Fluid-based tooth cleaning systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fluid-based tooth cleaning system (10), comprising: a retainable body (20), a fluid delivery unit (30), at least one sensor (40), and a control unit (50). The retainable body is configured to be coupled to a head (60). The fluid delivery unit (30) is configured to be coupled to a nozzle (80), the nozzle being configured to emit fluid, and the nozzle (80) being included in the head (60). The at least one sensor (40) is configured to provide information related to the head (60) relative to the user's teeth, the information including velocity information. The at least one sensor (40) is configured to provide information to the control unit (50). The control unit (50) is configured to utilize the information to enable the fluid delivery unit (30) to emit fluid from the nozzle (80) onto the user's teeth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid-based teeth cleaning system and to a method of cleaning a user's teeth using a fluid-based teeth cleaning system, as well as to a computer program element and a computer-readable medium. Background Art

[0002] GB2538301 discloses a tooth cleaning device comprising: a handle; a fluid delivery system for delivering a working fluid to the user's teeth, wherein at least a portion of the fluid delivery system (e.g., a nozzle) is movable relative to the handle as the device moves along the user's teeth; a sensor for providing a varying output as at least a portion of the fluid delivery system moves relative to the handle; and a control circuit for actuating the delivery of the working fluid to the user's teeth based on the output from the sensor.

[0003] When using a hybrid water flosser / toothbrush product, if the interdental spray is on continuously, the user may feel that too much water is being delivered to the mouth when using both the brushing and flossing functions simultaneously—see, for example, US9987109 and US9814302. Furthermore, the need for a large fluid reservoir makes the device cumbersome and difficult to move, and the presence of a large amount of fluid significantly diminishes the important role of the fluoride in the toothpaste. Furthermore, if the toothbrush is moved too quickly, the flossing action may not function properly due to the spray being directed onto the teeth rather than between them. Summary of the Invention

[0004] It would be advantageous to provide an improved device that can be used to clean teeth using a flossing device and / or a hybrid floss / toothbrush.

[0005] The objects of the present invention are achieved by the subject-matter of the independent claims, wherein further embodiments are included in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the aspects and examples of the invention described below apply equally to the fluid-based tooth cleaning system and the method for cleaning a user's teeth using a fluid-based tooth cleaning system, as well as to the computer program element and the computer-readable medium.

[0006] In a first aspect, a fluid-based teeth cleaning system is provided, comprising: a retainable body, a fluid delivery unit, at least one sensor, and a control unit. The retainable body is configured to be coupled to a head. The fluid delivery unit is configured to be coupled to a nozzle, the nozzle being configured to emit fluid. The nozzle is included in the head. The at least one sensor provides information to the control unit regarding the head relative to a user's teeth. The control unit utilizes this information to enable the fluid delivery unit to emit fluid from the nozzle onto the user's teeth.

[0007] According to the present invention, the at least one sensor comprises a movement sensor configured to determine velocity information related to the velocity of the head relative to the user's teeth. In this way, the velocity information can be used to regulate the flow of liquid to the teeth.

[0008] Rate information can also be used to determine position, for example, when a reference position such as an interdental space has been located. Movement away from this reference position at a certain rate can then be converted into a distance, and in this way, for example, it can be determined when the head moves away from the interdental space and when the head moves back to the interdental space. Moreover, knowing the average tooth size, for example, if the interdental space has been detected, the lateral movement at the detection rate can be converted into a distance equal to the expected adjacent interdental space. The nozzle can then emit a fluid jet at this new position and / or start the process of detecting the interdental space at the position where such an interdental space is expected to exist. The nozzle can therefore then emit a jet of dental floss at the next interdental space. Thus, the jet is enabled based on a prediction or expectation, which takes into account time lags in the system, which would otherwise not be able to enable the jet at a precise position (such as an interdental space).

[0009] In other words, the oral cleaning device senses the head of, for example, a toothbrush or flossing device relative to the user's teeth and uses this information to adjust the fluid jet sprayed onto the user's teeth. In this way, the fluid jet is adjusted based on the output of the sensor so that less cleaning fluid (such as water) is required. This means that less fluid accumulates in the user's mouth, forming a more comfortable cleaning regimen, and the fluid reservoir can be much smaller than previously required, and can even be located within the handle of the oral cleaning device. In one example, the control unit is configured to control the fluid delivery unit to adjust the fluid flow from the nozzle based on the output of one or more sensors of the at least one sensor.

[0010] In one example, the control unit is configured to control the fluid delivery unit to regulate fluid flow from the nozzle based on an output of one or more of the at least one sensor.

[0011] In one example, the control unit is configured to enable the fluid delivery unit to emit fluid from the nozzle when the head is located at a position such that the fluid is directed to impinge on the interproximal spaces of the user's teeth.

[0012] In other words, the nozzle fires the floss fluid jet only at the right time when the fluid firing nozzle is pointing in the right direction.

[0013] In one example, the control unit is configured to control the user interface unit to output information about the head movement to the user.

[0014] In other words, the system enables a change in user behavior because the system provides feedback to the user, enabling the user to effectively position the retainable body (such as a toothbrush) relative to the teeth so as to direct the jet of floss in the correct direction, i.e., toward the interdental spaces and, if desired, toward the gum line. Thus, for example, feedback can be provided to the user, enabling the user to move the retainable body in a manner that causes the jet of floss to be directed as desired.

