Pressure monitoring electric toothbrush based on infrared induction

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressure monitoring electric toothbrush based on infrared induction. The electric toothbrush comprises a support; the driving frame is elastically connected to the support through an elastic arm, the driving frame is provided with a tenon joint piece for installing a tenon, and the tenon joint piece is used for being detachably connected with a toothbrush head through the tenon; the motor is fixedly arranged in the driving frame, and the motor is used for driving the driving frame to act relative to the support; the infrared pressure sensing module is arranged on the support and used for sending an infrared signal to the direction of the motor and determining real-time detection voltage according to the received reflected infrared signal, and the real-time detection voltage and the light intensity of the reflected infrared signal have a positive correlation relation; the control module is connected to the infrared pressure sensing module and is used for determining the real-time pressure between the electric toothbrush and the oral cavity according to the real-time detection voltage; and the alarm module is used for sending an alarm signal when the real-time pressure reaches a preset pressure threshold value.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of dental care, in particular to a pressure monitoring electric toothbrush based on infrared induction. BACKGROUND

[0002] An electric toothbrush is a toothbrush that uses a high-speed vibrating core to drive the brush head to rotate or vibrate to achieve cleaning effect. Compared with traditional toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes have stronger cleaning ability. Through the motor, the brush head produces high-frequency and high-amplitude vibration, which instantly decomposes toothpaste into fine foam for deep cleaning of tooth gaps.

[0003] At present, most of the electric toothbrushes on the market are difficult for users to accurately control the pressure applied to the teeth and gums during brushing. The current pressure detection technology of electric toothbrushes directly pastes strain gauges (such as piezoelectric and piezoresistive) on the motor shaft or motor of the toothbrush to detect the force on the brush head. The surface of the motor or motor shaft needs to be polished, pasted and processed, which will damage its structure. The strain gauge is also easily disturbed by vibration. In addition, the pasting of the strain gauge requires high positioning, and the assembly is difficult. Related technologies also calculate the pressure value through the motor current, but the motor current may be affected by factors such as motor aging, voltage fluctuation, temperature change, etc., which may cause the corresponding relationship between the current and the pressure to deviate, especially after long-term use, which is prone to detection errors. Moreover, for slight pressure changes, the motor current change may not be significant.

[0004] In summary, the existing electric toothbrushes have many deficiencies in the control of brushing pressure, and there is an urgent need for a more accurate and reliable pressure monitoring technology to improve the user experience of electric toothbrushes and better protect the oral health of users. SUMMARY

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides an electric toothbrush based on infrared induction for pressure monitoring, which comprises:

[0006] a support;

[0007] a driving frame elastically connected to the support through elastic arms, the driving frame having a tenon piece for detachable connection with a toothbrush head through a tenon;

[0008] a motor fixedly arranged in the driving frame, the motor being used to drive the driving frame to move relative to the support;

[0009] an infrared pressure sensing module arranged on the support, used to send infrared signals to the direction of the motor and determine a real-time detection voltage according to the received reflected infrared signals, wherein the real-time detection voltage has a positive correlation with the light intensity of the reflected infrared signals;

[0010] a control module connected to the infrared pressure sensing module, configured to determine a real-time pressure between the electric toothbrush and the oral cavity according to the real-time detection voltage;

[0011] an alarm module configured to send an alarm signal when the real-time pressure reaches a preset pressure threshold.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the reflected infrared signal is any one of a following: from a body of the motor, from a plastic part of the driving frame itself, from a reflection plate arranged on the driving frame, or from a reflection plate arranged on the body of the motor.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the infrared pressure sensing module is arranged at a position that is spatially opposite to a tail of the driving frame.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the alarm module is further configured to:

[0015] start timing when the real-time pressure reaches the preset pressure threshold;

[0016] send the alarm signal when a preset timing duration is reached.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the infrared pressure sensing module comprises an infrared emitter, an infrared receiver, a voltage detection unit, and a filtering unit, wherein,

[0018] the infrared emitter is configured to emit an infrared signal towards the motor;

[0019] the infrared receiver is arranged horizontally with the infrared emitter, and is configured to receive the reflected infrared signal and output a detection current according to the reflected infrared signal;

[0020] the voltage detection unit is connected to the infrared receiver, and is configured to generate a detection voltage according to the detection current;

[0021] the filtering unit is connected to the voltage detection unit, and is configured to perform filtering processing on the detection voltage, and output a filtered detection voltage, the filtered detection voltage having a corresponding relationship with the real-time pressure.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the preset pressure threshold is between a first pressure value and a second pressure value, the first pressure value being less than the second pressure value,

[0023] wherein the first pressure value is a median line value of a plurality of normal pressure data in historical tooth brushing data, and the second pressure value is a median line value of a plurality of overpressure data in the historical tooth brushing data, a maximum value of the plurality of normal pressure data being less than a minimum value of the plurality of overpressure data.

[0024] In one possible implementation, determining the real-time pressure between the electric toothbrush and the oral cavity based on the real-time detected voltage includes:

[0025] The real-time detected voltage is converted from analog to digital to obtain the converted real-time detected voltage;

[0026] The real-time pressure is determined based on the converted real-time detection voltage and the preset mapping relationship.

[0027] The preset mapping relationship includes the mapping relationship between voltage and pressure.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the control module is further configured to process the user's real-time data according to a target cycle, wherein the data processing includes: determining at least one of the following in any target cycle: the maximum value, minimum value, average value of pressure, and brushing frequency.

