Custom mouthpiece and drive mechanism coupled via multiple connection points

Abstract

A dental care device includes a drive mechanism and a custom mouthpiece. The drive mechanism includes a first motor connection point, a second motor connection point, and one or more motors. The custom mouthpiece is configured to couple with the drive mechanism, and the custom mouthpiece includes a first region including a first mouthpiece connection point configured to engage with the first motor connection point, a second region including a second mouthpiece connection point configured to engage with the second motor connection point, and a third region connecting the first region and the second region such that the first region is movable independently of the second region.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application is a continuation and claims priority to U.S. Application No. 18 / 920,790, filed October 18, 2024, entitled “Customized Mouthpiece and Drive Mechanism Coupled Via Multiple Connection Points,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 592,130, filed October 20, 2023, entitled “Customized Mouthpiece and Drive Mechanism Coupled Via Multiple Connection Points.” Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to dental care, including but not limited to devices and systems for providing customized dental care. Background Technology

[0003] Toothbrushes are typically used for traditional teeth cleaning. Such toothbrushes usually have tufts of bristles on the brush head, which the user brings into contact with the user's teeth and gums and moves around the user's mouth to clean different areas of the teeth sequentially. The effectiveness of using a toothbrush to clean teeth depends heavily on brushing technique and duration, which many users find difficult to consistently control or apply. For many users, especially children and the elderly, using this optimal technique to brush all tooth surfaces is challenging.

[0004] Furthermore, traditional toothbrushes are designed to clean one or more adjacent teeth on one side at any given time. For example, the brush head of a manual or electric toothbrush has a width on the order of the width of a single adult tooth. Therefore, it typically takes people 2 to 5 minutes to thoroughly clean all of their teeth. For example, the American Dental Association recommends brushing a person's teeth for 2 to 3 minutes with a manual toothbrush (e.g., 30 seconds per quadrant).

[0005] Unfortunately, many people brush their teeth for far less time than recommended. For example, without a timer, users often overestimate how long they brush. Even with a timer (e.g., a toothbrush with a quadrant timer), users may still not brush each tooth surface in a quadrant as evenly as they brush the other tooth surfaces in the same quadrant. Furthermore, people may brush too little or too much. For example, people may not brush enough because they don't follow the recommended brushing procedure or the time spent on each tooth, and people may overbrush by applying excessive pressure or abrasive action to their gums, thus wearing down their enamel or gums.

[0006] Furthermore, users may find it difficult to clean certain areas of their teeth using a conventional toothbrush. For example, users may have difficulty properly engaging the brush head of a conventional manual or electric toothbrush with the back of their molars on the same side as their hand holding the brush. Users with sensitive mouths / throats may avoid brushing the backs of their molars to avoid triggering their gag reflex. Therefore, even people who brush their teeth regularly may not be able to clean their teeth properly.

[0007] To address these issues, various full-mouth toothbrush designs have been explored. However, such designs are subject to other limitations. For example, such toothbrush devices are typically coupled to a drive mechanism (e.g., with a motor) that transmits vibratory motion to the mouthpiece (e.g., with bristles and / or other cleaning elements). Vibratory motion is essential for moving the bristles and / or other cleaning elements to clean the user's teeth, but it is difficult to transmit sufficient (e.g., and / or uniform) vibrational motion to all parts of the mouthpiece. Typically, the mouthpiece is coupled to the drive mechanism at the front of the mouthpiece (e.g., where the user's front teeth are located), making it difficult to transmit sufficient vibrational motion to parts of the mouthpiece far from the connection point (e.g., areas of the mouthpiece corresponding to the user's molars and / or back teeth). Simply increasing the intensity (e.g., amplitude) of the vibrational motion transmitted by the drive mechanism is impractical, as this would cause discomfort to the user in areas closer to the drive mechanism (e.g., the user's front teeth).

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a dental device (e.g., a toothbrush) that is easy to operate, can effectively clean the user's teeth, and can efficiently deliver energy to the necessary areas of the toothbrush device. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Given these drawbacks, there is a need for a dental care system that accurately and precisely cleans and maintains a user's teeth and gums (i.e., dental health) without causing discomfort and without requiring complex or cumbersome dental cleaning procedures. Such a system could optionally complement or replace traditional systems, devices, and methods used to maintain a user's dental health.

[0010] Therefore, some embodiments described herein include a custom toothbrush device comprising a mouthpiece and a drive assembly. The mouthpiece is configured to be coupled to the drive assembly via at least two contact points (e.g., connection points). In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes at least two motors configured to transmit different (e.g., asymmetrical) motions to the mouthpiece.

[0011] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece has a customized size and / or shape and includes a customized cleaning tip. For example, the length, shape, stiffness, and material of the cleaning tip are customized for a particular user's dentition (e.g., jaw, mouth, and tooth geometry).

[0012] In some embodiments, the dental care device is configured to operate within a customizable range of vibration frequencies and / or within a customizable range of displacements (e.g., one or more portions of the dental care device) to ensure proper cleaning by using multiple motors to generate different types of motion, which, when arranged sequentially, ensure proper full-mouth cleaning. In some embodiments, the vibration frequencies include one or more frequencies within the acoustic range and / or one or more frequencies within the ultrasonic range.

[0013] In some embodiments, the dental care device is configured to collect personalized data to guide personalized treatment plans. In some embodiments, the personalized treatment plan includes multiple different frequencies selected based on the user's dental information. In some embodiments, the dental care device is configured to send feedback to the user's dental healthcare provider (e.g., to confirm that the user is adhering to a prescribed treatment plan, or for future diagnoses, prescriptions, and / or surgeries). In some embodiments, information about the user's dentition, as well as usage and feedback information from the dental care device, is automatically mined via AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) to identify and / or predict dental problems and / or problem areas.

[0014] Therefore, devices and systems are provided for the customization and improvement of dental health, thereby enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency, and user comfort when using such devices and systems. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To better understand the various embodiments described, reference will be made to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals refer to corresponding parts.

[0016] Figures 1A to 1C An exemplary mouthpiece of a custom toothbrush device according to some embodiments is shown.

[0017] Figures 2A to 2BAn exemplary drive component configured to be coupled to a mouthpiece according to some embodiments is shown.

[0018] Figures 3A to 3B An exemplary toothbrush device according to some embodiments is shown, the exemplary toothbrush device including a mouthpiece and a drive assembly.

[0019] Figures 4A to 4B Exemplary movement of a drive component is shown when the motor of the drive component is in operation, according to some embodiments.

[0020] Figure 5A to Figure 5B An exemplary movement of the custom toothbrush device during operation is shown according to some embodiments.

[0021] Figure 6 Exemplary movement of a custom toothbrush device (including a cleaning tray and cleaning elements) during operation is shown according to some embodiments.

[0022] Figures 7A to 7B An exemplary region is shown for grouping teeth and determining linear fit based on teeth within at least one region of the teeth.

