 4 supports the operation of the "behavior-reward" mechanism for feeding in mice. This mechanism is an important tool in behavioral science, neuroscience, and metabolic disease research, particularly in areas such as learning and memory, feeding regulation, neural circuits, and drug screening. Its core value lies in transforming abstract concepts such as motivation, cognition, and emotion into observable and quantifiable behavioral indicators, providing a standardized and reproducible key experimental method for life science research.
[0041] The data processor 5 is communicatively connected to the first sensor 31, the second sensor 42, the third sensor 43, and the drive device 12. The data processor 5 collects the sensing data from the first sensor 31, the second sensor 42, and the third sensor 43. The data processor 5 is equipped with a charging and data transmission interface 51 and a wireless data transmission module. The data processor 5 controls the drive device 12, enabling the drive device 12 to drive the grain dispensing component 11 with a grain dispensing accuracy down to the milligram level.
[0042] The operator can input and download sensor data via the charging and data transmission interface 51 or the wireless data transmission module. The input data includes three modes: free feeding mode, timed feeding mode, and nasal feeding mode.
[0043] The parameters for the free-feeding mode include: total experiment duration, daily maximum food quantity (8), and food supply interval (8).
[0044] The parameters for the timed feeding mode include: total experimental duration, daily maximum amount of food (8), food supply time periods, and the amount of food (8) supplied in each time period;
[0045] Nasal feeding methods are divided into fixed and gradual types.
[0046] The data processor 5 controls the drive device 12 based on the operator's input data, thereby controlling the feed dispensing and realizing the feeding of mice using the above three modes.
[0047] For example, when an operator's experiment requires feeding mice using a timed feeding mode, the operator inputs the parameters for the timed feeding mode into the computer program. The total experimental duration is 7 days, the daily maximum amount of food (8) is 4g, and 1g of food (8) is supplied at 8:00 AM, 2g of food (8) at 1:00 PM, and 1g of food (8) at 5:00 PM. These parameters are transmitted to the data processor 5 via the charging and data transmission interface 51 or the wireless data transmission module. Thus, within the 7 days, at 8:00 AM each day, the data processor 5 controls the drive device 12 to open the food dispensing component 11 to dispense 1g of food; at 1:00 PM each day, the data processor 5 controls the drive device 12 to open the food dispensing component 11 to dispense 2g of food; and at 5:00 PM each day, the data processor 5 controls the drive device 12 to open the food dispensing component 11 to dispense 1g of food. When dispensing food (8), it falls into the feeding trough 3, the first sensor 31 senses the time of food dispensing, and the data processor 5 collects and stores the food dispensing time data. The mouse begins feeding behavior. The mouse gently touches the nose-poking mechanism 4 with its nose. The second sensor 42 senses the mouse's nose-poking behavior. The data processor 5 collects and stores the mouse's nose-poking behavior and time data. The mouse goes to the feeding trough 3 to eat. The first sensor 31 senses the mouse's eating behavior. The data processor 5 collects and stores the eating behavior and time data.
[0048] The nasal feeding model uses a "behavior-reward" mechanism to study more complex behavioral logic in mice. The nasal feeding model is divided into fixed and progressive types.
[0049] The parameters for the fixed nasal feeding pattern include: total experimental duration, daily food supply limit, number of nasal pokes per reward, and amount of food per reward;
[0050] The parameters for the progressive nasal feeding mode include: total experimental duration, daily food supply limit, and the amount of food awarded each time. The formula for the number of nasal taps in the progressive feeding mode is: ratio = ratio + round((5*exp(0.2*PelletCount)) - 5), where PelletCount is the total amount of food awarded, radio is the number of nasal taps, and the initial ratio = 1.
[0051] For example, in a fixed-mode feeding program, the operator inputs parameters for a fixed nasal-poke feeding pattern into the computer program. The total experimental duration is 7 days, the daily maximum amount of food (8) is 50 pieces, and each nasal-poke action is rewarded with one piece of food (8). These parameters are transmitted to the data processor 5 via the charging and data transmission interface 51 or the wireless data transmission module. When the mouse lightly touches the nasal-poke hole 41, the second sensor 42 detects the nasal-poke action. The data processor 5 collects and stores the nasal-poke action and time data. The data processor 5 controls the drive device 12 to open the food dispensing device 11 and dispense one piece of food, then closes the device. The first sensor 31 detects the time of food dispensing, and the data processor 5 collects and stores this data. The mouse then goes to the feeding trough 3 to eat, and the first sensor 31 detects the eating behavior. The data processor 5 collects and stores the eating behavior and time data.
