Optimal parameters for sweeping and power tapping movements

Abstract

The electric toothbrush device 100 includes a brush head member 104 having a set of bristles 116, a body portion 102 coupled to the brush head member, and a drive train assembly 122. The drive train assembly includes an actuator 840 configured to generate a periodic linear motion, and a drive train shaft 124, 824 configured to transmit the generated periodic linear motion to the brush head member. The set of bristles is configured to be driven in a first direction TM with an amplitude greater than or equal to 0.25 mm and less than 3 mm, and at a frequency greater than or equal to 0.25 Hz and less than 520 Hz. The drive train shaft is further configured to periodically rotate the set of bristles in a second direction SM about a central axis of the electric toothbrush device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001]

[0001] The present disclosure is generally directed to personal care devices and systems for generating controllable sweeping and powered tapping motions that achieve high performance cleaning results. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] Current modern electric toothbrush devices use a rotational motion around the central axis of the brush head. This motion is known as a sweeping motion. A simplified schematic representation of a modern electric toothbrush is illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the electric toothbrush 10 has a handle 12 and a brush head 14. Bristles 16 are illustrated extending from the brush head 14. In use, the brush head 14 is driven by a drive system housed within the handle 12. The bristles are typically rotated in a sweeping motion SM around the central axis A by the drive system. The sweeping motion is typically embodied as a linear movement, a rotational movement, or a combination of both linear and rotational movements, which is tangential to the direction in which the bristles face.

[0003]

[0003] Unfortunately, toothbrush devices that use only sweeping motion are not optimized for all target areas in the mouth (e.g., interproximal area, gum line area, incisor surface, molar surface, and overall surface area of ​​teeth). Achieving proper cleaning performance in all target areas depends on several factors, such as toothbrush layout, toothbrush motion, and user handling. Although manufacturers can control the layout or design of toothbrushes, it is difficult to design toothbrushes that perform optimally in all target areas due to conflicting requirements for different areas. As a result, toothbrushes may have suboptimal performance in certain areas of interest. Ideally, consumers can use different types of toothbrushes to achieve the best cleaning in all target areas, but for daily oral care routines, consumers use only one toothbrush device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004]

[0004] Thus, there is a need in the art for improved powered toothbrush devices and systems that achieve the goals of stain and / or plaque removal and gum health. There is also a need in the art for improved powered toothbrush devices and systems that optimize different drive train motions to target specific areas of the mouth. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005]

[0005] The present disclosure is generally directed to an inventive electric or powered personal care device, such as an electric toothbrush or shaver, and a method for producing high performance cleaning results using the electric or powered personal care device. The inventive system achieves the goal of improved stain and / or plaque removal and gum health by precisely and controllably generating a powered tapping motion in combination with a sweeping motion. Various embodiments and implementations herein are directed to an improved system having a brush head member with a set of bristles and one of a variety of drive train assemblies. The improved drive train assembly includes a drive train shaft that generates a periodic linear motion in addition to a periodic rotational motion and transmits such linear and rotational motion to the brush head member such that the set of bristles moves in a sweeping motion and a tapping motion. Applicant has recognized and appreciated that an electric or powered personal care device can be significantly improved when the bristles are controllably driven in a direction parallel to the z-axis of the device (i.e., a tapping motion). Such motion is within a specific range of critical amplitudes and frequencies. Applicant further recognizes and understands that such controlled tapping motions may be used in combination with controllable sweeping motions to achieve the goals of enhanced stain and / or plaque removal and gum health. As described herein, certain sweeping and tapping motions may be combined to produce particularly useful sums of strokes and pulses.

[0006]

[0006] In a first aspect, an electric toothbrush device is provided. The electric toothbrush device includes a brush head member having a set of bristles at a distal end; a body portion coupled to the brush head member; and a drive train assembly disposed within the body portion. The drive train assembly includes an actuator configured to generate a periodic linear motion; and a drive train shaft configured to transmit the generated periodic linear motion to the brush head member such that the set of bristles moves in a first direction parallel to a z-axis of the electric toothbrush device, the z-axis being perpendicular to a central axis of the electric toothbrush device. The set of bristles is configured to move in the first direction with an amplitude equal to or greater than 0.25 mm and a frequency equal to or greater than 0.25 Hz.