[0023] Figures 8A to 8B An exemplary movement of the curved region of the mouth is shown, wherein the shapes of the outer and inner walls of the curved region change in a similar manner.

[0024] Figures 9A to 9B An exemplary movement of a curved region of the mouth is shown, wherein the shapes of the outer and inner walls of the curved region change in opposite ways.

[0025] By convention, various features illustrated in the accompanying drawings may not be drawn to scale. Therefore, for clarity, the dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily increased or decreased. Additionally, some drawings may not depict all components of a given system, method, or apparatus. Finally, similar reference numerals may be used throughout the specification and drawings to denote similar features. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments described. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various embodiments described can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0027] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, many modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The specific embodiments described herein are provided by way of example only, and this disclosure is limited only by the terms of the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents.

[0028] Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the support structure for a portion of the mouthpiece 101 of a custom toothbrush device (e.g., a portion of mouthpiece 100, as described below, wherein other portions of mouthpiece 100 have been removed for illustrative purposes) is shown. In the following description, "mouthpiece 100" is sometimes used interchangeably with "partial mouthpiece 101". For example, for illustrative purposes, Figure 1A Part of the mouthpiece 101 is shown, but Figure 1A Some descriptions refer to mouthpiece 100 (e.g., because the user will place mouthpiece 100 in the user's mouth, rather than part of mouthpiece 101). Figure 1A The support structure of the mouthpiece 101 includes: a right side portion 102 (e.g., corresponding to a portion of the mouthpiece 101, which is configured to receive the right side portion of the user's teeth and gums when the mouthpiece 100 is in use); and a left side portion 104 (e.g., corresponding to a portion of the mouthpiece 101, which is configured to receive the left side portion of the user's teeth and gums when the mouthpiece 100 is in use).

[0029] In some embodiments, the right portion 102 and / or the left portion 104 have a linear or tubular structure, such that the right portion 102 and / or the left portion 104 form an open loop. This minimizes the amount of material required to form the support structure of the partial nozzle 101 / nozzle 100, which helps to minimize the weight of the nozzle 100 and the cost of manufacturing the nozzle 100.

[0030] In some embodiments, the right portion 102 includes a connection point 110, and the left portion 104 includes a connection point 112. Connection points 110 and 112 are configured to attach to a drive assembly. In some embodiments, connection points 110 and 112 are configured to connect to or receive a separate (e.g., detachable) attachment mechanism (e.g., a magnet / magnetic material, hook, latch, or any other suitable attachment mechanism) for engagement with a corresponding attachment mechanism on the drive assembly (e.g., a corresponding attachment mechanism having two corresponding attachment points configured to engage with connection points 110 and 112), which allows the nozzle 100 to be manufactured (e.g., 3D printed) from a single material, followed by (e.g., after 3D printing) the insertion of the attachment mechanism.

[0031] In some embodiments, the shape of the right portion 102 and / or the left portion 104 is at least partially based on the teeth and / or gums of a user (e.g., a specific user for whom the mouth 100 is specifically customized). For example, a 3-D scan of the user's mouth (e.g., including the user's teeth and gums) is performed, and the 3-D scan is used to customize the mouth 100 (e.g., and / or Figure 1A The size and / or shape of the support structure of the part of the mouth 101 shown.

[0032] In some embodiments, the right portion 102 and the left portion 104 are connected via connectors 106 and 108. Connectors 106 and / or connector 108 are formed of a flexible material, allowing the right portion 102 and the left portion 104 to move independently (e.g., connectors 106 and 108 flex or bend to accommodate different movements of the right portion 102 and the left portion 104). In some embodiments, connectors 106 and / or connector 108 are integrally formed with the left portion 102 and the right portion 104, and optionally integrally formed of the same material. In some embodiments, connectors 106 and / or connector 108 are thinner (or smaller in size in at least one dimension, e.g., diameter) than the linear / tubular structure of the right portion 102 and / or the left portion 104 to improve the flexibility of connectors 106 and / or connector 108.

[0033] Figure 1B An example portion of the mouthpiece 101 (e.g., the support structure of the mouthpiece 100) is shown (e.g., after the support structure has been 3-D printed as a single integrated unit). Figure 1A and Figure 1B The illustration shows a portion of the mouthpiece 101 with a specific configuration, but those skilled in the art will understand that any suitable configuration can be used (e.g., a right region 102 and a left region 104 with any suitable shape, any suitable number of connectors and / or connection features between the right region 102 and the left region 104, and / or any number and / or any suitable connection points for connectors 106, connectors 108 and / or any additional connectors).

[0034] Figure 1CAn example mouthpiece 100 is shown, which includes a custom cleaning tray 600 and cleaning elements tailored to the user of the mouthpiece 100. In some embodiments, the cleaning tray 114 includes a custom cleaning element 116. In some embodiments, the cleaning tray 114 and / or the cleaning element 116 are customized based on the teeth and / or gums of a particular user. For example, the size and / or shape of the cleaning tray 114 are customized to fit the mouth of a particular user. For example, the size, length, angle, distribution, density, and / or shape of the cleaning element 116 are customized such that (e.g., all) the cleaning elements are configured to contact specific teeth and gums (e.g., to have consistent contact force across the cleaning elements to provide adequate cleaning of the user's teeth and / or gums during use of the mouthpiece 100).

[0035] In some embodiments, customization of the cleaning tray 114 and / or cleaning element 116 includes tailoring the positioning and / or characteristics of the cleaning element based on areas of concern or weak points identified in the user's corresponding dental arch. Areas of a particular user's teeth identified as actual or potential problem areas (e.g., areas suffering from cavities or early signs of cavities, or areas identified as particularly difficult to clean) may have increased bristle stiffness or density in the corresponding areas of the cleaning chamber 127. In such cases, a method for facilitating personalized dental cleaning in accordance with this disclosure may include: performing a dental scan of the user; identifying actual or potential problem areas based on the dental scan; and customizing the spatial arrangement and / or distribution of different types of cleaning elements (or cleaning elements with different physical properties) in the cleaning chamber 127 based on the identified problem areas.

[0036] In some embodiments, customization of the cleaning tray 114 includes: (e.g., based on the length of the dental arch of a particular user's mouth) customizing the length of the cleaning tray 114; (e.g., based on the width of the dental arch of a particular user's mouth) customizing the width of the cleaning tray 114; customizing the distance between the outer boundary wall and the inner boundary wall of the cleaning tray 114; customizing the density of one or more surfaces of the cleaning tray 114; and / or customizing the internal structure of the cleaning tray 114 (e.g., using a mesh or lattice structure for the respective surfaces instead of using solid surfaces).