[0052] To illustrate the gradual feeding method, the operator inputs parameters for the gradual nasal tap feeding pattern into the computer program. The total experiment duration is 7 days, with a daily food supply of 8 (maximum of 100 pieces). Each reward consists of 2 pieces of food. Based on the formula for the number of nasal taps, the first time: PelletCount = 2, initial radio = 1, meaning the first nasal tap yields 2 pieces of food; the second time: PelletCount = 4, ratio = 1 + 5 × exp (0.2×4) -5 = 7, meaning the second time, 7 nose pokes yielded 2 grains; the third time: PelletCount = 6, ratio = 2 + 5 × exp (0.2×6)-5 = 14, meaning that the third time the nose is poked 14 times, 2 grains of grain are extracted, and so on. The parameters of the progressive nasal tap feeding mode are transmitted to the data processor 5 via the charging and data transmission interface 51 or the wireless data transmission module. In the first case, the mouse lightly touches the nasal tap hole 41 once. The second sensor 42 or the third sensor 43 detects the mouse's nasal tapping behavior. The data processor 5 collects and stores the mouse's nasal tapping behavior and time data. The data processor 5 controls the drive device 12 to open the feed dispensing component 11 and dispense 2 grains of food, then the feed dispensing component 11 closes. In the second case, the mouse lightly touches the nasal tap hole 41 seven times. The second sensor 42 or the third sensor 43 detects the mouse's nasal tapping behavior. The data processor 5 collects and stores the mouse's nasal tapping behavior and time data. The data processor 5 controls the drive device 12 to open the feed dispensing component 11 and dispense 2 grains of food, then the feed dispensing component 11 closes. In the third case, the mouse lightly touches the nasal tap hole 41 fourteen times. The second sensor 42 detects the mouse's nasal tapping behavior. The data processor 5 collects and stores the mouse's nasal tapping behavior and time data. The data processor 5 controls the drive device 12 to open the feed dispensing component 11 and dispense 2 grains of food, then the feed dispensing component 11 closes. The first sensor 31 senses the time when food 8 is distributed, and the data processor 5 collects and stores the data on the time when food 8 is distributed. The mouse goes to the feeding trough 3 to eat, and the first sensor 31 senses the mouse's eating behavior. The data processor 5 collects and stores the eating behavior and time data.
[0053] Finally, the operator can download data via the charging and data transmission interface 51 or the wireless data transmission module. This data includes food dispensing time data, nose-poking behavior data, nose-poking behavior time data, feeding behavior data, and feeding time data. The operator can analyze the mouse behavior based on the downloaded data to support their experimental research.
[0054] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the grain dispensing mechanism 1 further includes a grain guiding channel 14. The grain dispensing component 11 is a turntable structure. The grain dispensing component 11 is inclined at the bottom of the grain storage device 2. The driving device 12 is connected to and drives the grain dispensing component 11 to rotate and open or close the grain dispensing port 13. The grain dispensing port 13 is connected to one end of the grain guiding channel 14, and the other end of the grain guiding channel 14 is connected to the feeding trough 3. Figure 3 As shown in the feeding process, a food item 8 is stuck at the closed feeding port 13. The feeding component 11 drives the food item 8 to rotate together. When the feeding port 13 rotates to the open position, the food item 8 falls from the open feeding port 13 into the feeding guide channel 14. The food item 8 falls into the feeding trough 3 through the feeding guide channel 14. The feeding port 13 feeds out one food item 8 at a time. The data processor 5 controls the feeding amount precisely by controlling the rotation angle of the feeding component 13, so that the feeding amount accuracy reaches the milligram level. When the food item 8 in the feeding trough 3 reaches the feeding amount, the drive device 12 stops driving, and the feeding port 13 stops discharging.
[0055] The grain dispensing component 11 also includes at least one reinforcing rib 111, which is used to increase the strength of the grain dispensing component 11.
[0056] To further study the nose-poking behavior of mice, the nose-poking mechanism 4 includes at least two nose-poking holes 41, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the feeding trough 3. The second sensor 42 of the nose-poking hole 41 on the left side of the feeding trough 3 senses the left nose-poking behavior and time data, and the third sensor 43 of the nose-poking hole 41 on the right side of the feeding trough 3 senses the right nose-poking behavior and time data. The operator can set multiple nose-poking holes 41 according to the research needs to study the behavior of mice.
[0057] The intelligent feeder also includes a display screen 6, which is connected to the data processor 5. The display screen 6 is used to display input data, sensing data from the first sensor 31, sensing data from the second sensor 42, and sensing data from the third sensor 43. The operator can view the feeding mode of the mice, the parameters of the feeding mode, the food dispensing time, the feeding time of the mice, the amount of food consumed by the mice, the number of nose-poking behaviors of the mice, and the duration of the nose-poking behaviors of the mice through the display screen 6.
[0058] The intelligent feeder also includes an indicator mechanism that is communicatively connected to the first sensor 31. The indicator mechanism responds based on the sensing data from the first sensor 31. After food 8 is dispensed, the indicator mechanism sends a prompt signal to remind the operator to observe the mouse's behavior or to remind the mouse to be fed.