[0029] The electric toothbrush also includes:

[0030] A storage component is used to store the real-time pressure and the results of data processing.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the electric toothbrush further includes:

[0032] A threshold setting component is used to receive a threshold setting instruction to set the preset pressure threshold.

[0033] The pressure value in the threshold setting instruction includes any one of the results of the data processing.

[0034] The control module is further configured to output a reminder message to remind the user to change the pressure value in the threshold setting instruction when the pressure value in the threshold setting instruction is outside the healthy brushing pressure range.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the electric toothbrush further includes:

[0036] A display component is disposed on the electric toothbrush, the display component being used for:

[0037] Displays pressure values ​​and healthy pressure ranges.

[0038] This embodiment utilizes infrared technology to implement an infrared pressure sensing module. This module sends infrared signals towards the motor and determines a real-time detection voltage based on the received reflected infrared signals. A control module then determines the real-time pressure between the electric toothbrush and the oral cavity based on this real-time detection voltage. Compared to using a contact-type pressure sensor, this simplifies the product structure, saves costs, and eliminates the need for physical contact with the motor. This avoids mechanical wear and friction noise associated with mechanical contact, resulting in quiet detection and higher responsiveness. Furthermore, this embodiment includes an alarm module that issues an alarm signal when the real-time pressure reaches a preset pressure threshold, preventing damage to teeth and the oral cavity caused by excessive brushing force.

[0039] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of this disclosure together with the specification and serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0041] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an infrared-sensor-based pressure monitoring electric toothbrush according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0042] Figure 2a A schematic diagram of an electric toothbrush according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when it is not under force is shown. Figure 2b A schematic diagram of an electric toothbrush under force according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0043] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the correspondence according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0044] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an infrared pressure sensing module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0045] Figure 5a The diagram shows the waveform of the detection voltage output by the voltage detection unit in the infrared pressure sensing module without filtering. Figure 5b The diagram shows a waveform of the detected voltage output by the voltage detection unit in the infrared pressure sensing module after filtering. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote elements that have the same or similar functions. Although various aspects of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, they are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0047] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” or variations thereof are open-ended and include one or more of the stated features, integrals, elements, steps, components, or functions, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, elements, steps, components, functions, or groups thereof.

[0048] When an element is referred to as “connected,” “coupled,” “responding,” or a variation thereof relative to another element, it may be directly connected, coupled, or responding to another element, or there may be an intermediate element present.

[0049] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements / operations, these elements / operations should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element / operation from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the inventive concept, a first element / operation in some embodiments may be referred to as a second element / operation in other embodiments.

[0050] The term “exemplary” as used herein means “serving as an example, embodiment, or illustration.” Any embodiment illustrated herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than other embodiments.

[0051] Furthermore, to better illustrate this disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure can be practiced without certain specific details. In some instances, methods, means, components, and circuits well known to those skilled in the art have not been described in detail in order to highlight the main points of this disclosure.

[0052] It should be noted that the information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.), data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, data stored, data displayed, etc.) and signals involved in this application are all authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties, and the collection, use and processing of related data must comply with the relevant laws, regulations and standards of the relevant regions.

[0053] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an infrared-sensor-based pressure monitoring electric toothbrush according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the electric toothbrush includes:

[0055] Bracket 100;

[0056] The drive frame 111 is elastically connected to the bracket 100 via an elastic arm. The drive frame 111 has a tenon 112 for mounting a tenon 113. The tenon 112 is used for detachable connection with the toothbrush head via the tenon 113.

[0057] A motor 114 is fixedly installed in the drive frame 111, and the motor 114 is used to drive the drive frame 111 to move relative to the bracket 100.

[0058] An infrared pressure sensing module 115 is mounted on the bracket 100 and is used to send an infrared signal in the direction of the motor 114 and determine the real-time detection voltage based on the received reflected infrared signal. The real-time detection voltage is positively correlated with the light intensity of the reflected infrared signal.

[0059] Control module 116, connected to infrared pressure sensing module 115, is used to determine the real-time pressure between the electric toothbrush and the oral cavity based on the real-time detection voltage;

[0060] The alarm module 117 issues an alarm signal when the real-time pressure reaches a preset pressure threshold.

[0061] This embodiment utilizes infrared technology to implement an infrared pressure sensing module 115, which sends infrared signals in the direction of the motor 114 and determines the real-time detection voltage based on the received reflected infrared signals. The control module 116 then determines the real-time pressure between the electric toothbrush and the oral cavity based on the real-time detection voltage. Compared to using a contact pressure sensor, this method simplifies the product structure, saves costs, and eliminates the need for physical contact with the motor 114. This avoids mechanical wear on the motor 114 and eliminates frictional noise caused by mechanical contact, thus enabling quiet detection and higher responsiveness. Furthermore, this embodiment includes an alarm module 117 that issues an alarm signal when the real-time pressure reaches a preset pressure threshold, preventing damage to teeth and the oral cavity caused by excessive brushing force.

[0062] Therefore, the present invention overcomes the shortcomings of existing electric toothbrush pressure control technology, eliminating the need for complex pressure sensing devices to directly contact the force-bearing parts and addressing issues such as the susceptibility of the motor 114 current detection pressure to interference, and provides a reliable and accurate real-time monitoring method for brushing pressure.

