Drive train assembly for generating sweeping and power tapping motions

Abstract

A drivetrain assembly for a personal care device that uses an electromagnetic component to generate a combination of a controllable power tapping motion and a controllable sweeping motion. The drivetrain assembly comprises a drivetrain shaft at least partially housed within a body portion of the device. The drivetrain shaft is further configured to engage a brushhead member of the device. The drivetrain assembly further comprises a motor attached to the drivetrain shaft and configured to periodically rotate the drivetrain shaft about a first axis of the device and an electromagnetic assembly configured to drive the drivetrain shaft and thereby drive the brushhead member about a second axis of the device or in a direction parallel to a third axis of the device. The electromagnetic assembly comprises, for example, a stator, a voice coil actuator, a rotor, or a linear solenoid actuator.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001]

[0001] The present disclosure is generally directed to a drivetrain assembly for an electric toothbrush device comprising an electromagnetic assembly for driving a combination of a controllable tapping motion and a controllable sweeping motion, and an electric toothbrush device comprising such a drivetrain assembly. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] Current modern power toothbrush devices use a rotational motion about a central axis of the brush head. This motion is known as a sweeping motion. A simplified schematic diagram of a modern power toothbrush is shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the power toothbrush 10 comprises a handle 12 and a brush head 14. Bristles 16 are shown extending from the brush head 14. In use, the brush head 14 is driven by a drive train housed within the handle 12. The bristles are typically rotated by the drive train about a central axis A in a sweeping motion SM. The sweeping motion is typically embodied as a motion that is linear, rotational, or a combination of both linear and rotational, such motion being tangent to the direction in which the bristles point.

[0003]

[0003] Unfortunately, the sweeping motion has some cleaning efficiency limitations. For example, although the sweeping motion can remove most of the plaque in the interproximal area (i.e., between the teeth), the gum line, the incisal surface, the molar surface, and the entire tooth surface, residual plaque may remain after brushing. In addition, under heavy load, the bristles may become trapped, and cleaning efficiency is greatly reduced in such scenarios. Current oral care products also do not have the ability to clean periodontal pockets where subgingival plaque is present. Current electric toothbrushes are also highly dependent on precise user position, angle, and pressure. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004]

[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the art for improved, low-cost power toothbrush devices and systems that use an electromagnetic assembly to precisely and controllably generate vertical periodic motion parallel to the bristles direction in combination with a sweeping motion to achieve stain and / or plaque removal and gum health goals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005]

[0005] The present disclosure is generally directed to an inventive drive train assembly that may be applied to electric or powered personal care devices, such as power toothbrushes or shavers. The system of the present invention achieves improved stain and / or plaque removal and gum health goals by precisely and controllably generating a power tapping motion in combination with a sweeping motion. The aforementioned limitations can be overcome by replacing or combining the sweeping motion with a vertical up-down cyclic motion that can be generated and driven using a suitable drive train. Although two separate mechanical systems can be coupled together to drive the tapping and sweeping motions, such a combination entails drawbacks in terms of cost, size, and complexity that inhibit competitiveness in the power toothbrush market. Various embodiments and implementations herein are directed to an improved drive train assembly that utilizes an electromagnetic assembly to provide a controllable power tapping motion that is coupled or separated from a controllable sweeping motion. The improved drive train assembly includes a motor configured to periodically rotate a drive train shaft about a central axis of the device or along a line tangent to the brush head member, and an electromagnetic assembly configured to drive the drive train shaft, thereby driving a brush head member with bristles about a second axis of the device different from the central axis, or in a direction parallel to a third axis of the device different from the central axis. It is recognized and understood that the drive train shaft can be independently controlled to generate sweeping and power tapping motions in which the bristles rotate about the central axis of the device or along a line tangent to the brush head member, and about an x-axis of the device or along a z-axis of the device. It is further recognized and understood that the electromagnetic assembly can (i) be coupled to the motor to convert the motion into a controllable power tapping motion, or (ii) be capable of generating a controllable power tapping motion separately from such motion.

[0006]

[0006] In one aspect, a drivetrain assembly for an electric toothbrush device is provided, the drivetrain assembly comprising: a drivetrain shaft at least partially contained within a body portion of the electric toothbrush device and configured to engage a brushhead member, a motor attached to the drivetrain shaft and configured to periodically rotate the drivetrain shaft about a first axis of the electric toothbrush device, and an electromagnetic assembly configured to drive the drivetrain shaft and thereby drive the brushhead member about a second axis of the electric toothbrush device different from the first axis or in a direction parallel to a third axis of the electric toothbrush device.

[0007]

[0007] According to one embodiment, the first axis is a central axis of the electric toothbrush device, the second axis is perpendicular to the central axis and the third axis, and the third axis is perpendicular to the central axis and the x-axis.

[0008]

[0008] According to one embodiment, the electromagnetic assembly includes a magnet connected to the drivetrain shaft, a stator mounted to a base within the body portion and configured to generate a magnetic field suitable for interacting with the magnetic field of the magnet to periodically drive the magnet, and thus the drivetrain shaft and brush head member, in a direction parallel to a third axis of the electric toothbrush device, and a bearing on the drive shaft for maintaining movement of the brush head member in a direction parallel to the third axis.

[0009]

[0009] According to one embodiment, the bearing comprises a movable support member surrounding the drivetrain shaft and parallel flexible flexures extending between the movable support member and the base, the parallel flexible flexures constraining movement of the brush head member in a direction parallel to the third axis.

[0010]

[0010] According to one embodiment, the electromagnetic assembly includes a voice coil actuator fixed to the drivetrain shaft and configured to generate periodic linear motion such that the drivetrain shaft can rotate about a second axis of the electric toothbrush device.

[0011]

[0011] According to one embodiment, the body portion further comprises a pivot about which the drivetrain shaft rotates.

[0012]

[0012] According to one embodiment, the electromagnetic assembly is separate from the motor and comprises an electromagnetic coil within the body portion.

[0013]

[0013] According to one embodiment, the electromagnetic assembly further comprises a pivot or hinge disposed along the drive train shaft about which the drive shaft rotates such that movement in a direction parallel to the third axis of the electric toothbrush device is constrained.

[0014]

[0014] According to one embodiment, the electromagnetic coil comprises a linear solenoid actuator.

[0015]

[0015] According to one embodiment, the pivot or hinge is positioned along the motor.

[0016]

[0016] According to one embodiment, a pivot or hinge is disposed between the motor and the brush head member.

[0017]

[0017] According to one embodiment, the motor has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the brush head member is positioned on the first side of the motor, and the pivot or hinge is disposed on the second side of the motor.

[0018]

[0018] In another aspect, an electric toothbrush device is provided, the electric toothbrush device comprising: a brushhead member including a set of bristles; a body portion coupled to the brushhead member; and a drivetrain assembly within the body portion, the drivetrain assembly comprising: a drivetrain shaft at least partially contained within the body portion and configured to engage the brushhead member; a motor attached to the drivetrain shaft and configured to periodically rotate the drivetrain shaft about a first axis of the electric toothbrush device; and an electromagnetic assembly configured to drive the drivetrain shaft and thereby drive the brushhead member about a second axis of the electric toothbrush device different from the first axis or in a direction parallel to a third axis of the electric toothbrush device.

[0019]

[0019] According to one embodiment, the first axis is a central axis of the electric toothbrush device, the second axis is perpendicular to the central axis and the third axis, and the third axis is perpendicular to the central axis and the x-axis.

[0020]

[0020] According to one embodiment, the electromagnetic assembly comprises a stator, a voice coil actuator, or a linear solenoid actuator.

[0021] In various implementations, the processor or controller is associated with one or more storage media (e.g., volatile and non-volatile computer memory, such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, floppy disks, compact disks, optical disks, magnetic tapes, etc., collectively referred to herein as "memory"). In some implementations, the storage media is encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more processors and / or controllers, perform at least some of the functions described herein. The various storage media may be fixed within the processor or controller, or may be portable such that a program stored thereon can be loaded into the processor or controller to implement various aspects described herein. In this specification, the term "program" or "computer program" is used collectively to refer to any type of computer code (e.g., software or microcode) that can be employed to program one or more processors or controllers.