[0015] In one example, the control unit is configured to utilize information about the head relative to the user's teeth to prevent the fluid delivery unit from ejecting fluid from the nozzle when the head is positioned such that the fluid will be directed to impact the user's tooth surfaces. Thus, at this point, the dental floss jet is not ejected at locations where it is not desired to be directed (e.g., on the occlusal side). This allows precise (and indeed, only) injection into subgingival periodontal pockets between teeth (between / between teeth) and / or near the gum line.

[0016] In one example, the at least one sensor includes a position (ie, orientation and location) sensor configured to determine positional information related to the head relative to the user's teeth.

[0017] In one example, the position information includes information regarding when the head is in a position such that the nozzle is positioned adjacent to the interproximal spaces of the user's teeth. In this way, a retainable body such as a toothbrush senses when its jet nozzle is pointed in a desired direction, thereby enabling the floss jet to effectively clean the interproximal spaces and, if desired, the gum line.

[0018] In one example, the position information includes information regarding when the head is in a position such that the nozzle is positioned adjacent to the gum line of the user's teeth.

[0019] In one example, the control unit is configured to use the position information to determine the location of a first interproximal space and to use the velocity information to determine when the head, having moved away from that location, returns to that location. The control unit is configured to activate the fluid delivery unit to emit fluid from the nozzle after the head returns to the location of the first interproximal space. In this manner, the interproximal space can be detected, but there may be a time lag before the fluid delivery unit activates the emission of the floss fluid jet from its nozzle, and the head may have moved laterally before the floss jet is able to be emitted. Therefore, by detecting the interproximal space, the position can be recorded, and then as the head moves back and forth, the velocity information is converted into position information relative to the detected interproximal space. Therefore, when the head begins to approach the detected interproximal space, the fluid delivery unit may already be charged or in the process of charging and immediately direct the floss jet in the correct direction.

[0020] In one example, the control unit is configured to use position information to determine the location of a first interproximal space and to use rate information to determine when the head moves to the location of a second interproximal space adjacent to the first interproximal space. The control unit is configured to activate the fluid delivery unit to emit fluid from the nozzle when the head is located in the second interproximal space. In this way, an interproximal space can be detected, but there may be a time lag before the fluid delivery unit can activate the emission of a jet of flossing fluid from its nozzle, and the head of the toothbrush may have moved laterally, for example, before the jet of flossing can be emitted. Therefore, by detecting the interproximal space, the position can be recorded, and then as the head moves back and forth, the rate information is converted into position information relative to the detected interproximal space. Subsequently, knowledge of the tooth size can be used to estimate when the head is approaching the adjacent interproximal space, and the fluid delivery unit can be charged or being charged in preparation for emitting a jet of flossing fluid to the next interproximal space, for example, when the next interproximal space is detected.

[0021] In one example, the control unit is configured to use the velocity information to prevent the fluid delivery unit from ejecting fluid from the nozzle when the velocity of the head is greater than a first threshold level and / or less than a second threshold level. In this manner, if, for example, the toothbrush head is moving too fast to effectively clean the spaces between teeth, the flossing jet will not occur. Similarly, if the head is moving too slowly, the flossing jet will not occur because this may result in an excessive amount of fluid being ejected.

[0022] In one example, the information output by the user interface unit includes information that the velocity of the output head is greater than a first threshold level and / or less than a second threshold level. Thus, through appropriate feedback, the user can be taught whether they are moving the retainable body (e.g., a toothbrush), and thus the head with the nozzle, too fast, resulting in ineffective flossing, or similarly, moving the retainable body too slowly. This enables the user to more accurately use the fluid-based tooth cleaning system.

[0023] In one example, the control unit is configured to enable the fluid delivery unit to emit fluid from the nozzle with one or more of the following adapted parameters: velocity of the fluid jet, frequency of the fluid jets, duration of the fluid jets, pressure of the fluid, flow rate of the fluid.

[0024] In one embodiment, the retainable body includes a fluid delivery unit, at least one sensor, and a control unit. Using this information, the control unit enables the fluid delivery unit to emit fluid from the nozzle when the nozzle is in a position other than one or more specific positions relative to the user's teeth.

[0025] In another aspect, a method for cleaning a user's teeth using a fluid-based tooth cleaning system is provided. The fluid-based tooth cleaning system includes: a retainable body configured to be coupled to a head; a fluid delivery unit configured to be coupled to a nozzle within the head, the nozzle configured to emit a fluid; at least one sensor; and a control unit. The method includes:

[0026] providing, by at least one sensor, information to the control unit relating to the head relative to the user's teeth, including velocity information relating to the velocity of the head relative to the user's teeth; and

[0027] This information is utilized by the control unit to enable the fluid delivery unit to emit fluid from the nozzle onto the user's teeth.

[0028] According to a further aspect, a computer program element is provided for controlling a system as described above, which is adapted to perform the method steps as described above if the computer program element is executed by a processing unit.

[0029] According to another aspect, a computer readable medium is provided, which stores a computer program element as described above. The computer program element may be, for example, a software program, but may also be an FPGA, a PLD or any other suitable digital device.

[0030] Advantageously, examples of, and benefits provided by, any aspect described above apply equally to all other aspects, and vice versa.