[0063] The embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the specific shapes of the bracket 100 and the drive frame 111, nor the specific type of the motor 114, nor the specific implementation of the infrared pressure sensing module 115, the control module 116, and the alarm module 117. Those skilled in the art can make the settings according to the actual situation and needs.

[0064] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the infrared pressure sensing module 115, control module 116, and alarm module 117 of this embodiment can all be mounted on the circuit board 118. The circuit board 118 can be a printed circuit board (PCB). This embodiment does not limit the number of layers or other parameters of the PCB; those skilled in the art can set them according to actual conditions and needs.

[0065] For example, the bracket 100 can be used to install or fix other components such as batteries, circuit boards 118, etc. The bracket 100 can be provided with a hollow part, which can be located at the middle position in the left-right direction of the electric toothbrush, and the hollow part can be through the front-back direction of the electric toothbrush.

[0066] For example, the tenon 112 can be cylindrical, and the tenon 112 is fixedly connected to the tenon 113, which can be used to connect a toothbrush head.

[0067] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the motor 114 drives the drive frame 111 to move relative to the bracket 100, which may include swinging motion, vibration motion, or other types of motion, and this embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Thus, when the motor 114 is working, it can drive the drive frame 111 to swing or vibrate relative to the bracket 100 around a fulcrum on the tenon 113 or the tenon 112, thereby enabling the tenon 113 to drive the toothbrush head to swing or vibrate.

[0068] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the drive frame 111 and the bracket 100 can be elastically connected by an elastic element. The drive frame 111 can be located in the hollowed-out portion, and the drive frame 111 is generally spaced apart from the bracket 100. The motor 114 can be fixedly installed in the drive frame 111. The vibration of the motor 114 can drive the drive frame 111 to swing or vibrate relative to the bracket 100, thereby transmitting the swing or vibration to the tenon 112. By making the drive frame 111 and the bracket 100 elastically connected and generally spaced apart, the toothbrush head connected to the tenon 113 has a certain degree of freedom of movement, allowing the toothbrush head to be subjected to forces in different directions, thereby better cleaning teeth and massaging gums.

[0069] The embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the specific type or implementation method of the elastic element, and those skilled in the art can set it according to the actual situation and needs.

[0070] This disclosure does not limit the specific implementation of the control module 116. Those skilled in the art can adopt appropriate technical solutions according to actual conditions and needs. For example, the control module 116 may include a processing component. Exemplarily, the processing component includes, but is not limited to, a separate processor, discrete components, or a combination of a processor and discrete components. The processor may include a controller in an electronic device with instruction execution capabilities. The processor can be implemented in any suitable manner, for example, by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other electronic components. Within the processor, the executable instructions can be executed through hardware circuits such as logic gates, switches, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic controllers, and embedded microcontrollers.

[0071] This disclosure does not limit the specific implementation of the alarm module 117. Those skilled in the art can configure it according to actual conditions and needs. For example, the alarm module 117 may include an audible and visual alarm, emitting sound and / or flashing, and displaying alarm information (such as "Overvoltage, please be careful") to trigger an alarm. The alarm module 117 may also trigger an alarm through vibration. Specifically, a visual cue can be issued by flashing indicator lights on the circuit board 118. The indicator lights can use striking colors (such as red or yellow) to attract the user's attention. Alternatively, a built-in buzzer can be used to issue an audible reminder. The buzzer's sound can be set to a specific frequency and rhythm, such as a rapid, short beep, clearly informing the user that the current brushing pressure is too high and needs to be reduced to avoid gum damage.

[0072] The electric toothbrush of this embodiment may also be equipped with a communication component, which can wirelessly connect to an external terminal and send alarm information to the terminal.

[0073] For example, the communication component can access wireless networks based on communication standards, such as WiFi, 4G, or 5G, or combinations thereof, as well as wireless connectivity methods such as Bluetooth. The communication component may also include a Near Field Communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For instance, the NFC module may be based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technology, Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.

[0074] This disclosure does not limit the specific type of terminal. In one example, a terminal is also referred to as User Equipment (UE), Mobile Station (MS), Mobile Terminal (MT), etc., and is a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, such as a handheld device with wireless connectivity. Currently, some examples of terminals include: mobile phones, tablet computers, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, etc.

[0075] In one possible implementation, the reflected infrared signal can originate from any one of the following: the body of the motor 114, a plastic component (especially a smooth plastic component) of the drive frame 111 itself, a reflector mounted on the drive frame 111, or a reflector mounted on the body of the motor 114. This disclosure does not limit the arrangement of the reflector; those skilled in the art can arrange it according to actual conditions and needs. For example, the reflector can be adhered to a predetermined position on the drive frame 111 or a predetermined position on the body of the motor 114 using adhesive. This disclosure does not limit the size or material of the reflector; those skilled in the art can arrange it according to actual conditions and needs.

[0076] This embodiment uses any one of the following as infrared signal reflectors: the motor body 114, the plastic part of the drive frame 111 itself, the reflector plate disposed on the drive frame 111, or the reflector plate disposed on the motor body 114. Compared with the complex structure of using a dedicated pressure sensor in related technologies, this simplifies the structure of the electric toothbrush and reduces costs.

[0077] The present invention does not limit the material of the reflector, and those skilled in the art can set it according to actual conditions and needs.