[0059] The indicator mechanism serves only a prompting function. Here is one embodiment: the indicator mechanism includes an indicator light, a buzzer, and an external connector. The external connector is used to connect to external devices. The indicator light, buzzer, and external connector are communicatively connected to the first sensor 31. The indicator light, buzzer, and external connector respond based on the sensing information from the first sensor 31. After food 8 is dispensed, the indicator light illuminates, the buzzer sounds, and the external connector outputs an electrical signal.
[0060] The intelligent feeder also includes a housing 7, with a feed dispensing mechanism 1 housed within the housing 7. The feed dispensing mechanism 1 is connected to a feeding trough 3 located outside the housing 7 via a feed guiding channel 14. The housing 7 protects the mechanical structure and prevents accidental mechanical damage from personnel.
[0061] The second sensor 42 and the third sensor 43 are used to sense the number and duration of the mouse's nose-poking behavior. Here, the second sensor 42 is preferably a pressure sensor or a photoelectric sensor, and the third sensor 43 is a photoelectric sensor.
[0062] The grain storage container is equipped with a screw cap, which is used by the operator to unscrew the cap to add food 8 to the grain storage container, and also to prevent food 8 from getting damp and contaminated.
[0063] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the design of this case. All equivalent changes made based on the key design of this case shall fall within the protection scope of this case.
Claims
1. A smart feeder for medical laboratory mice, characterized in that: It includes a grain storage unit, a grain dispensing mechanism, a feeding trough, a nose-punching mechanism, and a data processor; The grain dispensing mechanism includes a grain dispensing component and a driving device. The grain storage container is used to store food. A grain dispensing port is provided between the grain storage container and the feeding trough. A grain dispensing component is provided at the grain dispensing port. The driving device is connected to and drives the grain dispensing component to open or close the grain dispensing port. When the grain dispensing component is driven to open the grain dispensing port, a certain amount of food in the grain storage container is brought to the grain dispensing port. The food falls from the grain dispensing port into the feeding trough. When the grain dispensing component is driven to close the grain dispensing port, the grain dispensing port stops dispensing food. The feeding trough is equipped with a first sensor; The nose-punching mechanism includes at least two nose-punching holes, which are located on both sides of the feeding trough. A second sensor is provided on the left nose-punching hole, and a third sensor is provided on the right nose-punching hole. The data processor is communicatively connected to the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, and the drive device. The data processor collects the sensing data from the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor. The data processor is equipped with a charging and data transmission interface and a wireless data transmission module.
2. The intelligent feeding device for medical laboratory mice as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The grain dispensing mechanism also includes a grain guiding channel. The grain dispensing component is a turntable structure. The grain dispensing component is inclined at the bottom of the grain storage unit. The driving device is connected to and drives the grain dispensing component to rotate and open or close the grain dispensing port. The grain dispensing port is connected to one end of the grain guiding channel, and the other end of the grain guiding channel is connected to the feeding trough. The grain dispensing component rotates to open the grain dispensing port, so that the food in the grain storage unit is quantitatively brought to the grain dispensing port. The food falls from the grain dispensing port into the grain guiding channel, and the food falls into the feeding trough through the grain guiding channel. The grain dispensing component rotates to close the grain dispensing port, and the grain dispensing port stops dispensing grain.
3. The intelligent feeding device for medical laboratory mice as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The grain dispensing component also includes at least one reinforcing rib.
4. The intelligent feeding device for medical laboratory mice as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a display screen, which is connected in communication with the data processor. The display screen is used to display input data, sensing data from the first sensor, sensing data from the second sensor, and sensing data from the third sensor.
5. The intelligent feeding device for medical laboratory mice as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an indicator mechanism that is communicatively connected to the first sensor and responds based on the sensing data from the first sensor.
6. The intelligent feeding device for medical laboratory mice as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The indicating mechanism includes an indicator light, a buzzer, and an external connector. The external connector is used to connect to external devices. The indicator light, buzzer, and external connector are connected to the first sensor for communication. The indicator light, buzzer, and external connector respond according to the sensing information from the first sensor.
7. The intelligent feeding device for medical laboratory mice as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a shell, with the grain dispensing mechanism located inside the shell. The grain dispensing mechanism is connected to the feeding trough located outside the shell through a grain guiding channel.
8. The intelligent feeding device for medical laboratory mice as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first sensor is a photoelectric sensor, the second sensor is a photoelectric sensor or a pressure sensor, and the third sensor is a photoelectric sensor.
9. The intelligent feeding device for medical laboratory mice as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The grain storage device is equipped with a screw cap, which is used by the operator to unscrew the cap to add food to the grain storage device.