[0031] The above aspects and examples will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the following drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic setup showing an example of a floss-based teeth cleaning system;

[0034] Figure 2 A method of cleaning a user's teeth using a floss-based teeth cleaning system is shown;

[0035] Figure 3 An example of a hybrid dental floss and toothbrush is shown;

[0036] Figure 4 An example of a hybrid floss and toothbrush is shown in operation;

[0037] Figure 5 shows detailed examples of the interaction of the operating components of an exemplary hybrid floss and toothbrush system;

[0038] Figure 6 Shows the Figure 5 an exemplary flossing and brushing routine for an exemplary system of;

[0039] Figure 7 shows detailed examples of the interaction of the operating components of an exemplary hybrid floss and toothbrush system;

[0040] Figure 8 Shows the Figure 7 an exemplary flossing and brushing routine for an exemplary system of;

[0041] Figure 9 An exemplary motion sensor is shown;

[0042] Figure 10 shows exemplary cleaning times as a function of fluid rate; and

[0043] Figure 11 Exemplary maximum brush head movement rates as a function of fluid rate are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Figure 1 An example of a fluid-based tooth cleaning system 10 is shown. The system includes a retainable body 20, a fluid delivery unit 30, at least one sensor 40, and a control unit 50. The retainable body 20 is configured to be coupled to a head 60. The head 60 may optionally include bristles 70, or alternatively, a rubber pad, foam, polishing pads, or other suitable cleaning elements that provide tooth cleaning in addition to fluid flossing. Thus, the system 10 may optionally be a fluid-based hybrid toothbrush cleaning system. The fluid delivery unit 30 is configured to be coupled to a nozzle 80, which is configured to emit fluid and is contained within the head 60. The at least one sensor 40 provides information about the retainable body 20 related to the head relative to the user's teeth. Using this information, the control unit 50 enables the fluid delivery unit to emit fluid from the nozzle onto the user's teeth. According to the present invention, the at least one sensor includes a motion sensor 44 configured to determine velocity information related to the velocity of the head 60 relative to the user's teeth. In one example, the motion sensor 44 includes an inertial measurement unit.

[0045] In one example, the retainable body 20 is a toothbrush body.

[0046] In one example, the fluid delivery unit 30 is included within the retainable body 20. In one example, the fluid delivery unit 30 is included within a handle 90 of the retainable body 20.

[0047] In one example, the control unit 50 is included within the retainable body 20. In one example, the control unit 50 is included within the handle 90 of the retainable body 20.

[0048] In one example, the fluid-based tooth cleaning system 10 includes a reservoir 100 configured to hold a fluid, and the reservoir 100 is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery unit 30. In one example, the reservoir 100 is included within the retainable body 20. In one example, the reservoir 100 is included within the handle 90 of the retainable body 20.

[0049] In one example, the fluid is a liquid. In one example, the fluid is a gas. In one example, the fluid is a liquid / gas mixture. In one example, the fluid emitted from nozzle 80 comprises a fluid jet. In another example, the fluid emitted from nozzle 80 comprises a fluid spray.

[0050] According to one example, the control unit 50 is configured to enable the fluid delivery unit 30 to regulate the flow of fluid from the nozzle 80 based on the output of one or more of the at least one sensor.

[0051] According to one example, the control unit 50 is configured to enable the fluid delivery unit 30 to emit fluid from the nozzle 80 when the head 60 is located in a position such that the fluid is directed to impinge on the interproximal spaces of the user's teeth.

[0052] In one example, the control unit 50 is configured to enable the fluid delivery unit 30 to emit fluid from the nozzle 80 when the head 60 is positioned such that the fluid is directed to impinge on the gum line of the user's teeth.

[0053] According to an example, the system includes a user interface unit 110. The control unit 50 is configured to control the user interface unit 110 to output information about the movement of the head 60 to the user.

[0054] In one example, the user interface unit 110 is included within the holdable body 20 .

[0055] In one example, the user interface unit 110 is included in the remote device 120. In one example, the remote device 120 is one of the following: a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer, a remote server.

[0056] In one example, the information output to the user includes an auditory signal. In one example, the auditory signal is emitted from the retainable body 20. In one example, the auditory signal is emitted by the remote device 120.

[0057] In one example, the information output to the user includes a tactile signal. In one example, the tactile signal is associated with vibration of the retainable body 20. In one example, the tactile signal is associated with vibration of the remote device 120.

[0058] In one example, the information output to the user includes a visual signal. In one example, the visual signal is associated with colored light emitted by at least a portion of the retainable body 20. In one example, the visual signal is associated with colored light emitted by the screen 130 of the remote device 120.

[0059] According to one example, control unit 50 is configured to utilize information regarding head 60 relative to the user's teeth to prevent fluid delivery unit 30 from emitting fluid from nozzle 80 when head 60 is positioned such that fluid will be directed to impinge on the user's tooth surfaces.

[0060] According to one example, the at least one sensor 40 includes a position sensor 42 configured to determine position information related to the head 60 relative to the user's teeth.

[0061] According to one example, the position information includes information regarding when the head 60 is in a position such that the nozzle 80 is positioned adjacent to the interproximal spaces of the user's teeth.

[0062] According to one example, the position information includes information regarding when the head 60 is in a position such that the nozzle 80 is positioned adjacent to the gum line of the user's teeth.

[0063] In one example, the position sensor 42 includes a fluid pressure sensor.

[0064] According to one example, the control unit 50 is configured to determine the position of the first interproximal space using the position information and to determine when the head 60, which has moved away from the position, returns to the position using the velocity information. The control unit 50 is configured to activate the fluid delivery unit 30 to emit fluid from the nozzle 80 when the head 60 has returned to the position of the first interproximal space.

