Force control clamp mechanism for oral care device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an oral care device and a force control mechanism used in such an oral care device. For example, the oral care device of the present disclosure may be a full or partial mouthpiece, or a multi-faceted brush head, and may include one or more brushing blocks having a constant force spring assembly. Each of these brushing blocks can include one or more sets of cleaning elements that contact a portion of the subject's mouth (e.g., teeth, gums, etc.) and provide a mechanical cleaning function when the device is moved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a force control mechanism and an oral care device, and more specifically to an oral care device incorporating such a force control mechanism.

Background Art

[0002] A mouthpiece for brushing provides cleaning to only a small area of the oral cavity at a time and is an alternative to conventional manual and / or electric toothbrushes where the user has to move the brush head to cover all areas of the oral cavity. In contrast, a mouthpiece for brushing has the potential to shorten the user's oral care routine without relying as much on the user's actions as conventional toothbrushes.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] However, it remains a major challenge to provide an oral care device that can perform an effective cleaning function despite large variations in jaw / tooth size among users.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a force control clamp mechanism for an oral care device is provided. The force control clamp mechanism can include a first protrusion having a first set of cleaning elements attached to a sidewall of the first protrusion, and a second protrusion having a second set of cleaning elements attached to a sidewall of the second protrusion, wherein the sidewall of the first protrusion faces the sidewall of the second protrusion such that the first set of cleaning elements extends from the sidewall of the first protrusion toward the sidewall of the second protrusion and the second set of cleaning elements extends from the sidewall of the second protrusion toward the sidewall of the first protrusion, and a spring system connected to the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the spring system being configured to allow the sidewall of the first protrusion and the sidewall of the second protrusion to move toward and / or away from each other.

[0005] In one aspect, the force control clamp mechanism can be configured to receive foreign matter between the side walls of the first protrusion and the side walls of the second protrusion. As a result, the first and second sets of cleaning elements come into contact with the foreign matter.

[0006] In one aspect, receiving foreign matter between the first protrusion and the second protrusion can cause displacement of the first and second sets of cleaning elements.

[0007] In one aspect, the displacement of the first and second sets of cleaning elements can create a force in the spring system. As a result, the first and second protrusions move towards and / or away from each other.

[0008] In one aspect, the side walls of the first protrusion and the side walls of the second protrusion are substantially parallel.

[0009] In one aspect, the spring system can be configured to allow the side walls of the first protrusion and the side walls of the second protrusion to move towards and / or away from each other while the side wall of the first protrusion remains substantially parallel to the side wall of the second protrusion.

[0010] In one aspect, the force control clamp mechanism can have a clamp value (C) between 30% and 70%, where TIFF2025520269000002.tif1241 holds, BL is the length of the first and second sets of cleaning elements, w is the distance between the side walls of the first protrusion and the side walls of the second protrusion, and Tw is the thickness of the foreign matter.

[0011] In one aspect, the spring system can have one or more elastic constant force mechanisms.

[0012] In one aspect, the elastic constant force mechanism can also be a bistable mechanism.

[0013] In one aspect, the spring system has one or more constant force coil springs.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a force-controlled tooth brushing block is provided. The force-controlled tooth brushing block can have a first protrusion having a first set of cleaning elements attached to a side wall thereof, and a second protrusion having a second set of cleaning elements attached to a side wall thereof, wherein the side wall of the first protrusion faces the side wall of the second protrusion, such that the first set of cleaning elements extends from the side wall of the first protrusion towards the side wall of the second protrusion, and the second set of cleaning elements extends from the side wall of the second protrusion towards the side wall of the first protrusion, a block backing structure, and a spring system connecting the first and second protrusions to the block backing structure, the spring system being configured to allow the side walls of the first and second protrusions to move towards and / or away from each other.

[0015] In one aspect, the force-controlled tooth brushing block can be configured to receive one or more teeth between the side walls of the first and second protrusions, such that the first and second sets of cleaning elements contact the one or more teeth, wherein receiving the one or more teeth causes displacement of the first and second sets of cleaning elements, resulting in a force being applied to the spring system that causes the side walls of the first and second protrusions to move towards and / or away from each other while the side walls of the first and second protrusions remain substantially parallel.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an oral care device is provided. The oral care device can have at least one force-controlled tooth brushing block fixed to a flexible mouthpiece body, and the flexible mouthpiece body is configured to receive at least the area of a set of teeth of a subject when the flexible mouthpiece body is inserted into the subject's mouth. In one aspect, each force-controlled tooth brushing block includes a first protrusion having a first set of cleaning elements attached to a sidewall of the first protrusion, and a second protrusion having a second set of cleaning elements attached to a sidewall of the second protrusion, wherein the sidewall of the first protrusion faces the sidewall of the second protrusion, such that the first set of cleaning elements extends from the sidewall of the first protrusion towards the sidewall of the second protrusion, and the second set of cleaning elements extends from the sidewall of the second protrusion towards the sidewall of the first protrusion, a block backing structure, and a spring system connecting the first protrusion and the second protrusion to the block backing structure, the spring system being configured to allow the sidewalls of the first protrusion and the second protrusion to move towards and / or away from each other.