[0037] In some embodiments, customization of the cleaning element 116 includes: customizing the length of one or more cleaning elements of the cleaning element 116 to ensure that the cleaning element reaches the surface of a particular user's teeth (e.g., and / or including an "interference distance" in which the length of the cleaning element extends beyond the surface of the particular user's teeth); customizing the spacing between the cleaning elements of the cleaning element 116; customizing the diameter of one or more cleaning elements of the cleaning element 116; customizing the taper of one or more cleaning elements of the cleaning element 116; customizing the angle of one or more cleaning elements of the cleaning element 116 (e.g., relative to the surface of the cleaning tray 114); customizing the density of one or more cleaning elements of the cleaning element 116; customizing the surface texture (or pattern) of one or more cleaning elements of the cleaning element 116; customizing the cross-section of one or more cleaning elements of the cleaning element 116; customizing the spatial distribution of the cleaning element 116; and / or customizing the material composition of one or more cleaning elements of the cleaning element 116.

[0038] In some embodiments, each cleaning element in the cleaning element 116 is individually customized based on a specific user's mouth (e.g., the shape, size, position, and spacing of the tooth surfaces of the teeth in the specific user's mouth; the interproximal distance between the teeth of the specific user; one or more missing teeth in the specific user's mouth; the gingival condition of the specific user's mouth; the enamel condition of one or more teeth in the specific user's mouth; the presence of dental appliances in the specific user's mouth; the presence of one or more third molars in the specific user's mouth; the presence of dental hardware (such as inlays, high inlays, crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, etc.) in the specific user's mouth; the width of the specific user's teeth; and the gingival health of the specific user's mouth). In some embodiments, each cleaning element in the cleaning element 116 is individually customized by selecting values ​​of physical properties of the cleaning element. In some embodiments, such individual customization includes selecting corresponding values ​​of physical properties of each corresponding cleaning element in the cleaning element 116 such that the corresponding cleaning element in the cleaning element 116 contacts the corresponding teeth of the specific user's mouth with a predetermined amount of contact force (e.g., 0 Newtons to 12 Newtons). In some embodiments, the predetermined amount of contact force is selected based on efficacy (e.g., to ensure that the set of cleaning elements can effectively clean the user's teeth), comfort (e.g., similar to a soft and firm toothbrush), and / or the specific needs and requirements of the user. In some embodiments, this individual customization includes selecting a corresponding value for the physical properties of each respective cleaning element in the cleaning elements 116 such that the respective cleaning element in the cleaning elements 116 contacts the corresponding teeth of the user's mouth with a predetermined amount of overlap. In some embodiments, this predetermined amount of contact force and / or this predetermined amount of overlap is achieved by customizing the amount of interference distance. In some embodiments, each cleaning element has the same interference distance. In some embodiments, the interference distance is customized for each cleaning element or subset of cleaning elements (e.g., a cleaning element corresponding to a sensitive area of ​​a specific user's mouth may have a smaller interference distance than a cleaning element corresponding to other areas of the user's mouth).

[0039] Additional customizations related to the cleaning tray 114 and / or cleaning element 116 are described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 443,357 and U.S. Patent No. 11,213,118, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0040] In some embodiments, the cleaning tray 114 and cleaning element 116 are integrally formed (e.g., 3D printed) with a support structure (e.g., right side portion 102, left side portion 104, first connector 10 and second connector 108), such that the nozzle 100 is formed as a single integrated unit. In some embodiments, the cleaning tray 114 and cleaning element 116 are integrally formed (e.g., 3D printed) as a single integrated unit, but not integrally formed with the support structure. In some embodiments, the cleaning tray 114 (together with the cleaning element 116) is 3D printed onto the support structure. In some embodiments, the cleaning tray 114 (including the cleaning element 116) is fastened or secured to a support plate (e.g., after the cleaning tray 114 and the support structure are 3D printed separately). In some embodiments, since the cleaning tray 114 and the cleaning element 116 will need to be replaced over time (e.g., the cleaning element 116 will wear down over time due to repeated contact with the user's teeth during use of the mouthpiece 100), manufacturing the cleaning tray 114 and the cleaning element 116 separately minimizes the amount of material required to manufacture replacement parts for the mouthpiece 100 (e.g., this also reduces the cost of manufacturing and / or maintaining the mouthpiece 100).

[0041] In some embodiments, the cleaning element is configured to contact the user's teeth but not the user's gums (e.g., to prevent gum discomfort and / or allow gum healing). In some embodiments, the cleaning element is configured to contact both the user's teeth and the user's gums (e.g., to improve gum health), and optionally, the cleaning element configured to contact the user's gums is configured differently from the cleaning element configured to contact the user's teeth (e.g., the cleaning element configured to contact the user's gums is softer, thicker, and / or more rounded to minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of damaging the user's gums). In some embodiments, the cleaning element is configured to clean (e.g., and optionally contact) the interface between teeth and gums (e.g., the area in the user's mouth where teeth and gums meet).

[0042] Although Figure 1C While not visible in the foreground, in some embodiments, the mouthpiece 100 includes at least one additional cleaning tray similar to cleaning tray 114 (e.g., a cleaning element having a cleaning element similar to cleaning element 116). For example, Figure 1CA "top" cleaning tray 114 is depicted, configured to receive the user's upper teeth and upper gums (e.g., and optionally, cleaning elements 116 are customized based on the user's upper teeth and upper gums). The mouthpiece 100 also includes a "bottom" cleaning tray configured to receive the user's lower teeth and lower gums (e.g., and optionally, cleaning elements of the bottom cleaning tray are customized based on the user's lower teeth and lower gums). In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 100 is customized based on a 3-D dental scan of the user's teeth. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 100 is partially customized based on a portion of a 3-D dental scan of the user's teeth (e.g., some, but not all, of a 3-D dental scan of the user's teeth).

[0043] Figure 2A A schematic diagram of a drive assembly 200 configured to engage with a nozzle 100 is shown. The drive assembly 200 includes a connection point 206 within a housing 208, configured to engage with a connection point 110 on the nozzle 100. Connection point 206 is connected to a motor 204 configured to drive (e.g., move) connection point 206 within the housing 208 along axis 216 (e.g., back and forth). The drive assembly 200 also includes a connection point 214 within a housing 212, configured to engage with connection point 112 on the nozzle 100. Connection point 214 is connected to a motor 210 configured to drive (e.g., move) connection point 214 within the housing 212 along axis 218 (e.g., back and forth).

[0044] Motors 204 and 210 are housed within a housing 202, which also includes a battery 220. In some embodiments, the drive assembly 200 includes a display 224 (e.g., for displaying instructions and / or status information regarding the customized toothbrush device) and a button 222 (e.g., for operating the drive assembly 200). In some embodiments, the display 224 and button 222 are included on the outer surface of the housing 202, and... Figure 2A The diagram is shown with dotted lines (for example, because the surface of housing 202 including display 224 and button 222 will not be visible in the schematic diagram of drive assembly 200).

