Variable target position platform water maze

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of behavior research water maze technology, more specifically, relate to a variable target position formula platform water maze. The utility model discloses through modularization plug -pull structure, realizes the quick switching of target platform position, saves the experiment preparation time, especially applicable to the behavior experiment of experimental mouse starting from the same water entry point and finding the target platform located at different positions. The uniform distribution state of several mounting pieces is in the shape of a right cross, so that the platform can be placed in different quadrant regions, suitable for studying the spatial memory, learning strategy and cognitive flexibility of experimental mice when the target platform is located at different positions, and the mounting piece and the bottom surface of the pool body are designed in an integrated manner, avoiding complex mechanical structures and reducing the failure rate. Since the supporting rod and the target platform are detachably connected to the mounting piece through tightening bolts, cleaning and maintenance are facilitated, and the experimental mouse experimental hygiene requirements are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water maze technology for behavioral research, and more specifically, to a variable target position platform water maze. Background Technology

[0002] The water maze, a classic experimental setup for assessing spatial learning and memory abilities in laboratory mice, is widely used in neuroscience, behavioral pharmacology, and cognitive disease model research. Its core principle lies in forcing animals to rely on spatial cues from their surroundings to find safe platforms hidden beneath the water's surface, thereby examining their spatial navigation, learning and memory abilities, and cognitive flexibility.

[0003] Traditional fixed-platform water mazes, while simple in structure, typically have significant limitations due to the target platform being permanently fixed in a specific location within the pool. Over long-term experiments, animals tend to develop strong memories of this fixed location, making them unsuitable for experimental paradigms requiring platform relocation, such as reverse learning or spatial resetting tests. Furthermore, the fixed design restricts systematic comparisons of learning strategies at different spatial locations, hindering the study of differences in movement trajectories as animals move towards target platforms at different locations from the same entry point. Existing adjustable platform devices often require disassembly and reassembly for target position adjustments, a cumbersome process that impacts experimental efficiency. Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a simple, easily adjustable, and stable variable-target-position platform water maze device to support studies of coherent trajectories of mice starting from the same entry point and searching for target platforms at different locations, meeting the standardization requirements of complex spatial cognition experiments. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the problems existing in the prior art by providing a variable target position platform water maze. This invention utilizes a modular plug-and-play structure to achieve rapid switching of the target platform's position, saving experimental preparation time. It is particularly suitable for behavioral experiments involving mice starting from the same entry point and searching for target platforms located in different positions. Several mounting components are evenly distributed in a right-angled cross shape, allowing the platform to be placed in different quadrants. This is suitable for studying the spatial memory, learning strategies, and cognitive flexibility of mice when the target platform is in different positions. Furthermore, the integrated design of the mounting components and the bottom of the water tank avoids complex mechanical structures and reduces the failure rate. Additionally, the support rod and target platform are detachably connected to the mounting components via tightening bolts, facilitating cleaning and maintenance and meeting the hygiene requirements for laboratory mice.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0006] A variable target position platform water maze includes a pool body. Several evenly distributed circumferential mounting components are arranged on the bottom surface of the pool body, forming a cross shape with the lines connecting the centers of the mounting components to the circles on the bottom surface of the pool body. Each mounting component has a slot into which a support rod is inserted, with the end of the support rod away from the slot fixed to a target platform. Each mounting component also has a threaded hole connecting the slot and the outer wall of the mounting component, and a tightening bolt is installed in each threaded hole, tightening the support rod inserted into the slot. A water outlet groove is formed on the bottom surface of the pool body, and a water outlet pipe is installed within the water outlet groove.

[0007] Furthermore, the water outlet trough is stepped, the shape of the water outlet end of the water outlet pipe matches the stepped surface of the water outlet trough, and the plane where the water outlet end of the water outlet pipe is located is not higher than the bottom surface inside the water tank body; a drain plug is inserted into the water outlet end of the water outlet pipe.