[0078] In one possible implementation, the infrared pressure sensing module 115 is positioned spatially relative to the tail of the drive frame 111.

[0079] In this embodiment, the infrared pressure sensing module 115 is positioned spatially relative to the tail of the drive frame 111. This allows the drive frame 111 to deviate from its original position by a maximum distance when under pressure, thereby increasing the responsiveness to changes in the infrared signal. Consequently, pressure changes become more noticeable, improving detection sensitivity and accuracy. Of course, the specific location of the infrared pressure sensing module 115 is not limited in this embodiment; those skilled in the art can set it according to actual conditions and needs.

[0080] The present invention does not limit the specific location of the infrared transmitter and the infrared receiver. For example, the infrared transmitter and the infrared receiver can be located within (or outside) the range of the motor 114 body (or the smooth plastic part of the drive frame 111 itself), or the infrared transmitter can be located within (or outside) the range of the motor 114 body (or the smooth plastic part of the drive frame 111 itself), and the infrared receiver can be located outside (or within) the range of the motor 114 body (or the smooth plastic part of the drive frame 111 itself), etc.

[0081] It should be understood that the specific positions of the infrared transmitter and receiver can be selected according to actual conditions and needs. Whether the motor 114 body (or the reflector on the body) is used as the infrared signal reflector, or the smooth plastic part of the drive frame 111 itself (or the reflector on the drive frame 111) is used as the reflector, a larger working area can be obtained so that the reflector can reflect more infrared signals. Of course, since the smooth plastic part of the drive frame 111 itself (or the reflector on the drive frame 111) is larger than the motor body (or the reflector on the motor body), in order to obtain a larger working area, the embodiments of this disclosure can preferably arrange the infrared transmitter and receiver based on the drive frame 111.

[0082] In the example, the infrared receiver can be pre-tuned. For instance, it can be adjusted to operate within the device's linear response range, meaning the light intensity and photocurrent can have a positive correlation; the greater the received light intensity, the greater the output photocurrent, and current changes can reflect light intensity changes in real time. Exemplarily, the infrared light emitted by the infrared emitter is a divergent beam (similar to a "cone"), and its energy density (light power per unit area), i.e., light intensity, is inversely proportional to the square of the distance, attenuating as the propagation distance increases. The closer the drive frame 111 is to the circuit board 118, and the closer the transmitter motor 114 is to the infrared emitter, the greater the light intensity received by the infrared receiver.

[0083] Please see Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2a A schematic diagram of an electric toothbrush according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when it is not under force is shown.Figure 2b A schematic diagram of an electric toothbrush under force according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0084] For example, Figure 2b As shown, when the electric toothbrush is subjected to force, the position of the drive frame 111 changes, causing the distance at which the reflector reflects the infrared signal to change. Therefore, the light intensity of the reflected infrared signal received by the infrared receiver changes.

[0085] In one possible implementation, the alarm module 117 is further configured to:

[0086] When the real-time pressure reaches the preset pressure threshold, timing begins;

[0087] An alarm signal will be issued when the preset timer duration is reached.

[0088] The embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the specific duration of the timing, which can be set by those skilled in the art according to actual circumstances and needs.

[0089] In one possible implementation, the infrared pressure sensing module 115 may include an infrared transmitter, an infrared receiver, a voltage detection unit, and a filtering unit, wherein...

[0090] The infrared transmitter is used to emit infrared signals toward the motor 114;

[0091] The infrared receiver is horizontally positioned with the infrared transmitter. The infrared receiver is used to receive the reflected infrared signal and output a detection current based on the reflected infrared signal.

[0092] The voltage detection unit is connected to the infrared receiver and is used to generate a detection voltage based on the detection current;

[0093] The filtering unit is connected to the voltage detection unit and is used to filter the detected voltage and output the filtered detected voltage. The filtered detected voltage has a corresponding relationship with the real-time pressure.

[0094] The embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the specific form of the correspondence, and those skilled in the art can set it according to actual conditions and needs.

[0095] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the correspondence according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0096] As an example, such as Figure 3 As shown, voltage and pressure values ​​are directly proportional.

[0097] The embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the specific implementation of the infrared transmitter, infrared receiver, voltage detection unit, and filtering unit. Those skilled in the art can adopt appropriate technical solutions according to actual conditions and needs. For example, the infrared transmitter and infrared receiver can be implemented using existing mature devices, the voltage detection unit may include a detection resistor, and the filtering unit may include a π-type filter.

[0098] For example, an infrared emitter can be used to emit infrared light, which is reflected by a reflector (such as the body of motor 114) and received by an infrared receiver. For example, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the infrared emitter is installed at a position where the emitted infrared light can be reflected by the reflector motor 114, ensuring that the reflector is within the field of view, thereby ensuring sufficient radiation intensity is reflected and received by the receiver. Correspondingly, the infrared receiver is installed within a distance where the infrared light can be effectively received. The specific installation location is not limited in this embodiment of the present disclosure; those skilled in the art can set it according to actual conditions and needs.

[0099] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an infrared pressure sensing module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0100] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the infrared transmitter may include an infrared light-emitting diode (LED1), the infrared receiver may include an infrared receiving diode (LED2), the voltage detection unit may include a voltage detection resistor R16, and the filtering unit may include a filtering circuit composed of a filtering resistor R18 and a filtering capacitor C9. The voltage detection resistor R16 is connected in series with the infrared receiving diode LED2; the larger the output current of the infrared receiving diode LED2, the larger the voltage across the voltage detection resistor R16.

