Microtubule device

Abstract

The proposed concept thus aims at providing solutions, solutions, concepts, designs, methods and systems related to a micro tube device for use with a fluid based dental floss system. In particular, embodiments aim at providing a micro tube device for use with a fluid based dental floss system by providing an elongated micro tube having at least one lateral opening in a side portion of the micro tube. In other words, it is proposed that by providing an elongated micro tube having at least one lateral opening in a side portion thereof, a more effective and / or efficient fluid based dental floss cleaning can be provided. For example, the micro tube is small enough to fit into interdental spaces and due to having a lateral opening from which fluid can be ejected, the fluid can be shot orthogonally towards the oral surface, thereby providing a more effective and / or efficient cleaning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fluid-based dental floss systems, and more particularly, to the field of microtubule devices for use with fluid-based dental floss systems. Background Technology

[0002] Interdental cleaning is one of the most important aspects of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Studies have shown that a lack of interdental cleaning can lead to gum disease, periodontal disease, and peri-implant disease, which are linked to dental implant failure, heart problems, diabetes, and many other serious medical issues.

[0003] Interdental brushes are recommended by dental professionals as the gold standard for interdental cleaning. An alternative is to use fluid-based flossing systems, such as water flossers or water irrigators. These devices push water (or a cleaning fluid) into the interdental spaces to clean.

[0004] However, with fluid-based dental floss devices, it is often difficult to aim the fluid into the interdental spaces, resulting in poor cleaning efficiency and / or effectiveness. Furthermore, even when the fluid does reach the interdental spaces, it often impacts the surface at a suboptimal angle, leading to inadequate cleaning.

[0005] US2023 / 218377A1 discloses an interdental space detection component that can be integrated into a brush head with integrated flossing functionality. The fluid flossing function can be selectively activated at the interdental space, thereby conserving flossing fluid and preventing ineffective flossing outside the interdental space.

[0006] US2012 / 276499A1 discloses an interdental treatment device comprising a generator for generating a non-thermal gaseous plasma at a temperature suitable for oral treatment and an applicator for the non-thermal plasma. In one embodiment, the applicator comprises an interdental brush having a hollow head for receiving the non-thermal gaseous plasma, the head having at least one lateral opening for discharging the plasma.

[0007] CN104434332A discloses a device for cleaning teeth through automatic control. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention is defined by the claims.

[0009] According to an example consistent with one aspect of the invention, a microtubule device for use with a fluid-based dental floss system is provided.

[0010] The microtubule device includes: an elongated microtubule, the elongated microtubule including: an open end; a closed end; at least one lateral opening in the side portion of the microtubule; and a fluid communication channel such that the open end is in fluid communication with at least one lateral opening.

[0011] The proposed concepts are therefore intended to provide schemes, solutions, ideas, designs, methods, and systems related to microtubule devices for use with fluid-based dental floss systems. Specifically, embodiments are intended to provide a microtubule device for use with fluid-based dental floss systems by providing an elongated microtubule having at least one lateral opening in the side portion of the microtubule.

[0012] In other words, it is proposed that more effective and / or efficient fluid-based floss cleaning can be provided by providing an elongated microtube with at least one lateral opening in its side. For example, the microtube is small enough to fit into the interdental space, and due to the lateral opening that allows fluid to be ejected orthogonally toward the oral cavity surface, more effective and / or efficient cleaning can be provided.

[0013] By providing elongated microtubes for use with fluid-based dental floss systems (e.g., fluid jet systems), users can more precisely target fluid to oral surfaces. For example, the microtube can be small enough to fit into narrow spaces, such as interdental spaces, and then deliver fluid to the user's oral surfaces through lateral orifices in the microtube. For instance, the microtube can have multiple orifices, i.e., orifices facing each other, allowing for the simultaneous cleaning of two oral surfaces, such as the two teeth on either side of an interdental space. In this way, more efficient flossing can be facilitated.

[0014] Ultimately, an improved microtubule device for use with fluid-based dental floss systems is provided.

[0015] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the microtube can be less than 2 mm. This allows the microtube to fit into the user's interdental spaces, enabling these spaces to be cleaned.