[0008] Furthermore, the water maze also includes a graduated pool. A connector is installed at the bottom of the pool body, and the outer wall of the connector is fixed to the inner ring of a bearing. The outer ring of the bearing is connected to the graduated pool through a connector. The inner diameter of the graduated pool is larger than the outer diameter of the pool body, and the lower part of the pool body is located inside the graduated pool. The end of the connector away from the pool body is rotatably connected to a base, and the base slides against the bottom surface of the graduated pool. The axes of the pool body, the connector, the bearing, the connector, the graduated pool, and the base are on the same straight line.

[0009] Furthermore, four coordinate reference grooves are evenly distributed circumferentially on the upper edge of the scale pool, and the angle between the horizontal line connecting adjacent coordinate reference grooves and the axis of the scale pool is 90°; several scale grooves are provided between adjacent coordinate reference grooves, and the angle between the horizontal line connecting several adjacent scale grooves and the axis of the scale pool is equal.

[0010] Furthermore, four limiting devices are evenly distributed circumferentially on the outer wall of the pool body. The angle between the horizontal line connecting the adjacent limiting devices and the axis of the pool body is 90°. The height of each limiting device matches the height of the upper edge of the scale pool.

[0011] Furthermore, each of the limiting devices includes a fixing block, a limiting rod, and a stop rod. The fixing block is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the water tank body. A semi-groove is vertically formed on the fixing block, and the limiting rod is installed in the semi-groove. The portion of the limiting rod in the semi-groove is hinged to the fixing block. A straight plate is provided on the side of the fixing block near the inner wall of the graduated pool. The stop rod moves through the straight plate, and the middle of the stop rod intercepts the limiting rod located in the semi-groove.

[0012] Furthermore, the length of the limiting rod matches the outer diameter of the scale pool, and the outer diameter of the limiting rod matches the width of the coordinate reference groove and the scale groove.

[0013] Furthermore, the cylindrical body of the graduated pool has a water pipe channel connecting the inner and outer walls of the graduated pool. The angle between the two ends of the water pipe channel and the horizontal line connecting the axis of the graduated pool is 90°. The position of the water outlet trough matches the position of the water pipe channel. The water outlet pipe extends from below the graduated pool body through the water pipe channel.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0015] This invention utilizes a modular plug-and-play structure to enable rapid switching of the target platform's position, saving experimental preparation time. It is particularly suitable for behavioral experiments involving mice searching for target platforms located at different positions from the same entry point. Several mounting components are evenly distributed in a right-angled cross shape, allowing the platform to be placed in different quadrants. This is suitable for studying the spatial memory, learning strategies, and cognitive flexibility of mice when the target platform is in different positions. Furthermore, the integrated design of the mounting components and the bottom of the water tank avoids complex mechanical structures and reduces the failure rate. Additionally, the detachable connection between the support rod and the target platform to the mounting components via tightening bolts facilitates cleaning and maintenance, meeting the hygiene requirements for laboratory mice. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 A top view of the limiting device of this utility model when matched with the coordinate reference groove;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural view of the target platform and support rod of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a partial enlarged view of the stop bar of this utility model when it limits the limit bar;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a partial enlarged view of the limiting rod of this utility model when it is limiting the coordinate reference groove;

[0022] Figure 7 A top view of the limiting device of this utility model when it is matched with the scale groove;

[0023] Figure 8 For the present utility model Figure 7 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0024] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional, disassembled view of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 10 This is an overall exploded cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. Water tank body; 11. Mounting component; 111. Slot; 112. Threaded hole; 113. Tightening bolt; 12. Water outlet trough; 21. Target platform; 211. Anti-slip texture; 22. Support rod; 31. Water outlet pipe; 32. Drain plug; 321. Pull rope; 4. Limiting device; 41. Fixing block; 411. Half groove; 42. Limiting rod; 43. Straight plate; 44. Clip; 45. Stop bar; 5. Scale pool; 51. Coordinate reference groove; 511. Marking component; 52. Scale groove; 53. Water pipe movement channel; 6. Base; 7. Bearing; 81. Connector 1; 82. Connector 2; α. Platform angle. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solution of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. 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.

