Method control with increased accuracy for oral health devices

Abstract

A method of controlling an oral irrigator includes determining a first input characteristic of the oral irrigator; determining a target output characteristic for a fluid flow from the oral irrigator after the fluid has exited the oral irrigator; determining a control signal based on the first input characteristic and the target output characteristic; and transmitting the control signal to a pump of the oral irrigator. The control signal is configured to operate the pump based on the first input characteristic sufficient to cause the pump to generate the fluid flow with an actual output characteristic that substantially matches the target output characteristic.

Description

Docket No. P321688.WO.01MOTOR CONTROL WITH INCREASED ACCURACY FOR ORAL HEALTH DEVICESCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) and 37 C.F.R. § 1.78 to U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 701,109 entitled “MOTOR CONTROL WITH INCREASED ACCURACY FOR ORAL HEALTH DEVICES” filed Sep 30, 2024, and is related to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 652,896 entitled “METHOD FOR INCREASING FLOSSING EFFICACY,” filed May 29, 2024, to 63 / 622,317 entitled “METHOD FOR INCREASING FLOSSING EFFICACY,” filed January 18, 2024, and to U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 637,279 entitled “METHOD FOR INCREASING FLOSSING EFFICACY," filed April 22, 2024, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.BACKGROUND

[0002] Oral irrigators, also called water flossers, typically are used to clean a user’s teeth and gums by discharging a pressurized fluid stream into a user’s oral cavity. The fluid impacts the teeth and gums to remove debris. Often, the oral irrigator includes a fluid supply, such as a reservoir, fluidly connected by a pump to an oral irrigator tip. In many cases, a user can adjust the cleaning power of the flosser by adjusting a fluid pressure delivered by the pump to the irrigator tip. However, such adjustments are imprecise and typically result in a non-linear change in cleaning performance, despite what is often a linear input from the user, e.g., a small incremental increase in a user setting may result in a large change in cleaning performance. Further, a subsequent increase of the user setting, even if the same incremental amount, may result in lower or higher incremental change in actual performance. Such non-linear behavior makes it difficult for a user to achieve a desired cleaning performance, as well can make performance of the device inconsistent and unreliable.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] In one embodiment, a method of controlling an oral irrigator includes: determining a first input characteristic of the oral irrigator; determining a target output characteristic for an exit fluid flow from the oral irrigator; determining a control signal based on the first input characteristic and the target output characteristic.Docket No. P321688.WO.01

[0004] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first input characteristic includes at least one of a fluid pressure or a fluid flow rate within a component of the oral irrigator, a dimension of a component of the oral irrigator, or a frequency of a pump of the oral irrigator.

[0005] Optionally, in some embodiments, the target output characteristic includes a kinetic energy of the fluid flow after exit from a nozzle aperture.

[0006] Optionally in some embodiments, the kinetic energy is between about 30 mJ and 5 mJ.

[0007] Optionally in some embodiments, the target output characteristic comprises a pressure of the fluid before exit from a nozzle aperture.

[0008] Optionally in some embodiments, the pressure is between about 130 psi and 20 psi.

[0009] Optionally, in some embodiments, the kinetic energy of the fluid flow after the fluid has exited the oral irrigator is based on the fluid flow rate within a component of the oral irrigator, a dimension of a component of the oral irrigator, or a frequency of a pump of the oral irrigator.

[0010] Optionally, in some embodiments, kinetic energy of the fluid flow after the fluid has exited the oral irrigator is proportional to where q includes the fluid flow rate, co includes a frequency of the pump, and c|) includes the dimension component of the oral irrigator.

[0011] Optionally, in some embodiments, the dimension of the component of the oral irrigator includes a diameter of a tip orifice.

[0012] Optionally, in some embodiments, the diameter is about 0.031 inches.

[0013] Optionally, in some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting the control signal to a pump of the oral irrigator. The control signal is configured to operate the pump based on the first input characteristic sufficient to cause the pump to generate the fluid flow with an actual output characteristic based on the target output characteristic.

[0014] Optionally, in some embodiments, the method further includes incrementally modifying the first input characteristic in a direction toward a second input characteristic such that the actual output characteristic moves incrementally along a path between the first target output characteristic and a second target output characteristic.

[0015] Optionally, in some embodiments, the method further includes determining a performance setting for cleaning effectiveness of the oral irrigator. The first input characteristic is related to the control signal in a non-linear relationship; linearizing the actual output characteristic based on the performance setting.Docket No. P321688.WO.01

[0016] Optionally, in some embodiments, the control signal includes a pulse width modulated signal.

