Alternating Wavelength Light Sources in Waveguide Toothbrush Bristles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vibrating toothbrushes using light emit only white light and lack an effective method for removing oral bacteria, relying on chemical mouthwashes for sanitation.
Innovation Solution
A light irradiating toothbrush with a head containing brushing bristles made of waveguides and a light source unit that includes alternately arranged LEDs or laser diodes emitting short-wavelength (blue) and long-wavelength (red) light, positioned to optimize light transmission to the teeth and gums, with a vibrating motor and vibration attenuator for efficient light delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vibrating toothbrushes use only white light sources, then the device structure is simple, but the effectiveness of bacterial removal is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single white light source into multiple segmented light sources with different wavelengths (blue light at 450-480nm and red light at 620-750nm). These segmented light sources are arranged alternately in an array, allowing each wavelength to target different types of oral bacteria effectively, thus resolving the contradiction between bacterial removal effectiveness and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning specific wavelength light sources at different locations within the toothbrush head. Blue light sources are positioned to target surface bacteria while red light sources penetrate deeper to address subsurface bacterial issues. This localized wavelength distribution optimizes bacterial removal at different oral locations while maintaining a manageable device structure.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are arranged alternately, then light transmission effectiveness is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light sources with different wavelengths into a single integrated light source unit that is disposed beneath the brushing bristles. This unified structure houses both blue and red light sources in an alternating arrangement, allowing efficient light transmission through the bristles to the oral cavity while consolidating the complex multi-wavelength system into one manageable component.
3Productivity
If light sources are positioned closer to brushing bristles, then light transmission to teeth and gums is optimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the light sources at optimized distances from the brushing bristles during the manufacturing process. The light sources are arranged in an alternating pattern at predetermined locations within the light source unit, ensuring that blue and red light are delivered at optimal intensities to the oral cavity before the toothbrush is put into service, thereby reducing the need for post-manufacturing adjustments.
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 toothbrush efficiently transmits light of different wavelengths into the mouth, enhancing bacterial removal and reducing vibration intensity, providing a more effective oral sanitation method compared to conventional vibrating toothbrushes.
Implementation Method 1
brushing bristles made of at least one waveguide; light sources radiating light through the waveguides
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a light irradiated toothbrush, in which light sources, irradiating light having mutually different wavelengths, are arranged in alternation at the bottom of waveguide bristles so that light of different wavelengths give rise to constructive interference which strengthens the intensity of the irradiated light, and the height of the light sources are varied on the basis of the wavelength of the light irradiated therefrom so as to effectively transmit light of short wavelengths to the waveguide bristles, and light having mutually different wavelengths are transmitted by means of the waveguide bristles, thereby effectively transmitting the light to the mouth of a user.