[0016] In some embodiments, the diameter of at least one lateral opening may be less than 1 mm. This allows the fluid flowing out from the lateral opening to be at a favorable jet velocity.

[0017] In some embodiments, the diameter of at least one side opening may be less than 0.75 mm. This allows the fluid flowing out of the side opening to be at a more favorable jet velocity. In some embodiments, the diameter of at least one side opening may be less than 0.5 mm. This allows the fluid flowing out of the side opening to be at a more favorable jet velocity.

[0018] In some embodiments, at least one lateral opening may comprise an elliptical shape. It has been found that this results in an increase in jet velocity during use.

[0019] In some embodiments, at least one lateral opening may consist of a single lateral opening. This has been found to be a structurally efficient, easy-to-manufacture, and still effective embodiment of the invention.

[0020] In some embodiments, the microtubule device may include at least two lateral openings located on opposite sides of the microtubule. This allows the microtubule to clean two opposite oral surfaces of the user simultaneously, such as two teeth on either side of the interdental space.

[0021] In some embodiments, at least two lateral openings may not be directly opposite each other, such that the at least two lateral openings are offset relative to each other along the longitudinal direction of the microtube. It has been found that this configuration of lateral openings yields a particularly advantageous combination of jet velocity and flow rate for the fluid discharged through the lateral openings in use.

[0022] In some embodiments, at least two lateral openings may each have different diameters. This allows the jet velocity and flow rate of fluid discharged through each lateral opening to be independently adjusted.

[0023] In some embodiments, the diameter of each of the at least two lateral openings may increase as the distance between the lateral opening and the open end of the microtube increases. This helps to compensate for the pressure drop when fluid flows through the fluid communication channel.

[0024] In some embodiments, at least one lateral opening may be located adjacent to the closed end of the microtube. For example, this allows fluid ejected from the lateral opening to penetrate deep into the interdental space.

[0025] In some embodiments, the fluid communication channel may define a curved inner wall connected to at least one lateral orifice. It has been found that this increases the jet velocity of fluid exiting from the lateral orifice compared to, for example, a sharp right-angle bend.

[0026] In some embodiments, microtubules may include at least one of a metal, a polymer, and / or glass fiber. These have been found to be beneficial materials for constituting microtubules.

[0027] In some embodiments, the microtubule may include at least three lateral openings isoangularly positioned around the microtubule. This configuration of lateral openings has been found to be advantageous.

[0028] In some embodiments, the microtube may include metal, and the microtube may also include an outer silicon layer. This makes the microtube structurally more robust, while also improving user comfort.

[0029] In some embodiments, the longitudinal positions of at least two lateral openings may be offset by a length equal to or greater than the longitudinal length of each of the at least two lateral openings. It has been found that this configuration of lateral openings yields a particularly advantageous combination of jet velocity and flow rate for fluid discharged through the lateral openings in use.

[0030] In some embodiments, at least two lateral openings are directly opposite each other. It has been found that this configuration of lateral openings yields a beneficial combination of jet velocity and flow rate for the fluid discharged through the lateral openings during use.

[0031] In some embodiments, the microtube is less than 1 cm in length. This ensures that the pressure drop is not too large when fluid flows through the fluid communication channel, and also allows the user to more easily orient and position the microtube. The pressure drop corresponds to the pressure that the pump of the water-based dental floss system needs to provide at the open end (inlet) 110. Therefore, the pressure drop can be considered as a function of the system's cost.

[0032] According to another aspect of the invention, a fluid-based dental floss system is provided, the fluid-based dental floss system comprising a fluid jet fluidly connected to a microtube device according to any embodiment disclosed herein through an open end of a microtube.

[0033] In some embodiments, the fluid-based dental floss system further includes a detection system configured to detect when a microtube is placed in the user's interdental space and to initiate a fluid jet only when the microtube is placed in the user's interdental space. In this way, the use of the fluid-based dental floss system becomes more efficient and / or effective.