[0007]

[0007] According to an embodiment, the set of bristles is configured to move in the first direction with an amplitude greater than 0.5 mm and less than 3 mm.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the set of bristles is configured to move in the first direction at a frequency less than 520 Hz.

[0009]

[0009] According to an embodiment, the drive train shaft is further configured to periodically rotate the set of bristles in a second direction different from the first direction, the second direction being around a central axis of the electric toothbrush device.

[0010]

[0010] According to an embodiment, the set of bristles is configured to move in a first direction at a first frequency, and the set of bristles is configured to move in a second direction at a second frequency identical to the first frequency.

[0011]

[0011] According to an embodiment, the drive train shaft is further configured to operate a periodic linear movement in phase with the rotational movement.

[0012]

[0012] According to an embodiment, the actuator of the drive train assembly comprises a magnet and a conductor to generate periodic linear movement.

[0013]

[0013] According to an embodiment, the actuator of the drive train assembly comprises a magnet and a conductor to generate periodic rotational movement.

[0014]

[0014] According to an embodiment, the set of bristles is configured to move in the second direction with an amplitude equal to or greater than 0.50 mm and a frequency equal to or greater than 40 Hz.

[0015]

[0015] According to an embodiment, the set of bristles is configured to move in the second direction with an amplitude greater than 0.5 mm and less than 6 mm.

[0016]

[0016] According to an embodiment, the set of bristles is configured to move in the second direction at a frequency less than 500 Hz.

[0017]

[0017] According to an embodiment, the drive train assembly further comprises an elastic member and a pivot point within the elastic member, the pivot point configured to reverse the generated periodic linear motion.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the drive train shaft is configured to be displaced along the z-axis of the electric toothbrush device to generate the periodic linear movement.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the actuator is configured to generate a periodic rotation in the second direction.

[0020]

[0020] According to an embodiment, the drive train assembly further comprises an elastic member and a pivot point within the elastic member, the pivot point configured to reverse the generated periodic rotational movement.

[0021] In various embodiments, the processor or controller is associated with one or more storage media (collectively referred to herein as "memory" and including, for example, volatile and non-volatile computer memory such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, floppy disks, compact disks, optical disks, magnetic tapes, etc.). In some embodiments, 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 discussed herein. The various storage media may be fixed or portable within the processor or controller, and one or more programs stored on the storage media may be loaded into the processor or controller to implement various aspects discussed herein. In this specification, the term "program" or "computer program" is used in a general sense to refer to any type of computer code (e.g., software or microcode) that may be used to program one or more processors or controllers.

[0022]

[0022] It should be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in more detail below (provided that such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are considered to be part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of the claimed subject matter described at the end of this disclosure are considered to be part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be understood that the terms explicitly used in this specification, as well as those described in any disclosures incorporated by reference, are accorded the meaning most consistent with the particular 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 different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1]

[0025] A simplified schematic representation of an end view of a modern electric toothbrush device configured to use a sweeping motion. [Diagram 2]

[0026] 1 is a simplified schematic representation of a portion of an electric toothbrush device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3]

[0027] 1 is a simplified schematic representation of an end view of an electric toothbrush device configured to use sweeping and tapping motions according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]

[0028] 1 is a tabular representation of important sweep and tapping parameters according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5]

[0029] 1 is a diagrammatic representation of key parameters of frequency and amplitude for an electric toothbrush device using a periodic pulse (i.e., tapping) motion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A]

[0030] 1 is a simplified schematic representation of an end view of an electric toothbrush device configured to use sweeping and tapping motions according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B]

[0031] 1 is a simplified schematic representation of an end view of an electric toothbrush device configured to use sweeping and tapping motions according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6C]

[0032] 1 is a simplified schematic representation of an end view of an electric toothbrush device configured to use sweeping and tapping motions according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]

[0033] 1 is a schematic representation of an electric toothbrush device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8]

[0034] 1 is a schematic representation of a portion of a drive train assembly of an electric toothbrush device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 9]

[0035] 9 is a schematic representation of magnets and conductors of a portion of the drive train assembly illustrated in FIG. 8 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10]

[0036] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating an electric toothbrush device, such as an electric toothbrush device, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026]