[0022]

[0022] It should be understood that any combination of the above-mentioned concepts and additional concepts described in more detail below (provided that such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) is contemplated as part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, any combination of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure is contemplated as part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be understood that the technical terms explicitly employed in this specification that also appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference should be given the meaning most consistent with the specific concepts disclosed herein.

[0023]

[0023] These and other aspects of the various embodiments will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

[0024]

[0024] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the various views and the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments.

[0025]

[0025] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the various views and the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1]

[0026] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of an end view of a modern electric toothbrush device employing a sweeping motion. [Diagram 2]

[0027] 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a portion of an electric toothbrush device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3]

[0028] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of an end view of an electric toothbrush device configured to employ sweeping and tapping motions, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]

[0029] 1 is a schematic diagram of an electric toothbrush device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5]

[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a drive train assembly of an electric toothbrush device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a drive train assembly of an electric toothbrush device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a drive train assembly of an electric toothbrush device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8]

[0033] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a drive train assembly of an electric toothbrush device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 9]

[0034] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a drive train assembly of an electric toothbrush device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 10]

[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a drive train assembly of an electric toothbrush device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 11]

[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a drive train assembly of an electric toothbrush device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 12A]

[0037] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of the electromagnetic assembly of FIG. 10 in isolation, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12B]

[0038] FIG. 12B is a 90 degree rotated view of the electromagnetic assembly of FIG. 12A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13]

[0039] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a drive train assembly of an electric toothbrush device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 14]

[0040] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a drive train assembly of an electric toothbrush device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 15]

[0041] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a drive train assembly of an electric toothbrush device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 16]

[0042] FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of an end view of a drive train assembly of an electric toothbrush device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 17]

[0043] 1 is a schematic graph of a bristle path following a pure tapping motion, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; [Figure 18]

[0044] 11 is a schematic graph of bristle paths following a controlled tapping motion and a controlled sweeping motion, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; [Figure 19A]

[0045] 11 is a schematic graph of bristle paths following a controlled tapping motion and a controlled sweeping motion, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; [Figure 19B]

[0046] 11 is a schematic graph of bristle paths following a controlled tapping motion and a controlled sweeping motion, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; [Figure 19C]

[0047] 11 is a schematic graph of bristle paths following a controlled tapping motion and a controlled sweeping motion, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027]

[0048] This disclosure describes various embodiments of an improved system for driving the brush head of an electric or powered personal care device, such as an electric toothbrush or shaver. It is recognized and understood that a personal care device may provide improved cleaning performance in critical areas by driving the bristles of the device in a vertical periodic motion parallel to the direction of the bristles (referred to herein as "power tapping"), with the amplitude of the vertical motion being 0.25 mm or greater. As used herein, the term "vertical" is used to indicate the relative direction of motion as shown in the figures, rather than to denote an absolute direction relative to the ground. As used herein, the inventive power tapping motion in a power toothbrush device (i) achieves deeper reach in the periodontal pocket to remove subgingival plaque, (ii) achieves higher peak force at the surface for improved plaque and / or stain removal, (iii) improves plaque removal by preventing pinching of the bristle tufts, thereby restoring beneficial tuft sweeping behavior, (iv) achieves greater resilience to variables of use such as toothbrush placement, toothbrush angle, and toothbrush pressure, and (v) provides new options for consumer experience modalities. Thus, the improved system described or otherwise contemplated herein provides a power toothbrush device with a drive train assembly that precisely controls a power tapping motion that is coupled or decoupled from a precisely controlled sweeping motion. The improved drivetrain assembly includes a motor configured to cyclically rotate a drivetrain shaft about a central axis of the device, and an electromagnetic assembly configured to drive the drivetrain shaft and a brush head member having bristles about a second axis of the device different from the central axis, or in a direction parallel to an axis of the device different from the central axis.

[0028]

[0049] A specific goal of the use of the embodiments and implementations herein is to provide a mechanism for achieving a power tapping motion in combination with a sweeping motion in a power toothbrush device, such as, for example, the Philips Sonicare™ electric toothbrush (manufactured by Koninklijke Philips NV). However, the components of the device may be utilized in many other personal care devices, including oral care devices, oral irrigation devices, flossers, skin cleaners, and many other devices. The present disclosure should not be limited by the specific embodiments shown and described.

[0029]

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, a simplified schematic diagram of a portion of a power toothbrush device 100 configured to generate a sweeping and / or tapping motion is provided. The power toothbrush device 100 comprises a brush head 114 and bristles 116 that can be driven to rotate about a central axis A and pulse or tap in a direction RD2. The directions given in FIG. 2 are included to illustrate spatial terms used in the art and in this application. As used herein, the term "vertical" refers to the direction shown. The axial direction AD is parallel to the central axis A and extends along the y-axis of the device 100. The radial direction RD1 is orthogonal to the central axis A and the radial direction RD2 and extends along the x-axis of the oral care device 100. The radial direction RD2 is orthogonal to both the axial direction AD and the radial direction RD1, is parallel to the axis of the cleaning element 116 shown, and extends along the z-axis of the oral care device 100. The power tapping motion described herein refers to the controllable movement of the brush head and / or bristles in the radial direction RD2. In other words, power tapping motion refers to the movement of the bristles parallel to the bristle alignment axis or perpendicular (i.e., perpendicular) to the brush head member. Sweeping motion refers to the rotational and / or linear motion of the bristles perpendicular to the bristle alignment axis. In an embodiment, power tapping motion refers to the controllable movement of the brush head and / or bristles in a radial direction RD2 by rotating the drive train shaft about an axis extending in the radial direction RD1 (i.e., about the x-axis of the device).

[0030]

[0051] Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic diagram of an end view of the power toothbrush device 100 is provided. The drive train assembly described herein is configured to generate various motions including sweeping and / or tapping motions to optimize motion for specific areas where the particular motion is most beneficial. In some cases, the particular motion includes either sweeping or tapping motions only. In other cases, the particular motion includes a combination of sweeping and tapping motions. The combination of motions can be considered to be the sum (i.e., cumulative action, cumulative motion, or cumulative effect) of sweeps or strokes and pulses or taps. The sweeps or strokes are directed in a direction SM (which is the occlusal surface, i.e., the direction between the chewing surface and the gum line when the toothbrush is held with the tips of the bristles facing the buccal side of the teeth). The pulses or taps are directed in a vertical direction TM (which is the lingual-to-facial direction when the toothbrush is held with the tips of the bristles facing the buccal side of the teeth). As used herein, a tapping motion is defined as a vertical periodic motion (i.e., in the direction TM) with an amplitude of 0.25 mm or greater. In embodiments, a low power tapping motion (i.e., a tapping motion with an amplitude on the lower side of the critical range described herein) can be used for sweeping motions to the anterior buccal region of the mouth. In other embodiments, a high power tapping motion (i.e., a tapping motion with an amplitude on the higher side of the critical range described herein) can be used for sweeping motions to achieve better reach in the interproximal regions between the teeth.

[0031]

[0052] The term frequency refers to the number of cycles during a given time interval, e.g., seconds. In an embodiment, the term amplitude refers to a peak amplitude that may include the maximum absolute value of the signal. In an embodiment, the desired range of amplitude of the power tapping motion is about ±0.25 mm to about ±3 mm, and the power tapping motion generally includes a periodic vertical motion of ±0.5 mm or more. Amplitudes higher than ±3 mm are undesirable due to the risk of teeth chattering, which may affect the occlusal surface of the jaw against which the platen of the toothbrush device faces. Also, amplitudes higher than ±3 mm may cause undesirable vibration of oral or nasal tissues, as well as unpleasant sensations at the treatment surface. Vibration frequencies lower than 0.25 Hz are too slow to be effective. Vibration frequencies higher than 520 Hz are undesirable because they are more than twice the primary resonant frequency.