[0034] In some embodiments, the microtube may include metal, and the detection system may be configured to detect a conductive connection between the microtube and the user's oral cavity surface. This can provide an effective and / or efficient method for detecting when the microtube is in the interdental space.

[0035] In some embodiments, the microtube may include glass fiber, and the detection system may be configured to optically detect whether the microtube is placed within the user's interdental space.

[0036] In some embodiments, the microtube may be mounted on a flexible retainer that is attached to a fluid-based dental floss system. This makes it easier for the user to use the microtube. In some embodiments, the flexible retainer may include a spring and / or rubber.

[0037] Therefore, the concept of a microtubule device for use with fluid-based dental floss systems can be proposed, and this can include an elongated microtubule having at least one lateral opening in its side portion.

[0038] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and will be illustrated with reference to one or more embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0039] To better understand the invention and to more clearly illustrate how to practice it, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 This is a simplified diagram of a microtubule device for use with a fluid-based dental floss system according to the proposed embodiment;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the microtubule device for use with a fluid-based dental floss system according to the proposed embodiment in use;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a microtubule device for use with a fluid-based dental floss system according to the proposed embodiment;

[0043] Figure 4 This is a simplified block diagram of a fluid-based dental floss system according to the proposed embodiment, the fluid-based dental floss system including a microtubule device for use with the fluid-based dental floss system;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a simplified block diagram of a fluid-based dental floss system according to a proposed embodiment, the fluid-based dental floss system including a detection system and a microtube device for use with the fluid-based dental floss system; and

[0045] Figure 6 An example of a computer in which one or more parts of an embodiment may be employed is illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] It should be understood that although the detailed description and specific examples indicate exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method, they are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, system, and method of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are merely schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that in all the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0048] Based on a study of the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality.

[0049] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to various techniques, methods, approaches, and / or solutions for use with fluid-based dental floss systems. Based on the proposed concepts, numerous possible solutions can be implemented individually or in combination. That is, although these possible solutions may be described separately below, two or more of these possible solutions may be implemented in one combination or another.

[0050] Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a microtubule device for use with fluid-based dental floss systems. This can be achieved by providing an elongated microtubule that includes at least one lateral opening in its side portion.

[0051] The proposed concepts are therefore intended to provide schemes, solutions, ideas, designs, methods, and systems related to microtubule devices for use with fluid-based dental floss systems. Specifically, embodiments are intended to provide a microtubule device for use with fluid-based dental floss systems by providing an elongated microtubule having at least one lateral opening in the side portion of the microtubule.

[0052] In other words, it is proposed that more effective and / or efficient fluid-based flossing can be provided by providing an elongated microtube with at least one lateral opening in its side. For example, the microtube is small enough to fit into the interdental space, and due to the lateral opening that allows fluid to be ejected orthogonally toward the oral cavity surface, thus providing more effective and / or efficient cleaning. In this way, fluid (e.g., water) can be sprayed directly into the interdental space from one or more orifices in the microtube, allowing the fluid to reach the tooth surface at a steeper angle than allowed by conventional water flossers.

[0053] Now for reference Figure 1 A simplified diagram of a microtubule device 100 for use with a fluid-based dental floss system, according to the proposed embodiment, is shown.

[0054] For example, the microtube device 100 includes an elongated microtube 105, which includes an open end 110, a closed end 120, at least one lateral opening 130 in the side portion of the microtube 105, and a fluid communication channel 140 such that the open end 110 is in fluid communication with the at least one lateral opening 130.

[0055] For example, when the microtube device 100 is used with a fluid-based dental floss system, fluid can enter through the open end 110, travel through the fluid communication channel 140 (as shown by arrow 150a), and then exit from the lateral opening 130 (e.g., orthogonally), as shown by arrow 150b. The fluid communication channel 140 can be understood as a hollow tube within the microtube, for example, defined by the inner wall of the microtube 105 (as in this embodiment), or in some embodiments, defined by a separate tube / channel within the microtube 105. Importantly, the fluid communication channel 140 is configured to fluidly connect the open end 110 of the microtube to one or more lateral openings 130, and therefore can take any suitable form for this purpose. The lateral opening 130 can be understood as an opening or hole in the side of the microtube 105, i.e., not in one end or at its tip (i.e., not in its closed end 120, or obviously not in its open end 110).