[0017] In one aspect, the oral care device can include two or more force-controlled tooth brushing blocks fixed to the flexible mouthpiece body.

[0018] In one aspect, each force-controlled tooth brushing block can be configured to receive one or more teeth between the sidewall of the first protrusion and the sidewall of the second protrusion, such that the first and second sets of cleaning elements contact the one or more teeth, and the one or more teeth are from the area of the set of teeth of the subject received by the flexible mouthpiece body. In some aspects, for each force-controlled tooth brushing block, receiving one or more teeth from the area of the set of teeth of the subject results in displacement of the first and second sets of cleaning elements, such that a force is applied to the spring system that causes the sidewalls of the first protrusion and the second protrusion to move towards and / or away from each other, and the sidewalls of the first protrusion and the second protrusion remain substantially parallel.

[0019] These and other aspects of the various embodiments will become apparent from and will be described in connection with the embodiments described below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In the drawings, like reference numerals generally refer to the same parts throughout different drawings. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale; instead, emphasis is generally placed on explaining the principles of the various embodiments.

[0022] The present disclosure relates to an oral care device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a force control mechanism used in a brushing block of an oral care device. In embodiments, the oral care device can include a full mouthpiece, a partial mouthpiece, a multi-sided toothbrush, and the like. As described herein, the oral care device can include one or more brushing blocks attached to a flexible mouthpiece body that can receive a region of the subject's mouth. Each of these brushing blocks provides a set of cleaning elements that contact a region of the subject's mouth and provides a mechanical cleaning function as the device moves along the subject's teeth. Therefore, the cleaning elements of each brushing block must reach a sufficient portion of the surface area to be cleaned. However, if the cleaning elements are too close to the surface area to be cleaned, effective cleaning cannot be obtained. Thus, assuming there are variations in tooth width between different subjects and even within the oral cavity of a single subject, the design of oral care devices and individual brushing blocks remains an important issue. According to the present disclosure, the oral care device and the brushing block are adapted using a force control mechanism to provide an effective cleaning function for a wide range of subjects despite variations in the dimensions of the characteristics of the subject's oral cavity.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a force control mechanism 100 is illustrated on an XYZ coordinate system based on certain aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the force control mechanism 100 can include a first protrusion 102 and a second protrusion 104 that are connected by a spring system 106 and face each other. Each of the protrusions 102, 104 can include side walls 108, 110 that face each other. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the side walls 108, 110 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0024] In some embodiments, the protrusions 102, 104 can be formed from a rigid material and / or a semi-rigid material that resists deflection in a direction away from the teeth. In other words, the side walls 108, 110 of the protrusions 102, 104 are preferably the same distance or substantially the same distance apart along the entire z-axis length of the side walls 108, 110 in the x-axis. In contrast, referring to FIG. 2, the protrusions 202, 204 of the conventional device 200 are close in the x-axis at the first ends 220, 222 and are separated in the x-axis at the second ends 224, 226.

[0025] In embodiments, each of the protrusions 102, 104 can include one or more sets of cleaning elements 114, 116 attached to and disposed along the corresponding side walls 108, 110 of the protrusions 102, 104. For example, one or more sets of cleaning elements 114 attached to the side wall 108 of the first protrusion 102 can extend towards the side wall 110 of the second protrusion, while one or more sets of cleaning elements 116 attached to the side wall 110 of the second protrusion 104 can extend towards the side wall 108 of the first protrusion 102.

[0026] In embodiments, the cleaning elements 114, 116 can include, but are not limited to, hairs. In other embodiments, the cleaning elements 114, 116 can have silicon struts, woven fabrics, and the like. In further embodiments, the cleaning elements 114, 116 can include a combination of hairs, struts, fabrics, and the like.

[0027] A set of cleaning elements 114, 116 is depicted in FIG. 1 at least as extending perpendicularly from the side walls 108, 110 of the protrusions 102, 104, although it is envisioned that one or more sets of cleaning elements 114, 116 may not extend at a 90° angle from the corresponding side walls 108, 110 towards the opposing side walls 108, 110. Stated another way, one or more sets of cleaning elements 114, 116 can extend at an angle from the corresponding side walls 108, 110 of the corresponding protrusions 102, 104 towards the opposing side walls 108, 110 of the opposing protrusions 102, 104. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the force control mechanism 100 has a center line L1 that bisects the first and second protrusions 102, 104, and has multiple sets of cleaning elements 114, 116 that extend at an angle from the corresponding side walls 108, 110 towards the opposing protrusions 102, 104. In an embodiment, a set of cleaning elements 114, 116 can be angled at different planes and at different degrees.