[0037] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of an improved system and method for driving a brush head of an electric or powered personal care device, such as an electric toothbrush or shaver. Applicant has recognized and appreciated that a personal care device may provide improved cleaning performance in critical areas by driving the bristles of the device with a sweeping motion combined with a controllable vertical periodic motion parallel to the direction of the bristles, where the amplitude of the vertical motion is equal to or greater than 0.25 mm (referred to herein as "powered tapping"). As used herein, the term "vertical" does not imply an absolute direction relative to the ground, but is instead used to indicate the relative direction of movement shown in the drawings. As described herein, the inventive powered tapping motion in a powered toothbrush device (i) achieves deeper reach into the gingival pocket to remove subgingival plaque, (ii) achieves higher peak force at the surface to improve plaque and / or stain removal, (iii) improves plaque removal by preventing pinning of the bristle tufts and restoring beneficial tuft sweeping action, (iv) achieves greater resilience to variability in use of toothbrush placement, toothbrush angle, toothbrush pressure, etc., and (v) provides new options for consumer experience modes. Thus, exemplary improved systems and methods described or otherwise contemplated herein provide a brush head member having a set of bristles and one of a variety of drive train assemblies for generating periodic rotational and periodic linear movements. The periodic linear movements are transmitted by a drive train shaft to move the bristles in a direction parallel to the z-axis of the device. Applicant has recognized and appreciated that such controlled linear movements can be combined with rotational movements to provide improved cleaning performance.

[0027]

[0038] A particular goal of the use of the embodiments and implementations herein is to provide a mechanism for providing a powered tapping motion in a powered toothbrush device, such as the Philips Sonicare™ electric toothbrush (manufactured by Koninklijke Philips NV). However, the components of the device are utilized with many other personal care devices, such as oral care devices, oral cleaning devices, flossers, skin cleaners, and many other devices. The present disclosure should not be limited by the specific embodiments shown and described.

[0028]

[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a simplified schematic representation of a portion of an electric toothbrush device 100 configured to generate a sweeping motion and a tapping motion is provided. The electric toothbrush device 100 comprises a brush head 114 that can be driven to rotate bristles 116 around a central axis A. The orientation illustrated in FIG. 2 is included to illustrate the spatial terms used in the technical field and in this application. As used herein, the term "vertical" refers to the indicated orientation. 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 perpendicular to the central axis A and the radial direction RD2 and extends along the x-axis of the device 100. The radial direction RD2 is perpendicular to both the axial direction AD and the radial direction RD1, parallel to the axis of the bristles 116 shown and extends along the z-axis of the device 100. The electric tapping motion described herein refers to the controllable movement of the brush head and bristles in the radial direction RD2. In other words, a powered tapping motion refers to the movement of the bristles parallel to the axis of alignment of the bristles. A sweeping motion refers to the rotational and / or linear motion of the bristles perpendicular to the axis of alignment of the bristles. In an embodiment, a powered 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).

[0029]

[0040] Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic representation of an end view of the electric toothbrush device 100 is provided. The device 100 is configured to generate various motions, each of which includes the summation (i.e., cumulative action, motion, or effect) of a sweep or stroke and a pulse or tap. The sweep or stroke is directed in a direction SM (which is the direction between the occlusal surface, i.e., 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 pulse or tap is directed in a vertical direction TM (which is the direction from the tongue to the face 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 movement (i.e., direction TM) with an amplitude equal to or greater than 0.25 mm. As discussed in more detail herein, the electric toothbrush device 100 can be configured to use sweep and tapping motions (SM and TM) to optimize motion to specific areas where a particular motion is most beneficial. For example, in embodiments, a small powered tapping motion (i.e., a tapping motion with an amplitude on the smaller side of the critical range) may be used with a sweeping motion for the pre-buccal areas of the mouth, while in other embodiments, a large powered tapping motion (i.e., a tapping motion with a higher amplitude) may be used with a sweeping motion to achieve better reach in the interproximal areas between the teeth.

[0030]

[0041] FIG. 4 shows a tabular representation of the key sweep and tapping parameters described herein. FIG. 5 illustrates a graphical "golden triangle" that represents the optimal operating region for the power tapping parameters when used with a personal care device such as a power toothbrush device. When the optimally operating tapping parameters are combined with the optimal sweep parameters, the "golden triangle" becomes a "golden pyramid". The abscissa of FIG. 5 represents the tapping amplitude and the ordinate represents the frequency of the movement. The term frequency refers to the number of cycles in a given time interval, for example, 1 second. The term amplitude refers to the peak amplitude that may include the maximum absolute value of the signal. The desired range of amplitude for the power tapping movement is about ±0.25 mm to about ±3 mm, but the power tapping movement generally includes a periodic vertical movement equal to or greater than ±0.5 mm.

