Methods to increase cleaning efficacy

Abstract

In one example, a method of operating an oral irrigator includes an operation of determining a first input characteristic of the oral irrigator, an operation of determining a first output characteristic of the oral irrigator associated with the first input characteristic, and an operation of determining a path from the first output characteristic to a second output characteristic—the second output characteristic being associated with the second input characteristic—based on the first input characteristic and the first output characteristic. The second output characteristic may be closer to the target cleaning efficacy than the first output characteristic.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Technology field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to health and personal hygiene equipment, and more specifically to oral irrigators and electric toothbrushes.

[0003] Cross-reference regarding related applications

[0004] The present application relates to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 622,317, titled “METHOD FOR INCREASING FLOSSING EFFICACY,” filed January 18, 2024; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 637,279, titled “METHOD FOR INCREASING FLOSSING EFFICACY,” filed April 22, 2024; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 652,896, titled “METHOD FOR INCREASING FLOSSING EFFICACY,” filed May 29, 2024, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Technology

[0005] Oral irrigators, also known as water flossers, are typically used to clean a user's teeth and gums by discharging a pressurized fluid stream into the user's oral cavity. The fluid impacts the teeth and gums to remove debris. Often, oral irrigators include a fluid source, such as a reservoir, that is fluidly connected to the irrigator tip by a pump. In many cases, users may use the oral irrigator at a pressure that results in less cleaning performance than recommended. For example, a user may use the oral irrigator at a low pressure setting that results in less cleaning than what is produced by a higher-pressure setting. This lower pressure may be used because users with unaccustomed oral tissues may experience pain or discomfort when using the oral irrigator. Users may experience oral health impacts from inefficient cleaning caused by lower-than-recommended pressure settings. means of solving the problem

[0006] In some embodiments, a computer-readable medium in which computer-executable instructions are stored to implement a method for operating an oral irrigator comprises an operation of determining a first input characteristic of the oral irrigator, an operation of determining a first output characteristic of the oral irrigator associated with the first input characteristic, and an operation of determining a path from a first output characteristic to a second output characteristic—the second output characteristic being associated with a second input characteristic—based on the first input characteristic and the first output characteristic.

[0007] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first input characteristic or the second input characteristic comprises at least one of the pressure, flow rate, or pulsation of the fluid.

[0008] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first output characteristic or the second output characteristic includes a cleaning efficacy.

[0009] Optionally, in some embodiments, the oral irrigator further comprises a fluid reservoir, a pump, and a tip that fluidly communicates with the fluid reservoir through the pump, and the first input characteristic comprises at least one of fluid pressure, fluid flow, or fluid pulsation within the tip.

[0010] In some embodiments, the path includes an operation of increasing the value of a first output characteristic over a period of time to reach a second output characteristic. This may also include an operation of modifying the values ​​of two or more output characteristics over a period of time to reach the values ​​of two or more second output characteristics.

[0011] In some embodiments, a period is defined as at least two separate uses of the oral irrigator.

[0012] In some embodiments, the oral irrigator includes a pump, a housing enclosing the pump, a reservoir coupled to the housing, a tip fluidly communicating with the reservoir and the pump, and a cleaning efficacy enhancement module that operates the oral irrigator along a path between a starting point and a target point.

[0013] In some embodiments, the oral irrigator comprises a pump, a housing surrounding the pump, a reservoir coupled to the housing, a tip fluidly communicating with the reservoir and the pump, and a cleaning efficacy enhancement module that ramps pressure output over time based on an initial setting and a clinical goal.

[0014] Optionally, a method for operating an oral irrigator is disclosed. The method includes an operation of determining a first output characteristic associated with a first user setting, an operation of determining a path from the first output characteristic to a second output characteristic over a period of time, an operation of increasing the first output characteristic to an intermediate output characteristic during a first operation of the oral irrigator based on the path, and an operation of increasing the intermediate output characteristic to a second output characteristic during a second operation of the oral irrigator based on the path.

[0015] In some embodiments, the operation of increasing the first output characteristic to an intermediate output characteristic includes the operation of modifying the first input characteristic by an intermediate amount.

[0016] In some embodiments, an action of generating user feedback to indicate that a second output characteristic has been reached.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first output characteristic includes a value of a fluid unit diameter, a fluid unit volume, a fluid unit velocity, and / or a fluid unit frequency—the fluid unit is output by an oral irrigator. Additionally, the second output characteristic includes a change to at least one value of the fluid unit diameter, fluid unit volume, fluid unit velocity, and / or fluid unit frequency.

[0018] Optionally, in some embodiments, the path includes gradual changes between a first output characteristic and a second output characteristic.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first output characteristic is a first value of fluid pressure, and the second output characteristic is a second value of fluid pressure higher than the first value.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first output characteristic includes mechanical and electrical characteristics.

[0021] Optionally, in some embodiments, a method of cleaning using an oral irrigator comprises: configuring the oral irrigator to produce a first set of output characteristics; operating the oral irrigator for a certain period under the first set of output characteristics; modifying the configuration of the oral irrigator to produce a second set of output characteristics—the second set of output characteristics being closer to a target set of output characteristics than the first set of output characteristics—and, after a predetermined period, modifying the configuration of the oral irrigator to produce a target set of output characteristics.

[0022] In some embodiments, the operation of generating a user notification regarding a modification of the configuration of the oral irrigator to generate a second set of output characteristics and the operation of generating a user notification regarding a modification of the configuration of the oral irrigator to generate a target set of output characteristics.

[0023] In some embodiments, the predetermined period includes a predetermined number of uses of the oral irrigator by the user. In other embodiments, the predetermined period is a number of days, weeks, or months.

[0024] In some embodiments, modification of the configuration of the oral irrigator to generate a second set of output characteristics is based on a path determined by a processing element between the first set of output characteristics and the target set of output characteristics.

[0025] In some embodiments, the path determines a predetermined amount of time, and in some embodiments, determines time and a scaling factor to reach a target set of output characteristics.

[0026] Optionally, in some embodiments, the configuration of the oral irrigator for generating a second set of output characteristics includes an operation of modifying one or more operating characteristics of the oral irrigator by a processor. In some embodiments, the configuration of the oral irrigator for generating a second set of output characteristics includes an operation of replacing the tip of the oral irrigator by a user based on a notification to the user generated by the processor of the oral irrigator.

[0027] Optionally, in some embodiments, a method of operating an oral cleaning device is disclosed, comprising: receiving user input with a first control button to activate the oral cleaning device; operating the oral cleaning device to generate a first set of output characteristics; receiving user input with a second control button to activate a coach mode configuration of the oral cleaning device; generating a modified set of output characteristics different from the first set of output characteristics—the modified set of output characteristics is scaled relative to the first set of output characteristics based on a scaling factor—and receiving user input with a first control button to deactivate the oral cleaning device.

[0028] In some embodiments, the operation of generating a user notification regarding a modification of the configuration of the oral irrigator to generate a second set of output characteristics and the operation of generating a user notification regarding a modification of the configuration of the oral irrigator to generate a target set of output characteristics.

[0029] In some embodiments, a predetermined period includes a predetermined number of uses of the oral irrigator by the user.

[0030] In some embodiments, modification of the configuration of the oral irrigator to generate a second set of output characteristics is based on a path determined by a processing element between a first set of output characteristics and a target set of output characteristics.

[0031] In some embodiments, the configuration of the oral irrigator for generating a second set of output characteristics includes an operation in which the user replaces the tip of the oral irrigator based on a notification to the user generated by the processor of the oral irrigator.

[0032] In some embodiments, a method is disclosed comprising a method for operating an oral cleaning device. The method comprises receiving user input via a first control button to activate the oral cleaning device; operating the oral cleaning device to generate a first set of output characteristics; receiving user input via a second control button to activate a coach mode configuration of the oral cleaning device; generating a modified set of output characteristics different from the first set of output characteristics—the modified set of output characteristics is scaled relative to the first set of output characteristics based on a scaling factor—and receiving user input via the first control button to deactivate the oral cleaning device.

