Plastic Laminar Flow Cage Cabin for Lighter, Cleanable Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cage changing cabins for laboratory animals are heavy, difficult to move, and pose ergonomic challenges for operators, with metal construction prone to corrosion from disinfectants and hard-to-clean surfaces, and limited adaptability for cages of varying heights.
Innovation Solution
A cage changing cabin with a supporting surface and plenum made of plastic materials, specifically polyurethane foam and ABS+PMMA, allowing for forced air circulation and adjustable height, reducing weight and improving ergonomics, and featuring a design that facilitates easier cleaning and disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the cabin is constructed of metal framework with press-bending and welding, then structural strength and stability are ensured, but the weight becomes considerable (220-250 kg for 120 cm width)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic (specifically polyurethane foam and ABS+PMMA), fundamentally altering the weight-to-strength ratio. This material substitution reduces weight by over 30% while maintaining structural integrity through the inherent properties of engineered plastics and foam core construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cabin employs composite construction combining polyurethane foam (for insulation and structural core) with ABS+PMMA plastic panels (for durable, cleanable surfaces). This composite approach achieves both light weight and structural strength, eliminating the need for heavy metal frameworks while providing corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning.
2Strength
If metal structures with welds and plate joints are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but internal surfaces become difficult to clean due to numerous interstices and minimal radii of curvature at bends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface geometry parameter by using molded plastic panels with smooth, continuous surfaces and optimized radii of curvature. The plastic construction allows for seamless joints and eliminates welds, creating surfaces that are easily cleanable and disinfectable, which is critical for laboratory hygiene requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of plastic materials with smooth, non-porous surfaces replaces metal surfaces that trap contaminants. The composite plastic construction provides both structural integrity and hygienic surfaces that can be thoroughly cleaned, resolving the contradiction between strength and cleanability.
3Device complexity
If the cabin has a fixed working surface, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability for cages of variable dimensions and heights is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustability to the working surface height, transforming it from a fixed to a variable parameter. This allows the cabin to adapt to different cage heights and configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable working surface design provides universal applicability across different cage types and sizes. A single cabin unit can serve multiple functions and accommodate various experimental configurations, enhancing versatility without significantly increasing structural complexity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the cabin is made heavy for stability, then operational stability is improved, but operator effort increases by 20% and ergonomic problems arise from continual movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the weight parameter by using lightweight plastic and foam materials, reducing the cabin weight by over 30%. This weight reduction directly decreases operator effort and fatigue while maintaining operational stability through balanced design and appropriate center of gravity positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies wheels to the cabin base, introducing a mobility mechanism that counteracts the need for heavy construction. The wheels provide ease of movement and reduce operator physical effort, while the cabin maintains stability during operation through its design and weight distribution.
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 plastic material reduces the cabin's weight by over 30% and operator effort by 20%, prevents corrosion from disinfectants, enhances cleaning ease, and allows for adjustable height to accommodate various cage sizes and active animal breeds.
Implementation Method 1
The plastic material reduces the cabin's weight by over 30%
Implementation Method 2
prevents corrosion from disinfectants
Implementation Method 3
means for forced air circulation in a laminar flow substantially tangent to the periphery of said supporting surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cage changing cabin (1) for replacing cages in which laboratory animals are housed, of the type comprising a supporting surface (21) supported by a lower box-like portion (20) and surmounted by a plenum or upper box-like portion (30), said lower box-like portion (20) and said upper plenum (30) comprising means for forced air circulation in laminar flow substantially tangent to the periphery of said supporting surface (21), characterized in that said lower box-like portion (20) and said upper plenum (30) are made of plastic material.