Angled Flossing Device Head for Posterior Tooth Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flossing devices struggle to effectively reach and clean areas between teeth, especially near the gums, and are cumbersome when used with orthodontic braces, often causing gum irritation and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A handheld flossing device with an elongate handle and a U-shaped head featuring angled posts and a tapered neck, allowing the floss to be oriented tangentially to the dental arch, reducing interference with the cheeks and minimizing gum impingement, and enabling easy access to both anterior and posterior teeth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional flossing devices use a straight handle and head configuration, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot easily access posterior teeth and causes gum irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an angled configuration where the head is positioned at an angle relative to the handle, creating a three-dimensional arrangement that allows the floss to access posterior teeth without the handle interfering with the cheek. This dimensional change transforms the linear arrangement into an angled structure that provides better geometric access to difficult-to-reach areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved or angled geometries in the head and handle connection, deviating from straight lines to create an ergonomic path that follows the natural contours of the oral cavity. This curvature allows the device to navigate around anatomical obstacles while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If the proximal post is positioned close to the gums to reach between archwire and teeth, then flossing effectiveness is improved, but gum irritation and pain occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the local geometry of the post by adding a curve or angle to its configuration. This local quality change allows the post to maintain close proximity to the gums for effective flossing while the curved path prevents direct contact that causes irritation, distributing the interaction force along a longer, gentler path.
3Productivity
If the handle is manipulated to advance floss up and down between teeth, then cleaning action is achieved, but the handle interferes with the user's cheek when flossing posterior teeth
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the head at an angle to the handle rather than in a straight line, the patent creates additional spatial separation between the handle and the cheek area. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the handle to be manipulated for effective flossing motion while occupying a different spatial zone that does not interfere with the user's cheek.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for flossing teeth comprises an elongate handle having a central axis. In addition, the device comprises a head including a pair of spaced apart posts and a base portion extending therebetween. Each post has a central axis. The central axis of each post is disposed in a plane that is oriented at an acute angle β in side view relative to a projection of the central axis of the handle. Further, the device comprises a neck extending between the handle and the base portion of the head. The device also comprises a strand of floss extending between the posts.