[0033] In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving user input with a first control button to activate an oral cleaning device for a different cleaning session, generating a target set of output characteristics different from a modified set of output characteristics based on a coach mode configuration, and operating the oral cleaning device in the target set of output characteristics.

[0034] In some embodiments, the processing element generates a modified set of output characteristics.

[0035] In some embodiments, a modified set of output characteristics is closer to achieving the target efficacy for the oral cleaning device compared to a first set of output characteristics.

[0036] In one embodiment, an oral cleaning device is disclosed comprising a handle, a tip coupled to the handle, a drive assembly located within the handle and creating output characteristics of the tip, and a coach mode module communicating with the drive assembly. The coach mode module determines a path from an initial set of output characteristics to a target set of output characteristics based on user settings, and increases the output characteristics of the drive assembly from the initial set of output characteristics to the target set of output characteristics over a period of time.

[0037] In one embodiment, the drive assembly includes a pump and a motor, and the oral cleaning device is an oral irrigator. In another embodiment, the drive assembly includes a motor and an output shaft, and the cleaning device is a toothbrush.

[0038] In one embodiment, the coach mode module modifies the route based on feedback from the user. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0039] FIG. 1a shows a front view of an example of an oral irrigator. FIG. 1b shows a rear perspective view of the oral irrigator of FIG. 1a. FIG. 1c shows a bottom plan view of the oral irrigator of FIG. 1a. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of another example of an oral irrigator. FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic diagram of parts of the oral irrigators of FIG. 1a to FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic diagram of a cleaning efficacy improvement module of the oral irrigators of FIG. 1a to 2. FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram showing an example output of a method for controlling a cleaning efficacy improvement module of the oral irrigators of FIG. 1a to 2. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example of a method for operating the oral irrigators of FIG. 1a to FIG. 2, which include a cleaning efficacy improvement module. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example of a method for operating the oral irrigators of FIG. 1a to 2, including a cleaning efficacy improvement module. FIG. 8 is a view of one embodiment of a control panel for an oral health device including one embodiment of its user interface display. Figure 9 is a detailed view of a part of the user interface of Figure 8. FIG. 10a is a view of the transition of the user interface of FIG. 8 in the first configuration. FIG. 10b is a view of the transition of the user interface of FIG. 8 in the second configuration. FIG. 11a is a view of the transition of the user interface of FIG. 8 in the first configuration. FIG. 11b is a view of the transition of the user interface of FIG. 8 in the second configuration. FIG. 11c is a view of the transition of the user interface of FIG. 8 in the third configuration. FIG. 11d is a view of the transition of the user interface of FIG. 8 in the fourth configuration. FIG. 12 is a view of the control panel of FIG. 8 including one embodiment of its user interface display. FIG. 13a is a detailed view of the user interface of FIG. 8 or FIG. 12 showing a part of it or a transition of a part of it in the first configuration. FIG. 13b is a detailed view of the user interface of FIG. 8 or FIG. 12 showing a transition of its part or the part of FIG. 13a in the second configuration. FIG. 13c is a detailed view of the user interface of FIG. 8 or FIG. 12 showing a transition of its part or the part of FIG. 13a in the third configuration. FIG. 14a is a detailed view of the user interface of FIG. 8 or FIG. 12 showing a part of it or a transition of a part of it in the first configuration. FIG. 14b is a detailed view of the user interface of FIG. 8 or FIG. 12 showing a transition of its part or the part of FIG. 14a in the second configuration. FIG. 14c is a detailed view of the user interface of FIG. 8 or FIG. 12 showing a transition of its part or the part of FIG. 14a in the third configuration. FIG. 15a is a detailed view of the user interface of FIG. 8 or FIG. 12 showing a part of it or a transition of a part of it in the first configuration. FIG. 15b is a detailed view of the user interface of FIG. 8 or FIG. 12 showing a transition of its part or the part of FIG. 15a in the second configuration. FIG. 15c is a detailed view of the user interface of FIG. 8 or FIG. 12 showing a transition of its part or the part of FIG. 15a in the third configuration. FIG. 16a is a detailed view of the user interface of FIG. 8 or FIG. 12 showing a part of it or a transition of a part of it in the first configuration. FIG. 16b is a detailed view of the user interface of FIG. 8 or FIG. 12 showing a transition of its part or the part of FIG. 16a in the second configuration. FIG. 17a is a detailed view of the user interface of FIG. 8 or FIG. 12 showing a part of it or a transition of a part of it in the first configuration. FIG. 17b is a detailed view of the user interface of FIG. 8 or FIG. 12 showing a transition of its part or the part of FIG. 17a in the second configuration. FIG. 18 is a detailed view of a part of the user interface or control panel of FIG. 8 or FIG. 12. FIG. 19 is a detailed view of a part of the user interface or control panel of FIG. 8 or FIG. 12. FIG. 20 is a detailed view of a part of the user interface or control panel of FIG. 8 or FIG. 12. FIG. 21a is a detailed view of the user interface of FIG. 8 or FIG. 12 showing a part of it or a transition of a part of it in the first configuration. FIG. 21b is a detailed view of the user interface of FIG. 8 or FIG. 12 showing a transition of its part or the part of FIG. 21a in the second configuration. FIG. 22a is a detailed view of the user interface of FIG. 8 or FIG. 12 showing a part of it or a transition of a part of it in the first configuration. FIG. 22b is a detailed view of the user interface of FIG. 1a or FIG. 5 showing a transition of its part or the part of FIG. 22a in the second configuration. FIG. 23a is a detailed view of the user interface of FIG. 1a or FIG. 5 showing a part of it or a transition of a part of it in the first configuration. FIG. 23b is a detailed view of the user interface of FIG. 1a or FIG. 5 showing a transition of its part or the part of FIG. 23a in the second configuration. FIG. 24a is a view of the control panel of FIG. 8 including an example of its user interface display in the first configuration. FIG. 24b is a view of the control panel of FIG. 8 including the user interface display of FIG. 24a in the second configuration. FIG. 25a is a detailed view of the user interface display of FIG. 24a in the third configuration. FIG. 25b is a detailed view of the user interface display of FIG. 24a in the fourth configuration. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0040] Some examples of the present disclosure include oral health devices, such as oral irrigators, toothbrushes, or combination toothbrushes and irrigators, equipped with a cleaning efficacy enhancement or pressure enhancement module. The cleaning efficacy enhancement module modifies one or more characteristics of a fluid stream (e.g., pressure, flow rate) or other output settings (e.g., brush movement) to produce an output (e.g., fluid flow) that improves cleaning performance over time compared to the original setting or input characteristics. The cleaning efficacy enhancement module may also enhance the user's experience (e.g., perceived comfort) as the user cleans his or her teeth or gums. Although many examples are discussed with respect to oral irrigators, it should be noted that the disclosed embodiments may be applied to other types of oral health devices, such as electrically driven toothbrushes and / or combination toothbrushes and irrigators. As such, any discussion of any particular example is meant to be illustrative only.

[0041] In embodiments comprising an oral irrigator, a motor and a pump connected to and controlled by the motor are included. The pump is fluidically connected to a fluid source and pumps fluid from the source to an outlet (such as a tip). A cleaning efficacy enhancement module modifies one or more output characteristics (or a set of output characteristics) of the device based on cleaning optimization, which may be specific to specific users (e.g., scaled based on user comfort, usage, and similar factors) and / or specific devices. The cleaning efficacy module may communicate with the motor and provide one or more control signals to the motor to modify one or more characteristics of the motor, such as speed, acceleration, power, or torque. Since the motor is connected to the pump, as the cleaning efficacy enhancement module modifies the speed or other characteristics of the motor, the output characteristics of the pump may be modified accordingly; for example, increasing the motor speed will result in an increased flow rate.