[0032]

[0053] Considering that the recommended oral care routine lasts for 2 minutes and that the average number of teeth is 32, it should be appreciated that approximately 3.75 seconds are available per tooth during the recommended oral care routine. Therefore, if the power tapping motion occurs slower than 4 seconds, it will be too slow to be applied uniformly throughout the mouth (i.e., to all interproximal spots). Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the power tapping motion occurs at least every 3.75 seconds (i.e., at a frequency of approximately 0.27 Hz). In an embodiment, the minimum frequency is approximately 2 Hz (i.e., at least every 0.5 seconds). In a further embodiment, the power tapping motion is performed multiple times per tooth pass in order for the user to receive the power tapping motion uniformly throughout the mouth (i.e., to all interproximal spots and / or each tooth). Thus, the required frequency is approximately 20 Hz (i.e., at least every 0.05 seconds). Of course, it will be appreciated that if the oral care routine is shorter or longer than two minutes, the occurrence of the power tapping motion will be adjusted so that the power tapping motion occurs evenly throughout the oral care routine. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, it may be desirable for the power tapping motion to occur inconsistently or non-uniformly, for example, due to analysis of certain areas where tapping motions would be more beneficial than others.

[0033]

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the sweeping motion is combined with a tapping motion with an amplitude of 0.25 mm, and the addition of the tapping motion can result in a 1% improvement at the gum line, a 3% improvement at the interproximal sites, and an overall 1% improvement in cleaning performance taking into account coverage of all surfaces to be cleaned.

[0034]

[0055] The tapping motion improves the performance of the sweeping motion, in part, by releasing the trapping or pinning of the bristle tufts. Trapped or pinned bristles are a phenomenon whereby the application of a heavy load causes the bristles to become constrained or trapped and unable to move freely with the sweeping motion transmitted by the drive train. If the user applies too much load while brushing, the bristle tufts may become partially constrained in their movement on the tooth surface. As a result of the constraint, the sweeping motion may be reduced and cleaning performance may deteriorate. If the user applies more load, the bristle tufts may become trapped or pinned and the tufts may not move at all while brushing. As a result of the trapping or pinning of the bristles, the sweeping motion is eliminated and the user does not benefit from the sweeping motion from the drive train assembly. Once the bristles are trapped or pinned, the cleaning benefit can only be resumed by the user manually moving the product in a new direction to free the bristles from the heavy load.

[0035]

[0056] The sweeping motion is best performed when the bristles are in contact with the tooth surface and can move freely along a large surface area without constraint. When brushing with sweeping and tapping motions together, the bristle tufts spread out as the load increases because the drive train assembly generates a vertical up-and-down motion (i.e., power tapping motion) or when the brush head moves in the direction DR1. As the load increases, due to the force exerted by the drive train assembly or otherwise, for example, due to the load applied by the user, the tufts may become more and more constrained. However, if the amplitude of the brush head movement in the direction DR1 is large enough, the large amplitude of the movement may cause the constrained or trapped bristles to buckle, effectively releasing or unloading the bristles. Thus, adding a sufficiently large amplitude of tapping motion to the sweeping motion improves cleaning performance because the bristles can move with more freedom.

[0036]

[0057] Importantly, as the brush head moves in the DR2 direction during the cyclic tapping motion, the behavior is reversed and the tufts become less and less constrained in their movement as the load is further reduced. The tapping motion can allow a larger surface area to be covered during the sweeping motion, improving plaque removal by restoring the beneficial sweeping motion.

[0037]

[0058] The addition of a tapping motion to a sweeping motion also achieves deeper reach into the periodontal pocket to remove subgingival plaque. Within the periodontal pocket, the addition of a tapping motion achieves improved cleaning performance at marginal, interproximal, mesial, and buccal sites, as well as improved overall cleaning performance. In an exemplary embodiment, the deeper reach and improved cleaning performance is achieved under a roll angle of 30 degrees, 45 degrees, or 60 degrees, or any suitable roll angle. The addition of a tapping motion thus makes the cleaning efficiency of the brush more robust to user orientation and less dependent on user skill than a sweeping motion alone.

[0038]

[0059] Improved cleaning performance can be achieved using key operating parameters for the tapping motion described herein. As described herein, various drive train assemblies can be implemented to generate the tapping motion.

[0039]

[0060] 4 shows an exemplary power toothbrush device 100 comprising a body portion 102 including a housing, and a brush head member 104 attached to the body portion 102. The brush head member 104 comprises a brush head 114 at an end remote from the body portion 102. The brush head 114 comprises a bristle face 115 providing a plurality of bristles 116. According to one embodiment, the bristles extend along an alignment axis substantially perpendicular to the elongation axis of the head, although many other embodiments of the brush head and bristles are possible.

[0040]

[0061] The head member 104, the brush head 114, and / or the bristle face 115 are mounted to be movable relative to the body portion housing 102. The movement can be any of a wide variety of movements, such as oscillation or rotation, among others. According to one embodiment, the head member 104 is mounted to the body portion housing 102 so that it can oscillate relative to the body portion housing 102, as another example, the brush head 114 is mounted to the head member 104 so that it can oscillate relative to the body portion housing 102, or as another example, the bristle face 115 is mounted to the head member 104 so that it can oscillate relative to the body portion housing 102. The head member 104 can be fixedly mounted to the body portion housing 102, or alternatively, is removably mounted so that the head member 104 can be replaced with a new one when the bristles or another component of the device wear out and require replacement.

[0041]

[0062] The body portion comprises a drive train assembly 122 including a motor for generating motion and a transmission component 124, i.e., shaft, for transmitting the generated motion to the brush head member 104. For example, the drive train assembly 122 may comprise a motor or electromagnet that generates motion of the drive shaft 124, which is then transmitted to the brush head member 104. The drive train and motor 122 may comprise components such as a power source, an oscillator, and one or more electromagnets, among other components. In this embodiment, the power source comprises one or more rechargeable batteries (not shown), which may be charged, for example, in a charging holder in which the electric toothbrush device 100 is placed when not in use.

[0042]

[0063] The body portion further includes a user input 126 for activating or deactivating the motion generator or drive train assembly 122. The user input 126 allows a user to interact with the toothbrush 100, for example, to power the toothbrush 100 on and off. The user input 126 may be, for example, a button, a touch screen, or a switch.

[0043]

[0064] The main body of the device also includes a controller 130. The controller 130 is formed of one or more modules and is configured to operate the electric toothbrush device 100 in response to inputs, such as inputs obtained via the user input 126. The controller 130 may include, for example, a processor 132 and a memory 134, and may optionally include a connection module 138. The processor 132 may take any suitable form, including but not limited to a microcontroller, multiple microcontrollers, a circuit, a single processor, or multiple processors. The memory 134 may take any suitable form, including non-volatile memory and / or RAM. The non-volatile memory includes a read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid-state drive (SSD). The memory may store, among other things, an operating system. The RAM is used by the processor for temporary storage of data. According to one embodiment, the operating system includes code that, when executed by the controller 130, controls the operation of the hardware components of the electric toothbrush device 100. According to one embodiment, the connectivity module 138 transmits collected sensor data and can be any module, device, or means capable of transmitting wired or wireless signals, including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, near field communication, and / or cellular modules.