[0028] Example 1:

[0029] Please see Figure 1-10 A variable target position platform water maze includes a water tank body 1. Several uniformly distributed mounting parts 11 are arranged on the bottom surface of the water tank body 1. The lines connecting the centers of the mounting parts 11 and the bottom surface of the water tank body 1 form a cross shape. Each mounting part 11 has a slot 111. A support rod 22 is inserted into the slot 111. The end of the support rod 22 away from the slot 111 is fixed to the target platform 21. Each mounting part 11 has a threaded hole 112. The threaded hole 112 connects the slot 111 and the outer wall of the mounting part 11. A tightening bolt 113 is installed in each threaded hole 112. The tightening bolt 113 tightens the support rod 22 inserted into the slot 111. When filling with water, a water inlet pipe is extended into the water tank body 1 from above to fill with water. A water outlet groove 12 is opened on the bottom surface of the water tank body 1. A water outlet pipe 31 is installed in the water outlet groove 12.

[0030] By inserting the support rod 22 into the slots 111 of different mounting parts 11, the position of the target platform 21 in the water tank body 1 is changed, and the position of the target platform 21 can be flexibly adjusted according to experimental requirements. Tightening the bolts 113 locks the support rod 22, ensuring that the platform remains stable during the experiment.

[0031] Furthermore, the lines connecting several mounting parts 11 to the center of the bottom surface of the pool body 1 form a cross shape, that is, several mounting parts 11 are installed on the straight line of the bottom diameter of the pool body 1; the mounting parts 11 located on different bottom diameters of the pool body 1 form an angle of 90° with the line connecting the bottom center of the pool body 1.

[0032] In one embodiment, eight mounting components 11 are provided. Four mounting components 11 are symmetrically installed along the same straight line as the bottom diameter of the pool body 1. Multiple mounting components 11 are symmetrically arranged along two diameters of the bottom surface of the pool body 1, extending from the center of the bottom surface towards the pool wall. This provides multiple selectable positions in the radial direction of each quadrant of the water maze, thus offering rich spatial variables. Specifically, the target platform 21 can be placed not only in different quadrants of the water maze but also at different radii within the same quadrant, expanding the experimental design space for studying the spatial search and spatial memory abilities of mice and designing more complex spatial learning and memory tests. Experimental results demonstrate that the target platform 21 closer to the edge of the pool body 1 is more easily found randomly.

[0033] In one embodiment, the target platform 21 is disc-shaped and has anti-slip textures 211. The disc-shaped target platform 21 provides a stable, non-directional standing surface, which meets the needs of experimental mice to naturally climb onto the platform. Since experimental mice (especially young mice, old mice, or disease model mice) expend a lot of energy after swimming, their wet paws are prone to slipping on the smooth platform. By setting anti-slip textures 211, friction is provided to ensure that the experimental mice can effectively climb onto the platform and avoid invalid arrivals due to slipping, thereby ensuring the accuracy of behavioral records.

[0034] In one embodiment, the height of the support rod 22 matches the water level in the water maze, so that the target platform 21 is located 1-2 cm below the water level. This prevents the experimental mice from visually recognizing the location of the target platform 21, thereby eliminating visual cue interference. Since the target platform 21 is invisible to the swimming experimental mice, it forces the experimental mice to perform spatial learning and memory navigation. The target platform 21 being located 1-2 cm below the water level ensures tactile perceptibility. When the experimental mice swim over the target platform 21, their whiskers or bodies can easily touch the platform, thus discovering and climbing onto the target platform 21.

[0035] The water outlet 12 is stepped, and the shape of the water outlet end of the water outlet pipe 31 matches the stepped surface of the water outlet 12. The plane where the water outlet end of the water outlet pipe 31 is located is not higher than the bottom surface inside the water tank body 1. The water outlet end of the water outlet pipe 31 is inserted into the drain plug 32. The top surface of the drain plug 32 is connected to the pull rope 321. The end of the pull rope 321 away from the drain plug 32 extends out of the water tank body 1.

[0036] After the experiment, the operator pulls one end of the rope 321 located outside the main body of the pool 1. The rope 321 pulls the drain plug 32 out of the outlet end of the water pipe 31, thus draining the water. Since the water outlet trough 12 is stepped and the plane where the outlet end of the water pipe 31 is located is not higher than the bottom of the pool, the water at the bottom of the main body of the pool 1 can also be discharged through the water outlet pipe 31.

