Automated Mouse Restraint System via Self-Service Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mice are difficult to handle and restrain, especially when using head fixing devices, due to their fear of humans, which hinders high-throughput experiments and compatibility with advanced neurological studies.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a home cage, a passage with a restraining device that physically fixes a mouse's head plate, guided by sensors and automatic gates, allowing for self-restraint, high-throughput, automated behavioral training, and compatibility with cutting-edge optical technologies without human interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a head fixing device is used to restrain a mouse, then the mouse can be restrained for neurological studies, but the mouse becomes extremely scared and difficult to handle due to fear of humans
Solution Approach 1:
The mouse is enabled to enter the head fixing device autonomously through automated gates and passage structures, eliminating the need for human restraint operations. The animal self-restrains by following motivational cues to enter the device independently
Solution Approach 2:
An automated gate system and passage structure serve as intermediaries between the home cage and head fixing device, mediating the transition process and eliminating direct human-mouse interaction during restraint
2Reliability
If manual restraint methods are used, then the mouse can be restrained, but high-throughput experiments cannot be achieved due to difficulty in restraining mice
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple mice can independently and simultaneously enter head fixing devices through automated passages without human intervention, enabling parallel processing and high-throughput experimentation
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the restraint process into independent modular units (multiple home cages connected to multiple head fixing devices via passages), allowing simultaneous restraint of multiple animals for high-throughput studies
3Reliability
If human interaction is used for restraint, then the mouse can be restrained, but the process requires substantial human involvement which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mouse independently enters the head fixing device by following motivational cues through the passage system, achieving complete automation of the restraint process without human involvement
Solution Approach 2:
The automated gate system and passage structure act as intermediaries that completely replace human operators in the restraint process, enabling fully automated experimentation
Data Source
AI summary
A system, of the present invention, for restraining a mouse includes: at least one home cage (10); a passage (20) through which the mouse (60) moves, the passage (20) having at least one first open end (21a); and a restraining device (50) which restrains the mouse by physically fixing the mouse (60), the at least one first open end of the passage (21a) being connected to the at least one home cage (10), the restraining device (50) being provided at a location on the passage (20) which location is different from the at least one first open end (21a) of the passage (20).