Sterilizable Wireless Animal Scale for Vivarium Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual weighing of animals in vivariums is labor-intensive, frequent handling alters behavior and health, and existing automated systems fail to maintain sterility and pathogen-free conditions, leading to inaccurate and costly results.
Innovation Solution
A wireless, rechargeable, and sterilizable animal scale with a flexible membrane and narrow-range communication system that maintains sterility and allows for tool-less assembly, preventing contamination and interference, while providing accurate and frequent weight measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual weighing is performed frequently, then weight monitoring accuracy improves, but labor cost and animal handling stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scale system performs automatic weighing without human intervention. The animal enters the cage, steps on the scale platform, and the system automatically records weight data and transmits it externally, eliminating the need for manual handling and labor-intensive weighing procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical weighing operations with an automated electronic scale system featuring load cells, wireless communication modules, and automatic data transmission, converting a labor-intensive mechanical process into an automated electronic measurement system
2Measurement precision
If manual handling is performed, then weight data can be collected, but animal behavior and health are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The scale enables automatic self-weighing for the animal without human handling. The system collects weight data passively as the animal naturally moves into the cage and steps on the platform, eliminating behavioral disturbances caused by manual restraint and handling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual handling operations with an automated sensor-based weighing system that collects data through wireless transmission and automatic detection, eliminating the physical contact and stress that manual handling imposes on the animals
3Extent of automation
If electronic equipment is placed inside the cage, then automated weighing is enabled, but sterility and pathogen-free conditions are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The scale system is divided into separable components: a sterilizable cage-mounted unit with load cells and a removable electronics module. This segmentation allows the critical cage-contact portions to be sterilized independently while enabling automated functionality through wireless communication between separated components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between the cage-mounted sensing elements and external electronics. This eliminates the need for physical wiring through the cage barrier, maintaining sterility while enabling automated data transmission and power supply
4Extent of automation
If wireless devices with batteries are used, then automation is improved, but cost, size, and pathogen risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scale platform serves multiple functions: it acts as both the weighing surface and the charging dock for the removable electronics module. The same mechanical interface used for mounting the scale also provides electrical contacts for power transfer, eliminating the need for separate battery compartments and reducing overall system complexity
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 enables accurate, frequent, and cost-effective weight monitoring without altering animal behavior or health, maintaining sterility and pathogen-free conditions, thus improving the reliability and consistency of vivarium studies.
Implementation Method 1
a lower module comprising a case with electronics, a load cell, and power source
Implementation Method 2
a flexible, complaint membrane. The membrane is penetrated by a rigid penetrating element that provides both rigid weight-bearing connectivity from the upper module to the load cell
Implementation Method 3
a wireless communication element; The membrane is penetrated by a rigid penetrating element that provides both rigid weight-bearing connectivity from the upper module to the load cell and electrical connections from the electronics in the case to electronics on the upper module
Data Source
AI summary
An animal cage is described suitable for automated use in a vivarium. The cage comprises a study animal; bedding; pathogens; a wireless, a sterilizable scale comprising a sterile case comprising a flexible, penetrated membrane; and a penetrating fastener penetrating the membrane. The comprises four internal volume areas with respect to pathogen content: (1) volume between the membrane and a weighing platform, free of bedding; (2) a sterile volume inside the scale case below the membrane; (3) a vertical channel fluidly connecting the inside of the cage with the first volume; and (4) the inside of the cage outside of the above three volumes. These four volumes are sterilely isolated from air outside the cage. Electronics in the scale communicate wirelessly, through the cage, to cage-associated electronics outside the cage, using narrow beam communications free of device-ID specific protocol. The scale may be disassembled, sterilized in a fluid, re-assembled, and re-used in a different cage.