[0017] In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, includes instructions that when executed by a computer, cause the computer to: determine a first input characteristic of the oral irrigator; determine a target output characteristic for a fluid flow from the oral irrigator after the fluid has exited the oral irrigator; determine a control signal based on the first input characteristic and the target output characteristic.

[0018] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first input characteristic includes at least one of a fluid pressure or a fluid flow rate within a component of the oral irrigator, a dimension of a component of the oral irrigator, or a frequency of a pump.

[0019] Optionally, in some embodiments, the target output characteristic includes a kinetic energy of the fluid flow.

[0020] Optionally, in some embodiments, the kinetic energy of the fluid flow after the fluid has exited the oral irrigator is based on the fluid flow rate within a component of the oral irrigator, a dimension of a component of the oral irrigator, or a frequency of a pump of the oral irrigator.

[0021] Optionally, in some embodiments, the dimension of the component of the oral irrigator includes a diameter of a tip orifice.

[0022] Optionally, in some embodiments, the instructions further configure the computer to transmit the control signal to a pump of the oral irrigator. The control signal is configured to operate the pump based on the first input characteristic sufficient to cause the pump to generate the fluid flow with an actual output characteristic based on the target output characteristic.

[0023] Optionally, in some embodiments, the instructions further configure the computer to incrementally modify the first input characteristic in a direction toward a second input characteristic such that the actual output characteristic moves incrementally along a path between the first target output characteristic and the second target output characteristic.

[0024] In one embodiment, a method of controlling an oral irrigator includes: determining a first input characteristic of the oral irrigator; determining a target output characteristic for a fluid flow from the oral irrigator after the fluid has exited the oral irrigator; the target output characteristic includes a first target output characteristic, the method further includes: determining, based on the first input characteristic and the first target output characteristic, aDocket No. P321688.WO.01 path from the first target output characteristic to a second target output characteristic. The second target output characteristic is associated with a second input characteristic.

[0025] In one embodiment, a method of controlling an oral irrigator includes: determining a first input characteristic of the oral irrigator; determining a target output characteristic for a fluid flow from the oral irrigator after the fluid has exited the oral irrigator; determining a control signal based on the first input characteristic and the target output characteristic; transmitting the control signal to a pump of the oral irrigator. The control signal is configured to operate the pump based on the first input characteristic sufficient to cause the pump to generate the fluid flow with an actual output characteristic that substantially matches the target output characteristic.

[0026] In one embodiment, an oral irrigator includes: a pump; a handle including a tip in fluid communication with the pump; and a controller in electrical communication with the pump. The control is configured to vary a signal to the pump based on a treatment energy to be delivered to a user’s oral cavity via the tip.

[0027] Optionally, in some embodiments, the treatment energy is based on one or more direct pump parameters of the pump and one or more system parameters of the oral irrigator.

[0028] Optionally, in some embodiments, the system parameters comprise at least one of a flow path length between a pump outlet and a tip outlet of the tip, a tip outlet diameter, a conduit length, or a conduit elasticity.

[0029] In one embodiment, a method of controlling an oral irrigator includes: determining a desired target cleaning energy; and adjusting a control to expel fluid with the desired target cleaning energy.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG. l is a perspective view of an oral irrigator.

[0031] FIG. 2A is chart showing an example of results of a method of controlling an oral irrigator.

[0032] FIG. 2B is chart showing an example of results of a method of controlling an oral irrigator.

[0033] FIG. 3A is chart showing an example of results of the improved method of controlling an oral irrigator disclosed herein.Docket No. P321688.WO.01

[0034] FIG. 3B is chart showing an example of results of the improved method of controlling an oral irrigator disclosed herein.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of some components of the oral irrigator of FIG. 1.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an example of a method of operating the oral irrigator of FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of components of a computing system of the oral irrigator of FIG. 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present disclosure provides mapping of a performance setting of an oral irrigator (or other powered oral health device) to the actual cleaning power or output performance of the oral health device. In some examples, a performance setting (such as a linear performance setting, e.g., a setting 1, setting 2, etc.), either user-settable or automatic, is mapped to a substantially linearized actual output performance of the oral irrigator. This enables the actual output experienced by the user in the performance of the device to align to the performance setting. In some examples, the performance setting correlates the performance setting to a kinetic energy, scouring energy, or treatment energy of the fluid delivered by the oral irrigator, for example, after the fluid has exited the tip of the oral irrigator.

[0039] In some embodiments, the actual output as experienced by the user (e.g., the force felt on the user’s gums by the fluid) is determined and mapped to control signals for the pump, e.g., a motor setting, voltage value, voltage application time, etc. Desired operational parameters, e.g., actual output such as shear force, scouring energy, are mapped to control signals to the pump or other controlled element to enable accurate and evenly spaced operational levels, as well as generally consistent and known operation. For example, a level 1 to level 2 change will have the same percentage increase as a level 2 to level 3 change. This makes it easier for a user to understand and predict the output experienced by different levels and provides more consistent device performance.