[0045] In some embodiments, motors 204 and 210 are offset by an angle of 17.5 degrees (e.g., the angle between axis 216 and the vertical axis is 17.5 degrees, the angle between axis 218 and the vertical axis is 17.5 degrees, and the angle between axis 216 and axis 218 is 35 degrees). In some embodiments, motors 204 and 210 are offset by another suitable angle (e.g., 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, or 25 degrees from the vertical axis, corresponding to 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, or 50 degrees between motor 204 / axis 216 and motor 210 / axis 218). In some embodiments, motors 204 and 210 are angled between 10 degrees and 25 degrees. In some embodiments, motors 204 and 210 are angled between 10 degrees and 20 degrees. In some embodiments, the angles of motor 204 and / or motor 210 are adjustable (e.g., adjustable to an offset angle between 0 and 25 degrees or between 0 and 20 degrees; or adjustable to an offset angle between 10 and 20 degrees or between 10 and 25 degrees). In some embodiments, motor 204 and motor 210 are angled at least in part based on the user's teeth (e.g., dental arch).

[0046] In some embodiments, motor 204 and / or motor 210 are connected to a portion of housing 202 via an adjustable connection point (e.g., a pivot point) that allows adjustment of the offset angle of motor 204 and / or motor 210. In some embodiments, motor 204 and / or motor 210 are connected to each other via an adjustable connector (e.g., that allows adjustment of the angle of motor 204 relative to motor 210, and / or allows simultaneous adjustment of the offset angles of both motor 204 and motor 210).

[0047] In some embodiments, motors 204 and 210 are managed by the same motor controller, and motors 214 and 210 are driven at the same speed but in opposite directions. In some embodiments, motors 204 and 210 are the same type of motor (e.g., the same motor), but motor 204 is connected to the power supply with a first polarity, while motor 210 is connected to the power supply with a polarity opposite to the first polarity (e.g., causing components of motors 210 and 204 to move in opposite directions).

[0048] In some embodiments, the drive assembly 200 includes one or more counterweights (not shown) configured to counteract the movement of motors 204 and 210. In some embodiments, the counterweights are configured to counteract the combined movement of motors 204 and 210 (e.g., because if motors 204 and 210 are configured to operate 180 degrees out of phase, motor 204 may already partially counteract the movement of motor 210). This helps to minimize the amount of movement (e.g., vibration) transmitted to the user of the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece 100 is coupled to the drive assembly 200 (e.g., to reduce vibration throughout the user's head and / or in areas other than the user's mouth). In some embodiments, the drive assembly 200 includes one or more damping elements (e.g., padding or cushioning, springs, and / or shock-absorbing materials) located between motors 204 and 210 and housing 202.

[0049] In some embodiments, the drive assembly 200 includes memory for storing different vibration frequencies, amplitudes, and / or patterns (e.g., drive profiles). In some embodiments, the vibration frequencies, amplitudes, and / or patterns change according to a preset drive profile during a cleaning cycle. In some embodiments, one or more drive profiles (e.g., for user comfort and / or based on user preference) are user-configurable. In some embodiments, one or more drive profiles are configured by a dental professional (e.g., a dentist) to ensure proper cleaning of the user's teeth and / or gums. In some embodiments, motor 204 and / or motor 210 are configured to generate vibration frequencies within the acoustic and / or ultrasonic ranges. Additional details regarding drive profiles are described in U.S. Patent No. 10,869,541, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0050] In some embodiments, the drive assembly 200 (e.g., motor 204 and / or motor 210 of the drive assembly 200) is configured (e.g., optionally, according to a preset drive profile) to generate a specific vibration frequency, amplitude, and / or pattern, wherein the specific vibration frequency, amplitude, and / or pattern is selected so that the mouthpiece 100 exhibits a specific “vibration pattern” (e.g., motion pattern). For example, motor 204 and / or motor 210 are configured to operate at a specific vibration frequency that causes the two ends of the U-shape of the mouthpiece 100 to move together in alternating upward and downward movements (e.g., back and forth in the vertical direction). Other examples of vibration modes include: vibration modes in which the two ends of the U-shape move in opposite directions (e.g., when one end moves upward, the other end moves downward, and vice versa); vibration modes in which the two ends of the U-shape move together (or in opposite directions) in a left-right motion (e.g., back and forth in the horizontal direction); and / or vibration modes in which the two ends of the U-shape rotate in a clockwise (or counterclockwise) direction (e.g., about the z-axis extending from the end of the U-shape to the bottom / bowl-shaped portion of the U-shape) (e.g., the two ends of the U-shape rotate in the same direction, or the different ends of the U-shape rotate in opposite directions). Additional details regarding vibration modes are described in U.S. Application No. 17 / 865,363, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0051] In some embodiments, the driver component 200 includes communication circuitry for communicating with external devices. For example, the driver component 200 may transmit information to (and / or receive information from) a smartphone device (e.g., to allow a user to control the driver component 200 and / or adjust one or more settings of the driver component 200 via the smartphone device). For example, the driver component 200 may receive information from a personal computer (and / or another electronic device with Internet access) to provide firmware updates and / or (e.g., remotely and / or via the Internet from a dental professional) one or more driver profiles.

[0052] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 100 includes one or more sensors (not shown) configured to collect usage data and / or biometric data related to the user's teeth and gums. In some embodiments, the drive component 200 stores the collected data and may provide summary information (e.g., about the user's brushing habits) to the user's smartphone and / or to dental professionals (e.g., to help develop personalized dental treatment plans and / or better track the user's dental health and / or identify dental problems). In some embodiments, the collected data may be mined and / or analyzed using artificial intelligence (AI) and / or machine learning (ML) algorithms to identify and / or predict dental problems and / or problem areas (e.g., plaque buildup, cavities, and / or gum recession) in the user's teeth and / or gums.

[0053] Figure 2B An exemplary drive assembly 200 is shown (e.g., where a portion of housing 202 has been removed to expose motor 204 and motor 210). For ease of illustration and description, Figure 2A and Figure 2B A drive assembly 200 with two motors (e.g., motor 204 and motor 210) is shown. In some embodiments, the drive assembly 200 includes different numbers of motors (e.g., one motor, three motors, four motors, etc.). In some embodiments, each motor is connected to a corresponding connection point (e.g., three motors and three connection points, where each motor is connected to a different connection point). In some embodiments, the number of motors and the number of connection points are different (e.g., one motor is connected to two connection points), and various mechanisms (e.g., motor shafts, gears, arms, or any other suitable components) connect the motors to the connection points (e.g., to achieve the connection described below). Figures 4A to 6 (The described motion is similar to the motion described).

