Acceleration-Based Brushing Technique Evaluation for Plaque Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tooth brushing evaluation techniques fail to assess the effectiveness of plaque removal based on brushing technique, leading to potential dental issues such as plaque retention in interdental portions and increased risk of dental caries and periodontal disease.
Innovation Solution
An evaluation device and method that calculates an index value from toothbrush acceleration data to determine plaque removal ratio, using an evaluation model to assess brushing technique, incorporating a correlation between index value and plaque removal ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the number of brushing cycles is increased to meet the reference value, then brushing duration is improved, but brushing technique quality deteriorates (plaque remains in interdental portions)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical counting of brushing cycles with an acceleration sensor-based evaluation system. The acceleration sensor detects motion characteristics and converts them into evaluation values that assess brushing technique quality, substituting simple mechanical counting with sophisticated mechanical measurement and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an acceleration sensor as an intermediary between the brushing action and the evaluation system. The sensor captures motion data and transforms it into usable evaluation information, serving as a mediator that enables precise measurement of brushing technique without direct observation.
2Area of stationary object
If large motion brushing is used to increase brushing coverage, then brushing area is improved, but plaque removal effectiveness deteriorates (plaque remains in interdental portions)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes visual assessment of brushing area with acceleration sensor measurement. The sensor detects motion amplitude and frequency, converting physical brushing movements into quantitative evaluation data that reflects actual plaque removal effectiveness rather than just apparent coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the evaluation parameter from binary coverage assessment to continuous acceleration-based measurement. By measuring acceleration magnitude and frequency, the system identifies optimal brushing parameters that balance coverage and effectiveness, detecting when motion is too large and plaque removal becomes less effective.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective evaluation of brushing technique for plaque removal, providing accurate feedback to improve dental hygiene practices and reduce plaque-related dental issues.
Implementation Method 1
an index value calculating section for calculating an index value indicative of largeness of brushing from acceleration data of a toothbrush
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are an evaluation device and others which are capable of properly evaluating a brushing technique for removing plaque. An evaluation device (1) includes: an index value calculating section (102) for calculating an index value indicative of largeness of brushing from acceleration data indicative of the acceleration of a toothbrush when a subject brushes his or her teeth; and a technique evaluation section (104) for calculating, with use of an evaluation model (111) for a brushing technique, an evaluation value for a brushing technique of the subject from the index value calculated by the index value calculating section (102), the evaluation model (111) being generated on the basis of a correlation between the index value and a plaque removal ratio.