[0044]

[0065] 5, in one embodiment, a schematic drivetrain assembly 400 for an electric toothbrush device is provided. The drivetrain assembly 400 is configured to generate a power tapping motion by rotating a driveshaft 424 about an axis along the x-axis or radial direction RD1. The drivetrain assembly 400 comprises a brushhead member 404, a drivetrain shaft 424, and a vibration actuator 440. The brushhead member 404 corresponds to the brushhead member 104 described herein, and the drivetrain shaft 424 corresponds to the shaft 124. The vibration actuator 440 rotates in the direction 400. D1 The drivetrain shaft 424 is configured to transmit the periodic linear motion generated from the actuator 440 to the brush head member 404. In an embodiment, the drivetrain assembly 400 is configured such that the drivetrain shaft is aligned in the direction 400 of the electric toothbrush device. D2 The power toothbrush further comprises a pivot 445 that rotates about the x-axis in the direction 400. In an embodiment, the pivot 445 is a flexure pivot attached to the drive train shaft 424 at one end and mounted to the body of the power toothbrush device 400 at the other end. The pivot 445 is made of a sheet of spring steel or any other suitable alternative. The pivot 445 allows for the power toothbrush device 400 to rotate about the x-axis in the direction 400. D2 The motion of the drivetrain shaft 424 in may be constrained to a substantially pure rotation about the x-axis.

[0045]

[0066] In embodiments, the geometry of the pivot 445 can be changed, or in other embodiments, additional sheets of spring steel can be used. In embodiments, the location of the pivot 445 is swapped with the location of the actuator 440 such that the actuator 440 is closer to the brush head member 404 and the pivot 445 is further away from the brush head member 404. In other words, instead of having the actuator 440 at a first end FE of the electric toothbrush device and the pivot 445 at a second end SE of the device (as shown in FIG. 4 ), the actuator 440 can be located at the second end SE and the pivot 445 can be positioned at the first end FE. In such embodiments, the drive train shaft 424 can be rotated in the direction 400 at the second end SE. D1 This requires a larger seal at the second end SE since it tends to move a greater distance.

[0046]

[0067] 6, in another embodiment, a schematic drivetrain assembly 500 for an electric toothbrush device is provided. The drivetrain assembly 500 is configured to generate a power tapping motion by moving, displacing, or translating a drivetrain shaft 524 in a z-axis direction or along a radial direction RD2. The drivetrain assembly 500 includes a brushhead member 504, a base 508, a drivetrain shaft 524, a body portion 530, and a vibration actuator 540. The brushhead member 504 corresponds to the brushhead members 104, 404 described herein, and the drivetrain shaft 524 corresponds to the shafts 124, 424. The vibration actuator 540, which corresponds to the actuator 440, is configured to rotate in the direction 500. D15 to generate a periodic linear motion at the brush head member 504. In an embodiment, the drive train shaft 524 comprises a first section 526 and a second section 528, each of the first and second sections 526, 528 comprising a proximal end and a distal end, respectively. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the proximal end of the section 526 extends from the base 508 and is coupled to the actuator 540, and the distal end of the second section 528 is coupled to the brush head member 504. The first section 526 of the shaft 524 is attached to the base 508, for example, at a midpoint of the section 526, or any other suitable point. The distal end of the first section 526 is coupled to the proximal end of the second section 528 at a portion 530 of the device 500. The portion 530 of the device may comprise parallel flexible flexures 532a, 532b extending from the portion 530 to the base 508.

[0047]

[0068] In operation, the actuator 540 moves the section 526 in the direction 500 D1 5, section 526 is rotated in a direction 500 about pivot 545, or any other structural equivalent. D25. The pivot 545 is attached or mounted to the base 508, and the rotation of the section 526 occurs about the x-axis of the device 500. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the pivot 545 may be constructed similarly to the pivot 445. The rotation of the section 526 causes the section 528 of the shaft 524 to translate back and forth between an upper position and a lower position. This translation is constrained by the parallel flexible flexures 532a, 532b. As shown in FIG. 6, the lower position is the default position where the section 528 is coaxial with the central axis A of the device 500. In the lower position, the parallel flexible flexures 532a, 532b are also in their default position, coinciding with the upper and lower surfaces of the base 508. In other words, in the lower or default position, the parallel flexible flexures 532a, 532b are not flexed. When section 528 of shaft 524 is translated to an upward position by rotation of section 526 of shaft 524, parallel flexible flexures 532a, 532b are pushed up or flexed, which also translates or displaces brush head member 524 in an upward direction. Thus, drive train assembly 500 is configured to generate a power tapping motion by moving, displacing or translating section 528 of drive shaft 524 and brush head member 504 in the z-axis direction, or along radial direction RD2. In an embodiment, device 500 requires offsetting to reduce vibration.

[0048]

[0069] Referring to Fig. 7, in another embodiment, a schematic drive train assembly 600 for an electric toothbrush device is provided. Like the drive train assembly 500, the drive train assembly 600 is configured to generate a power tapping motion by moving, displacing or translating a drive shaft 624 in a z-axis direction or along a radial direction RD2. The drive train assembly 600 includes a brush head member 604, a magnet 606, a base 608, a drive train shaft 624, a body portion 630, and a stator 640. Instead of providing a vibration actuator and a rotatable or pivotable shaft, the drive train assembly 600 includes a magnet 606 indirectly or directly attached to the brush head member 604 through a shaft 624, and a stator 640. The drive train shaft 624 is attached or otherwise coupled to the body portion 630, the portion 630 including parallel flexible flexures 632a, 632b extending between the portion 630 and the base 608. Stator 640 is attached or mounted to base 608. Brush head member 604 corresponds to brush head members 104, 404, 504, base 608 corresponds to base 508, shaft 624 corresponds to section 528 of shaft 524, and body portion 630 corresponds to portion 530.

[0049]

[0070] In operation, the stator 640, which comprises coils and laminations, generates a magnetic field suitable for interacting with the magnets 606 to drive the magnets 606, thereby rotating the drive train shaft 624 and brush head member 604 in the direction 600. D1 The actuator is configured to periodically drive the actuator back and forth in the direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0050]

[0071] Like the drive train assembly 500, the drive train assembly 600 also has a default or lower position and a translated or upper position. Actuating the magnet 606 urges the shaft 624, the portion 630, and the brush head member 604 between the upper and lower positions. This translation is constrained by the parallel flexible flexures 632a, 632b. As shown in FIG. 7, the lower position is the default position where the shaft 624 is coaxial with the central axis A of the device 600. In the lower position, the parallel flexible flexures 632a, 632b are also in their default positions, coinciding with the upper and lower surfaces of the base 608. The default positions of the parallel flexible flexures 632a and 632b are shown in solid lines, and the upper or translated positions of the parallel flexible flexures 632a and 632b are shown in dashed or dotted lines. The same is true for the default and translated positions of the shaft 624 and brush head member 604 (and bristles). In the lower or default position, the parallel flexible flexures 632a, 632b are unflexed. The parallel flexible flexures 632a, 632b only become flexed when the shaft 624 is translated to an upper position by the magnetic field 640 generated by the stator 640, thereby translating or displacing the brush head member 604 in an upward direction. Thus, the drive train assembly 600 is configured to generate a power tapping motion by moving, displacing or translating the drive shaft 624 and brush head member 604 in the z-axis direction or along the radial direction RD2 using an electromagnetic assembly comprising the magnet 606 and the stator 640.

[0051]

[0072] It should be understood that in embodiments, the drive train assemblies 400, 500, and 600 can be used in an electric toothbrush device, or any device that generates high speed vibrations to generate pure or primarily power tapping motion in the direction of the z-axis of the device. Such devices can include shavers and other skin care products. The assemblies described herein provide an exemplary mechanism that can be used to consistently, quietly, reliably, and controllably operate at frequencies up to 300 Hz and amplitudes up to 2 mm over at least five years of daily use.

[0052]

[0073] In an alternative embodiment, assemblies 400, 500, and 600 can be used in an electric toothbrush device configured to generate a consistent, controllable power tapping motion in combination with a controllable sweeping motion. In such an alternative embodiment, assemblies 400, 500, and 600 can further include a motor attached to the drive train shaft for periodically rotating the drive train shaft about the central axis A of the device. In such an embodiment with an additional motor, assemblies 400, 500, and 600 can be independently controlled for power tapping motion in the z-axis direction and sweeping motion in the z-axis direction.

