Foldable Small Animal Holder for Multi-Modality Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding devices for small animals lack a compact and easy access mechanism, making them inefficient for simultaneous imaging in multiple modalities like MRI, PET, or CT scanners, and are not flexible enough to accommodate different animal sizes or arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with geometrically and mechanically configured holder elements that allow for translatory or rotating movement, enabling easy access and arrangement of multiple small animals while maintaining vertical orientation, with locking mechanisms for stability and compact design, and accommodating various animal sizes and arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the holding device uses a fixed position structure for beds relative to the holder, then the device structure is simple and stable, but the accessibility and flexibility for different animal arrangements is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The holder elements are designed to be movable relative to each other through translatory or rotating movements, transforming the static fixed-position structure into a dynamic adjustable structure. This allows the beds to be repositioned for easy access to animals while maintaining structural stability through defined movement paths and locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device is divided into multiple independent holder elements (first holder element, second holder element, third holder element) that can move independently. Each holder element can be adjusted separately to achieve optimal positioning for animal access, reducing the complexity of moving the entire structure at once.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the holding device accommodates multiple small animals in various arrangements, then the versatility and adaptability increase, but the device complexity and structural requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holder elements are designed with universal movement capabilities (both translatory and rotating movements) that allow the same structural components to accommodate multiple animal arrangements. The beds can be positioned in various configurations to hold different numbers and sizes of animals, making the device versatile without requiring completely different structures for each arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment capability of holder elements allows the device to adapt to different animal sizes and arrangements. The beds can be moved to optimal positions for holding multiple small animals or fewer larger animals, providing versatility through motion rather than through multiple fixed configurations.
3Volume of moving object
If the beds are arranged in a compact folded configuration, then the device occupies less space and is more portable, but the accessibility and ease of animal placement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The holder elements can dynamically transition between compact folded configurations for portability and expanded configurations for animal access. The movable design allows the beds to be brought close together when not in use, reducing the device footprint, while enabling easy separation and positioning when animals need to be placed or accessed.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented holder elements can be independently positioned and adjusted. When compactness is needed, the elements fold together; when accessibility is needed, the elements can be separated and repositioned. This segmentation allows the device to switch between space-saving and access-friendly configurations without compromising either function.
4Ease of operation
If the holding device allows movement of holder elements for easy access, then the operational flexibility improves, but the stability and reliability during imaging procedures decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic adjustment during setup followed by static stabilization during imaging. The holder elements are designed to move easily during positioning but include mechanisms (such as gravity stabilization and potential locking features) that ensure they maintain their positioned orientation reliably during the imaging procedure, preventing accidental movement or animal falls.
Solution Approach 2:
The beds are designed to maintain a consistent vertical orientation regardless of the holder element's position in the movement sequence. This equipotential design ensures that animals remain in a stable, safe position during transitions and imaging, with the vertical orientation providing a natural stable state that prevents accidental falls while allowing horizontal repositioning for access.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A holding device (10) for simultaneously holding several small animals (A) comprising at least three beds (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) each for a small animal, whereby each bed is attached to an according holder element (12a, 12b, 12c), is characterized in that the holding device is geometrically constructed and mechanically configured such that two of the holder elements (12a, 12b) can be moved together with their respective beds (11a, 11b) above a third holder element (12c) without thereby changing the vertical orientation of the beds being attached to the two holder elements (12a, 12b). This provides a compact holding device for a multitude of small animals facilitating a flexible, easy access to each small animal when attached to the holder, in particular for generating a 3D image of all animals at the same time, e.g. in an MRI, PET, CT scanner or the like. The holding system is easy to use, in particular for rats or mice, and can easily be applied in a wide variety of locations through its small and compact construction.