Mobile Platform Arrangement for Awake Animal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for conducting high-resolution imaging and behavioral studies on awake and freely moving small laboratory animals face challenges, including the need for anesthesia, limited natural environmental simulation, and complex setup requirements that hinder the integration with standard microscopic equipment.
Innovation Solution
A mobile platform arrangement that reduces friction between platforms, allowing a small experimental animal to move freely while its head is fixed, enabling gliding motion over a support platform with a friction-reducing surface structure, and integrating with standard laboratory setups for neuronal research, including multi-photon microscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a small experimental animal moves freely on a standard laboratory floor, then natural environmental simulation is improved, but friction prevents unobstructed gliding motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pneumatic cushion system between the mobile platform and support platform, using compressed air to create a frictionless interface. Air holes in the support platform allow air flow to form a pneumatic layer that enables the mobile platform to glide freely, directly resolving the friction problem while maintaining natural movement simulation
2Measurement precision
If the head of the animal is fixed for imaging, then imaging accuracy is improved, but the animal's freedom of movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the animal into two functional segments: the head is fixed to the mobile platform for stable imaging, while the body remains free to move naturally on the platform. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of imaging accuracy through head fixation and freedom of movement through body mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile platform acts as an intermediary between the fixed head and the moving body. It provides a stable base for head fixation while allowing the animal's body to move freely on its surface, mediating between the conflicting requirements of imaging stability and movement freedom
3Ease of operation
If standard laboratory equipment is used without rearrangement, then ease of operation is improved, but integration with mobile platform is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile platform is designed with universal compatibility features, including standardized interfaces and friction-reducing surfaces that work with various support platforms and imaging equipment. The pneumatic cushion system provides a universal interface that can accommodate different laboratory setups without requiring custom modifications
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
Facilitates behavioral studies in conditions close to natural environments with minimal rearrangement of existing equipment, allowing for the exploration of physiological cues and behavioral responses without the need for anesthesia, while maintaining the accuracy of high-resolution imaging.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the top surface of the second platform is provided with a friction reducing surface structure; wherein the friction reducing surface structure of the second platform is adapted to significantly reduce friction between the first and the second platforms
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A mobile platform arrangement 10, comprising a first platform 21, referred as a mobile platform and a second platform 11 referred as a support platform, is provided. Both platforms are realized as flat-bottomed members, wherein the support platform is preferably, but not exclusively, provided with sidewalls and wherein a diameter of the support platform 11 exceeds an outer diameter of the mobile platform 21 at least twice. The mobile platform 21 is advantageously positioned onto and/or within the support platform 11. The top surface of the support platform 11 is provided with a friction reducing surface structure 12. The mobile platform 21 is therefore adjusted to perform gliding motion along and/or over the friction reducing surface 12, wherein acceleration necessary for performing gliding motion is imposed to the mobile platform 21 by an external force, provided by movement of an experimental animal within the mobile platform 21. The mobile platform arrangement 10 in addition may comprise means for securing a conscious wake and able to move experimental animal, which means comprise a head adapter and mounting means for head adapter.