[0040] Various examples described herein utilize kinetic energy, rather than pressure (e.g., pounds per square inch), fluid flow rate, or other direct pump parameters to determine the performance metrics. Many conventional devices utilized mechanical adjustments only (e.g., changing a fluid path diameter) to modify output or if an electrical signal was used, it wasDocket No. P321688.WO.01 based on solely on direct pump parameters (e.g., rotations per second of the motor, output pump pressure, or the like). Both options resulted in inconsistent and inaccurate scaling of performance output. For example, often a linear control signal or even linear pressure change will have non-linear impacts on kinetic energy or the force experienced by the user, resulting in a non-linear experience by the user as the user adjusted between levels or settings. By utilizing kinetic energy to determine control signals, more accurate mapping is possible and settings or levels can be associated with the actual experience by the user (e.g., a setting of Level 1 is associated with level 1 force, etc.). In some instances, kinetic energy is determined based on multiple system wide parameters, not just direct pump parameters. Such parameters can include frequency, output flow rate, pump piston volume, piston size, , and output orifice diameter and type, internal fluid path with the device (e.g., between the pump outlet and the nozzle outlet), vibration, power source, and so on. The parameters selected contribute overall to the force experienced by the user. In this manner, while this list includes examples of parameters, the parameters used will be variable by device and operation. In some instances, select parameters that have a larger impact on the output can be used or weighted more heavily than less impactful parameters.

[0041] An example of an oral health device that may be controlled based on kinetic energy includes an oral irrigator. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an oral irrigator 100 that may be controlled based on kinetic energy. The oral irrigator may include a reservoir 102 that holds a fluid 116, such as water or mouthwash, to provide the fluid to a pump 404 (see, e.g., FIG. 4). In instances where the oral irrigator 100 is a countertop unit, the reservoir 102 may be coupled to a housing or base 104 and where the oral irrigator 100 is a handheld unit the reservoir 102 may be coupled to a handle or hand piece for the oral irrigator 100. The base 104 may define a compartment 105 for receiving various components. Relatedly, the size and volume capacity of the reservoir 102 may be based on the type and configuration of the oral irrigator 100. The reservoir 102 may include a reservoir outlet, such as a port or plug, valve, or the like, fluidly coupled to other components of the oral irrigator 100 (e.g., a pump assembly).

[0042] The oral irrigator 100 may include a base 104 or housing, which in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, acts to support the oral irrigator 100 on a surface (e.g., countertop) and optionally may support the reservoir 102. In some instances, the base 104 may be configured as a countertop support, but in other iterations may be formed as a handle portion or a portion held in the hand of a user during use. The base 104 supports and / or encloses one or moreDocket No. P321688.WO.01 components of the oral irrigator 100, such as a fluid delivery assembly 400 (see, e.g., FIG. 4). Additionally, the base 104 may include fluid pathways (e.g., tubes, hoses) that direct fluid between different components of the oral irrigator 100, such as between the reservoir 102 and the pump assembly and / or the pump assembly and an outlet, such as a handle 108.

[0043] A handle 108 may be fluidly coupled to the reservoir 102, such as via a hose 112 or other fluid connector. The handle 108 may include a tip 110 or other outlet device that can direct fluid from the reservoir 102 into a user’s oral cavity. The handle 108 may be configured to be held in a user’s hand and in embodiments where the oral irrigator 100 is configured as a handheld device, may include features of the base 104, e.g., the fluid delivery assembly 400 may be coupled to or position within the handle 108. The handle 108 may include one or more actuators 109, e.g., pause button, or the like that activate valves or other components to pause or vary flow out of the handle 108. As can be appreciated, the handle 108 may be generally an elongated member and configured to be held in a user’s hand as the user navigates the handle 108 to direct the fluid output to different areas of his or her oral cavity.

[0044] The handle 108 may also include features to secure the tip 110 thereto and optionally allow release of the tip 110 therefrom. The tip 110 may be in the form of a jet tip or other tip configuration, e.g., may include bristles (e.g., nozzle integrated with a brush head), tongue scraper, or the like. The handle 108 may further including a retention element, such as a magnet, which may be secured to the housing to allow a user to releasably position the handle 108 on the base 104. The tip 110 includes a nozzle of orifice 114 that expels the fluid from the tip 110 of the oral irrigator 100. The orifice 114 may be of various sizes adapted to achieve different cleaning performance or use preferences.

