Pressure sensor system and method for an electric toothbrush

Abstract

System for determining the amount of pressure applied to a brush head (12) and for providing feedback to a user as soon as a measured pressure reaches a predetermined threshold, the system comprising: a brush head (12); a drive unit (14) connected to the brush head (12), wherein the drive unit (14) has a drive shaft (42) which is activated to move the brush head (12) relative to the drive shaft (42); a magnet (60) which moves in a repeating manner as a function of the movement of the drive shaft (42); a Hall effect sensor (62) which generates a signal based on the movement of the magnet (60); a feedback device; and a microprocessor (64) connected to the Hall effect sensor (62) and the feedback device, wherein the microprocessor (64) is programmed to activate the feedback device as a function of the change in the speed of movement of the magnet (60), wherein the movement of the drive shaft (42) is a rotational movement, wherein the movement of the drive shaft (42) is an oscillating rotational movement about an axis, and wherein the microprocessor (64) generates a signal based on the change in the rotational speed of the drive shaft (42).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The use of one or more sensor systems in electric or manual toothbrushes to determine the pressure exerted on the bristles during brushing is well-established. Typically, a sensor of some kind measures the force applied to the bristles. In some cases, the sensor includes a spring, a momentary arm, and a switch. The force applied to the bristles causes the spring to act, which in turn drives the momentary arm. When the force reaches a threshold or trigger value, a switch is activated, signaling to the user that the applied force has reached the threshold level. The user then has the option to reduce the pressure to an acceptable level.

[0002] These systems can also be used to ensure that at least a minimal amount of pressure is applied to the bristles by the user. However, pressure sensor systems are often difficult to implement in typical electric or manual toothbrushes. These systems can also significantly increase the overall cost of the toothbrush and are frequently inaccurate.

[0003] Typically, such pressure sensor systems do not continuously monitor pressure information but only provide an indication when the applied pressure reaches a threshold that suggests excessive pressure. There is a need for compact, simple, and inexpensive sensor systems for toothbrushes, particularly one that provides continuous pressure monitoring so that it can be adjusted to provide desired feedback. WO 2014 / 037 856 A1 discloses a system for determining the amount of pressure applied to a brush head and for providing feedback to a user as soon as a measured pressure reaches a predetermined threshold.The system comprises a magnet and a Hall-effect sensor designed to detect a phase shift between a drive signal for the device and a mechanical response from the drive train brush head assembly, followed by movement of the magnet, as the pressure on the bristle field changes. Information stored in the processor relates phase shift values ​​to the applied pressure, so that a specific phase shift accurately indicates the pressure exerted on the bristle field of that toothbrush.

[0004] A disadvantage is the complexity and susceptibility to error of the phase shift evaluation, for which either several Hall sensors must be positioned exactly or, as described in WO 2014 / 037 856 A1, a special linear Hall sensor is used which is not suitable for every toothbrush system and requires intensive signal processing.

[0005] EP 2 532 270 A1 discloses a pressure sensor that detects a change in the vibration frequency on the brush head based on the current consumed.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of developing a simpler and less error-prone system and method for determining the amount of pressure exerted on a brush head and for providing feedback to the user as soon as a measured pressure reaches a predetermined threshold. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention is defined in independent claims 1, 8, and 12. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims. The present invention provides a pressure feedback system for a brush head, which continuously monitors the pressure level or force on the brush head and is programmed to provide a user with a feedback signal based on the amount of pressure applied.

[0008] In one embodiment, the system monitors the pressure level on the brush head as a function of the change in the speed of the drive shaft extending from the motor. The system comprises a housing, a motor within the housing, a drive shaft connected to the motor and having a section extending from the housing to attach to the brush head, a feedback device, a sensor capable of detecting a change in the rotational speed of the drive shaft, and a microprocessor connected to the sensor and the feedback device, the microprocessor being programmed to send a signal to activate the feedback device as a function of the change in the rotational speed of the drive shaft detected by the sensor.

