Portable Mouse Handling Platform for Integrated Sample Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for handling model organisms like mice, such as placing them on a cage top, are prone to errors, causing tissue damage and stress, and require movement to isolate samples, leading to inefficient experimental outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flat platform and securing stands, allowing organisms to grip through holes, providing stable handling and minimizing stress, and enabling sample collection in a single station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the traditional cage top method is used for handling organisms, then the device structure is simple, but the handling control and researcher confidence are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the handling surface into multiple functional zones: a gripping area with protrusions for secure animal hold, a dosing area for fluid administration, and a sampling area for tissue collection. This segmentation allows researchers to perform multiple operations simultaneously with improved control while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform integrates multiple functions into a single device: organism handling, fluid dosing, tissue sampling, and equipment storage. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation by consolidating operations that would otherwise require separate devices, while the complexity is managed through modular design.
2Reliability
If the cage top method is used, then the device is simple, but tissue damage and animal stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping area features specifically designed protrusions and textured surfaces that provide secure hold without causing tissue damage. The local quality of the gripping surface is optimized to prevent slippage and minimize stress on the animal, directly improving tissue integrity while adding controlled structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates cushioning elements and stress-distributing surfaces that prevent concentrated pressure points on the animal during handling. This beforehand cushioning protects tissues from damage before procedures begin, improving reliability while introducing necessary structural features.
3Productivity
If the cage top method is used, then the device is simple, but handling time and experimental efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges handling, dosing, and sampling functions into a single integrated platform. This allows researchers to perform multiple operations without moving the animal between different locations, significantly improving experimental efficiency while the structural complexity is managed through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes pre-positioned equipment storage areas and prepared surfaces for immediate use. This preliminary arrangement of necessary equipment and surfaces eliminates the need for during-experiment setup, reducing handling time and improving productivity while adding organized structural elements.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the cage top method is used, then the device is simple, but researcher stress and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device serves as an intermediary platform between the researcher and the animal, providing a stable, controlled surface for all operations. This intermediary structure reduces researcher stress by eliminating the need for complex manual handling techniques and improves safety through a fixed, predictable platform design.
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
Enhances control and confidence in handling, reduces stress for both researchers and animals, and improves experimental efficiency by minimizing errors and stress, while being portable and usable in safe working zones.
Implementation Method 1
the stand comprises suction cups to secure the device in place
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices that permit easier handling of organisms such as mice during animal handling. The disclosed devices gain faster and greater control when handling, dosing, or manipulating a model organism as well as permitting gaining greater handling confidence in a shorter period than traditional methods. The disclosed devices further create less stress for both the research animal and the handler. The disclosed devices are portable and can be fixed into position using securing devices. The disclosed devices comprise a platform that allows for an organism to grasp the platform when placed on the platform. Furthermore, the devices are configured to be portable.