[0065] According to one example, the control unit 50 is configured to use the position information to determine the location of the first interproximal space and use the rate information to determine when the head 60 moves to the location of a second interproximal space adjacent to the first interproximal space. The control unit 50 is configured to activate the fluid delivery unit 30 to emit fluid from the nozzle 80 when the head 60 is located in the second interproximal space.

[0066] According to one example, the control unit 50 is configured to utilize the velocity information to prevent the fluid delivery unit 30 from emitting fluid from the nozzle 80 when the velocity of the head 60 is greater than a first threshold level and / or less than a second threshold level.

[0067] According to one example, the information output by the user interface unit 110 includes information that the rate of outputting the head 60 is greater than a first threshold level and / or less than a second threshold level.

[0068] In one example, the information includes an auditory, tactile, and / or visual signal.In one example, the signal associated with the first threshold is different from the signal associated with the second threshold.

[0069] According to an example, the control unit 50 is configured to enable the fluid delivery unit 30 to emit fluid from the nozzle 80 with one or more of the following adapted parameters: velocity of the fluid jet, frequency of the fluid jets, duration of the fluid jets.

[0070] In one example, the retainable body 20 includes a fluid delivery unit 30, at least one sensor 40, and a control unit 50. The control unit 50 is configured to utilize the information to enable the fluid delivery unit 30 to emit fluid from the nozzle 80 when the nozzle 80 is in a position other than one or more specific positions relative to the user's teeth.

[0071] Figure 2 A method 200 of cleaning a user's teeth using the fluid-based tooth cleaning system 10 is shown in basic steps. The method 200 includes:

[0072] In a providing step 210 , at least one sensor 40 , 44 provides information related to the head 60 relative to the user's teeth, including velocity information related to the velocity of the head 60 relative to the user's teeth;

[0073] In a providing step 220 , at least one sensor 40 , 44 provides the above-mentioned information to the control unit; and

[0074] This information is utilized by the control unit 50 in a utilization step 230 to enable the fluid delivery unit 30 to emit fluid from the nozzle 30 onto the user's teeth.

[0075] In one example, utilizing step 230 includes utilizing the information by control unit 50 to enable fluid delivery unit 30 to emit fluid from nozzle 80 when head 60 is positioned such that the fluid is directed to impact the gum line of the user's teeth.

[0076] In one example, the fluid-based teeth cleaning system 10 includes a user interface unit 110 , and in the utilizing step 230 , the control unit 50 controls the user interface unit 110 to output information about the movement of the head 60 to the user.

[0077] In one example, utilizing step 230 includes the control unit 50 utilizing the information to prevent the fluid delivery unit 30 from emitting fluid from the nozzle 80 when the head 60 is in a position such that the fluid will be directed to impinge on the user's tooth surfaces.

[0078] In one example, utilizing step 230 includes: the control unit 50 utilizing the position information to determine the position of the first interproximal space, and utilizing the rate information to determine when the head 60, having moved away from the position, returns to the position, and wherein after the head 60 returns to the position of the first interproximal space, the control unit 50 activates the fluid delivery unit 30 to emit fluid from the nozzle.

[0079] In one example, utilizing step 230 includes: utilizing the position information by the control unit 50 to determine the location of the first interproximal space, and utilizing the rate information to determine when the head 60 moves to the location of a second interproximal space adjacent to the first interproximal space, and wherein when the head 60 is located at the second interproximal space, the control unit 50 activates the fluid delivery unit 30 to emit fluid from the nozzle 80.

[0080] In one example, utilizing step 230 includes control unit 50 utilizing the velocity information to prevent fluid delivery unit 30 from emitting fluid from nozzle 80 when the velocity of head 60 is greater than a first threshold level and / or less than a second threshold level.

[0081] In one example, utilizing step 230 includes the user interface unit 110 outputting information regarding the velocity of the head 60 being greater than a first threshold level and / or less than a second threshold level. As described above, the information may include auditory, tactile, and / or visual signals, and the signal associated with the first threshold may be different from the signal associated with the second threshold.

[0082] Now refer to Figures 3 to 11 The fluid-based tooth cleaning system 10 and the associated method for cleaning a user's teeth are further described in detail in conjunction with specific detailed embodiments. Here, the specific embodiment relates to a fluid-based hybrid mechanical tooth cleaning system, wherein a jet nozzle is located within the head of a toothbrush, for example, having bristles. However, it should be understood that the jet action is not necessarily associated with a toothbrush having bristles and can be used as a stand-alone jet-type flossing device. Therefore, the embodiments described herein relate to a specific embodiment type.

[0083] Figures 3 and 4An exemplary fluid-based hybrid mechanical tooth cleaning system is shown, which may also be referred to as a hybrid floss and toothbrush. The present invention relates to an oral cleaning device with a combined brushing and interdental space flossing function, which uses a fluid in the form of a liquid (e.g., water) or a gas (e.g., air) or a mixture of the two. The fluid jet action is greatly improved when specifically targeting the interdental spaces. For example, a sensor system as described in US9987109 and / or US9814302 can be used to determine the location of the interdental spaces. During the brushing routine, different sides of the tooth surface (e.g., buccal, lingual, and occlusal) are cleaned. Combining brushing and jet flushing in one device can reach the buccal and lingual sides of the interdental spaces, thereby improving interdental cleaning. Sensors for determining the position (location and orientation) of a toothbrush head relative to the teeth of a user are described, for example, in WO 2017 / 002004 A1, WO 2017 / 001399 A1, WO 2017 / 002012 A1 and WO 2016 / 174621 A1.

