Removable Cage Divider With Snap-Fit Modular Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal cages do not efficiently utilize space for social interaction between laboratory animals while preventing physical contact, and existing divider systems do not effectively conserve rack space or allow for versatile configurations.
Innovation Solution
A removable divider system with a support structure and snap-fit connection that allows for customizable division of the cage space, enabling interaction via sight and smell while preventing physical contact, and can be configured to support additional cage elements like wheels or platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two cages are placed next to each other to enable animal interaction, then animals can interact by seeing and smelling, but rack space is wasted and distance between animals is greater than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is segmented into multiple compartments using removable dividers that can be inserted at different positions. This allows the same cage to be configured for single animal housing or multi-animal interaction studies, eliminating the need for separate cages and saving rack space while enabling controlled animal interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The divider system is made dynamic and reconfigurable rather than fixed. Dividers can be removed, repositioned, or adjusted to change cage configurations based on experimental needs, allowing the cage to adapt between social interaction studies and individual housing without requiring additional cage space.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed divider is used to separate animals within the same cage, then physical contact is prevented, but rack space efficiency is reduced and versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The divider system employs removable and repositionable components rather than fixed structures. Dividers can be taken out or moved to different locations along the cage, enabling the same cage to switch between separated and interactive configurations, thus maintaining both animal safety and experimental versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The divider components serve multiple functions: they can separate animals to prevent fighting, allow controlled interaction when removed or repositioned, and be configured in various positions to accommodate different study designs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized cages.
3Ease of operation
If existing removable divider doors are used to facilitate entry between cages, then animal movement is enabled, but physical contact prevention is compromised and rack space is not saved
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using removable doors between separate cages, the invention segments the single cage into compartments using internal dividers. This maintains physical separation to prevent fighting while keeping animals within the same controlled environment, eliminating the need for inter-cage door mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides space-efficient, modular configurations for animal cages that allow for controlled animal interaction and versatile use of cage space, enhancing observational capabilities and reducing physical contact risks.
Implementation Method 1
A snap-fit connection detachably connects the divider to the support structure
Data Source
AI summary
An improvement for an animal cage is disclosed. The animal cage may include a first, second, third and fourth vertical wall, each of which is connected to a floor on a first end and includes a top rim opposite to the first end. The improvement includes a support structure and a removable divider. The support structure includes at least one slot, is positioned above the floor and may be connected adjacent to the top rim of the first and second vertical walls. The removable divider is inserted into the slot and extends vertically away from the floor. A snap-fit connection detachably connects the divider to the support structure.