[0101] The working process of the electric toothbrush according to the present disclosure embodiment will be described by way of example below.

[0102] For example, when the electric toothbrush is working, the infrared emitter emits infrared light, which is reflected by the metal motor 114 and received by the infrared receiver. When the bristles are subjected to greater force, the brush handle shifts relative to the handle, causing the tenon 113 connected to the brush handle to shift away from the central axis position of the handle. The drive frame 111 moves closer to the circuit board 118 as the tenon 113 shifts. The motor 114 located in the drive frame 111 also moves closer to the circuit board 118. Due to the closer distance, the light intensity emitted by the infrared emitter is greater than when it is far away, the light intensity received by the infrared receiver is greater, the photocurrent output by the infrared receiver increases, and the voltage of the voltage detection resistor R16 connected in series with the infrared receiver increases. The fluctuating voltage signal is processed by the filter circuit into a stable voltage signal median value. The control module compares the voltage signal median value with the preset overvoltage threshold in real time. When the voltage of the voltage detection resistor R16 exceeds the set voltage threshold (corresponding to the preset pressure threshold) and remains there for a certain period of time, the overvoltage alarm program is triggered, for example, a buzzer sounds to remind the user to reduce brushing pressure and avoid gum damage.

[0103] For example, when a user brushes their teeth, the bristles of the electric toothbrush are subjected to force, so the brush handle will deflect. Since the infrared pressure sensing module 115 is located on the same side as the bristles, the drive frame 111 moves closer to the circuit board 118 around a certain fulcrum on the tenon 113 or the connector 112, and the distance between the motor 114 and the infrared pressure sensing module 115 will change.

[0104] When the distance between the motor 114 (reflector) and the infrared transmitter decreases, the intensity of the light reflected by the infrared transmitter will increase. Correspondingly, the intensity of the light received by the infrared receiver and the detection current of the infrared receiver will increase. Under these circumstances, the voltage of the voltage detection resistor R16 will increase. The fluctuating voltage signal is processed into a stable voltage signal by a filtering circuit (such as π filtering) and sent to the control module 116 (such as a microprocessor). If the bit line value of the received voltage signal is greater than the preset overvoltage threshold and remains above it for a certain period of time, the control module 116 will trigger an alarm program.

[0105] The embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the specific size of the preset pressure threshold; those skilled in the art can set it according to actual conditions and needs.

[0106] For example, in one possible implementation, the preset pressure threshold is between a first pressure value and a second pressure value, where the first pressure value is less than the second pressure value.

[0107] Wherein, the first pressure value is the median value of multiple normal pressure data in the historical brushing data, the second pressure value is the median value of multiple overpressure data in the historical brushing data, and the maximum value of the multiple normal pressure data is less than the minimum value of the multiple overpressure data.

[0108] The following is an example of how to determine the first pressure value and the second pressure value.

[0109] Please see Figure 5a , Figure 5b , Figure 5a The diagram shows the waveform of the detection voltage output by the voltage detection unit in the infrared pressure sensing module without filtering. Figure 5b The diagram shows a waveform of the detected voltage output by the voltage detection unit in the infrared pressure sensing module after filtering.

[0110] For example, when the electric toothbrush is started, the vibration of the motor 114 will generate high-frequency mechanical interference, causing the voltage signal to jitter at high frequencies; ambient light (such as sunlight and lamplight) may introduce power frequency or harmonic interference. Therefore, the present disclosure embodiment can reduce or even eliminate the influence of interference by using a filtering circuit and reasonably setting the pressure threshold (corresponding to the voltage value).

[0111] For example, such as Figure 5a As shown, when the toothbrush is subjected to normal force, Figure 4 The voltage across the voltage sensing resistor R16 fluctuates between the lowest point a and the highest point b. When the toothbrush is subjected to excessive force, Figure 4 The voltage across the voltage sensing resistor R16 varies in a wave-like pattern between the lowest point c and the highest point d.

[0112] This embodiment of the disclosure uses a filtering circuit to "flatten" the fluctuating signal to a median value, i.e.:

[0113] For example, such as Figure 5b As shown, when the bristles are under normal force, Figure 4 The voltage signal from the voltage detection resistor R16 fluctuates wavyly between ab and b. After filtering, the filter circuit outputs a stable original voltage median value q (the voltage corresponding to the first pressure value), representing the "average level of normal pressure." When the brush bristles are over-pressured... Figure 4 The voltage signal from the voltage sensing resistor R16 fluctuates between c and d. After π filtering, the overvoltage median value p (the voltage corresponding to the second pressure value) is output, representing the "average level of the overvoltage state". The signal processing of the filtering circuit filters out the high-frequency vibration of motor 114 and the noise caused by ambient light, accurately reflecting the voltage change caused by the force on the brush bristles.

[0114] Exemplarily, the control module 116 can monitor in real time the change of the voltage value of the voltage detection resistor R16 within the range of the median line q - p. Set the overvoltage alarm threshold (corresponding to the preset pressure threshold) of the control module 116 as V (assuming the voltage threshold for overvoltage of 300g is 1.6v, and the voltage threshold corresponding to 300g can be adjusted according to the actual situation), and it is required to satisfy: q < V < p (that is, the normal median line value q is lower than the threshold, and the overvoltage median line value p is higher than the threshold).