[0084] In one example of a combined brushing and flossing device described herein, fluid delivery occurs when interdental spaces or the gum line are detected using a sensor arrangement as described above, with the nozzle outlet facing the interdental spaces or the gum line. Additionally, if the user moves the toothbrush too quickly, such as during scrubbing, the detection-injection circuit disables the jet because the nozzle has moved to a different position and is no longer facing the interdental spaces or the gum line. Therefore, in an electric toothbrush with a combined or hybrid flossing and brushing function, an automatic injection system is provided that automatically injects fluid when the nozzle is directed toward the interdental spaces and the gum line using a motion-measuring sensor in the toothbrush, in the form of an accelerometer, that measures the speed of the device relative to the dental arch. Once the device exceeds a threshold brushing speed / acceleration, the fluid injection action is interrupted, and the pump is stopped or the valve is closed, because injection during this movement is ineffective. Similarly, as the speed of the toothbrush decreases, the liquid flow rate also decreases. When the speed of the toothbrush is too low, cleaning is still effective, but at the expense of too much liquid being injected into the mouth. Therefore, when the speed of the toothbrush head drops below the threshold, the spraying action is interrupted again. In other words, the liquid flow rate can be adjusted according to the speed of the brush head.

[0085] Figure 5 A detailed example of the interaction of the operating components of an exemplary fluid-based hybrid mechanical tooth cleaning system (hybrid floss and toothbrush system) is shown. In general, the system has a control loop in which the brushing motion is detected / measured and used as an input parameter for turning the spray mode off / on (opening / closing the valve). In this embodiment, a spray interruption occurs if an upper limit of the brushing speed is exceeded or the brushing speed falls below a certain threshold. Thus, when the movement of the toothbrush / the speed of the toothbrush is detected outside the brushing speed limit, the continuous spraying is stopped. Figure 5 In FIG, the arrows for reservoir-pump-valve-nozzle correspond to the fluid flow path, and the arrows for accelerometer-microprocessor and valve state logic correspond to the sensor signal path. It should be noted that the illustrated arrangement is only a first exemplary embodiment, and that, for example, the pump can be regulated directly by the microprocessor and power controller without a valve, for example, via a burst mode of operation.

[0086] like Figure 5 As shown, the hybrid flossing / toothbrush system includes a pump, a water reservoir, a motion sensor function (accelerometer), a microprocessor, and a valve. The spray function is also integrated into the device (including but not limited to the water reservoir, pump, pipes, nozzles, and valves), which helps to improve the cleaning experience. A feedback loop is set for the water spray system, which stops after reaching a certain brushing speed and restarts the spray after the speed returns to a lower level. The accelerometer measures the speed / movement of the toothbrush. The valve can be controlled by the microprocessor. Figure 6 , illustrating the operation of the feedback loop, shows an exemplary flossing and brushing routine in which the flossing jet is turned off when the toothbrush is moving too fast or too slow. Additionally, as described above, even when the toothbrush is moving within the correct speed threshold, the flossing jet only occurs when the nozzle is directed toward the interdental spaces or gum line. Figure 6 The flossing and brushing routine shown shows a typical two-minute oral hygiene cleaning period. The device gives an auditory signal every 30 seconds, prompting the user to switch quadrants (the toothbrush will move faster). This can be seen in the graph by the peak in brushing speed (upper solid line) and the stop of spraying (lower solid line). The peak in brushing speed causes the valve to close when the speed exceeds the threshold. Once the speed falls within the boundary conditions, the valve opens again and spraying continues. However, if the toothbrush speed is too low, the valve also closes.

[0087] In addition, if the movement is too fast and the valve closes, the feedback provided to the user is an auditory noise (beep), a light signal, software feedback (such as an in-app signal), or vibration. When the optimal speed is reached, another signal is provided to the user to encourage the user to continue to maintain the speed. When the speed is too slow, another signal is provided to the user. This feature will teach and / or guide the user to improve their brushing behavior. There is also auditory, scrubbing, and in-app feedback in the toothbrush.

[0088] Figure 7 A detailed example of the interaction of the operating components of an exemplary hybrid floss and toothbrush system is shown. In general, the system has an adaptive control loop in which brushing motion is detected / measured and used as an input parameter to adjust the pump's spray settings (speed, pulse duration, etc.). Thus, the spray speed or pulse frequency is adapted to the increased brushing motion. Figure 7, the arrows for reservoir-pump-valve-nozzle correspond to the fluid flow path, and the arrows for accelerometer-microprocessor and state logic for the pump / valve correspond to the sensor signal path. In this system, the fluid jet speed or flow rate (flow rate) is adjusted to the brushing speed to accommodate the improved cleaning process. The movement of the toothbrush can be used as an input to adjust the jet speed: the faster the toothbrush moves, the faster the jetting occurs. This can be achieved by using an adaptive control loop, which includes an appropriate controller (such as a proportional controller or PID controller if greater stability is required) and a scrubbing motion sensor. Again, if the movement is too fast, the jetting will stop. The microprocessor is programmed to not only decide whether the valve needs to be closed, but also to adjust the jet speed according to the speed of the toothbrush movement. Again, the arrangement shown is only a first exemplary embodiment, and for example the pump could be regulated directly by the microprocessor and power controller in the absence of a valve via, for example, a burst operating mode.

