Air-Driven Interproximal Toothbrush Helix Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing appliances for cleaning interproximal teeth areas are limited in accessing tight spaces and lack effective plaque removal capabilities, despite using bursts of air or air-liquid mixtures.
Innovation Solution
An air-driven interproximal cleansing appliance with a rotating solid helix member and attached bristles, which are activated by bursts of air or air-liquid mixtures to enhance cleaning in tight spaces, utilizing a handle, elongated neck, and nozzle with a helix member that rotates within a channel to facilitate deeper cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air bursts are used to clean interproximal spaces, then cleaning capability is improved, but ability to access tight spaces and remove plaque is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A helical element with bristles is introduced as an intermediary component between the air source and the teeth surfaces. The bristles act as a mediator that can physically engage with and clean plaque from tight interproximal spaces while the air provides the driving force for rotation and additional cleaning action.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical element is designed to rotate dynamically when air flows through it. This rotation allows the bristles to adaptively engage with different tooth surfaces and tight spaces, transforming the static air stream into a dynamic mechanical cleaning action that can access difficult-to-reach areas.
2Productivity
If air bursts are used for interproximal cleaning, then cleaning action is provided, but plaque removal ability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two cleaning mechanisms: the mechanical action of rotating bristles attached to the helical element and the pneumatic action of air bursts. This combination provides both the physical scraping action needed for plaque removal and the high-velocity air impact for dislodging debris, resulting in reliable plaque removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system uses a composite approach combining different cleaning modalities - the bristles provide mechanical abrasion while the air stream provides pneumatic cleaning. This composite cleaning system addresses the limitations of using either method alone for effective plaque removal.
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 appliance effectively cleans interproximal teeth surfaces with rotating bristles, providing a high shear force and improved plaque removal, making it an effective alternative to traditional flossing for users with difficulty or discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
a source of air providing bursts of air or an air/liquid mixture when the appliance is activated
Implementation Method 2
the helix member is free to rotate as air or the air/liquid mixture is moved through the channel
Implementation Method 3
providing a high shear force and improved plaque removal
Data Source
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AI summary
The interproximal toothbrush includes an appliance body and neck with a nozzle member having a nozzle tip shaped to fit into interproximal teeth spaces. Bursts of air or air/liquid mixture are generated, exiting through the nozzle tip. A helix member or, alternatively, a spring, is supported within a channel in the nozzle member. The helix member is free to rotate as air or the air/liquid mixture is moved through the channel. A set of bristles is attached to a forward end of the helix member, so that it rotates with the helix member. Alternatively, a set of bristles is attached to the distal end of the spring so that successive bursts of air or the air/liquid mixture produce an in-and-out movement of the set of bristles toward and away from the teeth.