[0115] Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the voltage signal Q output after the voltage of the voltage detection resistor R16 is filtered by the filter circuit is greater than V, a timer (such as 0.5s) is started for timing. If Q is always greater than V and the duration reaches 0.5s (exceeding the single vibration period of the motor 114 to avoid instantaneous p exceeding the standard caused by vibration), it is determined as "true overvoltage", and the alarm module 117 is triggered to alarm; if Q has dropped below V before the timing reaches 0.5s, it is determined as "interference", the timer is reset, and no alarm is issued.

[0116] In a possible implementation manner, the determining the real - time pressure between the electric toothbrush and the oral cavity according to the real - time detected voltage may include:

[0117] Performing analog - to - digital conversion on the real - time detected voltage to obtain the converted real - time detected voltage;

[0118] Determining the real - time pressure according to the converted real - time detected voltage and the preset mapping relationship,

[0119] wherein, the preset mapping relationship includes the mapping relationship between voltage and pressure.

[0120] The embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit the specific manner of analog - to - digital conversion, and those skilled in the art can adopt the analog - to - digital conversion technical solutions in related technologies according to the actual situation and needs to implement it.

[0121] Exemplarily, the preset mapping relationship can be a proportional relationship or others, and the embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0122] In summary, the embodiment of the present disclosure has an electromechanical - optical integrated detection structure. By integrating an infrared emitter and a receiver horizontally arranged on the circuit board 118, and using the metal body of the motor 114 (or pasting a reflective part on the motor 114, or pasting a reflective part on the side of the driving frame 111 facing the circuit board 118, etc.) as the reflector, the position offset of the reflector is converted into the change of the reflected light intensity to sense the brushing pressure. When the user brushes teeth with excessive force, the brush head offset drives the driving frame 111 to approach the circuit board 118, the distance between the motor 114 and the infrared emitter and receiver decreases, the light intensity reflected by the infrared emitter increases, and the light intensity received by the infrared receiver increases;

[0123] This embodiment of the invention features a real-time signal chain conversion mechanism. When the electric toothbrush is in operation, the infrared transmitter emits infrared light, which is reflected by the transmitter and received by the infrared receiver. The infrared receiver generates a photocurrent, which is converted into a voltage signal by a voltage detection resistor R16 connected in series. The fluctuating voltage signal is processed by a filter circuit into a stable voltage signal median value. The microprocessor compares the voltage signal median value with a preset overvoltage threshold in real time. If the voltage is greater than the preset overvoltage threshold and remains above it for a certain period of time, an overvoltage alarm program is triggered, achieving a millisecond-level response.

[0124] This embodiment of the present disclosure uses a filter circuit to filter out the high-frequency vibration interference signal of the motor 114 and sets an overpressure time index, which can avoid false alarms and ensure that the alarm function only responds to real and continuous abnormal pressure scenarios, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the detection system.

[0125] In one possible implementation, the control module can also be used to process the user's real-time data according to a target cycle, wherein the data processing may include: determining at least one of the following in any target cycle: the maximum value, minimum value, average value of pressure, and brushing frequency.

[0126] The electric toothbrush also includes:

[0127] A storage component is used to store the real-time pressure and the results of data processing.

[0128] This disclosure does not limit the specific type of storage component. In one example, the storage component may include a computer-readable storage medium, which can be a tangible device capable of holding and storing instructions used by an instruction execution device. Computer-readable storage media may be, for example, but not limited to, electrical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, electromagnetic storage devices, semiconductor storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media (a non-exhaustive list) include: portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital multifunction disc (DVD), memory sticks, floppy disks, mechanical encoding devices, such as punch cards or recessed protrusions storing instructions thereon, and any suitable combination thereof. The computer-readable storage medium used herein is not to be interpreted as a transient signal itself, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through waveguides or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses through fiber optic cables), or electrical signals transmitted through wires.

[0129] The embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the specific methods of data processing, and those skilled in the art can adopt appropriate technical solutions according to actual conditions and needs.

[0130] For example, the control module can receive the maximum, minimum, and average pressure values ​​detected over a certain period of time, and display this data on the electric toothbrush or smart terminal to help users understand their own brushing force characteristics. For example, the statistical data can include sub-pressure values, daily pressure values, weekly pressure values, monthly pressure values, and a default value. The sub-pressure values ​​can be the maximum, minimum, and average values ​​from the last brushing event; the daily pressure values ​​can be the maximum, minimum, and average values ​​from the previous day's brushing events; the weekly pressure values ​​can be the maximum, minimum, and average values ​​from the previous week's brushing events; the monthly pressure values ​​can be the maximum, minimum, and average values ​​from the previous month's brushing events; and the default value can be a healthy pressure range (e.g., 200-300g).

[0131] For example, the control module can compare the daily, weekly, and monthly pressure values ​​with the healthy pressure range. While the display component shows the pressure values ​​for each dimension, it can simultaneously display the direction and difference between the maximum, minimum, or average value and the healthy pressure range. For instance, a maximum pressure value of 420g (↑120g) indicates that it is 120g larger than the maximum value in the healthy pressure range; a minimum pressure value of 150g (↑120g) indicates that it is larger than the maximum value in the healthy pressure range. 50g indicates that it is 50g less than the minimum value of the healthy stress range.