[0089] Figure 5 and Figure 7 Systems may have the same structural features, with the microprocessors being programmed differently or being able to switch between operating modes.

[0090] Figure 8 The operation of the feedback loop is illustrated, with an exemplary flossing and brushing routine shown. A typical two-minute oral hygiene cleaning period is shown. The device gives an auditory signal every 30 seconds, causing the user to switch quadrants. This can be seen by the peaks in the brushing speed in the graph, which, when a threshold is exceeded, cause the valve to close and the jetting to stop. With regard to jet speed, the faster the toothbrush moves, the faster the jet is ejected. Once the toothbrush speed is within the upper and lower thresholds, the valve opens again and jetting continues. The faster the toothbrush moves, the faster the jetting occurs. Because the time to reach the interdental spaces is shorter, the more effective and efficient the interdental cleaning is.

[0091] However, two factors create challenges for proper jetting during rapid brushing motions:

[0092] The interdental sensor responds too slowly;

[0093] The injection program is activated for too long.

[0094] For example, the above-mentioned sensor technology can detect the interdental or interdental space or gum line, but before the detection is confirmed and / or the spray unit is ready to spray fluid due to the movement of the brush head, the spray tip or nozzle may have moved beyond the interdental space, resulting in ineffective spraying.

[0095] Therefore, in addition to the above solutions, an improved spraying pattern can still be activated during scrubbing. This involves leveraging previous interdental space detection—combined with the speed of the toothbrush movement—to time the spray burst to the moment the next interdental space is reached. In this way, at least some effective spraying can be performed in at least some interdental spaces. If the toothbrush is moved only in one direction, the first interdental space may be missed after scrubbing begins. However, if an interdental space is detected, the nozzle can return to the previously detected interdental space and spray as the user moves the toothbrush back and forth.

[0096] Therefore, the operations can be summarized as follows:

[0097] Detecting scrubbing at a speed that is too fast for interdental sensing of the current interdental space, but within the range where effective ejection can occur;

[0098] The device switches to a mode where the spraying of the first interdental space is paused;

[0099] • After interdental space sensing is complete, a delay is introduced after which the ejection is activated.

[0100] Thus, the jet occurs at the location of the next interdental space. The delay is defined by the time required for the probe to move from the sensing point (beyond the first interdental space) to the next gap. This is defined by the scrubbing speed (already measured) and the spacing of the interdental spaces. In a simple embodiment, the latter can be directly the average interdental spacing (approximately 7mm-8mm). However, the system can take into account the position of the toothbrush in the mouth to define the interdental spacing (larger for molars). In yet another system, repeated measurements of the interdental spaces can be used to further personalize the delay, for example using gap sensing to accurately define the position in the mouth, where the toothbrush moves, and thus the delay to the next interdental space.

[0101] As mentioned above, the movement and speed of the toothbrush head are inputs used to determine when to spray and when not to spray, and another input is the location of the interproximal spaces. The following discussion provides more information on these inputs.

[0102] It should be noted that biofilm cleaning is more effective when a certain threshold rate of fluid injection is exceeded. This threshold rate depends on the strength of the biofilm, but is on the order of 20m / s to 30m / s, and it should be noted that the strength of the biofilm in the interdental area is lower than that of the teeth themselves and is therefore easier to remove. Therefore, in addition to injecting when directed at the interdental space and turning on / off when the toothbrush head moves too fast or too slow, the system also includes a pump and a device that operates in burst mode. The pump operates for a number of cycles at a certain frequency and then turns off, and in this way the average flow rate is adjusted. In addition, as mentioned above, the injection rate can take into account the speed at which the brush head moves relative to the teeth.

[0103] With respect to sensing movement of the hybrid floss and toothbrush head, the sensor used to determine the direction and / or velocity of the head, and therefore the nozzles (fluid delivery points) contained in the head, relative to the teeth, is preferably contactless, i.e., there is no physical contact between the teeth and the actual sensor. There are several options for measuring the direction and, optionally, the velocity of the nozzles. These options are:

[0104] - Accelerometer. This accelerometer is placed in the nozzle or tube, but can also be placed in the handle, close to the hand.

[0105] - an optical imaging device, such as for an optical mouse. The optical mouse sensor is preferably arranged in the nozzle, but can also be arranged in the handle.

[0106] - Optical correlators, such as laser sensors utilizing self-mixing interference and / or the Doppler effect.

[0107] - A sensor that is triggered by the movement of the bottom part of the nozzle relative to the floor.

[0108] An example of such a sensor is Figure 9 As shown. The PCB includes two conductive balls, similar to those in automatic shutoff devices used in irons. The balls measure the presence of acceleration as a momentary pulse. Due to the elliptical shape of the slot, the balls must move upwards, out of the plane of the PCD, to move sideways. By adjusting the shape of the slot, the acceleration required to trigger contact can be fine-tuned. This provides a simple motion sensor. A microprocessor interprets the switching action to determine the direction and velocity of the nozzle. If desired, motion alone can be detected without velocity, for example, using a switch or strain gauge. This identifies a simple motion sensor, where an accelerometer / gyroscope, etc., can be utilized.