[0028] In one aspect, the region between the side walls 108, 110 of the first and second protrusions 102, 104 can be configured to receive foreign matter. As a result, different sets of cleaning elements 114, 116 contact the foreign matter. In an embodiment, the foreign matter can be at least a region of the set of target teeth 112. More specifically, the foreign matter can include one or more of the target teeth. In a further embodiment, the foreign matter can include the target gum or a part thereof.

[0029] In an embodiment, the side walls 108 and / or 110 of the first and second protrusions 102, 104 may each be flat, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. In a further embodiment, the side wall 108 and / or 110 may be curved or angled. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first protrusion 102 includes side walls 108A, 108B having cleaning elements 114, and the second protrusion 104 includes side walls 110A, 110B having cleaning elements 116. In one aspect, regardless of the shape of the protrusions 102, 104, the surfaces 108, 110 can be oriented vertically (i.e., without rotating as shown in FIG. 2) and / or maintain their relative orientation when receiving the target tooth 112.

[0030] As described above, the first and second protrusions 102, 104 of the force control clamp mechanism 100 can be connected via the spring system 106. In an embodiment, the spring system 106 can be configured and / or adapted to allow the side walls 102, 104 of the first and second protrusions 102, 104 to move towards and / or away from each other. In a specific embodiment, the spring system 106 is further configured and / or adapted to allow non-rotational movement of the first and second protrusions 102, 104. As a result, the receiving area of the force control clamp mechanism 100 can accommodate objects of different sizes (e.g., tooth 112) while maintaining the relative orientation of the first and second side walls 108, 110. In an embodiment, the spring system 106 is configured and / or adapted to allow expansion and contraction of the receiving area of the force control clamp mechanism 100 while the side walls 108, 110 remain substantially vertical (i.e., without the need to rotate or tilt towards or away from the object being received).

[0031] Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, this non-rotational movement of the force control clamp mechanism 100 is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As seen in FIG. 5, the force control clamp mechanism 100 is incorporated into a force control brushing block 500 having the force control clamp mechanism 100 and a block backing structure 502.

[0032] In an embodiment, the spring system 106 of the force control clamp mechanism 100 can connect the first and second protrusions 102, 104 together, for example, at the corresponding horizontal portions 504, 506 of the first and second protrusions 102, 104. In one aspect, the force control clamp mechanism 100 can then be connected and / or fixed to the backing structure 502 via one or more sliding connectors 508, 510. In some embodiments, the first and second protrusions 102, 104 may not be connected together via the spring system 106. Rather, each protrusion 102, 104 may be connected to the backing structure 502 via the spring system 106 (as shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 14A, 14B, 17 and discussed below).

[0033] However, in one aspect, the protrusions 102, 104 allow translational freedom in the width direction (i.e., the x-axis). As a result, the protrusions 102, 104 can move inwardly and outwardly relative to the surface of the receiving object (e.g., tooth 112). In some embodiments, translation in other directions and rotation of the protrusions 102, 104 are restricted.

[0034] In an embodiment, the brushing block 500 can include one or more flexible seals to prevent dirt, toothpaste residue, etc. from accumulating within the block 500. In one aspect, there may be a flexible seal 512 connected between the protrusions 102, 104 and / or between the protrusions 102, 104 and the backing structure 502. Alternatively, the brushing block 500 may not include any flexible seals in one or more regions to allow cleaning of the block 500 by the user.

[0035] In a further embodiment, one or more brushing blocks 500 can be incorporated into the oral care device 514 by fixing the brushing block 500 to a device body 516 configured to receive at least a region of a set of teeth of a subject when the oral care device 514 is inserted into the subject's mouth. In one aspect, the oral care device 514 can include two or more brushing blocks 500. In a further aspect, the device body 516 enables the subject to move the oral care device 514 along the upper and / or lower jaw, whereby additional regions of the subject's set of teeth are received. Further, by moving the oral care device 514 within the subject's oral cavity, the cleaning elements 114, 116 of the brushing block 500 provide a cleaning function for the subject's oral cavity. In an embodiment, the oral care device 514 can be, for example but not limited to, a full mouthpiece, a partial mouthpiece, and / or a multi-head brush.