[0053]

[0074] For example, referring to Figure 8, one embodiment of a schematic drive train assembly 700 for an electric toothbrush is provided. The drive train assembly 700 includes a drive train shaft 724 that is rotated in a direction 700. D1 The motor 702 may be a can motor, any suitable DC or AC motor or driver, or a motor that rotates the rotor 700 in a direction 700. D1The motor 702 may be any suitable actuator and resonator combination that produces rotational motion to drive rotation of a drive shaft at 702. To independently and controllably generate the power tapping motion, the assembly 700 further comprises a hinge 750 about which the motor 702 can rotate, and an electromagnetic assembly 760. To move the brush head member 704 in a direction parallel to the z-axis of the device 700, in one embodiment, the electromagnetic assembly 760 comprises a linear solenoid actuator 762 and bearings 764. The solenoid actuator 762 comprises an electrical coil wound around a cylindrical tube that rotates within the body of the coil in the direction 700. D2 The presence of hinge 750 and connection to linear solenoid actuator bearing 764 (which is free to rotate about shaft 724) allows the piston or actuator of actuator 762 to move or slide in a direction 700 to the right in FIG. D2 The movement in the direction 700 of the drive train shaft 724 D2 The direction perpendicular to 700 D3 7, the actuator 762 may include a spring 764. In operation, when a current is applied to the linear solenoid actuator 762, the coil behaves like an electromagnet or permanent magnet, and an actuator or piston within the coil may be pushed or pulled in a desired direction depending on the configuration. In the configuration shown in FIG. 8, the actuator 762 is pushed to the right, and the actuator 762 may include a return spring or other suitable resilient member so that the motion may be repeated periodically. Although FIG. 8 shows the hinge 750 located along the motor 702, it should be understood that the hinge 750 may alternatively be located along the drive train shaft 724 behind the motor 702 (i.e., on a first side of the motor 702) or between the motor 702 and the brush head member 704 (i.e., on a second side of the motor 702 opposite the first side).

[0054]

[0075] 9, in another embodiment, a schematic drive train assembly 800 for an electric toothbrush is provided. Like assembly 700, drive train assembly 800 includes a drive train shaft 824 that is rotated in a direction 800. D1 The motor 802 may be a can motor, any suitable DC or AC motor or driver, or a motor that rotates the rotor 800 in a direction 800. D1 The power tapping motion may be generated by any suitable actuator and resonator combination that produces rotational motion for driving rotation of a drive shaft at 802. To independently and controllably generate the power tapping motion, the assembly 800 includes a hinge or pivot 850 about which the motor 802 can rotate, and an eccentric mass 860. The brush head member 804 is rotated in a direction 800 parallel to the z-axis of the device 800. D2 Eccentric mass 860 is attached or otherwise coupled to drivetrain shaft 824 to move eccentric mass 860 in a direction 800 that is parallel to the z-axis of electric toothbrush device 800. As motor 802 rotates drivetrain shaft 824, eccentric mass 860 rotates as well. Because eccentric mass 860 is offset on drivetrain shaft 824, rotation of eccentric mass 860 creates an asymmetric centripetal force, which creates a net centrifugal force on motor 802. Due to the presence of hinge or pivot 850 and the centrifugal force of motor 802, drivetrain shaft 824 rotates in a direction 800 that is parallel to the z-axis of electric toothbrush device 800. D2 9 shows hinge 850 disposed between motor 802 and brush head member 804 (i.e., on a first side of motor 802), it should be understood that hinge 850 may alternatively be disposed along drive train shaft 824 on the rear side of motor 802 (i.e., on a second side of motor 802 opposite the first side) or along motor 802 (e.g., in a manner similar to how hinge 750 is disposed along motor 702).

[0055]

[0076] 10, in another embodiment, a schematic drive train assembly 900 for an electric toothbrush is provided. Like assemblies 700 and 800, drive train assembly 900 includes a drive train shaft 924 that is rotated in a direction 900. D1 The motor 902 may be a can motor, any suitable DC or AC motor or driver, or a motor that rotates in the direction 800. D1 The actuator and resonator combination may be any suitable actuator and resonator combination that produces rotational motion to drive rotation of the drive shaft at 902. To independently and controllably generate the power tapping motion, the assembly 900 further comprises a hinge 950 about which the motor 902 can rotate, and an electromagnetic assembly 960. The brush head member 904 is rotated in a direction 902 parallel to the z-axis of the device 900. D2 To move the electromagnetic assembly 960 in a direction 900 parallel to the z-axis of the electric toothbrush device 900, in one embodiment, the electromagnetic assembly 960 comprises a voice coil actuator 965. The voice coil actuator 965 comprises a permanent magnetic field assembly including a permanent magnet and steel, and a coil assembly. The actuator 965 may be configured with a movable coil relative to a fixed permanent magnetic field assembly including a steel housing and a concentric permanent magnet assembly therein. Alternatively, the actuator 965 may be configured with a fixed housing including a cylindrical coil tube therein and a permanent magnetic field assembly including a magnet movable relative to the coil. Due to the presence of the hinge 950 and the periodic linear motion generated by the actuator 965, the drive train shaft 924 moves in a direction 900 parallel to the z-axis of the electric toothbrush device 900. D2 The tapping and sweeping motions can each vary in intensity and frequency from zero to full power. Although FIG. 10 shows the hinge 950 positioned along the motor 902, it should be understood that the hinge can alternatively be located between the motor 902 and the electromagnetic assembly 960 (i.e., on a first side of the motor) or between the motor 902 and the brush head member 904 (i.e., on a second side of the motor 902 opposite the first side).

[0056]

[0077] 11, in another embodiment, a schematic drive train assembly 1000 for an electric toothbrush device is provided. Like the drive train assemblies 700, 800, 900, the drive train assembly 1000 includes a drive train shaft 1024 that is rotated in a direction 1000. D1 The drive train assembly 1000 comprises a motor 1002 for periodically rotating the brush head 1004 about a central axis A in a z-direction, and an electromagnetic assembly 1050 for independently and controllably generating a power tapping motion. Such power tapping motion is achieved by moving, displacing, or translating the drive train shaft 1024 in a z-direction or along a radial direction RD2, as described herein. The drive train assembly 1000 comprises a body portion 1001, a motor 1002, a brush head member 1004, a frame 1006, a drive train shaft 1024, and an electromagnetic assembly 1050. The body portion 1001 corresponds to the body portion 102 described above. The drive train shaft 1024, which corresponds to the other drive train shafts described above, is at least partially housed within the body portion 1001 and configured to engage the brush head member 1004. The motor 1002 is attached to and drives a drive train shaft 1024, which moves the brush head member 1004 in a direction 1000 about a central axis A of the device. D1 A frame 1006 mounts the drive train assembly 1000 to a body portion 1001 of an electric toothbrush device or any suitable self-care device. An electromagnetic assembly 1050 drives the drive train shaft 1024, which in turn rotates the brush head member 1004 in different directions, i.e., in a direction 1000 parallel to the z-axis of the device. D2 Similar to assemblies 500 and 600, assembly 1000 has a substantially pure directional 1000 D21000 includes parallel flexible flexures 1032a and 1032b for constraining movement of shaft 1024 at 100°. Flexures 1032a and 1032b can be made of spring steel sheet material, or any suitable alternative that can flex or bend appropriately. Also, because assembly 1000 is not intended to operate at resonance, the flexures are sized to have a resonant frequency well below 100 Hz.