[0109] The pump is a piston pump, wherein the operating frequency is in the range of 10 Hz to 100 Hz, more preferably in the range of 20 Hz to 60 Hz. The nozzle of the injection unit can be located in different positions on the brush head, in the middle (between the bristles), in the front (outside the bristles) or in the back, in which case it may be necessary to twist the brush head when using fluid. It should also be noted that the fluid formulation may comprise only liquid, or a combination of liquid and gas, and wherein the liquid may be water. As described above, sensing technology is used to determine the position of the nozzle relative to the interdental area of ​​the teeth.

[0110] In addition to or as an alternative to interrupting the jet, feedback can be provided to the user so that they can improve their brushing regimen and thus clean their teeth better. Feedback can be provided to the user in several ways when the toothbrush is moving too fast or too slow. A small motor with an eccentric device similar to a mobile phone can generate vibrations, or alternatively, a color-changing light ring in the handle can be used (for example, red indicates too fast or too slow, and green indicates that it is within the range that the pump can handle, allowing for effective cleaning with minimal water loss).

[0111] Regarding the movement of the hybrid floss and toothbrush system, there is a maximum speed threshold at which the water jet is stopped, which can be calculated as described in detail below. As described below, the flow rate can be adjusted based on the movement speed. A lower speed threshold can be calculated or set arbitrarily.

[0112] The removal of biofilm is known to be related to the total liquid momentum P tot proportional, so

[0113] V bf =A bf ·h bf ≈K·P tot

[0114] Here, Abf is the biofilm area removed, hbf is the biofilm thickness removed, ≈100 μm, and K is a constant indicating the biofilm strength, with an estimated interdental plaque strength of K being ≈1·10-7 kg-1 m2 s and an estimated hard plaque strength on anterior teeth being ≈1·10-8 kg-1 m2 s. The total momentum can be written as

[0115] P tot =VM1=V·ρ1·Q1·T tot

[0116] where V is the average liquid velocity (assumed constant with time for simplicity), which in practice varies with time, ρl is the liquid density, Ql is the flow rate, and Ttot is the total time the liquid is deposited on Abf.

[0117] For jet-type devices, the following formula can be used

[0118] Q1=A j V = π / 4d 2 V

[0119] When the jet is fixed in one position, the cleaning area is of the same order as the jet area Aj, which is determined by the jet diameter d. For jet-type systems, the following formula applies: Abf = f·Aj. Where f is a factor greater than 1. From this formula, it can be seen that when the nozzle remains fixed, the typical time required to remove all biofilm can be derived.

[0120] T tot =f·h bf / (K·ρ1·V 2 )

[0121] Figure 10 The figure depicts the dental plaque K≈1·10 -7 kg -1 m 2 s, the cleaning times of the jet area, and it should be noted that these times are very short, i.e. the area is relatively easy to clean. It should be noted that the difference between the jet and the spray will be that the factor f will increase to very large values ​​between 40 and 80, resulting in longer cleaning times, but still relatively short, i.e. within 0.2 seconds.

[0122] Typically, the contact time of water with a particular stain is of the order of:

[0123] T con ≈d c / U

[0124] In order to complete the cleaning in one go, the contact time needs to be greater than the time required to clean the stain. Therefore, the maximum rate value that can be used to clean a single stain can be derived from the above formula.

[0125] Note that d cl =√f·d

[0126] U <d.K.ρ l V 2 / (√f·h bf )

[0127] Figure 11 The maximum rate is shown for different average liquid rates and cleaning fractions, where the nozzle diameter d is 0.8 mm and K = 1·10 -7 kg -1 m 2 For a jet, ie a small f, it can be seen that the maximum allowed U is quite large (eg 0.14 m / s for V = 20 m / s and f = 5).

[0128] It should be noted that for sprays f ≈ 40-100, cleaning will take longer, so the maximum velocity required for cleaning must be less than the typical velocity of the jet moving over the substrate, and therefore optimal cleaning cannot be obtained if the user does not reduce the handle velocity.

[0129] However, the above analysis shows how to calculate an upper threshold speed of movement, beyond which spraying should cease, even if the nozzle jet is directed toward an interproximal space or the gum line.

[0130] In a further exemplary embodiment, a computer program or a computer program element is provided, characterized in that it is configured to execute the method steps according to one of the preceding embodiments on a suitable system.

[0131] The computer program element can therefore be stored on a computer unit, such as a computer unit in a smart phone, laptop computer, tablet computer, or an oral cleaning device such as a toothbrush, which can also be part of an embodiment. The computing unit can be configured to perform or cause the steps of the above method to be performed. In addition, the computing unit can also be configured to operate a component of the above system. The computing unit can be configured to automatically operate and / or execute user commands. The computer program can be loaded into the working memory of a data processor. Therefore, the data processor can be equipped to perform a method according to one of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0132] This exemplary embodiment of the invention covers a computer program which right from the start uses the invention and which, by an up-date, turns an existing program into a computer program which uses the invention.

[0133] Furthermore, the computer program element may be capable of providing a program of all necessary steps to implement an exemplary embodiment of the method described above.

[0134] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable medium, such as a CD-ROM, a USB memory stick or the like, is proposed, wherein the computer-readable medium has a computer program element stored thereon, the computer program element being as described in the preceding section.

[0135] The computer program may be stored and / or distributed on suitable media such as optical storage media or solid-state media provided with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via a network or other wired or wireless telecommunication system.