[0054] In some embodiments, the drive assembly 200 includes one or more sensors (not shown) configured to determine a user's bite force (e.g., the bite force applied to the mouthpiece 100) when the drive assembly 200 is connected to the mouthpiece 100. Determining the user's bite force can help in mouthpiece design (e.g., mouthpiece design for future mouthpieces and / or replacement mouthpieces to improve comfort and / or efficacy based on the force a user typically bites the mouthpiece with), and / or help determine the optimal drive frequency and / or drive pattern for optimal movement of the cleaning elements in the mouthpiece 100.

[0055] Including one or more sensors in the drive assembly 200 allows for the determination of the bite force applied by the user, without requiring sensors to be included in the mouthpiece 100 itself. This reduces the cost and complexity of manufacturing the mouthpiece 100, as it requires more frequent replacements compared to the drive assembly 200. It also reduces the risk of damaging the associated sensors, as sensors included in the mouthpiece 100 are more susceptible to exposure to moisture (e.g., moisture from water, saliva, toothpaste, and / or cleaning fluids). A non-exhaustive list of exemplary sensors is provided below.

[0056] In some embodiments, the drive assembly 200 includes one or more accelerometers for determining motion changes of the drive assembly (e.g., the change in motion between the default motion of the drive assembly 200 (such as when the drive assembly 200 is not connected to the mouthpiece 100 and / or when the user is not biting the mouthpiece 100) and when the drive assembly is connected to the mouthpiece 100 and the user is biting the mouthpiece 100). In some embodiments, the drive assembly 200 includes one or more current sensors for determining a power increase or decrease based on the motor load (of one or more motors in the drive assembly 200). In some embodiments, the drive assembly 200 includes one or more microphones for determining changes in motor pitch as the load on one or more motors of the drive assembly 200 changes. In some embodiments, the drive assembly 200 includes one or more physical mechanisms that have a defined amount of deflection and / or movement under a known load (e.g., and changes in the amount of deflection and / or movement can be used to determine the load on one or more motors of the drive assembly 200).

[0057] Figure 3A A custom toothbrush device 300 is shown, comprising a mouthpiece 100 and a drive assembly 200. For illustrative purposes, the mouthpiece 100 is represented by a portion of the mouthpiece 101 (e.g., in FIG. 1), and internal components of the drive assembly 200 are also illustrated. The mouthpiece 100 is connected to the drive assembly at two different connection points (e.g., as shown by the locations of connection points 110 and 112 of the mouthpiece 100).

[0058] Figure 3B A custom toothbrush device 300 is shown, which includes a mouthpiece 100 (e.g., the mouthpiece includes a cleaning tray 114 and a cleaning element 116) and a drive assembly 20-0 (e.g., where a portion of the housing 202 of the drive assembly 200 has been removed for illustrative purposes to show the internal components of the drive assembly 200).

[0059] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 100 is not customized (e.g., based on a default design and / or configuration) and / or is only partially customized (e.g., parts of the mouthpiece 100 are customized, but other parts of the mouthpiece 100 use a default design and / or configuration). In some embodiments, the non-customized or partially customized mouthpiece 100 can be manufactured in a variety of different sizes (e.g., 10 to 40 different sizes). This allows users to try out the customized toothbrush device 300 without obtaining (e.g., and paying for) a 3-D dental scan and / or the manufacture / 3-D printing of the customized mouthpiece, and also allows users to try out different sizes of mouthpieces to find a comfortable size (e.g., without the need to manufacture / 3-D print fully customized mouthpieces of different sizes). This, in turn, reduces costs for users (e.g., they can try out the customized toothbrush device 300 without paying all the upfront costs for full customization), simplifies the customization process (e.g., users can determine the correct size of the mouthpiece before any customization is made), and reduces product waste (e.g., minimizing the number of mouthpieces required to achieve optimal and / or comfortable fit for the user).

[0060] Figures 4A to 4B The movement of connection points 206 and 214 is shown when the drive component 200 is in operation. Figure 4A In this configuration, motor 204 moves connection point 208 closer to motor 204 along axis 216. Simultaneously, motor 210 moves connection point 214 away from motor 210 along axis 218. In other words, there is a simultaneous (e.g., via motor 210) pushing and (e.g., via motor 204) pulling, and motors 210 and 204 alternate between pushing and pulling (e.g., after motor 210 pushes and motor 204 pulls, motor 210 then pulls and motor 204 then pushes).

[0061] exist Figure 4B In this configuration, motor 204 causes connection point 208 to move away from motor 204 along axis 216, while motor 210 causes connection point 214 to move closer to motor 210 along axis 218. Figure 4B The state shown begins, then motor 204 moves connection point 206 back toward motor 204, and motor 210 moves connection point 214 away from motor 210 (e.g., motors 204 and 210 continue to move their respective connection points back). Figure 4A (as shown in the image). Motors 204 and 210 continue to move connection points 206 and 214 respectively in a back-and-forth motion (e.g., connection points at...). Figure 4A and Figure 4B (The positions shown alternate).

[0062] Figure 5A to Figure 5BThe diagram illustrates the movement of connection points 110 and 112 (e.g., together with connection points 206 and 212 of the drive assembly 200) when the mouthpiece 100 (represented by a portion of the mouthpiece 101 for illustrative purposes) is coupled to the drive assembly 200 (e.g., to complete the custom toothbrush device 300) and the custom toothbrush device 300 is in operation. (See Figures 5A to...) Figure 5B In the diagram, motors 204 and 210, connection points 206 and 214, and housings 208 and 212 are shown in dotted line outlines for reference. This is because these features are partially covered by the mouthpiece 100, and / or because these features are internal components of the drive assembly 200 (e.g., parts of housing 212 in FIG. 5A and...). Figure 5B These features are generally not visible, except for the portion of the housing 208 in the middle.

[0063] Motors 204 and 210 are referenced above. Figures 4A to 4B The same manner described causes connection points 206 and 214 to move. When connection points 110 and 112 are connected to connection points 206 and 214, motors 2014 and 210 also cause the mouthpiece 100 to move.

[0064] In Figure 5A, motor 204 moves connection point 206 toward motor 204, which also moves connection point 110 of mouthpiece 100 (e.g., and therefore the right side portion 102 of mouthpiece 100) closer to drive assembly 200. Motor 210 moves connection point 214 away from motor 210, which also moves connection point 112 (e.g., and therefore the left side portion 104 of mouthpiece 100) away from drive assembly 200. As the right side portion 102 and the left side portion 104 of mouthpiece 100 (e.g., independently of each other) move, connectors 106 and 108 flex (e.g., bend).

[0065] exist Figure 5B In this process, motor 204 moves connection point 206 away from motor 204, which also moves connection point 110 of mouthpiece 100 (e.g., and therefore the right side portion 102 of mouthpiece 100) away from drive assembly 200. Motor 210 moves connection point 214 toward motor 210, which also moves connection point 112 (e.g., and therefore the left side portion 104 of mouthpiece 100) toward drive assembly 200. As the right side portion 102 and the left side portion 104 of mouthpiece 100 (e.g., independently of each other) move, connectors 106 and 108 (e.g., in the opposite manner to that in FIG. 5A) flex.