[0057]

[0078] FIG. 12A shows the electromagnetic assembly 1050 in isolation in a side view. FIG. 12B shows another side view of the electromagnetic assembly of FIG. 12A rotated 90 degrees. A motor 1002, which produces pure rotation, is attached to a drive train shaft 1024 and connected to a frame 1006 by clamping or using any suitable alternative means for fixing the motor. The motor 1002 may be embodied as a Bourdon motor or any suitable alternative. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, FIG. 12A, and FIG. 12B, the frame 1006 comprises at least two portions 1007 and 1009 connected by parallel flexible flexures 1032a and 1032b, and parallel substantially rigid translation linkages 1060a and 1060b. The flexible flexure 1032a is located 180 degrees from the flexible flexure 1032b about the central axis A. Rigid translation linkage 1060a is disposed 180 degrees from rigid translation linkage 1060b about central axis A. Parallel flexible flexures 1032a and 1032b are disposed perpendicular to parallel rigid translation linkages 1060a and 1060b. In FIG. 12A, only rigid translation linkage 1060a is visible because rigid translation linkage 1060b is disposed parallel to linkage 1060a on the opposite side of central axis A and assembly 1000. In FIG. 12B, flexible flexure 1032b is disposed parallel to flexure 1032a on the opposite side of central axis A and assembly 1000 so only flexible flexure 1032a is visible. Although a pair of flexures and a pair of linkages are shown in FIGS. 11, 12A, and 12B, it should be understood that additional pairs and any number of flexures and / or linkages are contemplated. As shown in Figures 11 and 12A, at least a portion of the space between portion 1007 and portion 1009 of frame 1006 along axis A is open, ie, not filled by any component.

[0058]

[0079] The portion 1007 of the frame 1006 is rotated in a direction 1000 relative to the portion 1009 of the frame 1006 by the motion imparted by the actuator 1055. D2In an embodiment, the actuator 1055 is a voice coil or any suitable alternative mounted to the frame 1006. The actuator 1055 can move in the direction 1000. D2 The actuator 1055 can generate an oscillating vertical motion. The portion 1009 of the frame 1006 is mounted to the body portion 1001. Mounting the portion 1009 of the frame 1006 also provides additional damping for the actuator 1055. A first end of each of the parallel flexible flexures 1032a and 1032b is connected to the portion 1007 of the frame 1006, and a second end of each of the parallel flexible flexures 1032a and 1032b is connected to the portion 1009 of the frame 1006. Specifically, a first end of the parallel flexible flexure 1032a is fixed to an upper surface of the portion 1007 of the frame 1006, and a first end of the parallel flexible flexure 1032b is fixed to a lower surface of the portion 1007 of the frame 1006. A second end of parallel flexible flexure 1032a is fixed to an upper surface of portion 1009 of frame 1006, and a second end of parallel flexible flexure 1032b is fixed to a lower surface of portion 1009 of frame 1006. The oscillatory vertical motion generated by actuator 1055 and transmitted to portion 1007 by linkages 1060a and 1060b is in the direction 1000. D2 10 is constrained at 1000 by parallel flexible flexures 1032a and 1032b. The rigid translational linkage can also be made of spring steel sheet material, or any suitable alternative, provided the linkage does not flex or bend. In an embodiment, another mass, counterweight with reciprocating motion, or voice coil can be attached to the assembly 1000 to provide vibration cancellation.

[0059]

[0080] 12A, the down position is the default position where portion 1007 of frame 1006 is not deflected relative to central axis A. In the down position, the top surface of portion 1007 is aligned with the top surface of portion 1009. Similarly, in the down position, the bottom surface of portion 1007 is aligned with the bottom surface of portion 1009. Flexible flexure 1032a is parallel to flexible flexure 1032b, and both parallel flexible flexures 1032a and 1032b are parallel to central axis A in the down or default position. The default positions of parallel flexible flexures 1032a and 1032b are shown in solid lines. Actuator 1055 is rotatable in the direction 1000. D2 The actuator 1055 is configured to move in a direction 1000 such that the actuator 1055 is mounted by a portion 1009 of the frame 1006. D2 The movement in the frame 1006 is conveyed by the rigid translation linkages 1060a and 1060b in the same direction to the portion 1007 of the frame 1006, i.e., in the direction 1000 D2 The orientation of linkages 1060a and 1060b provides high stiffness in transmitting motion from actuator 1055 to portion 1007 of frame 1006. D2 Movement in direction 1002 is enabled by deflection of parallel flexible flexures 1032a and 1032b to an upward position. The upward or translated position of parallel flexible flexures 1032a and 1032b is shown in dashed or dotted lines. Although not shown in FIG. 12A , as portion 1007 is translated, motor 1024 and drive train shaft 1024 also move in direction 1002. D2 Advantageously, the assembly 1000 allows for independent adjustment of the oscillatory sweeping motion about the central axis A and the oscillatory tapping motion in the z-axis direction or along the radial direction RD2 to generate a variety of motions.

[0060]

[0081] In a further embodiment, instead of having one actuator configured to generate a rotational motion and a separate additional actuator, e.g., actuator 1055, configured to generate a push-pull motion in the tapping direction, the sweeping motion and the tapping motion may be coupled to each other and applied by a single actuator.

[0061]

[0082] 13, in another embodiment, a schematic drive train assembly 1200 for an electric toothbrush device is provided. Like assemblies 700, 800, and 900, the drive train assembly 1200 rotates a drive train shaft 1224 in a direction 1200. D1 The motor 1202 may be a sensor drive, a can motor, any suitable DC or AC motor or driver, or any other motor or driver that can be used to rotate the rotor 1200 in a cyclic manner about a central axis A. D1 The motor 1202 may be any suitable actuator and resonator combination that produces a rotational motion to drive rotation of the drive shaft in the direction of the actuator 1202. The motor 1202 may itself also independently and controllably generate the power tapping motion, in which case the tapping motion is intrinsically coupled to the rotation. As shown in FIG. 13, the motor 1202 generates a tapping motion in a direction 1200 parallel to the z-axis of the device. D2 (i.e., in direction RD2). Such initial mechanical motion can be generated or provided by any suitable means, for example, by adding an eccentric mass, truss or spring, cam, or some combination, if necessary, to drive the actuator in direction 1200. D21202 can be translated into a tapping motion of 0.5 mm. To achieve the tapping motion, a degree of freedom needs to be provided for rotation about the x-axis of the device. To achieve the tapping motion, a pivot 1250, or any other suitable alternative, can be provided, which is located anywhere within the area of ​​the toothbrush or at a theoretically infinite distance from the brush, coinciding with the central axis A of the device (i.e., nearly perfect translation). The pivot 1250 can be embodied as a point, pin, shaft, or any suitable alternative that allows the motor 1202 to rotate, pivot, or oscillate about axis B.

[0062]

[0083] 14, in another embodiment, a schematic drive train assembly 1300 for an electric toothbrush device is provided. Like assemblies 700, 800, 900, and 1200, the drive train assembly 1300 rotates a drive train shaft 1324 in a direction 1300. D1 The motor 1302 may be a sensor drive, a can motor, any suitable DC or AC motor or driver, or a motor that rotates the rotor 1300 in a direction 1300. D1 The motor 1302 may be any suitable actuator and resonator combination that produces a rotary motion for driving rotation of the drive shaft in the direction of the actuator 1302. The motor 1302 may itself also independently and controllably generate the power tapping motion, in which case the tapping motion is intrinsically coupled to the rotation. As shown in FIG. 14, the motor 1302 generates a tapping motion in a direction 1300 parallel to the z-axis of the device. D2 (i.e., in direction RD2). Such initial mechanical motion can be generated or provided by any suitable means, for example, by adding an eccentric mass, truss or spring, cam, or some combination, if necessary, to drive the actuator in direction 1300. D213. The tapping motion can be converted into a tapping motion of 1302. To achieve the tapping motion, a degree of freedom must be provided for rotation about the x-axis of the device. To achieve the tapping motion, a pivot 1350, or any other suitable alternative, can be provided, which is located anywhere within the area of ​​the toothbrush or at a theoretically infinite distance from the brush, coinciding with the central axis A of the device (i.e., nearly perfect translation). The pivot 1350 can be embodied as a point, pin, shaft, or any suitable alternative about which the motor 1302 can rotate, pivot, or oscillate. As shown in FIG. 14, the pivot 1350 can be located on the rear side of the motor 1302 (i.e., on the side of the motor 1302 opposite the brush head 1304).