[0031]

[0042] Amplitudes higher than ±3mm are undesirable due to the risk of teeth chattering, which may cause the platen of the toothbrush device to strike the occlusal surface of the opposing jaw. In addition, amplitudes higher than ±3mm may lead to undesirable vibration of the oral and nasal tissues and unpleasant sensations on the treatment surface. Frequencies lower than 0.25Hz are too slow to be effective. Frequencies higher than 520Hz are more than twice the primary resonant frequency and are undesirable.

[0032]

[0043] It should be understood that the recommended oral care routine lasts for 2 minutes, and assuming an average of 32 teeth, approximately 3.75 seconds can be spent on each tooth during the recommended oral care routine. Therefore, if the power tapping motion occurs slower than 4 seconds, it is too slow to be applied uniformly throughout the mouth (i.e., to all interproximal spots). Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the power tapping motion occurs every 3.75 seconds (i.e., 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, in order for the user to experience the power tapping motion uniformly throughout the mouth (i.e., at all interproximal spots and / or each tooth), the power tapping motion can occur multiple times per pass over a tooth. Therefore, the required frequency is approximately 20 Hz (i.e., at least every 0.05 seconds). Of course, it should be understood that if the oral care routine is shorter or longer than two minutes, the frequency of occurrence of the powered tapping motion will be adjusted accordingly so that the frequency of occurrence of the powered tapping motion is uniform throughout the oral care routine. It should be understood that in other embodiments, it may be desirable to have an inconsistent or non-uniform frequency of occurrence of the powered tapping motion, for example, based on an analysis of certain areas where tapping motion is more beneficial than other areas.

[0033]

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the sweeping motion is combined with a tapping motion having an amplitude of 0.25 mm; the addition of the tapping motion can produce a 1% improvement in cleaning performance in the gum line area, a 3% improvement in the interdental area, and an overall improvement of 1% when considering coverage of all surfaces to be cleaned.

[0034]

[0045] The tapping motion partially improves the performance of the sweeping motion by un-trapping or un-pinning the bristle bundles. Trapping or pinning of the bristles is a phenomenon where the bristles become constrained or trapped under heavy loads and are no longer able to move freely with the sweeping motion delivered by the drive train. If the user applies too much load when brushing, the movement of the bristle bundles may be partially constrained on the tooth surface. As a result of the constraining, the sweeping motion may be reduced and cleaning performance may be impaired. If the user applies even more load, the bristle bundles may become trapped or pinned and the bundles do not move at all when brushing. As a result of the trapping or pinning of the bristles, the sweeping motion does not occur and the user does not benefit from the sweeping motion from the drive train assembly. When the bristles are constrained or trapped, the cleaning benefit is only regained when the user manually moves the product to a new orientation and releases the bristles from the heavy load.

[0035]

[0046] 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 being constrained. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the bristles 116 are free to move in a sweeping motion SM when no load is applied and the bristles are not splayed out. FIG. 6B shows the effect on the bristles 116 when a load is applied and the bristles are splayed out against one or more surfaces of the tooth T. In FIG. 6B, the bristles can still move in a sweeping motion SM, but they are constrained and therefore the sweeping motion is reduced. As illustrated in FIG. 6C, if too much load is applied to the bristles 116, the bristles can get trapped against the surface of the tooth T and the sweeping motion is prevented.

[0036]

[0047] As illustrated in Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C, the sequence of bristles' positions and movements relative to the tooth surface can also be useful in discussing how tapping movements can improve the performance of sweeping movements. For example, when brushing using both sweeping and tapping movements, the bristle tufts spread out as the load increases or as the brush head moves in direction DR1 due to the drive train assembly generating a vertical up-down movement (i.e., powered tapping movement). As illustrated in Figure 6C, as the load increases due to the force exerted by the drive train assembly or otherwise due to the load applied by the user, the tufts become more and more constrained. However, if the amplitude of the brush head movement in direction DR1 is large enough, the large amplitude of the movement can result in buckling of the constrained or trapped bristles, effectively releasing or relieving the load on the bristles. Thus, adding a tapping movement of a sufficiently large amplitude to the sweeping movement can allow the bristles to move more freely, thereby improving cleaning performance. Importantly, when the brush head is moved in direction DR2 during the cyclical tapping motion, the action is reversed and the sequence proceeds from the position illustrated in Figure 6C and / or 6B to the position illustrated in Figure 6A. As the load is reduced, the tufts become less and less constrained. The tapping motion may allow the tufts to cover a larger surface area during the sweeping motion, improving plaque removal by restoring the beneficial sweeping motion.