[0042] An oral irrigator may have one or more input characteristics or one or more output characteristics modified by a set of input characteristics. Output characteristics directly affect the cleaning efficacy of the oral irrigator. For example, output characteristics include the diameter of the fluid unit or "slug" output by the irrigator at a given time, the volume of the fluid unit, the velocity of the fluid unit, and / or the frequency of the fluid unit. Input characteristics are mechanical and electrical features that affect or otherwise modify one or more output characteristics. Examples of input characteristics may include physical characteristics of the oral irrigator, such as the orifice size of the outlet or tip, nozzle length or shape, reservoir size (and thus fluid capacity and run time), tip angle, drivetrain, or motor characteristics. Other examples of input characteristics may include pressure, pump stroke, stroke velocity and acceleration (e.g., linear or non-linear cycles), flow rate, pump frequency and / or motion characteristics such as pulsations imparted to the fluid by the motor and pump within the conduit supplying the fluid to the tip.

[0043] The cleaning efficiency improvement module can, for example, ramp up or ramp down pressure for the user over a period of time, or modify one or more input characteristics over time to include intervals. Additionally or alternatively, the cleaning efficiency improvement module can prompt the user to modify one or more characteristics, for example, by suggesting recommended settings for cleaning that may be increased beyond the initial user setting. The cleaning efficiency improvement module can increase pressure and / or fluid flow through the tip during a cleaning session or between cleaning sessions. In another example, the cleaning efficiency improvement module can prompt the user (e.g., via notifications or feedback) to modify mechanical input characteristics, such as swapping a tip with a relatively larger orifice with a tip with a smaller orifice. For example, the processing element can illuminate an indicator, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), to indicate to the user to swap out a tip installed with a different one. In other examples, the output characteristics of the pump can still be modified based on a fluid flow capable of "massaging" the user's gums at various frequencies, such as a pulsating output where the fluid pulsates (i.e., the flow is intermittently turned on and off), and optionally at longer intervals and / or lower pressures than the cleaning mode.

[0044] In some examples, the oral irrigator may include a cleaning or normal mode and a coach mode (e.g., efficacy or enhancement mode, guidance mode, or user training mode). During normal mode, the oral irrigator may include a relatively stable fluid flow and a fluid flow having slight pulsations (e.g., due to the mechanical properties of the pump). In normal mode, output characteristics may be set by the user via a user interface. During coach mode, the cleaning efficacy enhancement module may modify one or more input characteristics of the irrigator, such as fluid pressure, flow, and / or pulsation length, duration, frequency, or duty cycle, which in turn modify one or more output characteristics. For example, the cleaning efficacy enhancement module may modify a control signal to selectively modify the power level supplied to the motor. In a given implementation, power may be selectively increased, which may cause the motor to move the pump to induce increased pressure, flow, pulsations, and / or other output characteristics.

[0045] In one example of Coach Mode, output characteristics, such as the pressure of the output fluid, can be increased over time to effectively remove more foreign matter, plaque, and / or other contaminants from the user's oral cavity compared to lower pressures. Additionally, or alternatively, the pressure can be increased to a level known to deliver a therapeutic effect to the user's gums and other oral tissues.

[0046] In one example, the output characteristics generated by the cleaning efficacy enhancement module may be longer fluid pulsations, fluid units, or breaks within the fluid stream compared to manual operation. The increase in pulsation length or the lengths between fluid units causes the fluid stream to massage the user's gums, improve blood flow, and provide a pleasant experience to the user. The pulsations can be timed for the capillary recovery of the gum tissues (i.e., timed to allow blood to flow back into the tissue between each fluid pulsation) and provide therapeutic benefits to the gums.

[0047] The coach mode can modify one or more characteristics of a control signal based on user input. For example, the user can select a coach mode and subsequently change the frequency, magnitude, or shape of the control signal, such as changing the shape or frequency of a voltage waveform. In other examples, the coach mode can apply a predetermined signal to a motor. For example, the control signal can be determined for the coach mode, and when the coach mode is activated by the user, the stored signal can be applied. In these examples, the cleaning efficiency improvement module may include multiple control signals that can be correlated with different coach modes.

[0048] In other examples, the cleaning performance enhancement module may include stored signals that can be selected by the user for a predetermined pulsation effect, and may modify one or more signals to allow the user to dynamically modify the pulsation effect. In some examples, the coach mode takes user input settings or preferences and scales them over time to reach a desired performance level (e.g., cleaning performance). Scaling may be performed with regular interval increases (e.g., one step with each use of the cleaner) or irregularly (e.g., moving from an initial pressure to 1.5 times the initial pressure may be fast, but it may be a slower transition from 1.5 times the initial pressure to 2 times the initial pressure because it is more likely to be inconvenient for users). For example, see the discussion regarding FIG. 5 and paths (502 and 504). Other types of scaling may be implemented as desired. Additionally, scaling or other modifiers may be altered based on user feedback. For example, if the user indicates that the scaling is too fast or aggressive, the processing element in the scrubber can slow down the progression of scaling, reverse it, or otherwise make the scaling less aggressive. For example, the processing element can reduce the scaling from 2 times the initial pressure setting to 1.75 times the initial pressure setting in conjunction with user feedback.

[0049] In addition to providing a coach mode, a cleaning efficacy enhancement module or other processing elements of the oral irrigator may modify one or more output characteristics of the oral irrigator to provide feedback to the user. As a first example, the coach mode may be automatically activated one or more times during normal mode to indicate to the user that it is moving toward different teeth or parts of the mouth. As a second example, the coach mode may be activated after a predetermined period to alert the user that the cleaning time (which may be set by the user or predetermined) has expired. As a third example, the coach mode may be automatically activated for a predetermined period, for example, every 30 seconds of normal mode, and the coach mode may be activated for a certain period to provide increased cleaning efficacy interspersed with manual cleaning, that is, the coach mode may increase pressure at selected intervals during the cleaning period and / or be active for the entire cleaning period.

[0050] In other examples, the cleaning efficacy enhancement module can be used with other cleaning devices. For example, a coach mode can be implemented in a nasal irrigator and can modify the fluid flow rate and pressure to massage the user's nasal tissues. In these examples, the pulse rate and control signals may be modified compared to an oral irrigator, but can still provide a therapeutic effect.

[0051] In other examples, the cleaning efficacy enhancement module can be used in conjunction with other oral instruments to provide enhanced cleaning. For example, the cleaning efficacy enhancement module can be integrated into an electrically driven toothbrush. In this example, the cleaning efficacy enhancement module can modify motor speed or power to alter vibrations, bristle movement, or oscillations.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1a through 2, the oral irrigator (100) comprises a reservoir (104) having a lid operably connected to a base (102). In one example, the lid (120) is attached to the base (102) via a prow so that the reservoir (104) can be removed from the base (102) while the lid (120) remains connected to the base (102). However, it can be attached in many other ways, such as being completely detachable or attached to a part of the reservoir (104). The reservoir (104) is adapted to contain a fluid (186), such as water or mouthwash. The fluid (186) may have a fluid level (188) that decreases over time as the oral irrigator (100) expels the fluid (186) from the tip (114). The removal of the reservoir (104) from the base (102) may be independent of the removal of the lid (120) from the base (102). In these embodiments, the user may open the lid (120) to remove the reservoir while the lid (120) remains secured to the base (102), which helps prevent the lid (120) from being misplaced or damaged when the reservoir (104) is removed, for example, when it is removed to be refilled.

[0053] The lid may include one or more venting apertures. The venting apertures allow the reservoir (104) to be equipped with an airflow so that air can circulate to the reservoir (104) and storage compartments. For example, the venting apertures can enhance evaporation to the storage compartments and allow accessories stored therein to dry, as well as help any fluid (186) leaks from the reservoir (104) to the storage compartments to evaporate. The lid may further include one or more mechanisms, such as stops, that interact with the frau (or other coupling element) to limit the rotation of the lid in one or more directions. These stops may be used to prevent the lid from rotating into the frau when the reservoir (104) is removed from the base, which can help prevent damage to the lid and / or frau. Additionally, rotational limits for the lid may be used to assist the user as the user replaces the storage (104) on the base after the storage is removed, because the lid may not need to be lifted by the user to fit the storage (104) between the lid and the upper surface of the base.