[0009] In one embodiment, the system comprises a magnet that moves in a repeating or oscillating manner as a function of the drive shaft's motion, and a sensor that generates a signal based on the magnet's movement. The sensor can be a Hall-effect sensor or another sensor that responds to a magnetic field. The magnet can be positioned on the drive shaft or on another section of the system that moves as a function of the drive shaft's motion.

[0010] The drive shaft is connected to the motor and provides movement for the system. In one embodiment, the drive shaft is a rotary drive shaft, and in a more specialized embodiment, the drive shaft oscillates around a rotational axis. The rotating or oscillating motion can be provided by a cam or gear mechanism within the housing, which is located between the motor and the drive shaft.

[0011] The microprocessor can be configured to activate the feedback device, which then alerts the user at a predetermined threshold. In one embodiment, the threshold is based on a measured change in the rotational speed of the drive shaft or other moving part. For example, the drive shaft may operate at a first rotational speed when no load is applied to the brush head, and at a second rotational speed when the brush head is in use and a force is applied to the brush head or bristle carrier. The microprocessor can be programmed to signal the feedback device when the speed change between the first and second rotational speeds exceeds a predetermined threshold.In one embodiment, the threshold is between 5000 and 7000 RPM, and in another embodiment, the threshold is at approximately 6000 RPM. In one embodiment, the system continuously monitors the change in rotational speed from the initial rotational speed when the brush head is in operation and signals the feedback device to switch on during periods when the threshold is exceeded and to switch off during periods when the threshold is not reached.

[0012] In one embodiment, the feedback device is positioned on the housing. In another embodiment, the feedback device is at least one of a light-emitting device, a signaling device, and a haptic device.

[0013] The brush head can include a neck, the first end of which is connected to a section of the housing and the second end of which supports a bristle carrier, wherein the brush head can include a brush shaft which is driven by the drive shaft in such a way that it rotates about a first axis, wherein the bristle carrier is driven by the brush shaft in such a way that it rotates about a second axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. 1 is a partially perspective top view according to an embodiment of the invention with a magnet in a first position; Fig. 2 is a partial top view of it, with the magnet in a second position; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view according to an embodiment of the invention, positioned in a clamping device; Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of it, showing the brush head under high pressure; Fig. Figure 5 is a graphical representation of test results using the clamping device; Fig. Figure 6 is an exploded view of a brush head according to one embodiment; and Fig. Figure 7 is an exploded view of an example brush head and drive unit.

[0014] Before the embodiments of the invention are described in detail, it must be clarified that the invention is not limited to the operational or design details and the arrangement of components as specified in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention can be used in various other embodiments and employed or carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. It must also be clarified that the language and terminology used herein serve descriptive purposes and should not be considered limited to them. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variants thereof is intended to encompass the subject matter mentioned below, as well as equivalents thereof, and additional subject matter and equivalents thereof.Furthermore, a numbering system is used in the description of various embodiments. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the use of this numbering should not be understood as limiting to a specific sequence or number of components. Moreover, the use of this numbering should not be understood as excluding any additional steps or components from the scope of the invention that can be combined with or added to the numbered steps or components. DESCRIPTION OF CURRENT FORM OF EXECUTION

[0015] The embodiments of the invention described herein relate to an electric toothbrush 10 comprising a brush head 12 that can be attached to a drive unit 14. In one embodiment, the brush head 12 is a replacement head that can be plugged onto the drive unit 14. The brush head 12 comprises a bristle carrier 18 that carries one or more cleaning elements 20. Actuation of the drive unit 14 causes the bristle carrier 18 and the cleaning elements 20 to oscillate.

[0016] In one embodiment, the brush head 12 comprises a tubular neck 22 which carries the bristle carrier 18 at one end 15 and has an open end 17 opposite the bristle carrier 18 for attachment to the drive unit 14. An example of the brush head 12 is shown in Fig. 6 shown. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the brush head 12 comprises the neck 22, the bristle carrier 18, and bristles 20, which are supported by the bristle carrier 18. A brush shaft 26 extends within the tubular neck 22 and has a first end 28, which receives the bristle carrier 18, and an opposite end 30, which receives a drive shaft extending from the drive unit 14. The brush shaft 26 extends along a longitudinal axis and is capable of rotation, and specifically of rotating oscillation, about the longitudinal axis. A section of the brush shaft 26 can extend through an optional sleeve 32, which can be inserted into the open end 17 of the tubular neck 22 for detachable assembly to the drive unit 14 by snap fit or friction fit.

