Multi-Zone Animal Testing Chamber for Neurobehavioral Assessment

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing animal testing chambers are typically designed for single types of tests and purposes, requiring multiple chambers for comprehensive neurobehavioral assessments, which is inefficient and costly, as cognitive and motor skills are usually tested separately.

Innovation Solution

A multi-functional testing chamber with integrated testing zones and points, including a balance-beam route, ramps, and a water zone, allowing for simultaneous assessment of cognitive and motor skills using a point-based scoring system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple specialized test chambers are used for comprehensive neurobehavioral assessments, then testing capability and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple testing functions (open field test, elevated plus maze, balance beam, rotarod, forced swim test, water maze) into a single integrated chamber. The chamber includes multiple levels connected by ramps, with distinct testing zones for cognitive and motor assessments, eliminating the need for separate chambers for each test type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The testing chamber is designed as a multi-functional apparatus that can perform various neurobehavioral tests simultaneously or sequentially. Different zones within the chamber serve different testing purposes, allowing comprehensive assessment of laboratory animals using a single device rather than multiple specialized chambers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple specialized test chambers are used for comprehensive neurobehavioral assessments, then testing capability is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple testing functions (open field test, elevated plus maze, balance beam, rotarod, forced swim test, water maze) into a single integrated chamber. The chamber includes multiple levels connected by ramps, with distinct testing zones for cognitive and motor assessments, eliminating the need for separate chambers for each test type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated chamber allows for continuous testing of multiple neurobehavioral parameters without requiring the animal to be moved between separate chambers. The design enables seamless transition between different test zones, maintaining testing continuity and reducing time loss associated with relocating equipment or subjects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If multiple specialized test chambers are used for comprehensive neurobehavioral assessments, then testing capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple testing functions (open field test, elevated plus maze, balance beam, rotarod, forced swim test, water maze) into a single integrated chamber. The chamber includes multiple levels connected by ramps, with distinct testing zones for cognitive and motor assessments, eliminating the need for separate chambers for each test type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The testing chamber is designed as a multi-functional apparatus that can perform various neurobehavioral tests simultaneously or sequentially. Different zones within the chamber serve different testing purposes, allowing comprehensive assessment of laboratory animals using a single device rather than multiple specialized chambers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10568300B1Testing chamber for laboratory animals

Publication Date: 2020.02.25 KING SAUD UNIVERSITY

AI summary

The testing chamber for laboratory animals includes multiple testing points to provide multiple tests and testing zones within the same chamber. The testing chamber for laboratory animals provides for study, testing and assessment of cognitive and motor skills of laboratory test subjects, such as mice, rats and the like. The multiple tests performed within the testing chamber may be used for an overall characterization of the neurobehavioral activities of the test animals. The testing chamber for laboratory animals includes a housing divided into first and second zones. A beam for balance beam-style travel from the first zone to the second zone is provided. A volume of water may be contained in the first zone, and the second zone may contain platforms and ramps for the laboratory animal to travel over. A passage from the first zone to the second zone may be further provided.