[0045] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show examples of oral irrigator output 200 of controlling an oral irrigator based only on direct pump parameters, like pressure output from the pump. As shown, the performance of the oral irrigator was measured by properties of the fluid such as flow rate or pressure within a portion of the oral irrigator. Conventional oral irrigator devices used a direct pump parameter, which as shown does not result in linear output. Alternately, the performance was measured with pump speed or pump frequency, or other direct measurements or parameters of pump performance, without accounting for the actual properties of the fluid as delivered to a user. Such methods have a number of deficiencies. For example, such adjustments are imprecise and typically result in a non-linear change in cleaning performance, despite what is often a linear input from the user. For example, a user may change aDocket No. P321688.WO.01 performance setting on a scale from 1 to 10 with the assumption that the change in cleaning performance moving the setting from 1 to 2 is the same as moving the setting from 9 to 10. However, such pressure and flow-based methods result in non-linear behavior between similar sized increments of user inputs at different parts of a user input scale. For example, a change from 1 to 2 may result in a relatively large change in actual cleaning performance compared to a change from 9 to 10.

[0046] The oral irrigator output 200 includes pressure 202, pump frequency 206, and kinetic energy 204 as a function of a performance setting. As seen in FIG. 2A, the kinetic energy 204, representative of the actual cleaning performance of the oral irrigator falls off rapidly and non- linearly from about 20 milliJoules (mJ) to under 5 mJ between settings of 10 to 7. From about the midway point of the performance settings, further changes in performance setting to the right result in relatively little change in actual delivered kinetic energy. For example, between settings of 7 and 1, the kinetic energy 204 has a lower slope compared to the portion between 10 and 7, falling from about 5 mJ to about 1 mJ. Meanwhile, the fluid pressure 202 falls non- linearly from 110 pounds per square inch (psi) to about 10 psi as the performance setting is changed between 10 and 1. As shown for example in FIG. 2B, the pump frequency 206 is substantially constant with respect to the performance setting at about 1300 cycles per minute

[0047] Such non-linear behavior makes it difficult for a user to achieve a desired cleaning performance, as well can make performance of the device inconsistent and unreliable.

[0048] FIG. 3A shows an example of oral irrigator output 300 from an oral irrigator 100 of the present disclosure. The oral irrigator output 300 shows both pressure 302 of the fluid 116 in a portion of the fluid delivery assembly 400, and kinetic energy 304 of the fluid 1 16 as or after it exits the outlet orifice 114 of the tip 110. As shown in the example of FIG. 3 A, the pressure 302 and the kinetic energy 304 are substantially linear with respect to the performance setting. For example, the kinetic energy 304 drops substantially linearly from about 28 mJ to about 7 mJ as the performance setting is changed between 10 and 1. In other embodiments, the kinetic energy may range between about 30 mJ and 5 mJ as the performance setting is changed between 10 and 1. Similarly, the pump pressure 302 falls substantially linearly from about 120 psi to about 30 psi as the performance setting is changed between 10 and 1. In other embodiments, the pressure may range between about 130 psi and 20 psi as the performance setting is changed between 10 and 1. As shown for example in FIG. 3B, the pump frequencyDocket No. P321688.WO.01306 decreases substantially linearly from about 1400 to about 550 cycles per minute with the performance setting changing between 10 and 1, along with the kinetic energy 304.

[0049] This improved oral irrigator 100 therefore provides consistent incremental changes in cleaning performance based on incremental changes in performance setting, whether those changes are performed automatically by a processing element of the oral irrigator 100 or based on a user input or preference.

[0050] The oral irrigator 100 achieves significant improvements in cleaning performance compared to traditional irrigators through motor control enabling precise mapping of user- selected performance settings (e.g., 1-10) to the actual fluid kinetic energy delivered within the oral cavity. Unlike conventional oral irrigators, which rely on imprecise adjustments to pump pressure or flow rate, the oral irrigator 100 utilizes the disclosed control methods to provide linear control of the output kinetic energy of the cleaning fluid 1 16. For example, the control signal, such as a PWM signal, is controlled to ensure the fluid pulses 410 generated match the desired output kinetic energy. This control results in incremental and evenly spaced cleaning power steps. For example, a transition from performance setting level 1 to level 2 will yield substantially the same percentage increase in kinetic energy - and thus cleaning performance - as the transition between higher levels of performance setting. This linear control affords users predictable and consistent cleaning performance increments resulting in better cleaning and better oral health outcomes compared to other oral cleaning devices and methods. This enhanced cleaning performance may result from the determination of kinetic energy in the fluid stream, particularly after it has exited the orifice 114, rather than relying on parameters measures in the pump. T

[0051] By adopting a motor control strategy that linearizes the relationship between input performance setting and actual output cleaning power, considering both direct pump and system-level parameters, the oral irrigator ensures that each performance setting corresponds to a predictable and effective cleaning output. This capability offers users improved control over cleaning efficacy, reduced risk of under- or over-treatment, and enhanced reliability, and is a substantial advance over traditional oral irrigators.