[0036] As seen in FIG. 5, the side walls 108, 110 of the corresponding protrusions 102, 104 are spaced apart by at least a first width W1, and as seen in FIG. 6, the side walls 108, 110 of the corresponding protrusions 102, 104 are spaced apart by at least a second width W2. For reference, the widths (e.g., W1, W2, etc.) can be measured in the x-axis direction as labeled in FIGS. 5 and 6. By calibrating the spring system 106, the x-axis translation of the protrusions 102, 104 can be controlled to accommodate foreign objects (e.g., teeth 112) of various sizes. In other words, the forces generated by the cleaning elements 114, 116 acting on the foreign objects (e.g., teeth 112) can be used to control the widths (e.g., W1, W2, etc.) between the first and second protrusions 102, 104. As a result, an effective cleaning function can be achieved for a plurality of foreign objects (e.g., teeth 112) of various sizes.

[0037] In an embodiment, the displacement of the first and second sets of cleaning elements 114, 116 resulting from contact with the foreign object 112 is herein referred to as the clamping amount or clamping value "C". In one aspect, the clamping value (C) can be expressed as a percentage of the length of the protruding cleaning element. In a further aspect, the clamping value (C) may depend on the width of the block (i.e., the distance between the opposing side walls 108, 110), and / or the thickness of the tooth. In a further aspect, the clamping amount (C) may be equal on both the outer and inner sides of the foreign object (e.g., the lingual and buccal sides of the tooth 112).

[0038] For example, referring to FIG. 7, the clamping amount (C) 702 can be expressed as a function of the length of the protruding cleaning element ("BL") 704, the width of the block ("w") 706, and the width of the tooth ("Tw") 708. In an embodiment, the clamping amount (C) 702 is given by Equation 1: TIFF2025520269000003.tif13126 can be determined based on this, where C is the clamping amount, BL is the length of the first or second set of cleaning elements 114, 116, w is the distance between the side wall 108 of the first protrusion 102 and the side wall 110 of the second protrusion 104, and Tw is the thickness of the foreign object 112.

[0039] In an embodiment, the target cleaning element length (BL) 704 is given by Equation 2: TIFF2025520269000004.tif13126 can be determined based on the given clamping value (C) 702, tooth width (Tw) 708, and block width (w) 706, where C is the clamping amount, BL is the length of the first or second set of cleaning elements 114, 116, w is the distance between the side wall 108 of the first protrusion 102 and the side wall 110 of the second protrusion 104, and Tw is the thickness of the foreign object 112.

[0040] In an embodiment, the target block width (w) 706 is given by Equation 3: Based on TIFF2025520269000005, the clamp value (C) 702, tooth width (Tw) 708, and cleaning element length (BL) 704 can be determined if given, where C is the amount of clamping, BL is the length of the first or second set of cleaning elements 114, 116, w is the distance between the side wall 108 of the first protrusion 102 and the side wall 110 of the second protrusion 104, and Tw is the thickness of the foreign object 112.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 8, the cleaning performance for four simulations using different constant clamp values and for a simulation using the constant force spring system 106 is shown. As shown in the figure, the horizontal axis plots the cleaning along the gum line, the vertical axis plots the cleaning between the teeth, and the size of each bubble corresponds to the resulting average force of the spring. In particular, a first bubble plot 802 for a fixed-width clamping block with C = 57%, a second bubble plot 804 for a fixed-width clamping block with C = 50%, a third bubble plot 806 for a fixed-width clamping block with C = 36%, a fourth bubble plot 808 for a fixed-width clamping block with C = 43%, and a bubble plot 810 for the brushing block 100 with the constant force spring system 106 (i.e., the variable-width clamp block 100) are shown. As shown, the bubble plot 810 is generated using the spring system 106 with a constant force of 0.5 N, although other forces are also conceivable.

[0042] Looking at the bubble plots 802, 804, 806, 808 of the fixed-width blocks, it can be seen from FIG. 8 that these blocks are very sensitive to the amount of clamping and thus the size of the teeth. For example, comparing the bubble plots 802 and 806, reducing the amount of clamping from C = 57% to C = 36% results in a significantly smaller average force (i.e., a smaller bubble size), and the area ratio of the gum line being cleaned increases, while the area ratio of the interdental area being cleaned decreases significantly.

[0043] Similarly, when comparing the bubble plots 802, 804, reducing the clamping amount from C = 57% to C = 50% results in a smaller average force (i.e., a smaller bubble size), an increase in the area ratio of the gum line being cleaned, and a decrease in the area ratio of the interdental surface being cleaned.

[0044] In contrast, when comparing the bubble plots 802, 804, and the bubble plot 808, reducing the clamping amount from C = 57% or C = 50% to C = 43% results in a smaller average force (i.e., a smaller bubble size) without an increase in either interdental cleaning or gum line cleaning. That is, the simulation 806 with C = 36% shows a decrease in interdental cleaning but an increase in gum line cleaning, and the simulation 808 with C = 43% shows a decrease in both interdental cleaning and gum line cleaning.