[0132] In one possible implementation, the electric toothbrush may further include:

[0133] A display component is disposed on the electric toothbrush, the display component being used for:

[0134] Displays pressure values ​​and healthy pressure ranges.

[0135] This disclosure does not limit the specific implementation of the display component. For example, the display component may include a display panel, which may include any one or more of the following: LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), LED (Light Emitting Diode), MiniLED (Mini Light Emitting Diode), MicroLED (Micro Light Emitting Diode), and OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode).

[0136] The embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the specific size of the health pressure value range, and those skilled in the art can set it according to actual conditions and needs.

[0137] The present invention does not limit the specific type of pressure value displayed by the display component. Those skilled in the art can set it according to actual conditions and needs. For example, the pressure value displayed by the display component may include any one or any combination of several of the following: real-time pressure during brushing, maximum, minimum, and average pressure in any of the aforementioned target cycles, brushing frequency, etc.

[0138] In one possible implementation, the electric toothbrush may further include:

[0139] A threshold setting component is used to receive a threshold setting instruction to set the preset pressure threshold.

[0140] The pressure value in the threshold setting instruction includes any one of the results of the data processing.

[0141] The control module can also be used to output a reminder message to remind the user to change the pressure value in the threshold setting instruction when the pressure value in the threshold setting instruction is outside the healthy brushing pressure range.

[0142] The specific implementation of the threshold setting component in this embodiment is not limited. The threshold setting component can be a button input module on the electric toothbrush, through which pressure values ​​are input via buttons; it can also be integrated into the display component of the electric toothbrush, such as a touch display panel, to facilitate user input of pressure values; of course, it can also be implemented through a communication component, through which the threshold setting command transmitted by the user from an external terminal is received.

[0143] For example, taking the button as an example, during the setting, the operation command can be distinguished by detecting the duration of the electric toothbrush button. The user can press and hold (e.g., 3 seconds) to clear the original pressure threshold, press the button briefly to enter the sampling mode, press the bristles with the maximum force they are used to for 2-3 seconds, and press the button again briefly to confirm that the settings have been saved successfully. At the same time, the updated preset pressure threshold is sent to the control module.

[0144] For example, the threshold setting component can respond to the user's active adjustment signal and update the preset pressure threshold. That is, the user can select the dimension value within a certain time period to adjust the pressure threshold. The data for adjusting the threshold can be based on the statistical data of the day, week, or month. At the same time, the updated preset pressure threshold is sent to the control module.

[0145] For example, when the preset pressure threshold is adjusted to the maximum pressure value (the maximum pressure value can be the maximum value of a single brushing event, or the maximum value of a day, week, or month), the control module detects that the voltage value across the voltage detection resistor R16 exceeds the maximum pressure value and triggers an excessive pressure alarm; when the preset pressure threshold is adjusted to the minimum pressure value (the minimum pressure value can be the minimum value of a single brushing event, or the minimum value of a day, week, or month), the control module detects that the voltage value across the voltage detection resistor R16 exceeds the minimum pressure value and triggers an excessive pressure alarm; when the preset pressure threshold is adjusted to the average pressure value (the average pressure value can be data from a single brushing event, or data from a daily, weekly, or monthly event), the control module detects that the voltage value across the voltage detection resistor R16 exceeds the average pressure value and triggers an excessive pressure alarm.

[0146] For example, when a user selects a dimension value within a certain time period to adjust the pressure threshold, if the selected value is greater than the healthy brushing pressure range, an adjustment reminder program is triggered to remind the user that using this value as the preset pressure threshold will damage the gums; if the selected value is less than the healthy brushing pressure range, an adjustment reminder program is triggered to remind the user that using this value as the preset pressure threshold will not achieve the desired cleaning effect.

[0147] For example, users can access the pressure adjustment page through the display panel on the electric toothbrush product to change the preset pressure threshold, or access the pressure adjustment page through a communication device to change the preset pressure threshold.

[0148] This disclosed embodiment can customize the pressure threshold based on the "next-day-week-month" statistical data (maximum, minimum, and average pressure values), and at the same time set up a health range verification mechanism to trigger risk warnings when the threshold exceeds the health range. It takes into account both personalized needs and scientific rigor, and overcomes the shortcomings of traditional products with fixed thresholds and poor adaptability.

[0149] The embodiments disclosed herein can simultaneously construct multi-dimensional statistical pressure values ​​of "next-day-week-month" and form visualized data, allowing users to clearly understand their own brushing force characteristics, breaking through the limitation of traditional electric toothbrushes that can only monitor in real time and cannot track pressure characteristics over a long period of time.

[0150] The display component of this disclosure embodiment intuitively compares multi-dimensional pressure data with the recommended health range, and simultaneously displays the direction of numerical deviation and the specific difference, so that users can clearly understand whether their exertion meets the health standards, and solves the problem of existing products having single data display and lack of reference benchmarks.

[0151] Therefore, the various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure have the following beneficial effects:

[0152] 1. Compared with the design of contact pressure sensors, infrared reflective pressure monitoring does not require physical contact with the motor 114, avoiding mechanical wear problems. Moreover, mechanical sensors are limited by the material deformation rate, and the response speed of mechanical sensors is much smaller than the speed of light propagation. Infrared reflective pressure monitoring can complete the detection and feedback of object deformation within milliseconds.