[0054] The oral irrigator may further include a storage compartment to receive accessories, such as tips or brushes for the handle, but not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the storage compartment is defined by the side wall of the storage (104) and the side wall of the frau. In this embodiment, the frau may further include one or more accessory mounts that removably connect the accessories to the base. As an example, the accessory mounts may be holes shaped and sized similarly to tips receiving holes for the handle. The storage compartment may be shielded by parts of the base (102) and the storage (104) to protect the accessories stored therein from foreign matter and particles in the environment.

[0055] The oral irrigator may also include a drainage system comprising a drain outlet (138) to help drain or evaporate fluids (186) leaking from the reservoir (104) or dripping from accessories out of the oral irrigator. As an example, the oral irrigator (100) may include a drain channel defined on the upper surface of the base that interfaces with the bottom of the reservoir seats. The drain channel communicates with a drain outlet that allows fluids (186) from the reservoir compartment and / or other areas of the base (102) to be drained out. The drainage systems help prevent fluids from pooling in certain areas of the base (102) or reservoir compartment due to leaks, splashes, spills, or similar things.

[0056] The oral irrigator (100) may include a base (102), a removable reservoir (104), and a handle (106). The base (102) may house many of the drive and power assembly components of the oral irrigator (100), as well as provide support for the reservoir (104) and the handle (106). For example, the base (102) may house a pump, control circuit, and / or motor, which are discussed in more detail herein.

[0057] The base (102) may include a lower base (128) and an upper base (130). The lower base (128) forms a platform or tray that sits within the upper base (130). The lower base (128) provides support for one or more internal components of the oral irrigator (100). The upper base (130) not only provides protection for the components but also surrounds the components to conceal them. The base (102) may include a plurality of feet (132a, 132b, 132c, and 132d) to support the base (102) on a surface such as a countertop or similar.

[0058] The base (102) may also include a clamp (134) or other structure to releasably support the handle (106). In some examples, the clamp (134) may be a C-clamp, but other attachment mechanisms are envisioned. The base (102) may also include a hose cavity (136) or hose box capable of receiving and supporting the hose (118) in a collapsed position. Although not shown, in some examples, the hose cavity (136) may include one or more arms over which the hose (118) can be wrapped. The hose cavity (136) may be recessed into the upper base (130), flush with the upper base body, or extend outward from the upper base body. The hose cavity (136) may be defined by a removable rear wall connected to the base (102). The base (102) may include vents (144) and / or vents (146) to allow air circulation within the base (102), such as to promote heat rejection or drying within the base (102). The lid (120) may also include one or more vents, such as a vent (150) that can promote drying, heat rejection, or allow air to enter the reservoir (104) as the fluid (186) level is drawn down.

[0059] The oral irrigator (100) illustrated in FIGS. 1a through 1c is a countertop irrigator. However, in some examples, the oral irrigator may be a handheld irrigator, and an example of this, the oral irrigator (100'), is shown in a front perspective view in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 2, in examples where the oral irrigator (100') is a handheld unit, a reservoir (104) and a handle (106) may be connected together. The reservoir (104) may include a removable cavity that can be filled by a user and then reattached to the handle (106). Additionally, in these examples, internal components of the oral irrigator (100'), such as a motor, a pump, and a control circuit, may be contained within the handle (106) rather than the base unit. The description of the oral irrigator described herein is generally directed toward the oral irrigators (100 and 100') illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 1a through 1c. However, it should be noted that the description is equally applicable to the oral irrigator (100') illustrated in FIG. 2, with the exception that the internal components of the base are contained within the handle (106).

[0060] Referring again to FIGS. 1a through 1c, the oral irrigator (100) includes a lid (120) for a reservoir (104). The lid (120) is operably connected to a base (102) and is rotatable relative to it. The lid (120) covers the reservoir (104) when the reservoir (104) is connected to the base (102). The reservoir (104) is removable from the base (102) to allow the reservoir to be refilled. The reservoir (104) may be of substantially any size or shape, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, where the reservoir is included as a cavity attached to a handle, and may be modified as desired.

[0061] The handle (106) is removable from the base (102) and fluidly communicates with the reservoir (104). For example, a hose (118) is fluidly connected to the reservoir (104) via a hose connector, which allows the hose (118) to fluidly connect the reservoir (104) to the handle (106) and tip (114). In examples where the reservoir (104) can be integrated into the handle (106) (e.g., an oral irrigator (100')), the hose (118) may be inside the handle (106) or may be omitted (e.g., the fluid path may be defined through the housing of the handle rather than the tube). In some examples, the handle (106) may include multiple internal components such as check valves, bypass valves, pause buttons, or similar items. In these examples, the handle (106) may be used to modify one or more characteristics of the fluid (186) flow output by the tip, separately from or in addition to features for controlling the fluid output within the base (102). Although many components, such as a pump, a reservoir, etc., are discussed herein as being integrated into the base (102) as mentioned above, in certain examples, these components may be included together with the handle (106). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a handheld oral irrigator (100') may include a portable reservoir (104) attached to the handle (106) along with a pump inside the handle (106). Thus, any discussion of any specific example regarding the handle and the base is intended to be merely illustrative.

[0062] The tip (114) can be optionally removed from the handle (106). For example, an eject button (126) can optionally release the tip (114) from the handle (106). The tip (114) defines a fluid path that is fluidly connected to a hose (118). The tip (114) includes an outlet (122) through which fluid (186) from the reservoir (104) is discharged from the oral irrigator (100) and / or the oral irrigator (100') into the user's mouth. The tip (114) is typically inserted into the user's mouth and discharges the fluid (186) toward the user's teeth, gums, tongue, etc. In some examples, the outlet (122) portion of the tip (114) may be nozzle-shaped, include a nozzle, or be formed in other configurations depending on the desired cleaning function (e.g., a tongue scraper). Although the tip (114) is shown, in other embodiments, the oral irrigator may include other accessories such as a brush head, a nozzle having one or more bristles or cleaning elements, or similar. Accordingly, the discussion of the tip (114) as an outlet (122) for the oral irrigator (100) is meant to be merely exemplary. The outlet (122) includes a diameter that can be used to determine the diameter of the fluid unit or fluid pulsation as the fluid unit exits the outlet (122), and typically extends to fill the entire outlet (122) area. The outlet (122) also defines the shape of the fluid unit, which can also be used to adjust the output characteristics of the fluid units.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, oral irrigators disclosed herein, such as an oral irrigator (100) and / or an oral irrigator (100'), include a control assembly (180) that may include a cleaning efficacy improvement module (172). The control assembly may also include one or more of a power supply (116), a motor (142), and a pump (178). The motor and pump may form parts of a drive assembly when the cleaning device is an irrigator, or may include a drive assembly for generating motion within a tip (e.g., via a drive shaft or output shaft) in embodiments where the cleaning device is a toothbrush.

[0064] In some embodiments, the control assembly includes one or more input buttons, such as a first control actuator (110), an activation button (112), a control actuator (113), and / or a second control actuator (124). The first control actuator (110), the activation button (112), the control actuator (113), or other buttons or actuators may be placed on a base (102), coupled to the base (102), or arranged on a control face plate (121) formed integrally with the base (102). FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a control assembly illustrating electrical (solid lines) and / or mechanical (dotted lines) communication between selection components.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a power supply (116), which may be a power cable, battery, inverter, rectifier or other power converter, capacitor or other source of electrical power, communicates with one or more of the cleaning efficiency improvement module (172), motor (142), and optionally the first control actuator (110), the activation button (112), the control actuator (113) and / or the second control actuator (124). For example, the activation button (112) may communicate with a switch module that communicates with the control assembly (180) and / or the power supply (116) to selectively activate the motor (142).

[0066] In some examples, the control assembly (180) may be a printed circuit board comprising one or more traces or connecting lines that transmit signals between the cleaning efficiency improvement module (172), the motor (142) and / or the power supply (116).