[0066] The alternating movement of the right side portion 102 and the left side portion 104 of the mouthpiece 100 (driven by different motors, such as motor 204 and motor 210 respectively) causes the cleaning element 116 of the mouthpiece 100 to move in a manner similar to the conventional brushing motion of a non-electric toothbrush. This alternating movement transfers energy (e.g., vibratory movement) to the mouthpiece 100 more efficiently, providing a more effective cleaning of the user's teeth.

[0067] In some embodiments, the nozzle 100 includes (e.g., two) flexible sleeves that contain connection points 110 and 112, and the flexible sleeves are configured to remain substantially stationary while other portions of the nozzle 100 move. When the support structure of the nozzle 100 is as follows... Figure 5A and Figure 5B During the movement shown, the flexible sleeve remains in contact with housings 208 and 212 (e.g., and / or housing 202 of drive assembly 200). This allows mouthpiece 100 to be driven by motors 204 and 210 while protecting the moving elements of the custom toothbrush device 300 (e.g., connection point 206 within housing 208 and connection point 214 within housing 212) from exposure to toothpaste, saliva, and / or water, which could negatively impact the degrees of freedom of movement of these parts of the custom toothbrush device 300.

[0068] Figure 5A to Figure 5B Only the support structure of the mouthpiece 100 is shown (e.g., Figure 1A (The supporting structure of the mouthpiece 100) is shown to better illustrate its movement. For illustrative purposes, Figures 5A to 5B are exaggerated. Figure 5B The movement is shown. In some embodiments, motors 204 and 210 are configured to move connection points 206 and 214 on a millimeter scale, such that the distance between the two extremes of the movement of the connection points is 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.75 mm, or 1 mm (e.g., the connection points move / shift from the center position and / or default position by + / - 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.25 mm, or 0.375 mm). In some embodiments, motors 204 and 210 are configured to move connection points 206 and 214 at least in part based on the amount of size and / or distance between the cleaning elements of cleaning element 116. For example, if the cleaning element 116 has an average pitch of 1 mm to 1.1 mm, the motors 204 and 210 are configured to move the connection points 206 and 214 by 0.75 mm, which (e.g., based on the pitch of the cleaning element 216) will transmit a sufficient amount of movement to the cleaning element 216 to clean the user's teeth without causing discomfort to the user due to the large movement of the mouthpiece 100.

[0069] Figure 6The movement of the mouthpiece 100 is shown, the mouthpiece including Figure 1C The dental tray 114 and cleaning element 116 are shown. Figure 6 In (a), reference line 600 marks the position of corner 602 of mouthpiece 100 (e.g., the inner rear corner of the right side portion). Figure 6 In (a), reference line 604 marks the position of corner 606 of mouthpiece 100 (e.g., the outer rear corner of the left portion). Figure 6 In (b), corner 602 moves above reference line 600, while corner 606 moves below reference line 604. Figure 6 In (c), corner 602 returns to a position close to reference line 600 (e.g., Figure 6 (a) The position of corner 602 and Figure 6 (c) The position of corner 602 is basically the same, and corner 606 returns to a position close to reference line 604 (e.g., Figure 6 (a) The position of corner 604 and Figure 6 (c) The position of corner 604 is basically the same.

[0070] Figures 7A to 7B The illustration shows an exemplary set of teeth 700 for a particular user, and, according to some embodiments, how this set of teeth 700 can be used to help design and customize a mouthpiece for a particular user.

[0071] Figure 7A In this set of teeth 700, the group is divided into three distinct regions. The first region 730 includes the left molars 702, 704, 706, and 706 (hereinafter referred to as "left molars in teeth 700"). The second region 732 includes the non-molars, including teeth 710, 712, 714, 716, 718, and 720 (hereinafter referred to as "anterior teeth in teeth 700"). The third region 734 includes the right molars 722, 724, 726, and 728 (hereinafter referred to as "right molars in teeth 700").

[0072] In some embodiments, a customized mouthpiece (e.g., as referenced above) Figure 1A The description of mouthpiece 100 and / or the above reference Figure 6The mouthpiece 600 described is divided into three regions, corresponding to regions 730, 732, and 743. In some embodiments, these three regions (e.g., for the purpose of grouping and organizing the user's teeth) are conceptual and are not reflected in the actual manufacture or production of the custom mouthpiece (e.g., mouthpiece 100 is manufactured / produced as a single, integrated mouthpiece, rather than as three distinct segments corresponding to regions 730, 732, and 734).

[0073] The portions of the mouthpiece corresponding to regions 730 and 734 are configured to move in a predominantly linear manner (e.g., because minimal curvature is reflected in the positions of the left and right molars of tooth 700). The direction of this linear movement can be customized based on the teeth of a specific user, as described in further detail below. The portion of the mouthpiece corresponding to region 732 is configured to move with a curved (e.g., circular and / or elliptical) movement to take into account the curvature of the anterior teeth in tooth 700.

[0074] Figure 7B An enlarged view of the right molar in tooth 700 is shown. Figure 7B An exemplary approximation of a linear fit for the right molar in tooth 700 (in and / or corresponding to region 734) is also shown. Figure 7B As shown, the linear fit can be calculated based on the centroid of each molar in the right molars of tooth 700 (e.g., calculated by a computer based on a 3-D dental scan of the user's molars or another electronic representation of tooth 700). For example, molar 722 has a centroid 736, molar 724 has a centroid 738, molar 726 has a centroid 740, and molar 728 has a centroid 742. The linear fit 738 (e.g., linear regression or best-fit line) is determined based on centroids 736, 738, 740, and 742. In some embodiments, the linear fit 738 can be adjusted (e.g., by a dental professional or manually by a particular user) to achieve better fit and / or improved comfort when the mouthpiece is in use. A similar method to that described above for the right molars in tooth 700 is used to calculate the corresponding linear fit for the left molars in tooth 700.

[0075] In some embodiments, as referenced below Figures 8A to 9B In more detail, linear fitting 738 (e.g., at least partially) is used to determine the angles of one or more parts of a custom mouthpiece (e.g., Figure 1A and Figure 5A to Figure 5B The angles of the right portion 102 and / or the left portion 104 of the mouthpiece 100 and / or the angles of the motor of the drive assembly (e.g., Figure 2A and Figure 5A to Figure 5B The motor 204 of the drive assembly 200 is configured to drive the right portion 102 along a direction parallel to the linear fit 738; and the motor 210 of the drive assembly 200 is configured to drive the left portion 102 along a direction parallel to the linear fit calculated for the left molar in the teeth 700. In some embodiments, the motor of the drive assembly is configured to drive a portion of the mouthpiece along a direction substantially (e.g., but not precisely) parallel to the linear fit 738 and / or the linear fit calculated for the left molar in the teeth 700 (e.g., the applied force vector corresponding to the motor of the drive assembly is substantially parallel to the linear fit). In some embodiments, suitable movement of the mouthpiece 100 can be achieved if the applied force vector corresponding to the motor is within + / - 30 degrees of the corresponding linear fit. In some embodiments, the applied force vector corresponding to the motor deviates from the corresponding linear fit by less than + / - 5 degrees.

