Final Design

Overview of Final Designs:

The final design solution for both labs consisted of the same key major components. The designs consisted of an air chamber pressurized via a motorized impeller and a flange mounted rotary disk system that a head fixed mouse could run on. The rotary disk system is position tracked through an optical encoder that is mounted within the chamber. Both chamber systems are mounted on an extruded aluminum stand to ensure adequate airflow is supplied to the chamber. Also mounted to the frame is a liquid reward delivery system that is utilized to help condition the mice as well as to monitor reward consumption. Monitors are also mounted to both systems to provide visual and audio stimulus as go a and stop cues for the mouse locomotion response.

Disk Track System

In conjunction with the air chamber system the disk track system is another key component that ensues a low friction system is attained. The disk system consists of a low density foam disk with a flange mounted linear bearing.  The flange and bearing assembly is then fixed to the foam disk to properly constrain the disk about a center shaft that is mounted on the air chamber system.  Not only is the disk system vital to maintain a low friction setup but it also is a huge factor when tracking the location of the disk as it is propelled.  To help ensure adequate position tracking flat pieces of card stock are placed on the bottom surface of the disk .  The top surface of the disk is also lined with a water resistant tape that doubles as both a walking surface for the mouse as well as an easily cleanable surface. 

Performance of Results