[0037] In existing water mazes, the platform positions are fixed, and adjustments require reinstallation or replacement of the water tank. The variable target position platform water maze provided by this invention utilizes a modular plug-and-play structure to achieve rapid switching of the target platform 21's position, saving experimental preparation time. It is suitable for behavioral experiments involving mice searching for the target platform from the same entry point. Several mounting components 11 are evenly distributed in a cross shape, allowing the platform to be placed in different quadrants. This is suitable for studying the spatial memory, learning strategies, and cognitive flexibility of mice when the target platform 21 is in different positions. Simultaneously, the integrated design of the mounting components 11 and the bottom of the water tank body 1 avoids complex mechanical structures and reduces the failure rate. Furthermore, since the support rod 22 and the target platform 21 are detachably connected to the mounting components 11 via tightening bolts 113, cleaning and maintenance are convenient, meeting the hygiene requirements for laboratory mice.

[0038] Example 2:

[0039] Please see Figure 1-10 According to Embodiment 1, the water maze provided by this utility model also includes a graduated pool 5. A connector 81 is installed at the bottom of the pool body 1. The outer wall of the connector 81 is fixed to the inner ring of the bearing 7. The outer ring of the bearing 7 is connected to the graduated pool 5 through a connector 82. The inner diameter of the graduated pool 5 is larger than the outer diameter of the pool body 1. The lower part of the pool body 1 is located inside the graduated pool 5. The end of the connector 81 away from the pool body 1 is rotatably connected to the base 6. The base 6 slides against the bottom surface of the graduated pool 5. The axes of the pool body 1, connector 81, bearing 7, connector 82, graduated pool 5 and base 6 are on the same straight line.

[0040] The base 6 is fixed to the ground, and the water tank body 1 is rotatably connected to the base 6 via a connector 81. Connector 81 includes a central rotating shaft and a flange. The top end of the central rotating shaft is fixed to the water tank body 1 via the flange, and the bottom end of the central rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the base 6. This allows the base 6 and the central rotating shaft to provide support for the water tank body 1 while the water tank body 1 rotates independently of the base 6 around its axis. It should be noted that the rotation angle of the water tank body 1 is adjusted before the experiment begins, and it remains stationary during the experiment.

[0041] The inner ring of bearing 7 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the central rotating shaft of connector 81, and the outer ring of bearing 7 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the scale pool 5 through the annular connector 82, thereby realizing the separation of the rotational motion of scale pool 5 from the rotational motion of water pool body 1.

[0042] The scale reservoir 5 is supported by a ring-shaped support mounted on the top surface of the base 6, while the top surface of the ring-shaped support slides into the bottom surface of the scale reservoir 5. The contact surface between the ring-shaped support and the scale reservoir 5 is made of low-friction material or designed with ball bearing guides to ensure smooth and effortless rotation of the scale reservoir 5.

[0043] Four coordinate reference slots 51 are evenly distributed on the upper edge of the scale cell 5. The angle between the horizontal line connecting the adjacent coordinate reference slots 51 and the axis of the scale cell 5 is 90°. Several scale slots 52 are provided between adjacent coordinate reference slots 51. The angle between the horizontal line connecting the adjacent scale slots 52 and the axis of the scale cell 5 is equal.

[0044] Four evenly distributed coordinate reference slots 51 at a 90° angle clearly define the four basic coordinate axis quadrants of the calibration cell 5: 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°. When the calibration cell 5 needs to be aligned, the operator rotates the calibration cell 5 until one of the coordinate reference slots 51 aligns with a fixed reference object in the laboratory, thus completing the orientation of the entire calibration cell 5 within seconds.

[0045] Several scale grooves 52 are evenly distributed between two adjacent coordinate reference grooves 51 (i.e., the 90° interval), and the angle is subdivided into equal parts by the several scale grooves 52.

[0046] In one embodiment, there are 17 scale slots 52 between every two adjacent coordinate reference slots 51, each scale slot representing 5°. When it is necessary to set the target platform 21 at a specific angle in a certain quadrant, the operator rotates the water tank body 1 until the target platform 21 is at the desired specific angle position.