[0067] The cleaning efficacy improvement module (172) selectively controls input characteristics, such as by controlling the motor (142) to modify one or more characteristics of the oral irrigator (100) or the oral irrigator (100'). As illustrated in FIG. 4, the cleaning efficacy improvement module (172) includes one or more processing elements (170) as well as a signal generator (166). The processing elements (170) may include one or more processors or control chips that process and execute instructions. The signal generator (166) is any type of component that generates voltage signals to substantially control one or more characteristics of the motor (142). For example, the signal generator (166) may generate one or more repetitive or non-repetitive electronic signals (e.g., voltage waveforms) that are applied to the motor (142). In a particular implementation, the signal generator (166) may be a function generator that produces electrical waveforms over a range of various frequencies. Exemplary waveforms include sinusoidal waves, square waves, sawtooth waves, triangular waves, etc. Additionally, the signal generator (166) can generate modified waves that include the characteristics of two or more waveforms (i.e., combination waves) and can change the speed and acceleration of the pump. For example, the processing element (170) can apply a non-linear signal, such as a waveform or a changing waveform, to the motor to change the acceleration of the pump at certain points within a cycle.Continuing with this example, the motor may be a brushless motor, and the control signal modulates the voltage at selected parts of the pump cycle to generate a non-linear pump cycle, for example, when fluid is pulled from the reservoir, the force in the vacuum phase is smaller than the force in the discharge phase when fluid is discharged from the pump.

[0068] The control assembly (180) may include a memory (182). The memory (182) may be used by the control assembly (180) to store data such as user preference data, input characteristics (e.g., one or more input characteristics or a set of input characteristics), output characteristics (e.g., one or more output characteristics or a set of output characteristics), control programs, etc., as well as to store instructions (e.g., software code) for the processing element (170). The memory (182) may be, for example, magneto-optical storage, read-only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable memory, flash memory, or a combination of one or more types of memory components.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a simplified circuit diagram of an example of a cleaning efficiency improvement module (172). A signal generator (166) may communicate with an amplifier (174) and a gate (176) or a switch. A signal generator (166) may communicate with a processing element (170), which determines the signals generated by the signal generator (166). In some examples, the signal generator (166) is integrated with the processing element (170) so that the processing element (170) performs the functions of the signal generator (166) to generate and apply signals to the motor (142).

[0070] The amplifier (174) amplifies signals generated by the signal generator (166) before applying the signal to the motor (142). For example, the amplifier (174) may be an operational amplifier or a differential amplifier. The amplifier (174) may communicate with the motor (142) as well as the signal generator (166). In some examples, the amplifier (174) may receive feedback from its output to provide a more consistent output signal. However, it should be noted that the configuration of the amplifier (174), as well as the types of amplifiers and inputs used, may vary based on the types of the motor (142) and the signal generator (166). Additionally, depending on the output voltage of the signal generator (166) and / or other system characteristics, the amplifier (174) may be omitted. In these examples, the signal may be applied directly or indirectly to the motor (142) without being amplified.

[0071] The amplifier (174) can communicate with the gate (176) or the switch. The gate (176) optionally provides the output of the amplifier (174) to the motor (142). For example, when the gate (176) is deactivated, the motor (142) may not receive a signal from the signal generator (166), but instead may receive a constant power signal. As another example, when the gate (176) is deactivated, the motor (142) is isolated from any signal or power source while preventing the motor (142) from being activated. In this example, the gate (176) provides power to the motor (142), and the signal produced by the signal generator (166) modifies the signal transmitted through the gate (176). Continuing with this example, during normal mode, the motor (142) receives a constant voltage signal, and during coach mode, the motor (142) may receive a variable signal. As another example, the activation voltage for the gate (176) can be varied to control current transfer to the motor (142). In particular, in examples where the gate (176) is a transistor, the gate (176) can be slightly activated during one mode to allow a reduced amount of current to travel between its source and drain, and then fully activated to allow full current flow. Variation of the current can be used to increase or decrease the flow and / or pressure of the fluid (186) in the tip (114) by controlling the speed and / or torque of the pump (178). Variation of the current can be used to pulse the signal to the motor or to slow down the speed of the motor (142) to affect the output performance of the pump (178).

[0072] The gate (176) may be a switch or other optionally activated component. In one example, the gate (176) may be a transistor, such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) or an N-channel MOSFET. However, other types of transistors or gates may also be conceived, as well as other components that may be used to optionally provide communication between two or more components. In some embodiments, a signal generator for driving the motor, an amplifier (174), a gate (176), and / or other components may be included within a controller. In some embodiments, the controller may also be included together with a processing element (170).

[0073] The cleaning efficacy improvement module (172) and other control circuits of the oral irrigator can be implemented in many different ways and can be modified as desired. Accordingly, the schematic diagrams shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are meant to be exemplary and are not limiting.

[0074] FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram showing an example output (500) of a method for controlling a cleaning efficacy improvement module (e.g., the output of the method (600) and / or method (700) discussed in more detail with respect to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7). For brevity, the description of the output (500) refers to the oral irrigator (100), but it is understood that the method applies equally to the oral irrigator (100') and other devices disclosed herein. In one example, the processing element (170) of the oral irrigator (100) may control one or more input characteristics (514) to modify one or more output characteristics, such as cleaning efficacy (516) (e.g., modifying from a first output characteristic to a second output characteristic and / or to a target output characteristic). For example, the oral irrigator (100) may start operation with an input characteristic starting point (506). For example, the input characteristic starting point (506) may be an initial pressure setting for the oral irrigator (100). An input characteristic starting point (506) may be associated with a cleaning efficacy or a target output characteristic starting point (512). For example, when combined with one or more input characteristics such as orifice size, pulsation frequency and / or flow rate, the input characteristic starting point (506) (e.g., pressure) may result in an output characteristic that enables the desired cleaning efficacy of the oral irrigator (100) (e.g., a target output characteristic or a target set of output characteristics that results in the desired cleaning efficacy). The oral irrigator (100) may store or receive a cleaning efficacy target point (510) that is generally associated with improved oral cleaning compared to the cleaning efficacy starting point (512).

[0075] The cleaning efficacy target point (510) may be associated with one or more output characteristics, such as the outlet (122) orifice size, pulsation frequency, and / or flow rate. Like the cleaning efficacy starting point (512), the cleaning efficacy target point (510) may be associated with an input characteristic target point (508), such as pressure, fluid unit diameter, fluid unit volume, fluid unit velocity, and / or fluid unit frequency. In many embodiments, the input characteristic target point (508) may be a higher pressure than the input characteristic starting point (506). As in the method executed by the processing element (170), the oral irrigator (100) may execute one or more paths such as path (502) and / or path (504) between a starting point (518) (e.g., the intersection of the input characteristic starting point (506) / cleaning efficacy starting point (512)) and a target point (520) (e.g., the intersection of the input characteristic target point (508) / cleaning efficacy target point (510)).

[0076] In the example of path (502), the processing element (170) can increase the input characteristic (514) at a relatively slow rate (e.g., over a length of time, such as a number of uses predetermined by the user) and can increase the cleaning efficacy (516) slowly over a length of time, for example, ramp up over multiple uses of the cleaning machine. The advantage of path (502) is that the user can better accept or tolerate changes in the input characteristic (514) as they have more time to build tolerance over time, and experience less discomfort than when the input characteristic (514) increases more rapidly (e.g., as in path (504)). In path (504), the processing element (170) can increase the input characteristic (514) more rapidly than, for example, in path (502). The advantage of path (504) is that better oral health results are achieved more quickly compared to path (502), and the cleaning efficacy target point (510) may be reached more quickly for the user. Example paths (502) and path (504) (or other generated intervals) are described only as examples. Any number of different paths may be defined. Some paths may be linear, exponential, periodic, or random, or may follow any suitable mathematical function that can be described as the ramp, slope, or angle of the path being steep, shallow, or variable. Paths may also ramp up, ramp down, and ramp up again as needed for the user's comfort and tolerance (for example, paths may be in the form of steadily increasing intervals).