[0045] However, when compared with the simulations 802, 804, 806, 808 with a fixed width, the simulation 810 using the constant force spring system 106 showed the best overall cleaning performance in both the gum line and interdental regions. Furthermore, the average force applied by the block in the simulation 810 is smaller than that of both the simulations 802, 804 at C = 57% and C = 50%. In particular, the constant force spring simulation 810 shows an interdental cleaning area ratio exceeding 0.3 and a gum line cleaning area ratio of approximately 0.55.

[0046] In an embodiment, the force control clamp mechanism 100, the force control toothbrushing block 500, and / or the toothbrush mouthpiece 514 can provide improved interdental cleaning and / or improved gum line cleaning. In one aspect, the improved interdental cleaning and / or improved gum line cleaning is provided with a lower average applied force (i.e., without requiring as much force as a conventional system).

[0047] In an embodiment, the force control clamp mechanism 100, the force control toothbrushing block 500, and / or the toothbrush mouthpiece 514 can provide an interdental cleaning performance in a range based on at least about 0.3, at least about 0.35, at least about 0.4, at least about 0.45, at least about 0.5, at least about 0.55, at least about 0.6, at least about 0.65, at least about 0.7, at least about 0.75, at least about 0.8, at least about 0.85, at least about 0.9, at least about 0.95, at least about 0.99, and any combination of these points, as measured by the area ratio of the interdental space.

[0048] In an embodiment, the force control clamp mechanism 100, the force control toothbrushing block 500, and / or the toothbrush mouthpiece 514 can provide a gingival line cleaning performance in a range based on at least about 0.5, at least about 0.55, at least about 0.6, at least about 0.65, at least about 0.7, at least about 0.75, at least about 0.8, at least about 0.85, at least about 0.9, at least about 0.95, at least about 0.99, and any combination of these points, as measured by the area ratio of the gingival line space.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, further aspects of the force control clamping mechanism 100, the force control tooth brushing block 500, and the oral care device 514 are described. In particular, FIG. 9 shows the force control tooth brushing block 500 moving from position A to position B along the target oral region 912, which region 912 includes one or more teeth 112 that are engaged by the block 500 and / or the oral care device 514 (not shown in FIG. 9). FIG. 10 shows the elongation of the spring system 106 of the block 500 as the block 500 moves from position A to position B. As shown, the block 500 begins to expand when the cleaning elements 114, 116 are bent maximally at the widest part of the tooth 112, and then contracts again after the cleaning elements 114, 116 pass over the tooth 112 and are positioned in the next interdental region 914. It can also be seen from FIG. 10 that the length of the spring system 106 has a variance of about 1.5 mm. This corresponds to an effective clamping difference of about 10% of the bristle length in this particular simulation. However, the simulation shows that the constant force spring system 106 can effectively vary the effective clamping amount (C) to provide improved cleaning in different regions.

[0050] In embodiments, the maximum clamping difference provided by the force control clamping mechanism 100, the force control tooth brushing block 500, and / or the oral care device 514 can be in a range based on about ±1%, about ±2%, about ±3%, about ±4%, about ±5%, about ±6%, about ±7%, about ±8%, about ±9%, about ±10%, about ±15%, about ±20%, about ±25%, about ±30%, about ±35%, about ±40%, about ±45%, about ±50%, and any combination of these points.

[0051] Turning now to FIGS. 11 - 17, further aspects of the spring system 106 used in the force control clamping mechanism 100, the force control tooth brushing block 500, and the oral care device 514 are illustrated and described.

[0052] In an embodiment, the spring system 106 of the force control clamp mechanism 100, the force control toothbrushing block 500, and the oral care device 514 is configured to provide a constant or substantially constant force within an operating range. In one aspect, one or more elements of the spring system 106 can be formed from a polymer composition, metal, and / or metal alloy by molding, rapid prototyping, three-dimensional printing, and the like. In an embodiment, the spring system 106 or a part thereof can be integrated with or otherwise attached to the backing structure 502 of the block 500 and / or the device body 516.

[0053] In an embodiment, the spring system 106 can include an elastic constant force mechanism configured to provide a constant or substantially constant force within an operating range. For example, referring to FIG. 11, a force control toothbrushing block 500 with a force control mechanism 100 is illustrated. As shown, the force control mechanism 100 includes first and second protrusions 102, 104 and a set of cleaning elements 114, 116 extending from corresponding side walls 108, 110. In one aspect, the first and second protrusions 102, 104 can be connected via the spring system 106. As shown, the spring system 106 independently connects each protrusion 102, 104 to the backing structure 502 of the block 500.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 12, a cross-section taken along line D shown in FIG. 11 is shown. In particular, each spring system 106 includes constant force mechanisms 1202, 1204 consisting of a plurality of interconnected curved struts connected to the backing structure 502. As shown, a portion of the backing structure 502 is disposed between the protrusions 102, 104 and the spring system 106. However, in an embodiment, the constant force mechanisms 1202, 1204 can also be directly connected to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with the corresponding protrusions 102, 104.