[0047] Four limiting devices 4 are evenly distributed around the outer wall of the water tank body 1. The angle between the horizontal line connecting the adjacent limiting devices 4 and the axis of the water tank body 1 is 90°. The height of each limiting device 4 matches the height of the upper edge of the scale pool 5.

[0048] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, after the scale pool 5 is oriented, the coordinate axis quadrants divided by the four coordinate reference slots 51 are established as the basic coordinate quadrant, and each of the four regions in the basic coordinate quadrant has an installation component 11.

[0049] With the axis of the pool body 1 as the vertex, two rays form an angle. The first ray points to the mounting part 11 of the target platform 21, and the second ray points to the nearest coordinate reference groove 51 in the clockwise direction of the mounting part 11. The angle is called the platform angle α. When the position of the limiting device 4 is aligned with the position of the coordinate reference groove 51, it means that the platform angle α is 45°.

[0050] During preparation, first rotate the scale cell 5 to align the coordinate reference slot 51 with the fixed reference object in the laboratory. The lines connecting the four coordinate reference slots 51 divide the four regions, which are established as the basic coordinate quadrants of the experiment.

[0051] Next, the position of the water tank body 1 is initialized and adjusted by rotating the water tank body 1 so that any one of the limiting devices 4 on the outer wall of the water tank body 1 is aligned with any coordinate reference groove 51 on the upper edge of the scale pool 5.

[0052] Finally, once a set of limiting devices 4 are aligned with the coordinate reference groove 51, the relative angle between the entire water tank body 1 and the basic coordinate quadrant is zeroed and aligned (the included angle between the limiting device 4 and the corresponding coordinate reference groove 51 is 0°, and the included angle α of the platform is 45°).

[0053] Each limiting device 4 includes a fixing block 41, a limiting rod 42, and a stop rod 45. The fixing block 41 is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the water tank body 1. A semi-groove 411 is vertically opened on the fixing block 41. The limiting rod 42 is installed in the semi-groove 411. The part of the limiting rod 42 in the semi-groove 411 is hinged to the fixing block 41. A straight plate 43 is provided on the side of the fixing block 41 near the inner wall of the scale pool 5. The stop rod 45 moves through the straight plate 43. The middle part of the stop rod 45 intercepts the limiting rod 42 located in the semi-groove 411. A clip 44 is also fixedly connected to the fixing block 41. One end of the stop rod 45 is locked with the clip 44 to achieve the stability of the stop rod 45.

[0054] The stop lever 45 limits the position of the limiting lever 42, allowing the limiting lever 42 to switch between a horizontal working state and a vertical storage state.

[0055] When there is no need to limit the movement of the water tank body 1, such as Figure 5 As shown, one end of the stop rod 45 is inserted into the clip 44, and the middle section of the stop rod 45 blocks the limiting rod 42 so that the limiting rod 42 is installed in the semi-groove 411 in a vertical state, at which time the water tank body 1 can rotate freely.

[0056] When it is necessary to limit the movement of the water tank body 1, such as Figure 6 As shown, the stop bar 45 is prevented from falling off by the straight plate 43 alone, and the limit bar 42 falls into the coordinate reference groove 51, thereby limiting the rotation of the water tank body 1.

[0057] Preferred, such as Figure 5 As shown, the limiting rod 42 is L-shaped. The length of the limiting rod 42 matches the outer diameter of the scale pool 5, and the outer diameter of the limiting rod 42 matches the width of the coordinate reference groove 51 and the scale groove 52, so that the long rod in the L-shaped structure of the limiting rod 42 is located in the coordinate reference groove 51 or the scale groove 52, and the short rod in the L-shaped structure of the limiting rod 42 extends out of the scale pool 5.

[0058] Preferably, a marker 511 is provided in the coordinate reference groove 51 to facilitate finding the coordinate reference groove 51 as a reference at the upper edge of the scale pool 5.

[0059] The cylindrical body of the scale pool 5 has a water pipe movable channel 53 that connects the inner and outer walls of the scale pool 5. The angle between the two ends of the water pipe movable channel 53 and the horizontal line connecting the axis of the scale pool 5 is 90°. The position of the water outlet trough 12 matches the position of the water pipe movable channel 53. The water outlet pipe 31 extends out of the scale pool 5 from below the main body of the pool 1 through the water pipe movable channel 53.