[0056] It should be noted that the fluid in the fluid-based dental floss system for which the microtube device 100 is configured may include, for example, water and / or cleaning solutions and / or any suitable fluid for dental floss cleaning.

[0057] In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the microtube 105 is less than 2 mm. This allows the microtube to fit into the user's interdental spaces, enabling these spaces to be cleaned. However, in other embodiments, the outer diameter of the microtube 105 can be any suitable size depending on its intended purpose; for example, it can be less than 3 / 4 / 5 mm.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the diameter of at least one side opening 130 is less than 1 mm, less than 0.75 mm, and practically less than 0.5 mm. These smaller dimensions allow the fluid flowing out of the side opening to maintain a high jet velocity; however, this generally comes at the cost of a higher pressure drop across the microtube. In other embodiments, the diameter of at least one side opening 130 can be any suitable size, for example, only less than 2 mm.

[0059] In other words, the velocity of the fluid ejected from at least one side opening 130 is a target value that is optimized using the microtube device 100. This is because a higher ejection velocity results in greater impact pressure on the user's teeth, and therefore better cleaning. However, this comes at the cost of increased pressure drop, which corresponds to the pressure the pump of the fluid-based dental floss system needs to provide at the open end 110 (inlet) of the microtube 105. Therefore, pressure drop can be considered a cost function of the system. Jet velocity is a preferred value over flow rate for optimization, since flow rate is defined as the product of density, velocity, and orifice surface area. Therefore, for small side openings, the fluid can have a low flow rate but still a high jet velocity. Conversely, for larger side openings, the flow rate may be higher, but the jet velocity can be lower and therefore unsuitable for cleaning.

[0060] In this embodiment, at least one lateral opening 130 comprises an elliptical shape. It has been found that this results in an increase in jet velocity during use. However, this is not necessary, and in other embodiments, at least one lateral opening 130 can be any suitable shape.

[0061] For example, it has been found that elliptical lateral openings with a small diameter of 1 mm and a large diameter of 2 mm (in the longitudinal direction of the microtube) provide a beneficial jet velocity. In this embodiment, the elliptical shape of at least one lateral opening 130 is thus oriented such that the larger diameter of the ellipse is parallel to the elongation direction of the microtube (e.g., in the longitudinal direction of the microtube), for example, parallel to the fluid communication channel 140.

[0062] In this embodiment, the microtube is less than 1 cm long. This ensures that the pressure drop is not too large when fluid flows through the fluid communication channel, and also allows the user to more easily orient and position the microtube. The pressure drop corresponds to the pressure that the pump of the water-based dental floss system needs to provide at the open end (inlet) 110 to achieve the target jet velocity. Therefore, the pressure drop can be considered as a function of the system's cost. However, this is not mandatory; in other embodiments, the microtube length can be greater than 1 cm and less than, for example, 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 cm.

[0063] In this embodiment, at least one lateral opening 130 consists of a single lateral opening. This has been found to be a structurally efficient, easy-to-manufacture, and still effective embodiment of the invention. However, in other embodiments, at least one lateral opening 130 may comprise any suitable number of lateral openings.

[0064] Using microtubes for fluid-based flossing introduces issues related to pressure drop caused by tube size, small opening size, and opening placement. For example, simulations have shown that having a small lateral opening (i.e., in the side of the microtube rather than at the end) increases the pressure drop, but is better for cleaning interdental spaces due to the angle at which the fluid is sprayed relative to the oral cavity surface to be cleaned. For instance, a fluid-based flossing system connected to a fluid with an output pressure of 7.5 bar showed a pressure drop of 1.5 bar for a 1 cm long microtube with an opening at the end (i.e., the closed end 120). On the other hand, a 1 cm long microtube with a 1 mm diameter lateral opening in the side (near the closed end) showed a pressure drop of 4.6 bar; a 1 cm long microtube with a 0.75 mm diameter lateral opening in the side (near the closed end) showed a pressure drop of 5.6 bar; and a 1 cm long microtube with a 0.5 mm diameter lateral opening in the side (near the closed end) showed a pressure drop of 6.4 bar. However, as further described below, these problems can be resolved and mitigated.