[0017] A motion conversion mechanism between the brush shaft 26 and the bristle carrier 18 results in a rotating oscillation of the bristle carrier 18 about a carrier axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the brush shaft 26. An embodiment of a motion conversion mechanism according to the one described in Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 6 is described in US patent US 9,439,741 B2 by Dishon, the subject matter of which is included here by reference. Another embodiment of a motion conversion mechanism comprising a bevel gear is disclosed in US patent US 6,021,538 A by Kressner, the subject matter of which is also included here by reference.

[0018] With reference to Fig. The drive unit 14 comprises a handle section 40 and a drive shaft 42 extending from the handle section 40. A mounting section 44 of the drive unit 14 receives the sleeve 32 or another section of the brush head 12 for attaching the drive unit 14 to the brush head 12. When the brush head 12 is attached to the drive unit, the drive shaft 42 extends along the longitudinal axis defined by the brush shaft 26 and engages the end 30 of the brush shaft 26, so that the rotation of the drive shaft 42 about the longitudinal axis results in a rotation of the brush shaft 26 about the same axis.

[0019] The drive unit 14 comprises an electric motor 50, which can be actuated to move the drive shaft 42. In one embodiment, the motor 50 is a DC motor powered by a battery. The motor 50 and the battery can be positioned within the handle section 40 of the drive unit 14 and actuated by a switch on the outside of the drive unit 14. A motor shaft extends from the motor 50 and can be driven into rotation by the motor 50. A gear or cam assembly converts the rotation of the motor shaft into a rotating oscillatory motion of the drive shaft 42.

[0020] The Fig. Figures 1-4 describe the structure and operation of the system for detecting the amount of pressure exerted on the bristles 20 and the bristle carrier 18 and for providing feedback to the user when the measured pressure reaches a predetermined threshold. In one embodiment, the system measures the change in the rotational speed of the drive shaft 42 using a sensor capable of detecting a magnetic field with a magnet positioned on the drive shaft 42 or another movable section of the drive unit 14 or the brush head 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the system measures the change in the rotational speed of the drive shaft 42 using a Hall-effect sensor 62 and a magnet 60. In another embodiment, the system can use a different sensor, such as a TMR (tunnel magnet resistance) sensor, in a similar manner to the Hall-effect sensor.The system determines the pressure of the bristles 24 and the bristle carrier 18 as a function of the measured change in rotational speed.

[0021] Fig. Figure 1 shows the electric toothbrush 10 with a section of the handle 40 cut off to expose the internal components. As shown, a permanent magnet 60 is attached to the oscillating drive shaft 42. In an alternative embodiment, the magnet 60 can be attached to any other movable section of the drive unit 14 that is subject to pressure exerted by the user, including a rotary motor shaft or a section of the gear or cam structure. A Hall effect sensor 62 is mounted adjacent to the drive shaft 42, the rotating oscillation of the drive shaft 42 repeatedly moving the magnet 60 in and out of the vicinity of the Hall effect sensor 62.

[0022] The Hall-effect sensor 62 is connected to a microprocessor 64, which is effectively connected to the battery and at least one feedback device that can transmit a signal to the user. The feedback device can be a visual feedback device such as an LED lamp or a screen, an acoustic device such as a loudspeaker, or a haptic device such as a motor pulse generator. In the illustrated embodiment (a prototype-style embodiment), the microprocessor 64 comprises a first microprocessor section 66 and a second microprocessor section 68. In a production version, the microprocessor 64 can be a single consolidated element.

[0023] As shown, the pressure sensor system has two LED lamps that function as feedback devices. A first LED lamp 70 (included primarily for prototype purposes) illuminates when the magnet 60 is near the Hall-effect sensor 62. This is shown as an example. Fig. 1. The permanent magnet 60, which is attached to the drive shaft 42 and rotates outwards from the vicinity of the Hall effect sensor. As a result, the first LED lamp 70 is switched off. Fig. Figure 2 shows the permanent magnet 60 rotating near the Hall-effect sensor. As a result, the first LED lamp 70 is switched on. Although not required in a commercial version of the system, the LED 70 provides a representation showing how the system continuously monitors the pressure on the brush head by actively observing the movement and speed of the magnet and the drive shaft.