[0052] FIG. 4 shows examples of components of a fluid delivery assembly 400 of the oral irrigator 100. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery assembly 400 includes a tip 110, a hose 112, an orifice 114, a reservoir 402, a pump 404, a motor 406, and a driver 408. In someDocket No. P321688.WO.01 embodiments, one or more components of the fluid delivery assembly 400 may be optional. For example, in a handheld oral irrigator 100, the hose 112 may be optional.

[0053] The reservoir 102 contains the fluid 116 and is fluidically coupled to the pump 404. For example, a hose or other conduit may connect an outlet of the reservoir 102 to an inlet of the pump 404. In many embodiments, the pump 404 is a piston-type pump and the motor 406 is integrated with the pump 404. In some embodiments, the pump 404 is operated by a motor 406 coupled thereto. For example, the motor 406 may have a rotational output shaft coupled mechanically (either directly or via one or more couplings) to a mechanical input of the pump 404. In other examples, the pump 404 is a diaphragm-type pump 404.

[0054] A driver 408 circuit is electrically coupled to the motor 406 and causes the motor to operate. For example, the driver 408 may be an alternating current (AC), direct current (DC), pulse width modulated (PWM), or frequency modulated circuit suitable to operate the pump 404. The driver 408 may in turn be operated by a processing element 602, as described with respect to FIG. 6.

[0055] As the driver 408 operates the pump 404, the pump 404 withdraws fluid 116 from the reservoir 102 and causes the fluid 116 to flow through the hose 112 to the tip 110. The fluid 116 exits the tip 110 through the orifice 114 as one or more fluid pulses 410. The fluid pulses 410 may be aimed to clean a user's oral tissue or teeth.

[0056] Examples of the oral irrigator output 300 may be produced by controlling the fluid delivery assembly 400 to linearize the kinetic energy 304 delivered by the fluid 116 as, or after, it exits the orifice 114 of the tip 110 by generating one or more control signals that map nonlinear pump 404 and / or motor 406 performance characteristics to actual cleaning performance of a fluid pulse 410 as it exits the orifice 114 of the tip 110 of the oral irrigator 100.

[0057] In some examples, a control signal to a motor 406 may include one or more of an AC signal, a DC signal, a PMW signal, a frequency modulated signal, any of which may be analog or digital.

[0058] In some embodiments, the pump 404 may operate to generate a pulsatile flow of the fluid 116. For example, the flowrate of the fluid 116 though the fluid delivery assembly 400 may be periodic, transient, or dynamic with respect to time and may increase and / or decrease over time.Docket No. P321688.WO.01

[0059] In some embodiments, the kinetic energy of a fluid pulse 410 of the fluid 116 leaving the orifice 114 may be estimated as being proportional to one or more input characteristics of the oral irrigator 100 such as by equation 1.Eq. 1

[0060] where q is the fluid 116 flow rate, co is a frequency of the pump 404, and (|> is a dimension component of the oral irrigator, such as the orifice 114.

[0061] In many embodiments, the outlet dimension, such as the diameter, of the orifice 114 is sized to achieve a desired performance, user preference, or kinetic energy of the fluid pulse 410 based on other components of the fluid delivery assembly 400 of the oral irrigator 100. For example, the diameter of the orifice 114 may be about 0.030, 0.031, 0.032, 0.033, 0.034, or 0.035 inches. In other embodiments, the orifice diameter may be larger or smaller.

[0062] In some embodiments, the oral irrigator 100 may automatically adjust the control signals of the motor 406 to achieve a desired kinetic energy performance based on the dimension of the installed orifice 114. For example, if the control signals are configured for a 0.031-inch diameter orifice and a tip 110 with a larger orifice is installed, absent any change in the control signals, the kinetic energy of a fluid pulse 410 may decrease. A processing element 602 of the oral irrigator 100 may automatically alter one or more of the other input characteristics such as those in equation 1 to restore the kinetic energy to a desired level. In some embodiments, the oral irrigator 100 may automatically detect the size of orifice installed on the oral irrigator 100, such as by a radio frequency identification chip, user input setting, or other suitable method.

