Adjustable Floss Head and Locking Path for Tooth Edge Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental flossing devices lack the ability to adjust floss length and angle, leading to inadequate coverage of tooth edges and potential damage from excessive force during flossing.
Innovation Solution
A flosser device with a retractable pin and adjustable lock mechanism allows for customizable floss length and angle, ensuring optimal tooth coverage and preventing excessive force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If floss is threaded through a fixed path in traditional flossers, then the device structure is simple, but the floss length and angle cannot be adjusted, leading to inadequate tooth edge coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic floss path system where the floss can be adjusted along the body between a first position near the first end and a second position near the second end. This allows the floss length and angle to be customized for different tooth edges, transforming a static structure into an adaptable one that maintains comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The floss path is segmented into multiple sections: a first section from the spool through the body, a second section from the body through the c-shaped head to the pin. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of floss positions at different segments, enabling customized length and angle without redesigning the entire device structure.
2Reliability
If excessive force is applied during flossing, then plaque removal effectiveness improves, but gum or tooth damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism provides mechanical feedback by allowing the floss to be secured at specific positions along the body. When the floss is threaded to the desired position and locked, it creates a controlled tension point that prevents excessive force from being applied to the gums or teeth, while still allowing sufficient force for effective plaque removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin acts as an intermediary element between the floss and the tooth edge. By securing the floss to the pin at a controlled position, the system mediates the force application, distributing it evenly and preventing concentrated excessive force that could cause damage, while maintaining enough tension for effective cleaning.
3Ease of manufacture
If the floss path is fixed and non-adjustable, then the device is easier to manufacture, but comprehensive tooth edge coverage cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The floss path is designed as a dynamic system with adjustable segments rather than a fixed continuous path. The floss can be positioned at different locations along the body and locked in place, allowing the same basic structure to adapt to various tooth edge geometries and coverage requirements without complex manufacturing.
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 superior flossing by allowing floss to wrap around teeth edges, providing comprehensive coverage and protecting oral health by limiting the risk of gum or tooth damage.
Implementation Method 1
The pin actuator can include a spring, whereby the pin actuator is spring-tensioned such that a sufficient amount of force must be applied to the pin actuator to move the retractable pin from the contracted position to the extended position.
Implementation Method 2
The lock can be configured to move within the cavity between an open position and a closed position. A position of the floss threaded through the floss path can be maintained when the lock is in the closed position.
Implementation Method 3
The strand-clamping actuator can include a collar and a rod. The rod can extend through an aperture in the cavity and engage with the lock, and the collar can be movably engaged with an exterior surface of the body such that moving the collar along the exterior surface moves the lock between the open position and the closed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A flosser having a body and a c-shaped head coupled to the first end of the body. The c-shaped head can include a pin. The flosser can also include a spool disposed inside a cavity at the second end of the body, wherein the spool is configured to be wound with floss. The flosser can also include a lock disposed inside the cavity between the spool and the first end of the body. The lock can be configured to move within the cavity between an open position and a closed position. The flosser can also include a floss path extending between the spool and the c-shaped head. The floss path can be configured to accommodate floss threaded through the floss path and secured to the pin. A position of the floss threaded through the floss path can be maintained when the lock is in the closed position.