[0024] Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows an electric toothbrush 10 according to a prototype embodiment of the invention, wherein the prototype toothbrush 10 is positioned within a mounting 100 which has a weight 102 which can exert varying amounts of pressure on the brush head 12. Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 further shows a second LED lamp 72, which serves as the primary feedback device for the user. Although the second LED lamp 72 is shown in the prototype embodiment as being externally wired to the electric toothbrush 10, a production version of the electric toothbrush 10 may have the second LED 72 positioned on the drive unit 14 at a location visible to the user. In another embodiment, the LED 72 may be any other type of feedback device, including a device wirelessly connected to the microprocessor 64, such as a mobile phone or a watch.

[0025] In one embodiment, the second LED 72 (or an alternative feedback device) is activated when the pressure on the brush head 12 reaches a predetermined threshold to alert the user that they are brushing with too much pressure. As noted above, the Hall-effect sensor 62 measures the proximity of the magnet during operation of the toothbrush 10. In one embodiment, the Hall-effect sensor 62 is a digital sensor in that the sensor 62 only signals to the microprocessor 64 that the magnet 60 is near the sensor 62, and the sensor 62 does not signal to the microprocessor 64 when the magnet 60 is not near the sensor 62. When the drive shaft 42 oscillates, the sensor 62 repeatedly sends out signals.

[0026] The microprocessor 64 registers the frequency with which the Hall-effect sensor 62 emits signals, which provides an indication of the rotational speed (RPM) of the drive shaft 42, and is programmed with an algorithm to detect when excessive or unwanted force is applied to the brush head 12. A generally accepted value for excessive cleaning force is 300 g, and in one embodiment, the microprocessor is programmed to activate the feedback device (such as the LED 72) when the microprocessor detects that a cleaning pressure of 300 g has been reached or exceeded. In an alternative embodiment, a different value for excessive cleaning pressure can be used, and in yet another alternative embodiment, a threshold for a minimum effective cleaning pressure can be programmed in addition to or instead of the maximum cleaning pressure.

[0027] With reference to Fig. 5 In one embodiment, the microprocessor 64 determines whether excessive cleaning pressure has been reached as a function of the change in the rotational speed of the drive shaft 42 during operation. Fig. Figure 5 shows the graphical test results of toothbrush 10 using the data provided in the Fig. 3 and Fig. The four mountings shown are demonstrated at different operating voltages. It is evident that the resulting change in shaft speed is generally linear for operating voltages between 2.8 V and 2.1 V, regardless of the operating voltage. In each test case, a cleaning force of 300 g reduces the rotational speed of the drive shaft 42 by approximately 5000–7000 RPM. Consequently, in one embodiment, the microprocessor 64 is programmed to activate the LED 72 (or another feedback device) when the measured shaft speed changes by a value in the range of approximately 5000–7000 RPM.

[0028] The above description refers to the current embodiments of the invention. Various modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the concept and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. These claims are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalence. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be considered an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or a limitation of the scope of claims to the specific elements presented or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced without restriction by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or other adequate operation.This includes, for example, currently known alternative elements, such as those currently known to a person skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that a person skilled in the art can recognize as an alternative after development. Furthermore, the disclosed embodiments include a multitude of features that are described collectively and that together offer a number of advantages. The present invention is not limited solely to these embodiments that include all of these features or offer all of the aforementioned advantages, unless expressly stipulated in the claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, the use of the articles "a," "an," "the," or "mentioned," is not to be understood as limiting the element to the singular.