[0077] In some examples, the path may include providing a user alert to change the tip, which may be done in addition to or separately from changes in electronic input characteristics. Other mechanical input characteristics may include other types of user alerts or notifications to the user, such as display icons, audible output, and / or visual output.

[0078] A method for operating an oral irrigator (100) and / or an oral irrigator (100') including a cleaning efficacy improvement module (172) will now be discussed in more detail in relation to FIG. 6. For brevity, the description of the method (600) refers to the oral irrigator (100), but it is understood that the method applies equally to the oral irrigator (100') and other devices disclosed herein. Although the exemplary method describes a specific sequence of operations, the sequence may be changed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some of the described operations may be performed in parallel or in a different order that does not materially affect the function of the method. In other examples, different components of the exemplary device or system implementing the method may perform functions at substantially the same time or in a predetermined sequence. In this regard, many operations may be performed by generating notifications to the user to allow for automatic changes to the configuration of the oral irrigator, such as (e.g., modifying input characteristics) and / or manual changes to the input characteristics of the oral irrigator's processor or processing element. However, some actions, such as the user manually swapping tips with different orifice sizes to change input characteristics, can be performed manually but are often executed at prompts generated by the processing element.

[0079] FIG. 6 is a method (600) for activating a coach mode, which is discussed in more detail with respect to FIG. 7. The method (600) can start with an action (602), and the oral irrigator (100) is activated. For example, a first control actuator (110), an activation button (112), a control actuator (113), a second control actuator (124), etc., can be selected by the user to turn on the oral irrigator (100). Once the oral irrigator (100) is activated, the method (600) can proceed to an action (604). In the action (604), a processing element (170) can determine whether the coach mode is activated. For example, the processing element (170) can determine whether the user provides input to one of the actuators or buttons (110, 112, 113, 124, etc.) to select the coach mode. In a given implementation, a switch associated with a first control actuator (110), an activation button (112), a control actuator (113) and / or a second control actuator (124) may provide input to a processing element (170) when each button / actuator is pressed or otherwise activated. As another example, the coach mode may be automatically activated after a selected period of activation of the oral irrigator (100), for example, after 30 seconds of operation, the coach mode may be automatically activated.

[0080] If the coach mode is not activated, the method may proceed to operation (614), which will be discussed in more detail in the specification. However, if the coach mode is activated in operation (604), the method (600) may proceed to operation (606). In operation (608), the signal generator (166) may generate a control signal (184). The control signal (184) may be selected from a predetermined signal or may be generated based on one or more user inputs or other factors, which will be discussed in more detail with respect to FIG. 7, for example.

[0081] Once the signal generator (166) generates the control signal (184), the method (600) can proceed to an operation (608). In the operation (608), the control signal (184) can be applied to the motor (142). For example, a gate (176) can be activated to provide the control signal (184) from the signal generator (166) to the motor (142). As the control signal (184) is applied to the motor (142), the motor (142) can drive a mechanical coupling coupled to the motor (142), such as a drive shaft, belt, pulley, etc., based on the signal. For example, the motor (142) can optionally increase, decrease, or stop the rotational speed of the mechanical coupling and / or decrease or reduce the torque produced by the mechanical coupling. Variations within the drive shaft movement can create related changes in the pump (178), thereby changing the output of the pump (178), changing the input characteristics (514) (e.g., pressure, flow rate, pulsations, etc.) of the fluid (186) flow from the tip (114), and thereby changing the cleaning efficiency (516), as discussed with respect to FIGS. 5 through 7, for example. For example, the input characteristics (514) may be based on a path (502), path (504), or other path between the starting point (518) and the target point (520).

[0082] After operation (608), the method (600) may proceed to operation (610). In operation (610), the processing element (170) may determine whether to end the coach mode. For example, the user may provide a second input to the oral irrigator (100) by selecting, for example, one of the first control actuator (110), the activation button (112), the control actuator (113), and / or the second control actuator (124) to indicate that he or she wishes to resume normal mode. As another example, the oral irrigator (100) may have a predetermined period (e.g., one minute or similar) during the coach mode, and the processing element (170) may decide to end the coach mode once the allocated time has elapsed.

[0083] In operation (610), if the coach mode is not terminated, the method (600) may proceed to operation (612). In operation (612), the processing element (170) may determine whether the same control signal (184) should be applied to the motor (142) or whether a different signal should be applied. If the control signal (184) should remain the same, the method (600) may return to operation (608), and the control signal (184) may continue to be applied to the motor (142). However, if a new signal is desired in operation (612), the method (600) may return to operation (606), and the signal generator (166) may generate a new control signal (184). For example, the user may wish to modify the pressure, flow rate, pulsation rate, or transition between pulsations during the coach mode, or may wish to completely disable the coach mode. In these examples, the processing element (170) may receive user input to modify the control signal, instruct the signal generator (166) to generate a new control signal, or modify the current control signal. This is described in more detail with respect to the operation (716) of the method (700).

[0084] Referring further to FIG. 6, in operation (610), when the coach mode is terminated, the method (600) can proceed to operation (614). In operation (614), the processing element (170) can provide a constant control signal (184) to the motor (142). In other words, a normal mode signal can be applied to the motor (142), and in some examples, the normal mode signal can be substantially constant. As the motor (142) receives the normal mode signal, its movement can be constant, and any pulsations in the fluid (186) output may be due to the reciprocating nature of the pump (178) rather than the variable movement within the motor (142).

[0085] In operation (614), the method (600) can proceed to operation (616). In operation (616), the processing element (170) can determine whether more cleaning is desired. For example, the processing element (170) can determine whether the user disables the power activation button (112) or other buttons or switches. As another example, the oral irrigator (100) may have an activation time corresponding to a predetermined "cleaning" length, and once the time length expires, the oral irrigator (100) may automatically shut off.

[0086] If more cleaning is desired, the method (600) can return to operation (604). However, if additional cleaning is not desired, the method (600) can proceed to operation (618). In operation (618), the processing element (170) can disable the motor (142). As an example, the processing element (170) can switch off the connection between the power supply (116) and the motor (142). After operation (618), the method (600) can proceed to the end state in operation (620). It should be noted that in many examples, coach mode features can ramp up output characteristics over time and thus be repeated over multiple uses of the oral irrigator (e.g., different cleaning sessions by the user). In this way, the activation of coach mode in any given cleaning session can change the output characteristics from the previous cleaning session, but the output characteristics during such cleaning session can be maintained consistently throughout the session. In other words, an increase in pressure may occur, for example, at the beginning of new cleaning sessions rather than in the middle of any session. In other examples, however, the increase may begin during the first session and fully ramp up in the second session.

[0087] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary method (700) (e.g., coach mode) for controlling a cleaning efficacy improvement module (172). For brevity, the description of the method (700) refers to an oral irrigator (100), but it is understood that the method applies equally to an oral irrigator (100') and other devices disclosed herein. Although the exemplary method describes a specific sequence of operations, the sequence may be changed without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, some of the described operations may be performed in parallel or in different sequences that do not significantly affect the functions of the method. In other examples, different components of the exemplary device or system implementing the method may perform functions substantially at the same time or in a predetermined sequence.

[0088] According to some examples, the method (700) includes an operation of receiving input characteristics in an operation (702). For example, in the operation (702), the processing element (170) may receive a pressure setting from a user input such as a first control actuator (110), an activation button (112), a control actuator (113), a second control actuator (124), or something similar. In another example, the input characteristics may be stored in a memory (182) associated with the processing element (170) and may be retrieved from the memory (182) by the processing element (170).