[0076] Figures 8A to 8B A simplified view of the mouthpiece 100 is shown when it is in motion (e.g., driven by the drive assembly 200). For clarity of illustration, Figure 8A The outline of the mouthpiece 100 (e.g., outer and inner walls) is shown, but other details of the mouthpiece 100 (e.g., Figure 1A Other features shown). For ease of discussion, the term "arc" is used to describe the state of one or more walls of the mouthpiece 100, but it should be understood that in some embodiments, the actual state of one or more walls is not arc-shaped in the precise sense (e.g., but has a more complex and / or irregular curvature, but can be approximated by arc).

[0077] exist Figure 8A In the simplified representation, the mouthpiece is shown in three parts. Regions 730, 732, and 734 cover the mouthpiece 100 to provide teeth 700 ( Figures 7A to 7B This refers to which teeth (in the middle) will be located in which parts of the mouth 100. These areas can also be used to describe the three different areas of the mouth.

[0078] Mouth 100 includes two (e.g., essentially) linear regions corresponding to regions 730 and 734. The left linear region corresponding to region 730 includes wall 808 (e.g., a portion of the outer wall or facet wall of mouth 100) and wall 802 (e.g., a portion of the inner wall or tongue wall of mouth 100). The right linear region corresponding to region 734 includes wall 804 (e.g., a portion of the outer wall or facet wall of mouth 100) and wall 806 (e.g., a portion of the inner wall or tongue wall of mouth 100).

[0079] Mouth 100 also includes a curved region corresponding to region 732, which includes a curved wall 808 (e.g., a portion of the outer wall or sidewall of mouth 100) and a curved wall 810 (e.g., a portion of the inner wall or tongue sidewall of mouth 100). Figure 8A In the middle, the shapes of curved wall 808 and curved wall 810 are symmetrical about the vertical axis.

[0080] Figure 8B A simplified view of the mouthpiece is shown when it is in motion (e.g., driven by drive component 200). Figure 8B The state shown is similar to Figure 5B The state shown (in more detail), but Figure 8B Provides a curved portion for the mouthpiece (with) Figure 8A A clearer illustration of the state changes of walls 808 and 810 in region 732 (corresponding to region 732).

[0081] like Figure 8B As shown, the left linear segment of the mouth moves "upward" (e.g., along direction 812), while the right linear segment of the mouth moves "downward" (e.g., along direction 814). Walls 808 and 810 change shape (e.g., bend and / or deform) to accommodate the movement of the left and right linear segments. Walls 808 and 810 no longer exhibit... Figure 8A Vertical symmetry in.

[0082] Conversely, the shape of the portion of wall 808 in the left-side region 816 and the portion of wall 810 in that left-side region changes (e.g., with) Figure 8A In comparison, Figure 8B In the left region 816, the curvature of walls 808 and 810 is increased, making walls 808 and 810 appear more curved relative to walls 800 and 802, respectively; and / or the radii of walls 808 and 810 are reduced. For comparison, the dashed arc in the left region 816 shows the original shape of wall 808 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 8A (as shown) a portion, and the dotted lines indicate the original shape of wall 810 (e.g., as shown). Figure 8A (as shown) is part of it.

[0083] The shapes of the portion of wall 808 in right-side region 818 and the portion of wall 810 in that right-side region also change (e.g., with...). Figure 8A In comparison, Figure 8B In the right-hand region 818, the curvature of walls 808 and 810 is increased, making walls 808 and 810 appear less curved relative to walls 800 and 802, respectively; and / or the radii of walls 808 and 810 are reduced; and / or with Figure 8A In comparison, Figure 8BIn the middle, the radii of walls 808 and 810 increase. For comparison, the dashed arc in the left region 816 shows the original shape of wall 808 (e.g., as shown). Figure 8A (as shown) a portion, and the dotted lines indicate the original shape of wall 810 (e.g., as shown). Figure 8A (as shown) is part of it.

[0084] Changing the shape of walls 808 and 810 allows different cleaning elements positioned along walls 808 and 810 to move at different speeds. For example, a cleaning element along wall 810 in region 818 will move faster than a cleaning element along wall 810 in region 802 (e.g., a faster movement is required to traverse the larger radius of the arc of wall 810 in region 818). Additionally, a cleaning element along wall 810 will move differently than a cleaning element along wall 808 (e.g., because the radius of wall 808 is different from the radius of wall 810, a different amount of movement is required).

[0085] Although Figure 8B The description describes a specific state of the mouthpiece 100 in use (e.g., the left linear segment moves closer to the front of the mouthpiece including walls 808 and 810, and the right linear segment moves further away from the front of the mouthpiece including walls 808 and 810), but when connected to the drive assembly 200 (e.g., and when driven by the drive assembly 200), the mouthpiece 100 (e.g., the left linear portion and the right linear portion of the mouthpiece 100) is configured to move back and forth in an alternating pattern (e.g., the left linear portion alternates between moving along direction 812 and moving in the opposite direction to direction 812, and the right linear portion alternates between moving along direction 814 and moving in the opposite direction to direction 814). Figure 8B It describes the state of the mouthpiece 100 at a specific extreme of its range of motion, while at the opposite extreme of the range of motion, Figure 8B The description is reversed. Refer to Figures 5A to 5B above. Figure 5B Additional details about alternating motion are described.

[0086] exist Figures 8A to 8BIn this configuration, walls 800 and 802 are configured to move in substantially the same direction (e.g., along direction 812), and walls 806 and 804 are configured to move in substantially the same direction (e.g., along direction 814). In some embodiments, the left linear segment includes an attachment or bridging element connecting walls 800 and 802, and the right linear segment includes an attachment or bridging element along with walls 804 and 806. In contrast, no attachment or bridging element connects walls 808 and 810, thereby allowing walls 808 and 810 to move independently of each other and providing structural flexibility to the left and right linear segments of the mouthpiece 100 to move along directions 812 and 814 (e.g., without substantially altering the shape of the left and / or right linear segments of the mouthpiece 100).

[0087] In some embodiments, (e.g., at least) two motors of the drive assembly 200 are configured to transfer energy to move walls 802, 803, 804, and 806, as referenced above. Figures 8A to 8B As described. For example, one motor drives walls 800 and 802 to move along direction 812, and a second motor drives walls 804 and 806 to move along direction 814. In some embodiments, the two motors are configured to drive 180 degrees out of phase (e.g., moving alternately and / or in opposite directions relative to each other). In some embodiments, the two motors are configured to drive 30 to 180 degrees out of phase (e.g., the two motors are staggered and do not necessarily move in an alternative and / or opposite manner relative to each other).