Claims

[1] System for determining the amount of pressure applied to a brush head (12) and for providing feedback to a user when a measured pressure reaches a predetermined threshold, the system comprising: a brush head (12); a drive unit (14) connected to the brush head (12), wherein the drive unit (14) has a drive shaft (42) which is activated to move the brush head (12) relative to the drive shaft (42); a magnet (60) which moves in a repeating manner as a function of the movement of the drive shaft (42); a Hall effect sensor (62) which generates a signal based on the movement of the magnet (60); a feedback device; and a microprocessor (64) connected to the Hall effect sensor (62) and the feedback device, wherein the microprocessor (64) is programmed to activate the feedback device as a function of the change in the speed of movement of the magnet (60), wherein the movement of the drive shaft (42) is a rotational movement, wherein the movement of the drive shaft (42) is an oscillating rotational movement about an axis, and wherein the microprocessor (64) generates a signal based on the change in the rotational speed of the drive shaft (42). [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the microprocessor (64) is programmed with a threshold change of the rotational speed such that the microprocessor (64) generates a signal based on a change in the rotational speed when it reaches a predetermined threshold. [3] System according to claim 2, wherein the threshold is between 5000 and 7000 RPM. [4] System according to claim 3, wherein the threshold is at approximately 6000 RPM. [5] System according to claim 4, wherein the feedback device is one of the set of a light-emitting device, an acoustic device and a haptic device. [6] System according to claim 5, wherein the feedback device is positioned on the drive unit (14). [7] System according to claim 6, wherein the brush head (12) comprises a neck (22) the first end of which is connected to the drive shaft (42) and the second end of which carries a bristle carrier (18), wherein the brush head (12) comprises a brush shaft (26) which is driven by the drive shaft (42) such that it rotates about a first axis, wherein the bristle carrier (18) is driven by the brush shaft (26) such that it rotates about a second axis. [8] Pressure feedback system for a brush head (12), comprising: a brush head (12); a drive unit (14) which is connected to the brush head (12), wherein the drive unit (14) has a drive shaft (42) which is activated, to oscillate the brush head (12) in relation to the drive unit (14); a magnet (60) which oscillates as a function of the movement of the drive shaft (42); a sensor (62) that generates a signal based on the oscillation speed of the magnet (60); a feedback device; and a microprocessor (64) connected to the sensor (62) and the feedback device, wherein the microprocessor (64) is programmed to activate the feedback device as a function of the change in speed of the movement of the magnet (60), wherein the movement of the drive shaft (42) is a rotational movement, and wherein the microprocessor (64) is programmed with a threshold change of the rotational speed of the drive shaft (42) such that the microprocessor (64) activates the feedback device based on a change in the rotational speed when it reaches a predetermined threshold. [9] Pressure feedback system according to claim 8, wherein the brush head (12) comprises a brush shaft (26) and a bristle carrier (18), wherein the brush shaft (26) is connected between the drive shaft (42) and the bristle carrier (18). [10] Pressure feedback system according to claim 8, wherein the magnet (60) is connected to the drive shaft (42) and the sensor (62) is fixed in its position with respect to the magnet (60). [11] Pressure feedback system according to claim 8, wherein the threshold is a change in speed between 5000 and 7000 RPM. [12] Pressure feedback system for a brush head (12), comprising: a case (40); a motor (50) inside the housing (40); a drive shaft (42) which is connected to the motor (50) and has a section extending from the housing (40) to be attached to a brush head (12), wherein the drive shaft (42) can be operated so that it rotates at a rotational speed after activation of the motor (50); a feedback device; a sensor (62) that can detect a change in the rotational speed of the drive shaft (42); and a microprocessor (64) connected to the sensor (62) and the feedback device, wherein the microprocessor (64) is programmed to send a signal to activate the feedback device as a function of the change in the rotational speed of the drive shaft (42) detected by the sensor (62), wherein the brush head (12) comprises a brush shaft (26) which is connected to the drive shaft (42) and a bristle carrier (18) connected to the brush shaft (26), wherein the rotation of the drive shaft (42) results in a rotation of the brush shaft (26) and the bristle carrier (18), and wherein the sensor (62) detects a change in the rotational speed of the drive shaft (42) caused by a force being applied to the bristle carrier (18). [13] Pressure feedback device according to claim 12, wherein the microprocessor (64) is programmed to send the signal to the feedback device after a change in the rotational speed of the drive shaft (42) as soon as it exceeds a predetermined threshold.

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