Sterilizable Animal Scale With Flexible Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal weighing methods in vivariums are labor-intensive, invasive, and compromise sterility, leading to delayed problem detection, altered animal behavior, and increased risk of contamination and health issues for both animals and workers.
Innovation Solution
A wireless, rechargeable, and sterilizable scale with a flexible membrane and integrated penetration element for weight measurement, ensuring sterility and minimizing cage penetration, featuring a lid with a skirt for containment and easy sterilization, and wireless communication for accurate and reliable weight data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual weighing is performed, then weight data can be obtained, but labor time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The scale enables automatic weighing by placing the animal on the lid, which automatically triggers weight measurement and wireless data transmission without requiring human intervention for each measurement, thus eliminating manual labor time while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical weighing operations with an automated electronic system that uses a load cell sensor and wireless communication to automatically record and transmit weight data, substituting human labor with an automated measurement system
2Measurement precision
If animals are handled manually for weighing, then weight data can be collected, but animal behavior and health are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The animal performs the weighing action itself by simply stepping onto the lid, without requiring human handling or restraint, thus eliminating stress-induced behavioral changes while still obtaining accurate weight measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual animal handling with an automated sensor-based measurement system that detects weight through the lid and membrane, eliminating the need for human-animal interaction that causes behavioral alterations
3Extent of automation
If electronic equipment is placed inside cages, then automation is achieved, but sterility cannot be maintained between studies
Solution Approach 1:
The scale is divided into sterilizable components (case, lid, membrane) that can be separated and sterilized between studies, with the electronic components housed in a sealed case that maintains sterility while allowing automation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible membrane acts as an intermediary barrier between the sterile internal environment (housing electronics) and the non-sterile external environment (cage interior), allowing weight force transmission while maintaining sterility isolation
4Ease of operation
If multiple cage penetrations are made for wiring, then power and data can be transmitted, but pathogen contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane serves as an intermediary that allows force transmission through a single sealed penetration point while blocking pathogen transmission, enabling electrical connection without compromising sterility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional wired mechanical connections with wireless communication technology, eliminating the need for physical penetrations through the cage while maintaining power and data transmission capabilities
5Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are changed during studies, then power can be maintained, but labor cost and pathogen introduction risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scale uses a high-capacity rechargeable battery designed to last through multiple studies without replacement, using excessive initial power capacity to eliminate the need for frequent battery changes and associated labor costs
Solution Approach 2:
The rechargeable battery system provides continuous power supply throughout the study period, eliminating interruptions and labor associated with battery replacements, thereby maintaining uninterrupted automated weighing functionality
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 solution provides frequent, accurate, and non-invasive weight monitoring, maintaining sterility and reducing labor and contamination risks, while allowing for tool-less assembly and reuse, ensuring reliable and credible study results.
Implementation Method 1
a compliance area that isolates the perimeter area from the central area
Implementation Method 2
The case comprises a load cell or other weight-measuring element
Implementation Method 3
Electrical signals pass from the electronics internal in the sterile case, through the electrical connections in the penetrating element, into the lid
Implementation Method 4
The scale also comprises wireless communication, such as radio or optical
Implementation Method 5
The scale also comprises wireless communication, such as radio or optical
Data Source
AI summary
A sterile scale is described suitable for automated use in animal cages. A case is covered by a flexible membrane that provides both sealing against pathogens and mechanical compliance for transfer of weight on an above weighing platform through a single sealed penetration in the membrane to a load cell in the case. The membrane comprises a perimeter that is attached and sealed to the case with a membrane frame, a penetration area, penetrated by a rigid weight-bearing element, and an isolating compliance area. A skirt on the weighing platform surrounds the case, protecting detritus from entering from below onto the membrane, while providing open-air movement. The weighing platform and case are easily separated permitting fluid-based sterilization of both. The weight-bearing element may contain an electrical connection from the case to the platform, through the membrane.