[0065] Now for reference Figure 2 It depicts a schematic diagram illustrating the use of a microtube device 200 according to a proposed embodiment. Figure 1 The microtubule device 100 is very similar to the microtubule device 200, which includes an elongated microtubule 105 comprising an open end 110, a closed end 120, and a fluid communication channel 140. However, in this embodiment, the elongated microtubule 105 includes at least two lateral openings 230 and 235 located on opposite sides of the microtubule 105. This allows the microtubule to simultaneously clean two opposite oral surfaces of the user, such as two teeth 260 and 270 on either side of the interdental space (the space between teeth).

[0066] In other embodiments, the microtube 105 may include any suitable number of lateral openings. For example, the microtube may include at least three lateral openings isoangularly positioned around the microtube. This configuration of lateral openings has been found to be advantageous.

[0067] It has been found that adding additional lateral openings can improve cleaning coverage; however, this comes at the cost of greater pressure drop and reduced flow rate. However, these drawbacks can be mitigated, as described below.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least two lateral openings 230 and 235 are not directly opposite each other, such that the at least two lateral openings are offset from each other along the longitudinal direction of the microtube 105. The longitudinal direction can be understood as the position along the length of the microtube 105, i.e., without considering the position around the circumference of the microtube, for example, the radial position. It has been found that this configuration of lateral openings yields a particularly advantageous combination of jet velocity and flow rate for the fluid discharged through the lateral openings in use.

[0069] However, in other embodiments, at least two lateral openings 230 and 235 may be directly opposite each other. It has been found that this configuration of lateral openings yields a beneficial combination of jet velocity and flow rate for the fluid discharged through the lateral openings in use; however, its benefit is less than that of when the lateral openings are staggered.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least two lateral openings 230 and 235 each have different diameters. This allows the jet velocity and flow rate of fluid exiting through each lateral opening to be independently adjusted. For example, in this embodiment, the diameter of each lateral opening 230 and 235 increases as the distance of the lateral opening from the opening end 110 of the microtube 105 increases. This helps compensate for the pressure drop as fluid flows through the fluid communication channel. In other words, the lateral opening 235 closer to the opening end 110 of the microtube 105 has a smaller diameter than the lateral opening 230 further away from the opening end. However, in other embodiments, this is not necessary, and any suitable relationship between the diameter of one or more lateral openings and their distance from the opening end of the microtube can be used.

[0071] Specifically, in this embodiment, the longitudinal positions of at least two lateral openings 230 and 235 are offset by a length equal to or greater than the longitudinal length of each of the at least two lateral openings. In other words, the longitudinal positions of the at least two lateral openings are offset by a minimum distance such that the lateral openings do not overlap in the longitudinal position. It has been found that this configuration of lateral openings yields a particularly advantageous combination of jet velocity and flow rate for the fluid discharged through the lateral openings in use. However, this feature is not required, and in other embodiments, the lateral openings can be offset by any suitable amount, such as half the longitudinal length of the lateral openings.

[0072] In this embodiment, the microtubule comprises at least one of a metal, a polymer, and / or glass fiber. These have been found to be beneficial materials for constituting microtubules. For example, in some embodiments, microtubule 105 may comprise a metal (e.g., stainless steel), and the microtubule may also include an outer silicon layer. This makes the microtubule structurally more robust while also improving user comfort. For example, the hardness of the metal combined with the small size of the microtubule could make it easy to puncture a user's gums, so the outer silicon layer can help prevent this. In some embodiments, the outer silicon layer may be added only to the tip of the tube, for example, an extension of a metal tube through a silicon cylinder. The polymer may include PTFE.

[0073] In embodiments where the microtube includes only a few lateral openings (e.g., 1 to 3), the user must manually move the microtube to clean the entire interdental space. In some embodiments, the microtube may include numerous lateral openings, for example, along its entire length, so that the user can simply insert it into the interdental space without moving the microtube, and the lateral openings will thus clean the entire interdental space. However, generally speaking, the more lateral openings provided in the microtube, the lower the jet velocity of fluid ejected from each lateral opening, and therefore the worse the cleaning effect.