[0063] FIG. 5 illustrates an example routine for method 500 for motor control with increased accuracy for oral devices. Although the example method depicts a particular sequence of operations, the sequence may be altered without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some of the operations depicted may be performed in parallel or in a different sequence that does not materially affect the function of the routine. In other examples, different components of an example device or system that implements the routine may perform functions at substantially the same time or in a specific sequence.Docket No. P321688.WO.01

[0064] According to some examples, the method 500 includes determining an input characteristic of the oral irrigator at operation 502. In some embodiments, the input characteristic may include one or more of a fluid pressure, a fluid flow rate within a component of the oral irrigator, a dimension of a component of the oral irrigator, or a frequency of the pump.

[0065] According to some examples, the method 500 includes determining target output characteristic at operation 504. The input characteristic may be determined as desired to enable the oral irrigator 100 to achieve a target output characteristic. For example, a target output characteristic may be any metric that describes or measures cleaning performance of the oral irrigator 100. In many examples, the target output characteristic may be a target kinetic energy of a fluid pulse 410 as, or after, the fluid pulse leaves the orifice 114 of the tip 110. In some embodiments, the target output characteristic may be a performance setting, such as a linear setting such as represented by an intensity scale such as integers 1-10, etc.

[0066] In some examples of the operation 504, processing element 602 element may automatically change the target output characteristic over one or more flossing sessions. For example, the processing element 602 may increase the target output characteristic over time to enable a user to become accustomed to greater levels of cleaning performance over time. The processing element 602 may also decrease the target output characteristic over time, such as if a user indicates a desire for lower cleaning performance. The automatically changed target output characteristic may be changed based on the first input characteristic and the first target output characteristic, or a path from a first target output characteristic to a second target output characteristic. The second target output characteristic may be associated with a second input characteristic.

[0067] According to some examples, the method 500 includes determining a control signal based on the first input characteristic and the target output characteristic at operation 506. The processing element 602 may map nonlinear input characteristics to one or more desired output characteristics. For example, the map may linearize an output characteristic for one or more given input characteristics. For example, the control signal may be an AC, DC, PWM, or frequency modulated signal. In examples where the control signal is a PWM signal, the frequency of the signal may be constant at a value, while the width of pulses of the signal (e.g., “on” periods of a square wave) may be varied to change the frequency, stroke length, orDocket No. P321688.WO.01 throughput of the pump 404. In many examples, the control signal frequency may be different than the pump frequency 306 induced by the control signal.

[0068] According to some examples, the method 500 includes operating the pump 404 of the oral irrigator 100 based on the first input characteristic to generate an actual output characteristic based on the target output characteristic at operation 508. For example, such as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the control signal may be such that the control signal causes a substantially linear response from the pump 404 relative to a performance setting in terms of fluid pressure, pump frequency 306, and / or kinetic energy of the fluid pulses 410 delivered by the tip 110 such that the actual output characteristic of the oral irrigator 100 approaches or matches the target output characteristic. In a specific example, if the performance setting of 1 (on a 1-10 scale) is associated with a desired cleaning performance of about 8 ml of kinetic energy, the control signal may be configured such that the pressure 302, flow, and / or pump frequency 306 deliver an actual kinetic energy from the tip 110 of about 8 mJ. Similarly, if a performance setting of 10 on the same 1-10 scale is associated with a desired cleaning performance of about 20 mJ, the control signal may be configured such that the pressure 302, flow, and / or pump frequency 306 deliver an actual kinetic energy from the tip 110 of about 30 mJ.

[0069] FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of components of a controller 600 of the oral irrigator 100. For example, the processing element 602 and the memory component 606 may be located at one or in several controllers 600. This disclosure contemplates any suitable number of such controllers 600. For example, the controller 600 may be an embedded controller 600, a system-on-chip, a single-board controller 600, or a combination of two or more of these. Where appropriate, a controller 600 may include one or more controllers 600; be unitary or distributed; span multiple locations; span multiple machines; or reside in a cloud, which may include one or more cloud components in one or more networks. A controller 600 may include one or more processing elements 602, an input / output I / O interface 604, one or more driver 408 suitable to drive a motor 406, one or more memory components 606, and a network interface 608. Each of the various components may be in communication with one another through one or more buses or communication networks, such as wired or wireless networks, e.g., a network. The components in FIG. 6 are exemplary only. In various examples, the controller 600 may include additional components and / or functionality not shown in FIG. 6.Docket No. P321688.WO.01

[0070] The processing element 602 may be any type of electronic device capable of processing, receiving, and / or transmitting instructions. For example, the processing element 602 may be a central processing unit, microprocessor, processor, or microcontroller. Additionally, it should be noted that some components of the controller 600 may be controlled by a first processing element 602 and other components may be controlled by a second processing element 602, where the first and second processing elements may or may not be in communication with each other.

