Transparent Animal Cage Top with Airflow Baffles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal caging systems do not provide a complete line of sight, obstructing the view of occupant animals from the top of the cage to any location within, which hampers observation and animal welfare.
Innovation Solution
An animal caging system with a transparent portion in the cage top and a feeder system that baffles airflow, allowing for unobstructed viewing and minimizing the need for multiple cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional animal caging system with opaque walls and top is used, then structural integrity and containment are maintained, but the line of sight from the top to any location within the cage is obstructed, hampering observation and animal welfare monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The cage top is designed with a transparent portion that allows unobstructed viewing from the top to any location within the cage. This local modification of material property (from opaque to transparent) enables observation without compromising the overall structural integrity of the cage system
2Loss of information
If multiple cameras are installed to achieve complete remote vision coverage, then observation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The need for multiple cameras is eliminated by extracting the observation function from electronic devices and providing it through the transparent portion of the cage top, which allows direct visual access to the entire cage interior from the top
3Adaptability or versatility
If a feeder system is positioned to provide complete coverage, then animal welfare is improved, but the feeder may obstruct the line of sight within the cage
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder system is positioned and configured to operate in a spatial arrangement that does not interfere with the vertical line of sight through the transparent portion of the cage top, separating the feeding function from the observation path
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 enables complete line of sight within the cage, enhancing observation capabilities and animal welfare while reducing the number of cameras required for remote vision.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent portion in the cage top and a feeder system that baffles airflow, allowing for unobstructed viewing
Implementation Method 2
a feeder or feeder and watering tray system that baffles supply air from a top of the cage to a bottom of the cage. The baffling decouples the supply from the exhaust airflow streams, preventing short circuiting of the airflow
Data Source
AI summary
An animal caging system with complete line of sight that allows for unobstructive view of the occupant animals from the top of the cage to any location within. Optionally, the animal caging system includes a feeder or feeder and watering tray system that baffles supply air from a top of the cage to a bottom of the cage.