[0055] Each constant force mechanism 1202, 1204 can be configured to provide a constant or substantially constant force within a desired operating range. In one aspect, the operating range can be defined in terms of the displacement of the mechanisms 1202, 1204 and / or their elements. For example, FIG. 13A shows the displacement (∂) of the constant force mechanisms 1202, 1204. As can be seen, when a force F1 is applied to the constant force mechanisms 1202, 1204, the constant force mechanisms 1202, 1204 experience elastic deformation. The x-axis and y-axis shown in FIG. 12A represent displacement / distance and show how the constant force mechanisms 1202, 1204 deform under the force F1. Referring to FIG. 13B, a generalized plot of the reaction force generated by the constant force mechanisms 1202, 1204 as a function of the input displacement is illustrated. As shown, within the operating range 1302, the constant force mechanisms 1202, 1204 can be configured to provide a constant and / or substantially constant force.

[0056] In an embodiment, the design of the constant force mechanisms 1202, 1204 can be configured such that the operating range 1302 is suitable for the toothbrushing block 500 and the oral care device 514. In one aspect, the operating range 1302 of each constant force mechanism 1202, 1204 can be from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, which includes from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, and from about 5 mm to about 10 mm.

[0057] Thus, referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, the force control toothbrushing block 500 having the force control mechanism 100 can be configured such that the spring system 106 allows translational movement of the protrusions 102, 104 in one direction (e.g., the x-axis direction). More specifically, the spring system 106 of such a block 500 can expand (as shown in FIG. 14B) or contract (as shown in FIG. 14A) with a constant / substantially constant force, such as the force generated when the cleaning elements 114, 116 are displaced by a foreign object (e.g., one or more teeth 112). In one aspect, the non-rotational movement of the protrusions 102, 104 can be achieved without using a sliding joint or connection (e.g., the connector 508 shown in FIG. 5). On the other hand, the flexible seal cover 512 may or may not be present.

[0058] As described in this book, the force control mechanism 100 (and in particular the spring system 106) of the present disclosure is generally configured to allow the translation of the protrusions 102, 104 in the x-axis direction without angular rotation / tilt in the y-axis or z-axis directions. However, it should be understood that the toothbrushing block 500 and / or the mouthpiece 514 can also allow the vertical translation of the protrusions 102, 104. In particular, the toothbrushing block 500 and / or the oral care device 514 can allow the vertical translation of the protrusions 102, 104. As a result, the side walls 108, 110 maintain their orientation with respect to each other. In a particular embodiment, for example, the toothbrushing block 500 of the oral care device 514 can include a connector (not shown) that connects the backing structure 502 of the block 500 to the mouthpiece body 514, and the connector allows the expansion and contraction of the block 500 in the z-axis direction without allowing angular rotation or tilt of the protrusions 102, 104 with respect to each other.

[0059] Turning to FIGS. 15A and 15B, another constant force mechanism 1502 for use in the spring system 106 of the force control block 500 is shown. According to the present disclosure, the constant force mechanism 1502 may be a bistable mechanism having one or more inelastic members 1504, 1506, 1508 connected with a plurality of interconnected curved struts 1510, 1512. When a force such as force F1 is applied to a part of the constant force mechanism 1502, for example, the inelastic member 1504, the curved struts 1510, 1502 experience elastic deformation, and as a result, the inelastic members 1506, 1508 extend outward in the x-axis direction. In particular, the elastic structures 1510, 1512 can be connected (for example, via the inelastic member 1506).

[0060] In one aspect, the constant force mechanism 1502 can also protect the toothbrushing block 500 and / or the oral care device 514 from mechanical shock or sudden overload. For example, as shown in FIG. 15B, the constant force mechanism 1502 can provide a constant or substantially constant force 1514 over a target operating range 1516, but when the force 1514 reaches or exceeds a threshold 1518 that forces displacement of the spring system 106 beyond the target operating range 1516, the force 1514 drops to zero.

[0061] In one aspect, the constant force mechanism 1502 can be formed from a polymer composition, metal, and / or metal alloy by molding, rapid prototyping, three-dimensional printing, etc.