[0037]

[0048] The addition of a tapping motion to a sweeping motion also achieves deeper reach into the gum pocket to remove subgingival plaque. The addition of a tapping motion achieves improved cleaning performance in the peripheral, interproximal, mesial, and buccal areas within the gum pocket, 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, a roll angle of 45 degrees, a roll angle of 60 degrees, or any suitable roll angle. Thus, the addition of a tapping motion makes the cleaning efficiency of the brush more robust to user orientation and less dependent on user technique than when using only a sweeping motion.

[0038]

[0049] Improved cleaning performance can be achieved by using the key operating parameters for the tapping motion discussed herein. Although various drive train assemblies can be implemented to generate the tapping motion, an exemplary assembly is discussed below simply to illustrate how the present invention can be implemented and practiced.

[0039]

[0050] 7, an exemplary electric toothbrush device 100 is provided that includes a body portion 102 having a housing and a brush head member 104 attached to the body portion 102. The brush head member 104 includes a brush head 114 at its end remote from the body portion 102. The brush head 114 includes a bristle surface 115, which provides a plurality of bristles 116. According to an embodiment, the bristles extend along an axis generally perpendicular to the elongated axis of the head, although many other embodiments of the brush head and bristles are possible.

[0040]

[0051] The head member 104, the brush head 114, and / or the bristle face 115 are mounted so as to be movable relative to the main body housing 102. This movement can be any of a variety of different movements, including oscillation or rotation, among others. According to one embodiment, the head member 104 is mounted to the main body housing 102 so as to be oscillable relative to the main body housing 102, or as another example, the brush head 114 is mounted to the head member 104 so as to be oscillable relative to the main body housing 102, or as another example, the bristle face 115 is mounted to the head member 103 so as to be oscillable relative to the main body housing 102. The head member 104 can be fixedly mounted to the main body housing 102, or alternatively, the head member 104 is removably mounted such 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]

[0052] The body portion includes a drive train assembly 122 having an actuator or motor for generating motion, and a transmission component 124 or shaft for transmitting the generated motion to the brush head member 104. For example, the drive train assembly 122 includes a motor or electromagnet that generates motion of the drive train shaft 124, which is then transmitted to the brush head member 104. The drive train and motor 122 may include components such as a power source, an oscillator, and one or more electromagnets, among others. In this embodiment, the power source includes one or more rechargeable batteries, not shown, which may be electrically charged, for example, in a charging holder in which the electric toothbrush device 100 is placed when not in use.

[0042]

[0053] The body portion further comprises a user input 126 for activating and deactivating the motion generator or drive train assembly 122. The user input 126 allows a user to operate 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]

[0054] The main body portion 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 or inputs from sensors in the device. 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, such as, but not limited to, a microcontroller, multiple microcontrollers, a circuit, a single processor, multiple processors, etc. The memory 134 may take any suitable form, such as 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 an 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. In an embodiment, the connectivity module 138 transmits the collected sensor data and may be any module, device or means capable of transmitting a wired or wireless signal, such as, but not limited to, a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, near field communication and / or cellular module.

[0044]