[0060] Since each region in the basic coordinate quadrant is equipped with an installation component 11, the target platform 21 can be installed on the installation component 11 located in any quadrant region. The installation component 11 in each quadrant region can be adjusted at the required angle so that the water tank body 1 only needs to rotate 45° clockwise or counterclockwise (a total of 90°) to install the target platform 21 at any angle on the water tank body 1. Furthermore, the included angle between the two ends of the water pipe moving channel 53 is set to 90°, so that the water outlet pipe 31 extending out of the scale pool 5 has enough room to move with the rotation of the water tank body 1, avoiding the water outlet pipe 31 from getting tangled and knotted in the scale pool 5.

[0061] The working process of the water maze provided by this utility model is as follows:

[0062] S1. Orientation of the scale cell: Rotate the scale cell 5 so that the coordinate reference groove 51 is aligned with the fixed reference object in the laboratory. The scale cell 5 is divided into four areas by the four coordinate reference grooves 51, which become the basic coordinate quadrants bound to the laboratory environment.

[0063] S2. The water tank body 1 is returned to the reference zero point: Rotate the water tank body 1 so that the limiting device 4 installed on the outer wall of the water tank body 1 matches the position of the coordinate reference groove 51, thereby setting the relative angle relationship between the water tank body 1 and the scale pool 5 to the initial state (the platform angle α is 45°), and completing the zeroing calibration of the angle of the water tank body 1.

[0064] S3. Setting up the target platform 21: According to the experimental design, determine the position of the target platform 21 in space. Based on the required angle, confirm the angle α of the platform, and calculate the rotation angle (±45°) of the pool body. Rotate the pool body 1 according to the calculated rotation angle. When the mounting part 11 that needs to install the target platform 21 rotates to the diameter corresponding to the required angle, move the stop bar 45 to make the limit bar 42 fall down and make the limit bar 42 snap into the corresponding coordinate reference groove 51 or scale groove 52, thereby locking the rotation angle of the pool body 1. Insert the support rod 22 into the corresponding mounting part 11 and tighten it with the tightening bolt 113.

[0065] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7As shown, the target platform 21 is located in the second quadrant in space, and the included angle α of the platform is 15°.

[0066] S4. Confirm that the drain plug 32 has been tightly plugged into the water outlet pipe 31, pour water into the pool from the pool body 1 until the water level reaches the predetermined height, and ensure that the target platform 21 is submerged 1~2cm below the water surface, and perform the experimental mouse water maze experiment.

[0067] S5. After the experiment, pull the rope 321 outside the water tank body 1, pull out the drain plug 32, drain the water through the outlet pipe 31, reset the limit rod 42 to the half tank 411, and use the stop rod 45 to limit the limit rod 42. Clean and disinfect the inside of the water tank body 1 for the next use.

[0068] Preferably, in the water maze experiment for mice in S4, one experimental design is a spatial search strategy experiment with a fixed entry point. All mice enter the water from the same entry point, and the position of the target platform 21 is changed on different experimental days or at different experimental stages. By comparing and analyzing the movement trajectory, search strategy and arrival efficiency adopted by the mice when searching for different spatial targets under the same starting conditions, the spatial working memory and cognitive flexibility of the mice can be studied.

[0069] Preferably, in the water maze experiment for mice in S4, one experimental design is a spatial memory establishment and resetting experiment. First, the mice are allowed to learn and memorize the position of a target platform 21 from a fixed entry point until the mice exhibit stable spatial memory, that is, the mice swim directly and efficiently from the entry point to the target platform 21 located in the same place. Then, the position of the target platform 21 is changed by rotating the pool body 1, while the mice are still released from the original entry point. By observing the initial search trajectory, reaction time and relearning process of the mice at the new target platform 21 position, the consolidation, updating and adaptability of the mice's spatial memory can be evaluated.