[0063]

[0084] 15, in another embodiment, a schematic drive train assembly 1400 for an electric toothbrush device is provided. Like assemblies 700, 800, 900, 1200, and 1300, the drive train assembly 1400 rotates a drive train shaft 1424 in a direction 1400. D1 The motor 1402 may be a sensor drive, a can motor, any suitable DC or AC motor or driver, or a motor having a rotational speed of 1400 rpm. D1 The actuator may be any suitable combination of actuators and resonators that produce rotary motion to drive rotation of the drive shaft in the direction 1400. As shown in FIG. 13, instead of providing a power tapping motion independently and controllably from the motor itself, the motor 1402 may provide a tapping motion in a direction 1400 parallel to the z-axis of the device by adding an eccentric mass, truss or spring, cam, or some combination. D2 In FIG. 15, the tapping motion can be generated or provided in a direction 1400 (i.e., direction RD2). D2The force required to drive the motor 1402 may be provided by one or more additional fixed permanent magnets configured to interact with the magnets of the motor 1402. In an alternative embodiment, an additional rotor carrying one or more permanent magnets may be used instead of the one or more fixed permanent magnets shown in FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 15, the permanent magnet 1430 may be fixed or otherwise connected to a rotating mass RM on the drive train shaft 1424. The rotating mass RM may be integral with the motor 1402 or indirectly connected to the motor 1402. The fixed permanent magnet 1450 may be mounted within the body portion of the electric toothbrush device to interact with the magnet 1430 as it rotates about the central axis A. In one embodiment, the fixed magnet 1450 may be oriented within the body portion of the electric toothbrush device such that its north pole faces upward toward the central axis A and its south pole faces downward. The rotatable magnet 1430 may be oriented with its south pole facing towards the shaft 1424 and its north pole facing outward (i.e., facing away from the drive train shaft 1424 as it rotates around the shaft). To achieve the tapping motion, a degree of freedom must be provided for rotation about the x-axis of the device. To achieve the tapping motion, a pivot line 1460, or any other suitable alternative, may be provided, such a pivot being located anywhere that coincides with the central axis A of the device, located within the area of ​​the toothbrush or at a theoretically infinite distance from the brush (i.e., nearly perfect translation). The pivot 1460 may be embodied as a point, pin, shaft, or any suitable alternative about which the motor 1402 can rotate, pivot, or oscillate. As shown in FIG. 15, the pivot 1460 may be located between the motor 1402 and the brush head member 1404 (i.e., on a first side of the motor 1402). In alternative embodiments, the pivot 1460 may be located along or on the rear side of the motor 1402 (ie, on a second side of the motor 1402, opposite the first side).

[0064]

[0085] All of the drivetrain assemblies 1200, 1300, and 1400 include a tapping return load (i.e., a reciprocating force) that generates the backstroke of the tapping motion. In an embodiment, the return load may come from the motor 1202, 1302, or 1402 itself, and / or from a motion conversion element that is bidirectional. In alternative embodiments where the motor and motion conversion element are both unidirectional and / or require an additional amount of return load or reciprocating force, the return load may be provided by a return spring or any suitable alternative. For example, FIG. 16 shows the drivetrain shaft 1524 being rotated in the direction 1500. D1 15 shows an end view of a motor 1502 of a drive train assembly configured to periodically rotate a rotor about a central axis A in a direction 1500. The motor 1502 may be a sensor drive, a can motor, any suitable DC or AC motor or driver, or any other suitable motor or driver. D1 The actuator may be any suitable combination of actuators and resonators that produce rotational motion to drive rotation of the drive shaft in a direction 1500 parallel to the z-axis of the device. D2 In embodiments that include a rotatable cam 1520, or any suitable equivalent, as a motion converter to generate or provide the force necessary to move the drivetrain shaft 1524 in a tapping motion in direction RD1 (i.e., direction RD2), no reciprocating force is provided by the cam mechanism. Instead, the cam 1520 rotates and urges the motor 1502 until the cam 1520 no longer exerts a force on the motor 1502 or drivetrain shaft 1524, thereby moving the drivetrain shaft 1524 in direction 1500. D2 Because the cam 1520 continues to rotate without exerting a force on the motor 1502 or the drive train shaft 1524, no force is exerted on the motor 1502, which in turn causes the drive train shaft 1524 to rotate in the direction 1500. D215. There is nothing at the handle 1501 which pushes it back downward to the default position. As a result, a separate return load is required to achieve the coordinated nature of the tapping motion. In an embodiment, a resilient member 1530 (e.g., a spring) may be provided between a portion of the handle or the body portion 1501 and the motor 1502. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, when the cam 1520 is rotating without exerting a force on the motor 1502 or the drive train shaft 1524, the resilient member 1530 biases the motor 1502 and the drive train shaft 1524 downward to the default position. The combination of forces exerted by the cam 1520 and the resilient member 1530 generates the reciprocating force necessary to achieve the coordinated nature of the tapping motion.

[0065]

[0086] In the embodiments described herein, in which the drive train assembly is configured to generate a consistent and controllable power tapping motion and a controllable sweeping motion, the bristles of the power toothbrush device can be driven in a variety of paths, as described below.

[0066]

[0087] In embodiments where the electric toothbrush device is configured with a drive train assembly that generates a substantially pure reciprocating power tapping motion in the direction of the z-axis of the device (e.g., assemblies 400, 500, and 600), the bristles may be driven as shown in FIG. 17. Starting from a default or initial position of the cycle, the motion is with no change in amplitude. The bristles are then driven to a maximum amplitude of 2 mm, followed by a minimum amplitude of -2 mm, and finally back to the default end position, i.e., the start position of the new cycle. Such a drive train assembly can ensure that there is no clockwise or counterclockwise rotation, and no sweeping motion associated with the reciprocating tapping motion.

[0067]

[0088] As shown in FIG. 18, the bristles may be driven by the drive train assembly described herein to follow a reciprocating tapping motion (such as that shown in FIG. 17) accompanied by a reciprocating sweeping motion. In an embodiment (such as that shown in FIG. 18), the sweeping and tapping motions may be phase shifted by 180 degrees. When the phase angle between the tapping and sweeping motions is 180 degrees (i.e., when the phase angle difference between the motions is 180 degrees), the waveforms of the tapping and sweeping motions are represented as mirror images of each other. At the beginning of the cycle, there is no change in the amplitude of either motion, after which the bristles may be driven to a positive maximum value in the tapping motion, which is equal to an amplitude of 2 mm. At the same time, the bristles may be rotated to a negative maximum value in the sweeping motion, which is equal to a rotation amplitude of -6 degrees. Thus, at 90 degrees of the cycle, the bristles have a maximum tapping translation and a maximum rotation in the counterclockwise direction. At half the cycle, there is again no change in the amplitude of either motion. The seta may then be driven in a tapping motion to a negative maximum value equal to an amplitude of -2 mm. At the same time, the seta may be rotated in a sweeping motion to a positive maximum value equal to a rotation amplitude of +6 degrees. Thus, at 270 degrees of the cycle, the tapping translation of the seta is minimal and the rotation in the clockwise direction is maximal. At the end of the cycle, there is again no change in the amplitude of either motion. At the same time as the reciprocating tapping motion, the seta may be driven in the counterclockwise direction by an angle of more than 5 degrees, then returned to a neutral state in the clockwise direction, and then driven further in the clockwise direction by an angle of more than 5 degrees. The seta may be driven back to a neural state in the clockwise direction.