[0055] Referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, a schematic drive train assembly 800 of an electric toothbrush is provided for generating a periodic linear motion (i.e., a tapping motion) alone or in combination with a periodic rotational motion (i.e., a sweeping motion). The drive train assembly 800 generally comprises a resonator or load mass 810, a resilient member 820, a magnet 830, and a conductor or electromagnetic assembly 840. The load mass or resonator 810 (which may be the brush head member 104 or may be connected to the brush head member 104) may be connected to a drive train shaft 824 (e.g., shaft 124) for transmitting vibrations to the brush head member (e.g., member 104). The resonator 810 is also connected to an end 822 of a resilient member 820, which may be any suitable spring, such as a tension spring, a torsion spring, a compression spring, a leaf spring, a V-shaped spring, a U-shaped spring, or any of a variety of different spring shapes, types, and sizes. A magnet 830 is attached to end 824 of resilient member 820, and an actuator comprising a plurality of conductors 840 is positioned to interact with magnet 830. End 824 of magnet 830 is opposite end 822. The plurality of conductors 840 are connected to a power source and a circuit board (not shown) for controlling the electromagnetic field generated by the conductors. Magnet 830 may be any suitable permanent magnet, such as neodymium magnets and silicon magnets. Conductor 840 may be any suitable conductor made of any suitable non-magnetic material, such as copper, aluminum, or the like, or any combination thereof. Although FIG. 8 illustrates conductor 840 as a coil, it should be understood that any suitable geometry or alternative components are contemplated.

[0045]

[0056] The resonator 810 is configured to rotate about a central axis A to periodically move the brush head member and its bristles in a sweeping motion SM. To generate the rotational sweeping motion SM, the first and second conductors 840A and 840B are configured to generate an electromagnetic field to interact with the north and south poles of the magnet 830. In other words, the drive train assembly 800 may generate switching currents in conductor coils that alternate the direction of the electromagnetic field to rotate the magnet 830 in a sweeping motion SM about the axis A. With reference to FIG. 9 , the magnet 930 represents the magnet 830, and the conductors 940A and 940B represent the conductors 840A and 840B. Depending on the orientation of the north and south poles of the magnet 930, the polarities of the conductors 940A and 940B may be alternated to push and pull the magnet 930 in a sweeping motion SM about the central axis A. In Fig. 9, reversing the polarity of conductors 940A and 940B moves magnet 930 about central axis A, and switching the polarity of conductors 940A and 940B back to the orientation shown in Fig. 9 pulls magnet 930 back to the default orientation. Pivot point 850 in Fig. 8 reverses the sweeping motion, thereby allowing for balancing of the movement or reaction forces by utilizing the natural or self-oscillation frequency. As magnets 830, 930 rotate, so do the elastic member 820 and resonator 810, and thus the connected brush head members and bristles, in a sweeping motion SM about central axis A.

[0046]

[0057] The third and fourth conductors 840C and 840D are also configured to generate an electromagnetic field to interact with the north and south poles of the magnet 830 to move the magnet 830 in a vertical up and down motion (i.e., a tapping motion TM). It should be understood that the conductors 840C and 840D can be used to move the magnet 830 in a tapping motion TM while the first and second conductors 840A and 840B are moving the magnet 830 in a sweeping motion SM. Alternatively, the conductors 840C and 840D can be used to move the magnet 830 in a tapping motion when the conductors 840A and 840B are not moving the magnet in a sweeping motion. The conductors 940C and 940D in FIG. 9 represent the conductors 840C and 840D. The configuration of the conductors 940C and 940D illustrated in FIG. 9 can move the magnet 930 in the illustrated upward vertical direction. Conductors 940A and 940B are positioned substantially midway or about the center point of the south and north poles of magnet 930, respectively, while conductors 940C and 940D are positioned adjacent to or below the bottom side of the south and north poles of magnet 930, respectively. Pivot point 850 in FIG. 8 also reverses the upward vertical movement, thereby allowing for balancing of the movement or reaction forces by utilizing the natural or self-frequency. Additionally, reversing the polarity of conductors 940C and 940D from the configuration illustrated in FIG. 9 attracts magnet 930 in a downward vertical direction.

[0047]

[0058] In an embodiment, the sweeping motion SM and the tapping motion TM may occur simultaneously. Alternatively, only conductors 840C and 840D may be used to generate the tapping motion, and the polarity of conductors 840A and 840B may remain constant in the orientation shown in FIG. 9 such that no sweeping motion is generated while a tapping motion is generated.

[0048]

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, pivot point 850 is located along axis A within elastic member 820. Pivot point 850 is shown as an imaginary point within elastic member 820 that reverses sweeping motion SM and / or tapping motion TM. Pivot point 850 allows for balancing of movement or reaction forces by utilizing the self-oscillation or natural frequency of drive train assembly 800. Although pivot point 850 is an imaginary point in FIGS. 8 and 9, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments pivot point 850 may be embodied as a structural pivot that reverses the sweeping motion and / or tapping motion. Additionally, it should be understood that in different embodiments pivot point 850 may be located at a different point along axis A.