[0071] The I / O interface 604 allows a user to enter data into controller 600, as well as provides an input / output for the controller 600 to communicate with other devices or services. The I / O interface 604 can include one or more input buttons, touch pads, touch screens, and so on.

[0072] The driver 408 is one or more devices that can drive a motor 406 or a pump 404. For example, the driver 408 may include a PWM driver 408. For example, a PWM driver may include one or more of the following components: a microcontroller or digital signal processor e.g. for generating and controlling the PWM signals based on input commands from the processing element 602; transistors such as metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors, or insulated gate bipolar transistor for switching in response to the PWM signals, and regulating voltage and current supplied to the motor 406; and other components such as voltage sensors, diodes, resistors, capacitors, etc.

[0073] The memory components 606 are used by the controller 600 to store instructions for the processing element 602 such as user settings, mapping between the nonlinear behavior of the pump to linear behavior desired from the output characteristic of the oral irrigator 100, operating modes, and / or a user interface, as well as store data, alerts, etc. The memory components 606 may be, for example, magneto-optical storage, read-only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable memory, flash memory, or a combination of one or more types of memory components.

[0074] The network interface 608 provides communication to and from the controller 600 to other devices. The network interface 608 includes one or more communication protocols, such as, but not limited to Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, near field communication, etc. The network interface 608 may also include one or more hardwired components, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable, or the like. The configuration of the network interface 608 depends on theDocket No. P321688.WO.01 types of communication desired and may be modified to communicate via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.

[0075] The display 118 provides a visual output for the controller 600 and may be varied as needed based on the device. The display 118 may be configured to provide visual feedback to the user and may include a liquid crystal display screen, light emitting diode screen, plasma screen, or the like. In some examples, the display 118 may be configured to act as an input element for the user through touch feedback or the like.

[0076] The description of certain embodiments included herein is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or its applications or uses. In the included detailed description of embodiments of the present systems and methods, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which are shown by way of illustration specific to embodiments in which the described systems and methods may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice presently disclosed systems and methods, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Moreover, for the purpose of clarity, detailed descriptions of certain features will not be discussed when they would be apparent to those with skill in the art so as not to obscure the description of embodiments of the disclosure. The included detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the disclosure is defined only by the appended claims.

[0077] From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0078] The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of various embodiments of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings and / or examples making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.Docket No. P321688.WO.01

[0079] As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the terms “a” and “an” are taken to mean “one”, “at least one” or “one or more”. Unless otherwise required by context, singular terms used herein shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

[0080] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”. Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural and singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” and “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of the application.

[0081] All relative, directional, and ordinal references (including top, bottom, side, front, rear, first, second, third, and so forth) are given by way of example to aid the reader’s understanding of the examples described herein. They should not be read to be requirements or limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use unless specifically set forth in the claims. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other, unless specifically set forth in the claims.

[0082] Of course, it is to be appreciated that any one of the examples, embodiments or processes described herein may be combined with one or more other examples, embodiments and / or processes or be separated and / or performed amongst separate devices or device portions in accordance with the present systems, devices and methods.

[0083] Finally, the above discussion is intended to be merely illustrative of the present system and should not be construed as limiting the appended claims to any particular embodiment or group of embodiments. Thus, while the present system has been described in particular detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should also be appreciated that numerous modifications and alternative embodiments may be devised by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the broader and intended spirit and scope of the present system as set forth in the claims that follow. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative manner and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Docket No. P321688.WO.01CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of controlling an oral irrigator comprising: determining a first input characteristic of the oral irrigator; determining a target output characteristic for an exit fluid flow from the oral irrigator; determining a control signal based on the first input characteristic and the target output characteristic.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first input characteristic comprises at least one of a fluid pressure or a fluid flow rate within a component of the oral irrigator, a dimension of a component of the oral irrigator, or a frequency of a pump of the oral irrigator.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the target output characteristic comprises a kinetic energy of the fluid flow after exit from a nozzle aperture.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the kinetic energy is between about 30 mJ and 5 mJ.

5. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the target output characteristic comprises a pressure of the fluid before exit from a nozzle aperture.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the pressure is between about 130 psi and 20 psi.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein the kinetic energy is substantially linear with respect to a performance setting of the oral irrigator.

8. The method of claim 3, wherein the kinetic energy of the fluid flow after the fluid has exited the oral irrigator is based on the fluid flow rate within a component of the oral irrigator, a dimension of a component of the oral irrigator, or a frequency of a pump of the oral irrigator.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the kinetic energy of the fluid flow after the fluid has exited the oral irrigator is proportional to where q comprises the fluid flow rate, co comprises a frequency of the pump and 4» comprises the dimension component of the oral irrigator.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the dimension of the component of the oral irrigator comprises a diameter of a tip orifice.Docket No. P321688.WO.0111. The method of claim 10, wherein the diameter is about 0.031 inches.

12. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising transmitting the control signal to a pump of the oral irrigator, wherein the control signal is configured to operate the pump based on the first input characteristic sufficient to cause the pump to generate the fluid flow with an actual output characteristic based on the target output characteristic.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising incrementally modifying the first input characteristic in a direction toward a second input characteristic such that the actual output characteristic moves incrementally along a path between the first target output characteristic and a second target output characteristic.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising: determining a performance setting for cleaning effectiveness of the oral irrigator, wherein the first input characteristic is related to the control signal in a non-linear relationship; linearizing the actual output characteristic based on the performance setting.

15. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control signal comprises a pulse width modulated signal.

16. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium including instructions that when executed by a computer, cause the computer to: determine a first input characteristic of the oral irrigator; determine a target output characteristic for a fluid flow from the oral irrigator after the fluid has exited the oral irrigator; determine a control signal based on the first input characteristic and the target output characteristic.

17. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein the first input characteristic comprises at least one of a fluid pressure or a fluid flow rate within a component of the oral irrigator, a dimension of a component of the oral irrigator, or a frequency of a pump.

18. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 16 or 17, wherein the target output characteristic comprises a kinetic energy of the fluid flow.Docket No. P321688.WO.0119. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the kinetic energy is between about 30 mJ and 5 mJ.

20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 16 or 17, wherein the target output characteristic comprises a pressure of the fluid before exit from a nozzle aperture.

21. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 20, wherein the pressure is between about 130 psi and 20 psi.

22. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the kinetic energy of the fluid flow after the fluid has exited the oral irrigator is based on the fluid flow rate within a component of the oral irrigator, a dimension of a component of the oral irrigator, or a frequency of a pump of the oral irrigator.

23. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the kinetic energy of the fluid flow after the fluid has exited the oral irrigator is proportional to where q comprises the fluid flow rate, ro comprises a frequency of the pump and (|> comprises the dimension component of the oral irrigator.

24. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the dimension of the component of the oral irrigator comprises a diameter of a tip orifice.

25. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 16 or 17, wherein the instructions further configure the computer to transmit the control signal to a pump of the oral irrigator, wherein the control signal is configured to operate the pump based on the first input characteristic sufficient to cause the pump to generate the fluid flow with an actual output characteristic based on the target output characteristic.

26. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 25, wherein the instructions further configure the computer to incrementally modify the first input characteristic in a direction toward a second input characteristic such that the actual output characteristic moves incrementally along a path between the first target output characteristic and the second target output characteristic.

27. A method of controlling an oral irrigator comprising: determining a first input characteristic of the oral irrigator;Docket No. P321688.WO.01 determining a target output characteristic for a fluid flow from the oral irrigator after the fluid has exited the oral irrigator; the target output characteristic comprises a first target output characteristic, the method further comprising: determining, based on the first input characteristic and the first target output characteristic, a path from the first target output characteristic to a second target output characteristic, wherein the second target output characteristic is associated with a second input characteristic.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the target output characteristic comprises a kinetic energy of the fluid flow between about 30 mJ and 5 mJ.

29. A method of controlling an oral irrigator comprising: determining a first input characteristic of the oral irrigator; determining a target output characteristic for a fluid flow from the oral irrigator after the fluid has exited the oral irrigator; determining a control signal based on the first input characteristic and the target output characteristic; transmitting the control signal to a pump of the oral irrigator, wherein the control signal is configured to operate the pump based on the first input characteristic sufficient to cause the pump to generate the fluid flow with an actual output characteristic that substantially matches the target output characteristic.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the target output characteristic comprises a kinetic energy of the fluid flow between about 30 mJ and 5 mJ.

31. An oral irrigator according to any preceding claims.

32. An oral irrigator comprising: a pump; a handle including a tip in fluid communication with the pump; and a controller in electrical communication with the pump, wherein the control is configured to vary a signal to the pump based on a treatment energy to be delivered to a user’s oral cavity via the tip.Docket No. P321688.WO.0133. The oral irrigator of claim 32, wherein the treatment energy is based on one or more direct pump parameters of the pump and one or more system parameters of the oral irrigator.

34. The oral irrigator of claim 33, wherein the system parameters comprise at least one of a flow path length between a pump outlet and a tip outlet of the tip, a tip outlet diameter, a conduit length, or a conduit elasticity.

35. A method of controlling an oral irrigator comprising: determining a desired target cleaning energy; and adjusting a control to expel fluid with the desired target cleaning energy.

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