[0088] In some embodiments, more than two motors of the drive assembly 200 are connected to the mouthpiece (e.g., a first motor drives wall 800 to move along direction 812, a second motor drives wall 802 to move along direction 812, a third motor drives wall 806 to move along direction 814, and a fourth motor drives wall 804 to move along direction 814). In some embodiments, any suitable number of motors and / or connection points can be used to achieve the movement of the aforementioned walls 800, 802, 804, and 806.

[0089] Figures 9A to 9B Similar to Figures 8A to 8B However, the illustration shows the alternating movement of the walls of the mouth 100. For example... Figure 9A As shown, in some embodiments, walls 800 and 802 in region 730 are configured to move in opposite directions (e.g., wall 800 moves in direction 900 while wall 802 moves in direction 812), and walls 804 and 806 in region 734 are configured to move in opposite directions (e.g., wall 804 moves in direction 814 while wall 806 moves in direction 902).

[0090] like Figure 9B As shown, the shapes of walls 808 and 810 were altered to accommodate the movement of walls 800, 802, 804, and 806. (And...) Figure 8B (Where the shape of the portion of wall 808 in region 816 and the portion of wall 810 in that region changes in a similar manner (e.g., in region 816, the curvature of both wall 808 and wall 810 increases; and / or the radius of both wall 808 and wall 810 decreases)) compared to Figure 9B In this process, the portion of wall 808 in region 816 and the portion of wall 810 in that region change shape in opposite ways (e.g., in region 816, the curvature of wall 808 decreases while the curvature of wall 810 increases; and / or the radius of wall 808 increases while the radius of wall 810 decreases).

[0091] The shape of the portion of wall 808 in region 818 and the portion of wall 810 in that region are similarly changed in opposite ways (e.g., in region 818, the curvature of wall 808 increases while the curvature of wall 810 decreases; and / or the radius of wall 808 decreases while the radius of wall 810 increases).

[0092] Although Figure 9B The description describes the specific state of the mouthpiece 100 during use. Figure 9B It describes the state of the mouthpiece 100 at a specific extreme of its range of motion, while at the opposite extreme of the range of motion, Figure 9B The description is reversed. Refer to Figures 5A to 5B above. Figure 5B Additional details about alternating motion are described.

[0093] In some embodiments, four motors of the drive assembly 200 are connected to the mouthpiece (e.g., a first motor drives wall 800 to move in direction 900, a second motor drives wall 802 to move in direction 812, a third motor drives wall 806 to move in direction 814, and a fourth motor drives wall 804 to move in direction 902). In some embodiments, any suitable number of motors and / or connection points can be used to achieve the movement of the aforementioned walls 800, 802, 804, and 806 (e.g., more than four motors of the drive assembly 200 are connected to the mouthpiece at four or more connection points on the mouthpiece 100).

[0094] In some embodiments, the four motors are divided into two pairs, and these two pairs are configured to drive 180 degrees out of phase (e.g., one pair of motors moves in a first direction, while the second pair of motors moves in the opposite direction to the first direction). In some embodiments, these two pairs are configured to drive 30 to 180 degrees out of phase (e.g., the movements of the two pairs of motors are staggered).

[0095] The terminology used in this specification of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated enumerated items. It will be further understood that when the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising” are used in this specification, they specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0096] For purposes of explanation, the foregoing description has been illustrated with reference to specific embodiments. However, the above illustrative discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. These embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and its various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the intended particular use.

Claims

1. A personalized toothbrush device, comprising: The drive mechanism includes: First motor connection point; Second motor connection point; and One or more motors; A custom nozzle, configured to connect with the drive mechanism, the custom nozzle comprising: A first region, the first region including a first mouthpiece connection point, the first mouthpiece connection point being configured to be connected to a first motor connection point; A second region, the second region including a second nozzle connection point, the second nozzle connection point being configured to be coupled to a second motor connection point; and A third region connects the first region and the second region, allowing the first region to move independently of the second region.

2. The personalized toothbrush device as described in claim 1, wherein, The drive mechanism also includes: A first motor, the first motor being connected to a first motor connection point; and A second motor, the second motor being connected to a second motor connection point; and The first motor drives the first region of the customized mouthpiece along a first direction, while the second motor drives the second region of the customized mouthpiece along a second direction different from the first direction.

3. The personalized toothbrush device as described in claim 2, wherein, The first motor and the second motor are configured to operate out of phase, such that the vector component in the first direction is substantially opposite to the vector component in the second direction.

4. The personalized toothbrush device as described in any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein, The first direction and the second direction are offset by an angle of less than or equal to 40 degrees.

5. The personalized toothbrush device as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The first direction and the second direction are offset by an angle between 5 degrees and 20 degrees.

6. The personalized toothbrush device as described in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, The first direction and the second direction are offset by an angle between 10 degrees and 20 degrees.

7. The personalized toothbrush device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein, The first direction and the second direction are offset by an angle between 15 degrees and 25 degrees.

8. The personalized toothbrush device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, The first direction and the second direction are offset by an angle between 15 degrees and 20 degrees.

9. The personalized toothbrush device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The customized mouthpiece includes: One or more custom-made dental trays, the one or more custom-made dental trays being configured to receive a user's teeth and gums; and Multiple cleaning elements, which are customized at least in part based on the user's teeth and gums.

10. The personalized toothbrush device as claimed in claim 9, wherein, Each of the plurality of cleaning elements is at least partially customized for the user's teeth and gums.

11. The personalized toothbrush device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The customized mouthpiece is formed as a single integrated unit.

12. The personalized toothbrush device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The custom-made mouthpiece is 3D printed.

13. The personalized toothbrush device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The first and second regions are configured to move up to 3 mm in a corresponding linear direction when the personalized toothbrush device is in operation, the corresponding linear direction being approximately along a corresponding line connecting the centroids of the teeth in the corresponding regions of the first and second regions.

14. The personalized toothbrush device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The third region includes a first wall and a second wall; and The first wall and the second wall are configured to change curvature as the first and second regions of the customized mouthpiece move.

15. The personalized toothbrush device as claimed in claim 14, wherein, The first wall changes its curvature in a first manner, and the second wall changes its curvature in a second manner different from the first manner.

16. The personalized toothbrush device as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein, The left-side portions of the first wall and the left-side portions of the second wall change their curvature in a first manner; and The right side portion of the first wall and the right side portion of the second wall change their curvature in a second manner, different from the first manner.

17. The personalized toothbrush device as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, The left portion of the first wall and the right portion of the second wall change their curvature in a first manner; and The right side portion of the first wall and the left side portion of the second wall change their curvature in a second manner, different from the first manner.

Images