[0074] Now for reference Figure 3 It depicts a schematic diagram illustrating a microtube device 300 according to the proposed embodiment. Figure 1 Microtube device 100 or Figure 2 The microtubule device 200 is very similar to the microtubule device 300, which includes an elongated microtubule 105 comprising an open end 110, a closed end 120, and a fluid communication channel 140. The microtubule 105 includes a single lateral opening 130, and in this embodiment, this single lateral opening is located adjacent to the closed end 120 of the microtubule. This allows fluid ejected from the lateral opening to penetrate, for example, into the interdental space.

[0075] In this embodiment, the fluid communication channel 140 defines a curved inner wall 340 connected to at least one lateral opening 130. It has been found that this helps increase the jet velocity compared to, for example, a sharp right-angle bend. The fluid communication channel defining the curved inner wall can also be understood as defining a fluid communication channel with a curved inner wall such that the curved portion of the inner wall is not parallel to the immediate outer surface of the microtube. For example, due to the arrangement of the curved inner wall 340, fluid flowing through the fluid communication channel 140 is directed toward the lateral opening 130, rather than first impacting the closed end 120 of the microtube. Therefore, this increases the jet velocity of the fluid ejected from the lateral opening.

[0076] Now for reference Figure 4 The diagram depicts a simplified block diagram of a fluid-based dental floss system 400, which includes a fluid jet 410 fluidly connected via an open end of a microtube to a microtube device 420 (e.g., microtube devices 100, 200, 300) according to any embodiment disclosed herein. This provides a self-contained system capable of providing more efficient and / or more effective fluid-based dental floss cleaning.

[0077] In some embodiments, the microtube 420 may be mounted on a flexible retainer attached to the fluid-based dental floss system 400. This is not required, but it facilitates easier use of the microtube by the user. In some embodiments, the flexible retainer may include a spring and / or rubber. This helps limit the pressure applied by the user, such as the pressure applied to their gums through the microtube.

[0078] Now for reference Figure 5 The diagram depicts a simplified block diagram of a fluid-based dental floss system 500, which includes a fluid jet 410 fluidly connected to a microtube device 520 according to any embodiment disclosed herein through an open end of a microtube. The fluid-based dental floss system 500 also includes a detection system 530 configured to detect when a microtube is placed in the user's interdental space and to activate the fluid jet only when the microtube is placed in the user's interdental space. In this way, the use of the fluid-based dental floss system becomes more efficient and / or effective, and reduces the amount of wasted fluid (i.e., fluid not used to clean the interdental space).

[0079] In this embodiment, the microtubule of the microtubule device 520 comprises a metal (specifically, a conductive metal, or in some embodiments, any other conductive material), and the detection system 530 is configured to detect the conductive connection between the microtubule and the user's oral cavity surface. This provides an effective and / or efficient method for detecting when the microtubule is in the interdental space.

[0080] In other words, the conductive connection between the microtube and the user's gums / saliva / teeth can be used as a trigger to initiate the fluid jet, as the connection can instruct the microtube to be positioned in the interdental space, thereby contacting the user's oral cavity surface.

[0081] However, in other embodiments, such as when the microtube of the microtube device 520 comprises glass fiber, the detection system 530 can be configured to optically detect whether the microtube is placed within the user's interdental space. For example, a tube / optical fiber can be used for optical detection of whether the microtube is placed within the user's interdental space. In some embodiments, a neural network can be trained to detect whether the microtube is placed within the user's interdental space based on light received from the microtube.

[0082] Figure 6 An example of a computer 600 in which one or more parts of an embodiment may be employed is illustrated. The various operations discussed above can utilize the capabilities of computer 600. In this regard, it should be understood that system functional blocks may run on a single computer or may be distributed across several computers and locations (e.g., via an Internet connection).