[0089] According to some examples, the method (700) includes an action of receiving a cleaning efficacy goal or setting in an action (704). For example, in an action (702), a processing element (170) may receive a cleaning efficacy goal from user input such as a first control actuator (110), an activation button (112), a control actuator (113), a second control actuator (124), or similar. In other examples, the cleaning efficacy goal may be stored in a memory (182) associated with the processing element (170) and may be retrieved from the memory (182) by the processing element (170). In some examples, the cleaning efficacy goal may be determined by a clinical study investigating the effects of various input characteristics (e.g., orifice size, pulsation frequency, pressure, and / or flow) on oral health effects from one or more output characteristics of an oral irrigator. The cleaning efficacy goal may be determined based on user characteristics including age, gender, and / or medical history (medical study), etc.

[0090] According to some examples, the method (700) includes an action (706) for determining a path from a starting point (518) to a target point (520). For example, in the action (706), the processing element (170) may select a path such as path (502) and / or path (504), or other suitable path between the starting point and the target point. In some examples, the path may be retrieved from memory (182). In other examples, the path may be received via user input such as a first control actuator (110), an activation button (112), a control actuator (113) and / or a second control actuator (124). In some examples, the user may select from one or more predetermined paths stored in memory (182).

[0091] In some examples, paths or settings over time may be determined algorithmically based on user inputs (e.g., pressure settings and feedback), stored in memory (182), and actuated by a controller or processing element (170). In other examples, information may be generated through a machine learning model or algorithm used to select different paths for a specific set of inputs. In some embodiments, paths may be stored in memory (182), and the user selects a path from the stored options (e.g., memory (182) may contain three path options selected by the user). In some examples, the processing element (170) may select a path based on the user's demographic data, such as age, race, dental history, medical history, gender, etc. In some examples, the oral irrigator may communicate with other devices (e.g., servers, smartphones, tablets, etc.) via wired or wireless communication (e.g., Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.), and paths may be dynamically updated and rendered based on real-time inputs and user feedback. In some examples, the oral irrigator may transmit usage data and user inputs to a server, and the server may transmit updated or modified paths back to the irrigator for execution.

[0092] According to some examples, in operation (708), the method (700) includes an operation that increases an input characteristic (514) according to a path selected or received in operation (706). For example, the processing element (170) may increase one or more input characteristics (514) that are consistent with the selected path (e.g., path (502), path (504), etc.). The input characteristic(s) (514) may be selected or controlled to achieve a desired cleaning efficacy (516) according to the selected path. In other examples, the processing element (170) may induce the user to change an input parameter, such as a tip (114) installed with a larger or smaller orifice or other features, such as by illuminating an indicator (117a) or an indicator (117b) which may be light-emitting diodes or other lights.

[0093] According to some examples, in operation (710), the processing element (170) determines whether the cleaning efficacy (516) goal is achieved (e.g., whether the input characteristic (514) is sufficiently adjusted so that the cleaning efficacy (516) is close to or equal to the cleaning efficacy goal point (510) or goal point (520). If the goal is achieved, the method (700) can proceed to operation (712), and the processing element (170) can store the input characteristic (514) in memory (182). If the goal is not achieved, the method (700) can proceed to operation (716), and the processing element (170) can receive user feedback.

[0094] According to some examples, in the operation (712) of the method (700), the processing element (170) can store input characteristics that achieve a cleaning efficacy target point (510), such as in memory (182).

[0095] According to some examples, the method (700) ends at operation (714), and subsequent uses of the oral irrigator (100) may utilize the input characteristics (514) stored within operation (712) without executing the method (700). For example, at operation (6060) of the method (600). The processing element (170) can retrieve the input characteristics stored from memory and generate a signal (184) based thereon.

[0096] In operation (702), the processing element (170) may receive user feedback, such as through one or more inputs (e.g., a first control actuator (110), an activation button (112), a control actuator (113) and / or a second control actuator (124)). For example, the user may indicate that the input characteristic (514) is too high and prefers a lower value of the input characteristic (pressure of the fluid (186) of the tip (114)). In another example, the user may indicate that the input characteristic (514) is too low and prefers a higher value. In some examples of method (700), operation (716) is optional.

[0097] According to some examples, in operation (718), the processing element (170) determines whether the feedback received in operation (716) is contrary to the path determined in operation (706). If the feedback is contrary to the path, the method (700) may return to operation (706), and the processing element (170) may select a different or changed path. For example, if the initial path selected in operation (706), such as path (504), is a relatively aggressive path, and the user indicates that the input characteristic (514) (e.g., pressure) is too high in operation (716), when the processing element (170) returns to operation (706), the processing element (170) may select a relatively gentler path, such as path (502), with a smaller increase between set points and set points spread more widely over time.

[0098] In operation (718), if the received user feedback is not contrary to the path (or if no feedback is received), the method (700) can return to operation (708) and continue to change the input characteristics (514) along the selected path.

[0099] In many examples, the execution loops of the method (700) may be separated by individual use sessions of the oral irrigator (100). For example, the method (700) may be executed such that the processing element (170) changes the input characteristic (514) in an operation (708) once per use (e.g., once a day). In other examples, the method (700) may change the input characteristic (514) over several days, weeks, or months. A relatively staged implementation of such a method (700) may have the benefit of allowing the user to acclimatize to the increasing input characteristic (514) with minimal inconvenience while achieving the cleaning efficacy target point (510) within a reasonable time with good user tolerance.

[0100] Turning to FIGS. 8 through 25b, embodiments of a control panel (800) having a user interface display (808) are shown. As illustrated in FIGS. 8, FIGS. 12, FIGS. 24a, and FIGS. 24b, the control panel (800) may include one or more physical buttons or switches suitable for receiving user input. The display (808) may be any device capable of dynamically displaying symbols, characters, numbers, etc., to form a user interface. In some embodiments, the display (808) may be a liquid crystal display, a light-emitting diode display, or similar. The display (808) may be backlit or may not include a backlight. The display may communicate with a processing element to allow dynamic changes within icons or other display elements, such as to indicate a current status during use or to provide feedback to the user. Various features (e.g., icons or other outputs visible on the display (808)) may not only convey information to the user but also have aesthetic features that provide aesthetic pleasure to the user.

[0101] Physical buttons of the control panel (800) may operate one or more functions of any oral irrigator disclosed herein. For example, the control panel may include a power button to turn the power of the oral irrigator on or off. The control panel (800) may include a profile button (804) for selecting between two or more users, which may have customized user preferences stored in the device's memory. The control panel (800) may also include a mode button (806). The mode button may activate the "coach" mode disclosed herein or switch between the "coach" mode and the regular flossing mode. The control panel (800) may also include one or more pressure adjustment controls (810, 812) that cause the device to increase or decrease the fluid pressure or flow rate delivered by the oral irrigator.

[0102] The user interface display (808) may include one or more parts that display various data to provide user feedback, for example, regarding device configuration, operation parameters, profiles, and / or selected modes. For example, the display (808) may include a profile display part (814) that displays the active profile of the device, for example, as selected by the profile button (804). The display (808) may include a profile selection part (816) that displays a number or other identifier associated with the device profile (e.g., active profile). In some embodiments, the profile selection part (816) may include one or more alphanumeric displays, such as a 2-segment or 7-segment display, that can show numbers, characters, or other symbols correlated with the user profile of the oral irrigator. The display (808) may include a pressure selection section (818) comprising an alphanumeric display capable of showing numbers, letters, or other symbols associated with the pressure level, flow level, or "floss power" of the oral irrigator. The display (808) may include a timer section (824) that displays the flossing time that is elasted or pending. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11a through 11d, all or part of the timer section (824) may flash, blink, or progress to indicate that the flossing is active. The display (808) may include one or more mode sections (820, 822). Any one of the mode sections (820, 822) may be adapted to display the mode of the oral irrigator (e.g., selected by the mode button (806)).For example, the mode portion (820) can display a "coach" icon when the oral irrigator is in "coach" mode and hide the coach icon when the oral irrigator is not in "coach" mode. Similarly, the mode portion (822) can display a floss icon when the oral irrigator is in general floss mode and hide the floss icon when the oral irrigator is not in general floss mode.

