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toothbrush with auto start

An electric toothbrush, toothbrush technology, applied in the direction of dentistry, brushing, cleaning teeth, etc.

Active Publication Date: 2015-12-02
KONINK PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NV
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Use of unauthorized brush heads remains a serious problem

Method used

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  • toothbrush with auto start
  • toothbrush with auto start
  • toothbrush with auto start

Examples

Experimental program
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Embodiment Construction

[0010] The toothbrush disclosed herein generally includes a system for automatic activation (ie, automatic switching) of the toothbrush. Specifically, it uses a change in circuit capacitance between a sensor element on the toothbrush head near the bristles and an electrical (circuit) ground point on the toothbrush handle to activate the toothbrush when the toothbrush is in or near the mouth. When a user holds an electric toothbrush in or near their mouth, the capacitance between the sensing element on or in the toothbrush head and the electrical ground on the toothbrush is significant due to the sensing element's proximity to the large conductive surfaces in the oral cavity. Change. When the toothbrush is outside the mouth, the change in capacitance compared to the nominal capacitance between the sensing element and the toothbrush electrical ground can easily be measured and used to activate the toothbrush. This capacitance change can occur even without actual physical contac...

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Abstract

The power toothbrush includes a handle (12) and a brushhead (18) having a conductive electrode sensing element (25) therein. The toothbrush includes a driver assembly (14) for the brushhead and a sensor system (28) for measuring the capacitance between the sensing element on / in the brushhead and an electronics ground (27) in the handle of the toothbrush. A microprocessor / controller (26) is programmed to determine whether the measured capacitance is above a threshold value, which indicates that the toothbrush is near or within the mouth of the user. The microprocessor actuates the driver assembly for operation of the toothbrush when the capacitance value is above the threshold value.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to electric toothbrushes, and more particularly to the activation of electric toothbrushes. Background technique [0002] Typically, electric toothbrushes include a mechanical (ie, touch) switch for turning the electric toothbrush on and off. Mechanical switches are difficult to operate for some users, particularly disabled users. It would therefore be advantageous to be able to activate an electric toothbrush without operating a mechanical switch. One known system for activating an electric toothbrush without a switch involves the use of conductive electrodes on the outer surface of the toothbrush to complete an electrical circuit between the electrode surface and the user's saliva or gum tissue. However, this system may produce an unpleasant taste or sensation in the mouth due to the electrical contact made by the conductive members on the toothbrush. The system can also be expensive, complex to operate and ...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Patents(China)
IPC IPC(8): A61C17/22
CPCA61C17/221A46B15/0004H03K17/955H03K17/962
Inventor S·E·霍尔
Owner KONINK PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NV