[0049]

[0060] The configuration of the drive train assembly 800 allows free rotational movement of the brush head and bristles about the x and y axes of the electric toothbrush device while restricting rotation about the z axis and translation along the y axis. Free rotation about the x axis refers to rotation about axis 860. Free rotation about the y axis refers to rotation about the central axis A. The z axis refers to axis 870 or an axis extending in the radial direction RD2. In FIG. 8, axis 860 is perpendicular to central axis A and passes through pivot point 850, although axis 860 may be positioned along a different point on axis A.

[0050]

[0061] FIG. 10 depicts a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a power toothbrush device according to an exemplary embodiment in which the device controllably produces sweeping and tapping motions SM and TM to optimize cleaning performance for target areas of the mouth.

[0051]

[0062] The method begins at step 1010, where an electric toothbrush device is provided. As described or otherwise contemplated herein, the electric toothbrush device includes a body portion, a brush head member, a controller, and a drive train assembly. The brush head member includes a set of bristles extending from the brush head in a bristle direction. The drive train assembly includes a drive train shaft configured to transmit vibrations to the brush head member. In an embodiment, the drive train assembly further includes a resonator (e.g., resonator 810), a resilient member (e.g., member 820), a magnet (e.g., magnet 830), and a plurality of conductors (e.g., conductor 840).

[0052]

[0063] In step 1020, the drive train assembly is actuated such that the resonator rotates about a central axis (e.g., axis A) of the electric toothbrush device, causing the set of bristles to rotate periodically about the y-axis of the electric toothbrush device. This movement pattern constitutes a sweeping motion (e.g., sweeping motion SM). As described above, electromagnetic fields can be generated by conductors 840A and 840B, 940A and 940B to rotate magnets 830, 930 about central axis A.

[0053]

[0064] In step 1030, the drive train assembly is actuated such that the resonator is moved or displaced in a direction parallel to the z-axis (e.g., axis 870) of the electric toothbrush device to periodically move the set of bristles in a vertical up-down motion (i.e., tapping motion TM). As described above, an electromagnetic field may be generated by conductors 840C and 840D, 940C and 940D to move magnets 830, 930 in a vertical tapping motion direction TM. It should be understood that the drive train assembly may be actuated by the controller to provide a sweeping motion and a tapping motion simultaneously. Alternatively, the drive train assembly may be actuated by the controller first to provide either a sweeping motion or a tapping motion, and then to provide the other of the sweeping motion or the tapping motion. The bristles may be moved at a first frequency in the tapping motion, and at a second frequency identical to the first frequency in the sweeping motion. In addition, the tapping motion is in phase with the sweeping motion.

[0054]

[0065] In step 1040, when generating a tapping motion, the set of bristles is moved in a direction parallel to the z-axis of the electric toothbrush device with an amplitude equal to or greater than 0.25 mm and a frequency equal to or greater than 0.25 Hz. In an embodiment, the tapping motion is realized as a wave function. In another embodiment, the tapping motion is realized as a pulse function. When realized as a wave function, there is a functional and perceptual window that is invariant. The tapping motion occurs as a sine wave over a period of time. The position, angle, and load by the user are the main variables for control in such an embodiment. When the tapping motion is realized as a pulse function, there is a functional and perceptual window that is transient. For precise and active user control, a pulse function is preferred. Pulses may be applied periodically, but may produce higher peak forces and therefore may be more perceptually significant than a wave function.

[0055]

[0066] The operational effect of the power toothbrush devices described herein is that they can provide improved cleaning performance in critical areas of the mouth by driving the toothbrush bristles in a vertical cyclic motion parallel to the direction of the bristles (i.e., power tapping), with the magnitude of the vertical motion being equal to or greater than 0.25 mm. The inventive power tapping motion in the power toothbrush device (i) achieves deeper reach into the gingival pocket to remove subgingival plaque, (ii) achieves higher peak force at the surface which improves plaque and / or stain removal, (iii) improves plaque removal by preventing pinning of the bristle tufts and restoring the beneficial sweeping action of the tufts, (iv) achieves greater flexibility with respect to usage variables such as toothbrush placement, toothbrush angle, toothbrush pressure, etc., and (v) offers new options for consumer experience modes.