[0153] 2. The infrared reflective pressure monitoring method eliminates the need to install complex pressure sensors on the brush head or handle. The plastic parts of the motor body or drive frame can be reused as optical reflectors, eliminating the need for dedicated pressure sensors, simplifying the product structure and reducing production costs.

[0154] 3. Compared to the design of contact pressure sensors, the non-contact optical principle between the infrared transmitter and receiver and the motor 114 (reflector) also eliminates the friction / vibration noise caused by mechanical contact, ultimately achieving quiet and accurate pressure monitoring;

[0155] 4. The π filter on the circuit can effectively attenuate high-frequency noise (such as vibration interference from hundreds of Hz to several kHz), and only retain the low-frequency trend of the pressure change, that is, the slow voltage change caused by the offset of the drive frame 111. This "smooths" the originally fluctuating signal into a stable median value, avoids voltage "pseudo-over-limit" caused by high-frequency noise (such as the vibration peak accidentally exceeding the threshold), and reduces microprocessor misjudgment.

[0156] 5. The pressure threshold can be customized by using a microprocessor-based single-chip and Flash memory to adapt to different users' brushing habits and oral conditions;

[0157] 6. The threshold adjustment function based on user data makes pressure reminders more aligned with individual habits and reduces invalid reminders; the health range verification mechanism avoids gum damage or incomplete cleaning caused by improper threshold settings, improving the safety and effectiveness of product use.

[0158] 7. Multi-dimensional data statistics and visualization comparison functions enable users to intuitively understand the force patterns of single brushing, daily brushing, weekly brushing, and monthly brushing, clarify the deviation between their own pressure values ​​and healthy ranges, and help form scientific brushing habits.

[0159] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or technical improvements to the embodiments in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An electric toothbrush for monitoring pressure based on infrared sensing, characterized in that The electric toothbrush comprises: a support; a driving frame elastically connected to the support through elastic arms, the driving frame having a tenon for detachable connection with a toothbrush head through a mortise; a motor fixedly arranged in the driving frame, the motor being used to drive the driving frame to move relative to the support; an infrared pressure sensing module arranged on the support, used to send infrared signals to the direction of the motor and determine a real-time detection voltage according to the received reflected infrared signals, wherein the real-time detection voltage has a positive correlation with the light intensity of the reflected infrared signals; a control module connected to the infrared pressure sensing module, used to determine a real-time pressure between the electric toothbrush and the oral cavity according to the real-time detection voltage; an alarm module used to send an alarm signal when the real-time pressure reaches a preset pressure threshold.

2. The pressure monitoring electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein The reflected infrared signals are from any one of the following: a body of the motor, a plastic part of the driving frame itself, a reflecting plate arranged on the driving frame, and a reflecting plate arranged on the body of the motor.

3. The pressure monitoring electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein The infrared pressure sensing module is arranged at a position spatially relative to the tail of the driving frame.

4. The pressure monitoring electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein, The alarm module is further used to: start timing when the real-time pressure reaches the preset pressure threshold; and send an alarm signal when the timing duration reaches a preset timing duration.

5. The pressure monitoring electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein, The infrared pressure sensing module comprises an infrared emitter, an infrared receiver, a voltage detection unit, and a filtering unit, wherein: the infrared emitter is used to emit infrared signals towards the direction of the motor; the infrared receiver is horizontally arranged with the infrared emitter, and is used to receive the reflected infrared signals and output a detection current according to the reflected infrared signals; the voltage detection unit is connected to the infrared receiver, and is used to generate a detection voltage according to the detection current; and the filtering unit is connected to the voltage detection unit, and is used to filter the detection voltage and output a filtered detection voltage, the filtered detection voltage having a corresponding relationship with the real-time pressure.

6. The pressure monitoring electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein, The preset pressure threshold is between a first pressure value and a second pressure value, the first pressure value being smaller than the second pressure value, wherein the first pressure value is a median line value of multiple normal pressure data in historical brushing data, and the second pressure value is a median line value of multiple overpressure data in the historical brushing data, the maximum value of the multiple normal pressure data being smaller than the minimum value of the multiple overpressure data.

7. The pressure monitoring electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein, The determination of the real-time pressure between the electric toothbrush and the oral cavity according to the real-time detection voltage comprises: an analog-to-digital conversion of the real-time detection voltage to obtain a converted real-time detection voltage; a determination of the real-time pressure according to the converted real-time detection voltage and a preset mapping relationship, wherein the preset mapping relationship comprises a mapping relationship between voltage and pressure.

8. The pressure monitoring electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein The control module is further configured to perform data processing on the real-time data of the user according to a target period, wherein the data processing comprises at least one of determining a maximum value, a minimum value, an average value, and a brushing frequency of the pressure in any target period, The electric toothbrush further comprises: a storage component configured to store the real-time pressure and the result of the data processing.

9. The pressure monitoring electric toothbrush according to claim 8, wherein, The electric toothbrush further comprises: a threshold setting component configured to receive a threshold setting instruction to set the preset pressure threshold, wherein the pressure value in the threshold setting instruction comprises any one of the result of the data processing, wherein the control module is further configured to output a reminder information to remind the user to change the pressure value in the threshold setting instruction when the pressure value in the threshold setting instruction is out of the healthy brushing pressure range.

10. The pressure monitoring electric toothbrush according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The electric toothbrush further comprises: a display component disposed on the electric toothbrush, and the display component is configured to: display the pressure value and the healthy pressure value range.

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