[0103] The control panel (800) and / or display (808) may include additional controls, buttons, icons, or inputs. Some of the controls, buttons, icons, or inputs shown may be optional and / or arranged in a different fashion or shape than shown.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 25a and 25b, in one example, the display (808) may include an icon representing a user, e.g., a person, such as a human outline or other configuration. Specifically, in one embodiment, the icon includes a first circular shape representing a human head and a second semicircular shape representing a human shoulder, but other aesthetic representations may also be conceived. In some examples, the display (808) may have limited shape configuration options, so that by utilizing simple but representative shapes, the message sent to the user can be made clear without requiring expensive or complex display screens or animations.

[0105] In various embodiments, such as those including an icon representing a person, the icon may transition from a first state, such as an empty state or a sad face, to a second state, such as a smiling face or other emotional expression. In these embodiments, the icon may convey human emotional states to indicate flossing time or compliance with other cleaning programs. Although FIGS. 25a and 25b illustrate an icon representing a person, it should be noted that other icon shapes may be used, including character shapes and similar ones.

[0106] conclusion

[0107] The foregoing description has broad applicability. For example, while the examples disclosed herein focus on coach modes for oral irrigators, it should be recognized that the concepts disclosed herein can be equally applied to other motor-driven devices where variability within motion may be desired. Similarly, although cleaning efficacy improvement modules are discussed with respect to coach modes, the devices and technologies disclosed herein can be equally applied to modify the pulsation rate or pressure of the outlet fluid for other applications (e.g., generating faster pulsation rates, higher pressures, and / or higher flow rates for faster, more effective cleaning). Accordingly, any discussion of any examples is meant to be illustrative only and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples.

[0108] Although the present invention is described with reference to preferred examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The invention is limited only by the scope of the following claims.

[0109] All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are used solely for identification purposes to aid the reader’s understanding of the embodiments of the invention and do not create any limitations regarding the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically stated in the claims. Joiner references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and similar) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between the connections of elements and relative movements between elements. Accordingly, joiner references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship with each other.

Claims

Claim 1 A computer-readable medium in which computer-executable instructions are stored to implement a method for operating an oral irrigator, comprising: an operation of determining a first input characteristic of the oral irrigator; an operation of determining a first output characteristic of the oral irrigator associated with the first input characteristic; and an operation of determining a path from the first output characteristic to a second output characteristic—the second output characteristic being associated with the second input characteristic—based on the first input characteristic and the first output characteristic. Claim 2 A computer-readable medium according to claim 1, wherein the first input characteristic and the second input characteristic comprise at least one of the pressure, flow rate, or pulsation of a fluid. Claim 3 A computer-readable medium according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first output characteristic and the second output characteristic include a cleaning effect. Claim 4 A computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the oral irrigator further comprises a fluid reservoir, a pump, and a tip fluidly communicating with the fluid reservoir through the pump, and the first input characteristic comprises at least one of fluid pressure, fluid flow, or fluid pulsation within the tip or the orifice size of the outlet of the tip. Claim 5 A computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the path includes an operation of increasing the value of the first output characteristic over a certain period of time to reach the second output characteristic. Claim 6 In paragraph 5, the above period comprises at least two separate uses of the oral irrigator, a computer-readable medium. Claim 7 An oral irrigator comprising: a pump; a housing surrounding the pump; a reservoir coupled to the housing; a tip fluidly communicating with the reservoir and the pump; and a cleaning efficacy improvement module operating the oral irrigator along a path between a starting point and a target point. Claim 8 In claim 7, an oral irrigator further comprising a user interface display or control panel as described in this specification. Claim 9 A method for operating an oral irrigator, comprising: an operation of determining a first output characteristic associated with a first user setting; an operation of determining a path from the first output characteristic to a second output characteristic over a period of time; an operation of increasing the first output characteristic to an intermediate output characteristic during a first operation of the oral irrigator based on the path; and an operation of increasing the intermediate output characteristic to the second output characteristic during a second operation of the oral irrigator based on the path. Claim 10 In claim 9, the operation of increasing the first output characteristic to the intermediate output characteristic includes the operation of modifying the first input characteristic by an intermediate amount. Claim 11 A method comprising, in either claim 9 or claim 10, generating user feedback to indicate that the second output characteristic has been reached. Claim 12 A method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the first output characteristic comprises a value of a fluid unit diameter, a fluid unit volume, a fluid unit velocity, and / or a fluid unit frequency—the fluid unit being output by the oral irrigator. Claim 13 In claim 12, the method comprises changing the second output characteristic to at least one of the fluid unit diameter, the fluid unit volume, the fluid unit velocity, and / or the fluid unit frequency. Claim 14 A method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the path comprises gradual changes between the first output characteristic and the second output characteristic. Claim 15 A method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the first output characteristic is a first value of fluid pressure and the second output characteristic is a second value of fluid pressure higher than the first value. Claim 16 A method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the first output characteristic includes mechanical characteristics and electrical characteristics. Claim 17 A method for cleaning using an oral irrigator, comprising: configuring the oral irrigator to generate a first set of output characteristics; operating the oral irrigator for a certain period under the first set of output characteristics; modifying the configuration of the oral irrigator to generate a second set of output characteristics—the second set of output characteristics being closer to a target set of output characteristics than the first set of output characteristics; and, after a predetermined period, modifying the configuration of the oral irrigator to generate a target set of output characteristics. Claim 18 A method according to claim 17 further comprising the operation of generating a user notification regarding the modification of the configuration of the oral irrigator to generate the second set of output characteristics, and the operation of generating a user notification regarding the modification of the configuration of the oral irrigator to generate the target set of output characteristics. Claim 19 A method according to either claim 17 or 18, wherein the predetermined period comprises a predetermined number of uses of the oral irrigator by the user. Claim 20 A method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the modification of the configuration of the oral irrigator for generating the second set of output characteristics is based on a path determined by a processing element between the first set of output characteristics and the target set of output characteristics. Claim 21 In paragraph 20, the above path is a method for determining the amount of the above-determined time. Claim 22 In claim 17, the configuration of the oral irrigator for generating the second set of output characteristics comprises an operation of modifying one or more operating characteristics of the oral irrigator by a processor. Claim 23 In claim 22, the configuration of the oral irrigator for generating the second set of output characteristics comprises the operation of replacing the tip of the oral irrigator by the user based on a notification to the user generated by the processor of the oral irrigator. Claim 24 A method for operating an oral cleaning device, comprising: receiving user input via a first control button to activate the oral cleaning device; operating the oral cleaning device to generate a first set of output characteristics; receiving user input via a second control button to activate a coach mode configuration of the oral cleaning device; generating a modified set of output characteristics different from the first set of output characteristics—the modified set of output characteristics being scaled relative to the first set of output characteristics based on a scaling factor—and receiving user input via the first control button to deactivate the oral cleaning device. Claim 25 A method according to claim 24 further comprising: receiving user input with the first control button to activate the oral cleaning device for another cleaning session; generating a target set of output characteristics different from the modified set of output characteristics based on the coach mode configuration; and operating the oral cleaning device in the target set of output characteristics. Claim 26 In paragraph 24, the processing element generates the above modified set of output characteristics, a method. Claim 27 In paragraph 24, the modified set of output characteristics is closer to achieving the target efficacy for the oral cleaning device compared to the first set of output characteristics. Claim 28 An oral cleaning device comprising: a handle; a tip coupled to the handle; a driving assembly located within the handle and generating output characteristics of the tip; and a coach mode module communicating with the driving assembly, wherein the coach mode module determines a path from an initial set of output characteristics based on user settings to a target set of output characteristics, and increases the output characteristics of the driving assembly from the initial set of output characteristics to the target set of output characteristics over a period of time. Claim 29 In paragraph 28, the above-mentioned drive assembly includes a pump and a motor, and the above-mentioned oral cleaning device is an oral cleaning device. Claim 30 In claim 28, the above coach mode module modifies the path based on feedback from the user, an oral irrigation device.

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