[0056]

[0067] As defined and used herein, all definitions should be understood to take precedence over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0057]

[0068] As used in this specification and claims, the singular terms "a," "an," and "the" should be understood to mean "at least one" unless otherwise clearly indicated.

[0058]

[0069] As used in the specification and claims, the term "and / or" should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements connected thereby, i.e., elements that are present conjunctively in some cases and disjunctively in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" should be interpreted in the same manner, i.e., as "one or more" of the elements connected thereby. Elements other than the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause may optionally be present, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0059]

[0070] As used herein and in the claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" should be interpreted as inclusive, i.e., including at least one of a number or list of elements, but also including more than one element, and optionally including additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated otherwise, such as "only one of" or "only one of" or "consisting of" when used in the claims, refer to the inclusion of only one element of a number or list of elements. In general, as used herein, the term "or" 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 "only one of."

[0060]

[0071] As used in this specification and claims, the phrase "at least one" when referring to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed in the list of elements, and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition 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 those elements specifically identified.

[0061]

[0072] In the claims and the above specification, all transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "accompanying," "holding," "comprising," 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.

[0062]

[0073] It should also be understood that, unless expressly indicated otherwise, 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.

[0063]

[0074] Although several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will readily conceive of various other means and / or structures for performing the functions described herein and / or obtaining one or more of the results and / or advantages described herein. 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 teachings of the present invention 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 foregoing embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and it will be understood that 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. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is within the scope of the present disclosure, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent.

Claims

1. a brush head member having a set of bristles at a distal end thereof; a body portion coupled to the brush head member; a drive train assembly disposed within the body portion, The drive train assembly includes: an actuator for generating a periodic linear movement; a drive train shaft that transmits the generated periodic linear movement to the brush head member so that the set of bristles moves in a first direction parallel to a z-axis of the electric toothbrush device, the z-axis being perpendicular to a central axis of the electric toothbrush device and parallel to an axis of the set of bristles; and Equipped with An electric toothbrush device wherein the set of bristles moves in the first direction with an amplitude equal to or greater than 0.25 mm and a frequency equal to or greater than 0.25 Hz.

2. 10. The electric toothbrush device of claim 1, wherein the set of bristles moves in the first direction with an amplitude greater than 0.5 mm and less than 3 mm.

3. 10. The electric toothbrush device of claim 1, wherein the set of bristles moves in the first direction at a frequency less than 520 Hz.

4. 2. The electric toothbrush device of claim 1, wherein the drive train shaft further periodically rotates the set of bristles in a second direction different from the first direction, the second direction being about the central axis of the electric toothbrush device.

5. 5. The electric toothbrush device of claim 4, wherein the set of bristles moves in the first direction at a first frequency, and the set of bristles moves in the second direction at a second frequency that is the same as the first frequency.

6. The electric toothbrush device of claim 4 , wherein the drive train shaft further operates the cyclic linear movement in phase with the rotational movement.

7. The electric toothbrush device of claim 1 , wherein the actuator of the drive train assembly comprises a magnet and a conductor to generate the cyclic linear movement.

8. The electric toothbrush device of claim 4 , wherein the actuator of the drive train assembly comprises a magnet and a conductor to generate the cyclic rotational movement.

9. 5. The electric toothbrush device of claim 4, wherein the set of bristles moves in the second direction with an amplitude greater than or equal to 0.50 mm and a frequency greater than or equal to 40 Hz.

10. 5. The electric toothbrush device of claim 4, wherein the set of bristles moves in the second direction with an amplitude greater than 0.5 mm and less than 6 mm.

11. 5. The electric toothbrush device of claim 4, wherein the set of bristles moves in the second direction at a frequency less than 500 Hz.

12. 10. The electric toothbrush device of claim 1, wherein the drive train assembly further comprises a resilient member and a pivot point within the resilient member, the pivot point reversing the generated periodic linear motion.

13. The electric toothbrush device of claim 1 , wherein the drive train shaft is displaced along the z-axis of the electric toothbrush device to generate the cyclic linear movement.

14. The electric toothbrush device of claim 4 , wherein the actuator generates a cyclic rotation in the second direction.

15. 9. The electric toothbrush device of claim 8, wherein the drive train assembly further comprises a resilient member and a pivot point within the resilient member, the pivot point reversing the generated cyclic rotational movement.

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