[0068]

[0089] As shown in Figures 19A, 19B, and 19C, the bristles may also be driven by the drive train assembly described herein such that the tapping frequency is faster than the sweeping frequency. Figure 19A shows an embodiment in which the bristles are driven to produce two taps (i.e., points of maximum tapping translation) during a single sweeping cycle. Figure 19B shows another embodiment in which the tapping motion is combined with the sweeping motion in a "down-tap-down-tap" motion. The tapping frequency is faster than the sweeping frequency. More specifically, the tapping frequency is twice as fast as the sweeping frequency. In such an embodiment, the maximum tapping occurs when the bristles are pointing directly towards the oral surface because the cantilever beam has a higher compression stiffness than bending stiffness, and therefore a high impact force is transmitted. The bristles have a smaller impact area because they describe a three-dimensional cone in the air. The combination of motions shown in Figure 19B is a precision motion that is ideal for interproximal spaces. FIG. 19C shows another embodiment in which the tapping motion is coupled to the sweeping motion in an "up-up" motion where the tapping frequency is twice the sweeping frequency. In such an embodiment, the maximum tapping translation occurs at the maximum rotation angle, so the motion maximizes the possibility of the bristles contacting the oral surface. Also, in such an embodiment, the bristles tend to contact even in a scenario where the bristles are bent, minimizing the peak forces. Although the peak forces may be minimized, such motions can be used to soften the tapping effect if desired. The combination of motions shown in FIG. 19C is more appropriate for larger surfaces, not interproximal spaces. Unlike the motions shown in FIG. 18, the sweeping and tapping motions shown in FIG. 19A, FIG. 19B, and FIG. 19C are synchronized or coordinated. The waveforms of the motions move in a synchronous manner. In other words, there is no phase angle difference between the sweeping and tapping motions.

[0069]

[0090] The effect of the powered toothbrush device and drive train assembly described herein is to improve cleaning performance in key areas of the mouth by driving the toothbrush bristles in a vertical cyclic motion parallel to the bristle direction or bristle alignment axis with an amplitude of vertical motion of 0.25 mm or more (i.e., power tapping). The inventive power tapping motion (i) achieves deeper reach in the periodontal pocket to remove subgingival plaque, (ii) achieves higher peak forces at the surface improving plaque and / or stain removal, (iii) improves plaque removal by preventing pinching of the bristle tufts, thereby restoring beneficial tuft sweeping behavior, (iv) achieves higher resilience to usage variables such as toothbrush placement, toothbrush angle, and toothbrush pressure, and (v) provides new options for consumer experience modalities.

[0070]

[0091] All definitions, as defined and used herein, are understood to take precedence over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0071]

[0092] As used herein, in the specification and claims, the singular terms "a," "an," and "the" are to be understood to mean "at least one" unless specifically noted otherwise.

[0072]

[0093] As used herein, in the specification and in the claims, the term "and / or" should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjointly present in some cases and disjointly present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" should be construed in the same manner, i.e., as "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, whether related or unrelated to such elements specifically identified.

[0073]

[0094] In the specification and claims, when used herein, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" should be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., including at least one of several elements or a list of elements, but also including two or more of them, and optionally including additional items not in the list. Only when terms clearly indicate otherwise, such as "only one of" or "exactly one of," or when "consisting of" is used in the claims, refers to the inclusion of exactly one element of several elements or a list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used herein should be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., "one or the other, but not both") only when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of."

[0074]

[0095] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase "at least one" in reference to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each element specifically listed in the list of elements, and not excluding any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the optional presence of elements other than those specifically identified in the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related or unrelated to such specifically identified elements.

[0075]

[0096] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "consisting of," and the like, are to be understood as open-ended, i.e., meaning including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0076]

[0097] Also, unless otherwise specified, it should be understood that in any method claimed herein that includes two or more steps or actions, the order of the method steps or actions is not necessarily limited to the order in which the method steps or actions are described.

[0077]

[0098] Although several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated, those skilled in the art will readily envision various other means and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each such variation and / or modification is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary, and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on the particular application or applications in which the inventive teachings are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. Thus, the above embodiments are presented by way of example only, and within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, the inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. Furthermore, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent.

Claims

1. 1. A drive train assembly for an electric toothbrush device, the electric toothbrush device comprising: a body portion; and a drive train assembly comprising: a drive train shaft at least partially housed within the body portion and engaging a brush head member having bristles; a motor attached to the drive train shaft for cyclically rotating the drive train shaft about a first axis of the electric toothbrush device; an electromagnetic assembly that drives the drive train shaft to thereby drive the brush head member about a second axis of the electric toothbrush device that is different from the first axis, or in a direction parallel to a third axis of the electric toothbrush device; the third axis is perpendicular to the second axis and parallel to the alignment axis of the bristles; the electromagnetic assembly a magnet connected to the drivetrain shaft; a stator mounted at a base within the body portion, the stator generating a magnetic field suitable for cyclically driving the magnet and thereby interacting with the magnetic field of the magnet to cyclically drive the drive train shaft and the brush head member in a direction parallel to the third axis of the electric toothbrush device; a bearing on the drivetrain shaft for maintaining movement of the brush head member in a direction parallel to the third axis.

2. 2. The drive train assembly of claim 1, wherein the first axis is a central axis of the electric toothbrush device, the second axis is perpendicular to the central axis and the third axis, and the third axis is perpendicular to the central axis and the second axis.

3. 3. The drivetrain assembly of claim 1, wherein the bearing comprises a movable support member surrounding the drivetrain shaft and parallel flexible flexures extending between the movable support member and the base, the parallel flexible flexures constraining movement of the brush head member in a direction parallel to the third axis.

4. the electromagnetic assembly 2. The drivetrain assembly of claim 1, further comprising a voice coil actuator fixed to the drivetrain shaft, the voice coil actuator generating periodic linear motion such that the drivetrain shaft can rotate about the second axis of the electric toothbrush device.

5. The drivetrain assembly of claim 1 , wherein the body portion further comprises a pivot about which the drivetrain shaft rotates.

6. the electromagnetic assembly The drive train assembly of claim 1 including an electromagnetic coil separate from the motor and within the body portion.

7. 7. The drivetrain assembly of claim 6, wherein the electromagnetic assembly further comprises a pivot or hinge disposed along the drivetrain shaft about which the drivetrain shaft rotates so that movement of the electric toothbrush device in a direction parallel to the third axis is constrained.

8. The drivetrain assembly of claim 6 , wherein the electromagnetic coil comprises a linear solenoid actuator.

9. The drive train assembly of claim 7 , wherein the pivot or hinge is located along the motor.

10. The drive train assembly of claim 7 , wherein the pivot or hinge is disposed between the motor and the brush head member.

11. 8. The drive train assembly of claim 7, wherein the motor has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the brush head member is positioned on the first side of the motor, and the pivot or hinge is disposed on the second side of the motor.

12. a brush head member including a set of bristles; a body portion coupled to the brush head member; a drive train assembly within the body portion, the drive train assembly a drive train shaft at least partially contained within the body portion and engaging the brush head member; a motor attached to the drive train shaft for cyclically rotating the drive train shaft about a first axis of the electric toothbrush device; an electromagnetic assembly that drives the drive train shaft to thereby drive the brush head member about a second axis of the electric toothbrush device that is different from the first axis, or in a direction parallel to a third axis of the electric toothbrush device; the third axis is perpendicular to the second axis and parallel to the alignment axis of the bristles; the electromagnetic assembly a magnet connected to the drivetrain shaft; a stator mounted at a base within the body portion, the stator generating a magnetic field suitable for cyclically driving the magnet and thereby interacting with the magnetic field of the magnet to cyclically drive the drive train shaft and the brush head member in a direction parallel to the third axis of the electric toothbrush device; a bearing on the drive train shaft for maintaining movement of the brush head member in a direction parallel to the third axis.

13. 13. The electric toothbrush device of claim 12, wherein the first axis is a central axis of the electric toothbrush device, the second axis is an x-axis of the electric toothbrush device that is perpendicular to the central axis, and the third axis is a z-axis of the electric toothbrush device that is perpendicular to the central axis and the second axis.

14. 13. The electric toothbrush device of claim 12, wherein the electromagnetic assembly comprises a stator, a voice coil actuator, or a linear solenoid actuator.

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