[0062] In embodiments, the constant force mechanism 1502 or a part thereof can be integrated with or otherwise attached to the backing structure 502 of the block 500 and / or the mouthpiece body 516. For example, one or more inelastic members 1504, 1506, 1508 can be attached to or otherwise form part of the force control clamp mechanism 100, the backing structure 502, and / or the device body 516. In particular, one of the inelastic members 1508 of each mechanism 1502 is attached to or otherwise integrated with the protrusions 102, 104, and the other inelastic member 1508 is attached to or otherwise integrated with the backing structure 502 and / or the device body 516.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C, another constant force mechanism 1602 for use in the spring system 106 of the control force block 500 is illustrated. As shown, the constant force mechanism 1602 can be a constant force coil spring. In embodiments, the constant force mechanism 1602 can be disposed on a freely rotatable spool 1614 as shown in FIG. 16A. In embodiments, the constant force mechanism 1602 can be disposed within a cavity 1606 of a retaining member 1608 as shown in FIG. 16B. In embodiments, the constant force mechanism 1602 can be attached to a non-movable member 1610 and used to push against the back of the movable member 1610.

[0064] For example, referring to FIG. 17, a coil spring type constant force mechanism 1602 for use in a toothbrushing block 500 according to an aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated. In particular, the toothbrushing block 500 includes a force control mechanism 100 having first and second protrusions 102, 104 and a backing structure 502, as described above. One or more elements of the block 500 can be sealed using a sealing connector 512 (e.g., to prevent fluid and / or solids from accumulating within the block 500). Thereafter, the constant force mechanism 1602 can be disposed between the movable members 1612 and attached to the non-movable backing structure 502. Thus, when a force is generated by the displacement of the cleaning elements 114, 116, that force is transmitted through the movable members 1612 to the constant force mechanism 1602, thereby enabling non-rotational movement of the protrusions 102, 104.

[0065] It is to be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in detail below (where such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of the subject matter recited in the claims of this application are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It is also to be understood that any terms explicitly used in this disclosure that may also appear in any incorporated by reference disclosure should have the meaning that most closely matches the particular concepts disclosed herein.

[0066] All definitions defined and used in this disclosure are to be understood as precedence over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0067] The indefinite articles "a" and "an" as used in the specification and claims are to be understood to mean "at least one" unless explicitly indicated to the contrary.

[0068] The expression "and / or" used in the specification and claims should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so combined, i.e., elements that exist conjunctively in some cases and disjunctively in other cases. Multiple elements described with "and / or" should be construed in the same manner, i.e., meaning "one or more" of the elements so combined. Regardless of whether specifically identified elements are involved, other elements in addition to those identified in the "and / or" clause may optionally exist.

[0069] The "or" used in the specification and claims is intended to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" is construed as inclusive, i.e., including at least one of the plurality or elements of the list, but also including one or more, and further optionally including additional items not in the list. Only terms that clearly indicate the opposite meaning, such as "only" or "exactly one", or "consisting of" used in the claims, mean that exactly one of the plurality or elements of the list is included. Generally, the term "or" as used herein is construed to indicate an exclusive option (i.e., "one or the other but not both") only when an exclusive term such as "any one", "one", "only", or "exactly one" is placed before it.

[0070] It should be understood that the expression "at least one" used in the specification and claims in relation to a list of one or more elements means at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but does not necessarily include at least one of each and every element specifically recited in the list of elements, nor does it exclude any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the optional existence of elements other than the specifically identified elements in the list of elements referred to by the words "at least one", regardless of whether specifically identified elements are involved.

[0071] In the claims and the specification, all transitional terms such as "have", "include", "convey", "possess", "comprise", "involve", "hold", "be made of", etc. should be understood as open-ended, that is, they are meant to imply inclusion and not limitation. Only the transitional terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are closed or semi-closed transitional terms, respectively.

[0072] It should be understood that, unless specifically indicated to the contrary, in any method described herein that includes a plurality of steps or acts, the order of the steps or acts of that method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of that method are described.

[0073] Other embodiments are included in the following claims and other claims to which the applicant may have rights.

[0074] Although several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated in this document, those skilled in the art will readily envision various other means and / or structures for performing the functions described herein, and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more advantages thereof, and each such variation and / or modification is to be regarded as within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are exemplary, and those skilled in the art will readily understand that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on the particular use or application for which the teachings of the invention are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein or will be able to ascertain such equivalents without undue experimentation. Accordingly, the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only, and it is to be understood that inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The inventive embodiments of this application relate to the individual features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods described herein. Further, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included within the scope of the invention of this application if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent.

Claims

1. A force control clamp mechanism for an oral care device, comprising: a first protrusion having a first set of cleaning elements, wherein the first set of cleaning elements is attached to a sidewall of the first protrusion; a second protrusion having a second set of cleaning elements, wherein the second set of cleaning elements is attached to a sidewall of the second protrusion, the sidewall of the first protrusion facing the sidewall of the second protrusion, the first set of cleaning elements extending from the sidewall of the first protrusion towards the sidewall of the second protrusion, and the second set of cleaning elements extending from the sidewall of the second protrusion towards the sidewall of the first protrusion; a spring system connected to the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the spring system configured to allow the sidewall of the first protrusion and the sidewall of the second protrusion to move towards and / or away from each other, the force control clamp mechanism.