[0070] The experimental design of the water maze experiment for mice described above is merely illustrative and not an exhaustive list of application scenarios for this utility model. Any reasonable experimental arrangement based on the same principle falls within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0071] This invention aligns the water tank body 1 with a fixed reference object in the laboratory, converting the position parameters of the target platform 21 into a precisely settable platform angle α. Multiple mounting components 11 distributed at the bottom of the water tank body 1 allow for flexible installation of the target platform 21 at multiple preset radii and angle positions. Overall, the water maze provided by this invention, with its target platform 21 setup, angle calibration of the water tank body 1 and the graduated pool 5, and drainage via the matching of the water outlet pipe 31 with the water pipe movement channel on the graduated pool 5, significantly reduces human error and preparation time. Its simple structure, convenient adjustment, and stable reliability enable this invention to support more complex and rigorous animal spatial cognitive behavioral research.

[0072] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A variable target position platform water maze, characterized in that: The system includes a water tank body. Several evenly distributed circumferential mounting components are arranged on the bottom surface of the water tank body. The lines connecting the centers of the mounting components and the bottom surface of the water tank body form a right cross shape. Each mounting component has a slot into which a support rod is inserted. The end of the support rod away from the slot is fixed to a target platform. Each mounting component has a threaded hole connecting the slot and the outer wall of the mounting component. A tightening bolt is installed in each threaded hole, tightening the support rod inserted into the slot. A water outlet groove is formed on the bottom surface of the water tank body, and a water outlet pipe is installed in the water outlet groove.

2. The variable target position platform water maze according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water outlet trough is stepped, and the shape of the water outlet end of the water outlet pipe matches the stepped surface of the water outlet trough. The plane where the water outlet end of the water outlet pipe is located is not higher than the bottom surface inside the water tank body. A drain plug is inserted into the water outlet end of the water outlet pipe.

3. The variable target position platform water maze according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water maze also includes a graduated pool. A connector is installed at the bottom of the pool body. The outer wall of the connector is fixed to the inner ring of a bearing. The outer ring of the bearing is connected to the graduated pool through a connector. The inner diameter of the graduated pool is larger than the outer diameter of the pool body. The lower part of the pool body is located inside the graduated pool. The end of the connector away from the pool body is rotatably connected to a base. The base slides against the bottom surface of the graduated pool. The axes of the pool body, the connector, the bearing, the connector, the graduated pool, and the base are on the same straight line.

4. The variable target position platform water maze according to claim 3, characterized in that: The upper edge of the scale pool has four coordinate reference grooves evenly distributed in a circle, and the horizontal angle between the horizontal line connecting the adjacent coordinate reference grooves and the axis of the scale pool is 90°; several scale grooves are provided between adjacent coordinate reference grooves, and the horizontal angle between the horizontal line connecting the several adjacent scale grooves and the axis of the scale pool is equal.

5. A variable target position platform water maze according to claim 4, characterized in that: Four limiting devices are evenly distributed around the outer wall of the pool body. The angle between the horizontal line connecting the adjacent limiting devices and the axis of the pool body is 90°. The height of each limiting device matches the height of the upper edge of the scale pool.

6. A variable target position platform water maze according to claim 5, characterized in that: Each of the limiting devices includes a fixed block, a limiting rod, and a stop rod. The fixed block is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the water tank body. A semi-groove is vertically formed on the fixed block, and the limiting rod is installed in the semi-groove. The portion of the limiting rod in the semi-groove is hinged to the fixed block. A straight plate is provided on the side of the fixed block near the inner wall of the graduated pool. The stop rod moves through the straight plate, and the middle of the stop rod intercepts the limiting rod located in the semi-groove.

7. A variable target position platform water maze according to claim 6, characterized in that: The length of the limiting rod matches the outer diameter of the scale pool, and the outer diameter of the limiting rod matches the width of the coordinate reference groove and the scale groove.

8. A variable target position platform water maze according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cylindrical body of the graduated pool has a water pipe channel connecting the inner and outer walls of the graduated pool. The horizontal line connecting the two ends of the water pipe channel to the axis of the graduated pool forms an angle of 90°. The position of the water outlet trough matches the position of the water pipe channel. The water outlet pipe extends from below the graduated pool body through the water pipe channel.

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