[0083] Computer 600 includes, but is not limited to, PCs, workstations, laptops, PDAs, handheld devices, servers, and memory. Generally, in terms of hardware architecture, computer 600 may include one or more processors 610, memory 620, and one or more I / O devices 630, which are communicatively coupled via a local interface (not shown). The local interface may be, for example, but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as known in the art. The local interface may have additional elements, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, to enable communication. Furthermore, the local interface may include address, control, and / or data connections to enable appropriate communication between the aforementioned components.

[0084] Processor 610 is a hardware device for executing software that can be stored in memory 620. Processor 610 can actually be any custom or commercially available processor, central processing unit (CPU), digital signal processor (DSP), or auxiliary processor among several processors associated with computer 600, and processor 610 can be a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip) or microprocessor.

[0085] Memory 620 may include any or a combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), etc.) and non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic tape, optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), magnetic disk, floppy disk, cassette tape, etc.). Furthermore, memory 620 may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media. Note that memory 620 may have a distributed architecture, where various components are geographically separated but accessible by processor 610.

[0086] The software in memory 620 may include one or more individual programs, each including an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. According to an exemplary embodiment, the software in memory 620 includes a suitable operating system (O / S) 650, a compiler 660, source code 670, and one or more application programs 680. As shown, application program 680 includes multiple functional components for implementing features and operations of the exemplary embodiment. According to an exemplary embodiment, application program 680 of computer 600 may represent various applications, computing units, logic, functional units, processes, operations, virtual entities, and / or modules, but application program 680 is not intended to be limiting.

[0087] Operating system 650 controls the execution of other computer programs and provides scheduling, input / output control, file and data management, memory management, communication control, and related services. The inventors anticipate that application program 680 for implementing exemplary embodiments can be applied to all commercially available operating systems.

[0088] Application 680 can be a source program, an executable program (object code), a script, or any other entity including a set of instructions to be executed. When it is a source program, the program is typically translated by a compiler (such as compiler 660), assembler, interpreter, etc. (which may or may not be included in memory 620) to properly interoperate with O / S 650. Furthermore, application 680 can be written in an object-oriented programming language (with classes of data and methods) or a procedural programming language (with routines, subroutines, and / or functions), such as, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Pascal, Python, BASIC, API calls, HTML, XHTML, XML, ASP scripts, JavaScript, FORTRAN, COBOL, Perl, Java, ADA, .NET, etc.

[0089] I / O device 630 may include input devices, such as, but not limited to, a mouse, keyboard, scanner, microphone, camera, etc. Furthermore, I / O device 630 may also include output devices, such as, but not limited to, a printer, monitor, etc. Finally, I / O device 630 may also include devices for both communication input and output, such as, but not limited to, a NIC or modulator / demodulator (for accessing remote devices, other files, devices, systems, or networks), radio frequency (RF) or other transceivers, telephone interfaces, bridges, routers, etc. I / O device 630 also includes components for communication over various networks, such as the Internet or intranets.

[0090] If the computer 600 is a PC, workstation, intelligent device, etc., the software in the memory 620 may also include a Basic Input / Output System (BIOS) (omitted for simplicity). The BIOS is a set of basic software routines that initialize and test the hardware at startup, boot the O / S 650, and support data transfer between hardware devices. The BIOS is stored in some type of read-only memory, such as ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, etc., so that the BIOS can be executed when the computer 800 is booted.

[0091] When the computer 600 is running, the processor 610 is configured to execute software stored in the memory 620, transfer data to and from the memory 620, and generally control the operation of the computer 600 according to the software. Application programs 680 and O / S 650 are read, possibly buffered within the processor 610, and then executed.

[0092] When application 680 is implemented as software, it should be noted that application 680 can be stored on virtually any computer-readable medium for use in conjunction with or connected to a computer-related system or method. In the context of this document, a computer-readable medium can be an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or apparatus that may contain or store computer programs for use in conjunction with or connected to a computer-related system or method.

[0093] Application 680 may be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use in conjunction with or connected to an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (such as a computer-based system, a processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch and execute instructions from and to an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device). In the context of this document, "computer-readable medium" can be any equipment capable of storing, communicating, propagating, or transmitting programs for use in conjunction with or connected to an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Computer-readable media can be, for example, but not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, devices, or propagation media.

