Versatile Subject Bed with Integrated Anesthesia Manifolds

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Solution Overview

Problem

In-vivo imaging of animal subjects faces challenges due to subject motion and varying anesthetic depth, leading to inefficient and potentially harmful delivery of anesthesia gases during prolonged scanning processes, especially when imaging multiple animals simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A versatile subject bed system with integrated anesthesia channels and interchangeable manifolds that allow for efficient delivery of anesthesia to one or multiple subjects, incorporating features like self-scavenging exhaust systems and temperature control to maintain subject stability and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If injected anesthetics are used to restrain the subject during scanning, then the subject can be kept relatively still, but the anesthetic depth varies over time which affects the biological functions being investigated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubject position stabilityVSAvoidanesthetic depth consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical injection method with a gaseous anesthesia delivery system. The subject bed includes an integrated anesthesia delivery system that provides gaseous anesthesia through a nose cone, eliminating the need for repeated injections and maintaining consistent anesthetic depth throughout the scanning process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If anesthetic gas is delivered through individual nose-cones to multiple animals, then each animal can be sedated simultaneously, but the fluid or vapors escape from the nose cones and leak into the atmosphere posing health concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple animal sedation efficiencyVSAvoidanesthetic vapor exposure to personnel

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual nose-cone delivery systems into a single integrated anesthesia delivery system. The subject bed includes a unified anesthesia delivery system with a shared gas source and distribution manifold that delivers anesthesia to multiple animals simultaneously through integrated nose cones, reducing overall vapor leakage and improving safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary containment structure - a hood or enclosure that surrounds the subject bed and nose cones. This intermediary structure captures and contains the anesthetic vapors, preventing them from escaping into the laboratory atmosphere and exposing personnel to harmful levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the subject bed is designed for single-subject imaging, then the imaging setup is simple, but it is inefficient for comparing control cohorts to experimental cohorts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging setup simplicityVSAvoidresearch efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the subject bed with multi-functionality to accommodate different imaging configurations. The bed includes adjustable positioning mechanisms and interchangeable fixtures that allow it to serve as a single-subject bed or be configured for multiple subjects, making it suitable for both simple imaging tasks and complex comparative studies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-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 system ensures consistent anesthesia delivery, reduces waste and exposure risks, and maintains subject stability during imaging and surgical procedures, enhancing the efficiency and safety of preclinical research.

Implementation Method 1

The interchangeable manifold is attached to the base by a magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10632271B1Versatile subject bed

Publication Date: 2020.04.28 LEEVY WARREN MATTHEW

AI summary

A versatile subject bed for use with one or more test subjects that is configured to keep the subjects sedated throughout either a surgical procedure or imaging process. In embodiments, the subject bed can include interchangeable manifolds allowing the platform to hold up to four subjects at the same time. The interchangeable manifolds can include configurations designed to provide for a single subject, two subjects or four subjects. The four-subject manifold can include an elevated platform that holds two subject side by side and allows the subjects to be stacked during imaging or other procedures. The subject bed can also incorporate an integrated anesthesia channel. Various embodiments include a docking mechanism for easy connection of anesthesia to the platform, as well as an adapter for fitting smaller or multiple subjects simultaneously within the subject bed.