Adjustable Flossing Mouthpiece With Slotted Retainer Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for flossing teeth, particularly at the rear of the mouth, are often difficult and inefficient due to the challenge of maneuvering floss between teeth and under the gum line effectively.
Innovation Solution
A retainer device with adjustable floss picks that can be positioned to match the interproximal spaces between teeth, using a dual opposing track component to hold slideable floss strands, allowing for customizable placement and retention of floss picks with friction pads and serrated edges for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional flossing methods are used, then floss can be inserted between teeth, but it is difficult and inefficient to maneuver floss between teeth and under the gum line, especially at the rear of the mouth
Solution Approach 1:
The floss picks are pre-positioned on the retainer device to correspond with interproximal spaces between teeth, allowing users to simply snap the device into place without manual positioning. This preliminary arrangement of floss picks eliminates the difficulty of maneuvering traditional floss and enables efficient cleaning even at rear teeth.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer device with pre-positioned floss picks enables users to independently perform effective flossing without requiring dental professional assistance for positioning or adjustment. The device self-adjusts to the user's dentition through the snap-fit mechanism, providing self-service capability for complete oral hygiene.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed floss picks are used, then positioning is simple, but they cannot be adjusted to match individual interproximal spaces between teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The floss picks are designed with movable bases that can slide along the retainer device and be independently positioned. This dynamic capability allows each floss pick to be adjusted to match the specific spacing between individual teeth, while the overall device structure remains relatively simple with just a retainer body and multiple slots.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple floss picks are positioned for different teeth, then comprehensive cleaning is achieved, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer device serves multiple functions: it holds multiple floss picks simultaneously, provides positioning guidance, and enables cleaning of multiple interproximal spaces. By integrating these functions into a single snap-fit device, the complexity is minimized while achieving comprehensive coverage of all teeth.
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
The device simplifies and enhances the efficiency of flossing by allowing for precise placement and retention of floss picks, making it easier to clean between teeth and under the gum line without the need for dental professional adjustments, improving dental hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
friction pads for secure positioning
Implementation Method 2
serrated edges for secure positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for flossing teeth utilizing positionally adjustable floss picks holding strands of dental floss. The floss picks fit into a retainer component and are positioned to insert the floss strands into the interproximal dental spaces between the user's teeth. The position of individual floss picks can be adjusted to achieve the correct fit. The disclosure also teaches a retainer with two sides comprising slotted tracks extending substantially the length of each retainer side. The slots contain floss strands.