[0094] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The system can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both (e.g., as firmware running on a hardware device). To the extent that the embodiments are implemented partially or entirely in software, the functional steps shown in the process flowchart can be performed by appropriately programmed physical computing devices, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs) or graphics processing units (GPUs). Each process—and its respective component steps shown in the flowchart—can be performed by the same or different computing devices. According to an embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program including computer program code configured to, when the program is run on one or more physical computing devices, cause the one or more physical computing devices to perform the encoding or decoding methods described above.

[0095] Storage media can include volatile and non-volatile computer memories, such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM; optical discs (such as CD, DVD, and BD); and magnetic storage media (such as hard disks and magnetic tapes). Various storage media can be fixed within a computing device or can be transportable, allowing one or more programs stored thereon to be loaded into a processor.

[0096] In terms of the extent to which the embodiments are implemented in hardware, either partially or entirely, Figure 6 The blocks shown in the block diagram can be separate physical components, logical subdivisions of a single physical component, or all implemented in an integrated manner within a single physical component. The functionality of a block shown in the figures can be divided among multiple components in an implementation, or the functionality of multiple blocks shown in the figures can be combined within a single component in an implementation. Hardware components suitable for embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). One or more blocks can be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware performing some functions and one or more programmable microprocessors and associated circuitry performing other functions.

[0097] A single processor or other unit can perform the functions of several items listed in the claims. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. If a computer program is discussed above, it can be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or solid-state medium provided with or as part of other hardware, but it can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. If the term "suitable" is used in the claims or description, it should be noted that the term "suitable" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured as." No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope.

[0098] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a non-consecutive order. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or these blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action or executes a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions, and embodies the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A microtubule device (100) for use with a fluid-based dental floss system, comprising: Elongated microtube (105), the elongated microtube comprising: An open end (110); A closed end (120); At least one lateral opening (130) in the side portion of the microtube. A fluid communication channel (140) allows the open end to be in fluid communication with the at least one lateral opening; and The feature is that the at least one lateral opening (130) comprises an elliptical shape.

2. The microtube device according to claim 1, wherein the outer diameter of the microtube (105) is less than 2 mm.

3. The microtube device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the diameter of the at least one lateral opening (130) is less than 1 mm, and preferably less than 0.75 mm, and even more preferably less than 0.5 mm.

4. The microtubule device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one lateral opening (130) comprises a single lateral opening.

5. The microtubule device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the microtubule device includes at least two lateral openings (230, 235) located on opposite sides of the microtubule.

6. The microtube device of claim 5, wherein the at least two lateral openings (230, 235) are not directly opposite each other, such that the at least two lateral openings are offset from each other along the longitudinal direction of the microtube.

7. The microtube device of claim 6, wherein the at least two lateral openings (230, 235) have different diameters, and preferably, the diameter of each of the at least two lateral openings increases as the distance of the lateral opening from the opening end of the microtube increases.

8. The microtube device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one lateral opening (130) is located adjacent to the closed end (120) of the microtube.

9. The microtube device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid communication channel (140) defines a curved inner wall (340) connected to the at least one lateral aperture (130).

10. The microtubule device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the microtubule (105) comprises at least one of metal, polymer and / or glass fiber.

11. A fluid-based dental floss system (400) comprising a fluid jet (410) fluidly connected to a microtube device according to any one of the preceding claims through the open end of the microtube.

12. The fluid-based dental floss system of claim 11 further includes a detection system (530) configured to detect when the microtube is placed in the user's interdental space and to activate the fluid jet (410) only when the microtube is placed in the user's interdental space.

13. The fluid-based dental floss system of claim 12, wherein the microtube comprises metal, and wherein the detection system (530) is configured to detect a conductive connection between the microtube and the user's oral cavity surface.

14. The fluid-based dental floss system of claim 12, wherein the microtube comprises glass fiber, and wherein the detection system (530) is configured to optically detect whether the microtube is placed in the user's interdental space.

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