Magnetic Coupling Interface for Laboratory Animal Telemetry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for interacting with laboratory animals, such as mice, restrict their movement due to the weight and stiffness of tethers and commutators, leading to data artifacts and animal stress, especially when using telemetry devices and osmotic pumps, and lack a fiberoptic interface for optogenetics applications.

Innovation Solution

A system with a support member and rotating members that allow cables, including optical fibers, electrical wires, and infusion tubes, to be securely attached to an animal cage, featuring a counterbalance weight and adjustable configuration to minimize pressure on the animal, and a fiberoptic rotary joint to prevent twisting and breaking, enabling free movement and interaction with devices like infusion pumps and laser sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a tether with commutator is used to allow fluid or electrical connections, then the animal can be monitored or infused, but the tether becomes heavy and restricts animal movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidtether weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical commutator system with a magnetic coupling system. The transmitter device uses magnetic fields to transfer power and data signals wirelessly or through the cage wall, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical commutators and tethers that restrict animal movement while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a swivel is used to improve freedom of movement, then the tether can rotate, but electrical commutators generate electrical noise and fluid swivels are stiff and leak

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreedom of movementVSAvoiddata quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical swivels and commutators by using magnetic coupling for signal and power transmission. The magnetic field-based communication system allows the animal to move freely without generating electrical noise or mechanical friction, thereby improving both freedom of movement and data quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cage wall acts as an intermediary medium that allows magnetic fields to pass through while blocking physical contact. This enables wireless or non-contact electrical connection through the cage wall, eliminating the need for mechanical commutators and swivels that cause noise and restriction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If telemetry devices are implanted to eliminate swivels, then the system becomes simpler, but the devices are heavy and restrict movement due to their weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidtransmitter weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces heavy implanted telemetry devices with an external magnetic coupling system. The transmitter can be positioned outside the animal's body, eliminating the need for heavy implanted batteries and electronics, thereby reducing weight while maintaining system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If intraperitoneal implantation is used to attach devices, then the connection is secure, but it causes major surgery and post-surgical complications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidsurgical trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cage wall serves as an intermediary that enables electrical and magnetic coupling without requiring penetration of the animal's body. This non-invasive approach maintains secure connection reliability while eliminating surgical trauma and associated complications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

5Weight of moving object

If lightweight wires are used to reduce pressure on the animal, then the tether becomes lighter, but the wires must be protected with metallic spring or plastic cover which increases pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewire weightVSAvoidpressure on animal

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical wired connections with magnetic field-based coupling. This eliminates the need for protective metal springs or plastic covers that exert pressure on the animal, as the magnetic coupling occurs through the cage wall without physical contact with the animal's body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for high-quality recordings of biosignals with reduced movement artifacts, enhanced data sampling, and improved animal mobility, enabling accurate sleep analysis and optogenetics applications while minimizing stress and data reliability issues.

Implementation Method 1

a fiberoptic rotary joint to prevent twisting and breaking

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentUS8733290B2System for providing an interface for interacting with a laboratory animal

Publication Date: 2014.05.27 GERASHCHENKO LUDMILA

AI summary

A system for providing an interface for interacting with a laboratory animal and the method of using the system are disclosed.