[0136] However, the computer program may also be presented via a network, such as the World Wide Web, and may be downloaded from such a network into a working memory of a data processor. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a medium for making a computer program element available for downloading is provided, which computer program element is arranged to perform a method according to one of the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention.

[0137] It is important to note that embodiments of the present invention are described in conjunction with different subject matters. In particular, some embodiments are described in conjunction with method claims, while others are described in conjunction with apparatus claims. However, those skilled in the art will recognize from the above and following descriptions that, unless otherwise stated, any combination of features relating to different subject matters, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter, is also considered to be disclosed with this application. However, all features may be combined if the synergistic effect is better than the simple addition of the features.

[0138] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such description and illustration should be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive. The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0139] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill several functions recited in a claim. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A fluid-based tooth cleaning system (10), comprising: - a retainable body (20) configured to be coupled to a head (60); a fluid delivery unit (30) configured to be coupled to a nozzle (80) for emitting a fluid, said nozzle being included in said head (60); - at least one sensor (40) configured to provide information related to the head (60) relative to the user's teeth, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a movement sensor (44) for determining velocity information related to the velocity of the head (60) relative to the user's teeth, and the information comprises the velocity information; as well as - a control unit (50) configured to utilize said velocity information from said motion sensor to: enabling the fluid delivery unit (30) to emit fluid from the nozzle (80) onto the user's teeth; and The fluid delivery unit (30) is prevented from emitting fluid from the nozzle (80) when the velocity of the head (60) is greater than a first upper threshold level and / or less than a second lower threshold level.

2. A fluid-based teeth cleaning system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the system (10) includes a user interface unit (110), and wherein the control unit (50) is configured to control the user interface unit (110) to output information about the movement of the head (60) to the user.

3. A fluid-based tooth cleaning system (10) according to claim 2, wherein the information output by the user interface unit (110) includes information that the speed of outputting the head (60) is greater than the first upper threshold level and / or less than the second lower threshold level.

4. A fluid-based tooth cleaning system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one sensor includes a position sensor (42) configured to determine position information related to the head (60) relative to the user's teeth.

5. A fluid-based tooth cleaning system (10) according to claim 4, wherein the control unit (50) is configured to use information related to the head (60) relative to the user's teeth to prevent the fluid delivery unit (30) from emitting fluid from the nozzle (80) when the head (60) is located at a position such that the fluid will be directed to impinge on the surface of the user's teeth.

6. The fluid-based teeth cleaning system (10) of claim 4, wherein the position information includes information regarding when the head (60) is located such that the nozzle (80) is positioned adjacent to an interproximal space of the user's teeth.

7. A fluid-based teeth cleaning system (10) according to claim 6, wherein the control unit (50) is configured to enable the fluid delivery unit (30) to emit fluid from the nozzle (80) when the head (60) is located in a position such that the fluid is directed to impact the interproximal spaces of the user's teeth.

8. A fluid-based tooth cleaning system (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the position information includes information regarding when the head (60) is located at a position such that the nozzle (80) is positioned adjacent to the gum line of the user's teeth, and the control unit (50) is configured to utilize the information to enable the fluid delivery unit (30) to emit fluid from the nozzle (80) when the head (60) is located at a position such that the fluid is directed to impact the gum line adjacent to the user's teeth.

9. A fluid-based tooth cleaning system (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the control unit (50) is configured to use the position information to determine the position of the first interdental space, and use the rate information to determine when the head (60) that has moved away from the position returns to the position, and wherein the control unit (50) is configured to activate the fluid delivery unit (30) to emit fluid from the nozzle (80) when the head (60) has returned to the position of the first interdental space.

10. A fluid-based tooth cleaning system (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the control unit (50) is configured to use the position information to determine the position of a first interproximal space, and use the rate information to determine when the head (60) has moved to the position of a second interproximal space adjacent to the first interproximal space, and wherein the control unit (50) is configured to activate the fluid delivery unit (30) to emit fluid from the nozzle (80) when the head (60) is located at the second interproximal space.

11. A fluid-based tooth cleaning system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 7, wherein the control unit (50) is configured to enable the fluid delivery unit (30) to emit fluid from a nozzle (80) having one or more of the following adapted parameters: velocity of the fluid jet, frequency of the fluid jet, duration of the fluid jet.

12. The fluid-based tooth cleaning system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 7, wherein the retainable body (20) includes the fluid delivery unit (30), the at least one sensor (40) and the control unit (50), wherein the control unit (50) is configured to utilize the information to enable the fluid delivery unit (30) to emit fluid from the nozzle (80) when the nozzle (80) is at a position other than one or more specific positions relative to the user's teeth.

13. The fluid-based tooth cleaning system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5 to 7, wherein the head (60) comprises bristles (70).

14. A computer program element for controlling a fluid-based tooth cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the computer program element being configured to perform the following steps when executed by a processor: receiving information from the at least one sensor (40) relating to the head (60) relative to the user's teeth, wherein the information includes velocity information from a movement sensor (44) relating to the velocity of the head (60) relative to the user's teeth; and The rate information is used to: enabling the fluid delivery unit (30) to emit fluid from the nozzle (80) onto the user's teeth; and The fluid delivery unit (30) is prevented from emitting fluid from the nozzle (80) when the velocity of the head (60) is greater than a first upper threshold level and / or less than a second lower threshold level. 15 . A computer-readable medium having stored thereon a program element according to claim 14 .

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