2. The force control clamp mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the force control clamp mechanism receives foreign matter between the sidewall of the first protrusion and the sidewall of the second protrusion, and the first and second sets of cleaning elements contact the foreign matter.

3. The force control clamp mechanism according to claim 2, wherein receiving the foreign matter between the first protrusion and the second protrusion causes displacement of the first set of cleaning elements and the second set of cleaning elements.

4. The force control clamp mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the displacement of the first and second sets of cleaning elements generates a force in the spring system, and the first and second protrusions move towards and / or away from each other.

5. The force control clamp mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the sidewalls of the first protrusion and the second protrusion are substantially parallel.

6. The force control clamp mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the spring system is configured to allow the sidewalls of the first protrusion and the second protrusion to move towards and / or away from each other while remaining substantially parallel.

7. The force control clamp mechanism according to claim 1, having a clamp value between 30% and 70%, where BL is the length of the first and second sets of cleaning elements, w is the distance between the sidewall of the first protrusion and the sidewall of the second protrusion, and Tw is the thickness of the foreign matter.

8. The force control clamp mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the spring system has one or more elastic constant force mechanisms.

9. The force control clamp mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the elastic constant force mechanism is a bistable mechanism.

10. The force control clamp mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the spring system has one or more constant force coil springs.

11. A force control tooth brushing block, comprising a block backing structure and a force control clamp mechanism operatively connected to the backing structure, wherein the force control clamp mechanism has a first protrusion having a first set of cleaning elements, the first set of cleaning elements being attached to the side wall of the first protrusion, the first protrusion; a second protrusion having a second set of cleaning elements, the second set of cleaning elements being attached to the side wall of the second protrusion, the side wall of the first protrusion facing the side wall of the second protrusion, the first set of cleaning elements extending from the side wall of the first protrusion towards the side wall of the second protrusion, and the second set of cleaning elements extending from the side wall of the second protrusion towards the side wall of the first protrusion, the second protrusion; and a spring system connecting the first protrusion and the second protrusion to the block backing structure, the spring system being configured such that the side wall of the first protrusion and the side wall of the second protrusion can move towards and / or away from each other, the force control tooth brushing block.

12. The force control tooth brushing block receives one or more teeth between the side wall of the first protrusion and the side wall of the second protrusion, the first and second sets of cleaning elements contacting the one or more teeth, receiving the one or more teeth results in displacement of the first and second sets of cleaning elements, and a force is applied to the spring system that causes the side wall of the first protrusion and the side wall of the second protrusion to move towards and / or away from each other, The force control tooth brushing block according to claim 11, wherein the side wall of the first protrusion and the side wall of the second protrusion remain substantially parallel.

13. An oral care device, At least one force-controlled tooth brushing block fixed to the flexible mouthpiece body, wherein when the flexible mouthpiece body is inserted into the target mouth, the flexible mouthpiece body receives at least the area of the set of teeth of the target, having a force-controlled tooth brushing block, Each force-controlled tooth brushing block is, A first protrusion having a first set of cleaning elements, wherein the first set of cleaning elements is attached to the side wall of the first protrusion, the first protrusion, A second protrusion having a second set of cleaning elements, wherein the second set of cleaning elements is attached to the side wall of the second protrusion, the side wall of the first protrusion faces the side wall of the second protrusion, the first set of cleaning elements extends from the side wall of the first protrusion towards the side wall of the second protrusion, and the second set of cleaning elements extends from the side wall of the second protrusion towards the side wall of the first protrusion, the second protrusion, A block backing structure, And a spring system connecting the first protrusion and the second protrusion to the block backing structure, the spring system being configured such that the side wall of the first protrusion and the side wall of the second protrusion can move towards and / or away from each other, an oral care device.

14. The oral care device according to claim 13, wherein the oral care device includes two or more force-controlled tooth brushing blocks fixed to the flexible mouthpiece body.

15. Each force-controlled tooth brushing block receives one or more teeth between the side wall of the first protrusion and the side wall of the second protrusion, the first and second sets of cleaning elements contact the one or more teeth, and the one or more teeth are from the area of the set of teeth of the target received by the flexible mouthpiece body, For each force-controlled tooth brushing block, Receiving the one or more teeth from the area of the set of teeth of the target results in displacement of the first and second sets of cleaning elements, and a force that causes the side wall of the first protrusion and the side wall of the second protrusion to move towards and / or away from each other is applied to the spring system, The oral care device according to claim 13, wherein the side wall of the first protrusion and the side wall of the second protrusion remain substantially parallel.

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