Personal Care Device Localization via Angled Tactile Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal care devices, such as toothbrushes and razors, face challenges in accurately localizing and tracking their position within the use area, leading to inadequate cleaning of dental surfaces and missed areas, especially in hard-to-reach regions, due to either high costs or inadequate localization capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple tactile sensors with different angles on the device head, in conjunction with a controller, to generate and analyze sensor data for precise localization and tracking of the device's position, residence time, and translational direction relative to the surface, ensuring comprehensive cleaning coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are embedded in personal care devices to monitor use and timing, then the user receives feedback on brushing technique and coverage, but the localization precision remains inadequate for tracking device position within the mouth
Solution Approach 1:
The device head is segmented into multiple tuft groups, with each group containing tufts at different angles (e.g., 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees). Each tuft group is associated with a separate tactile sensor, dividing the sensing function into discrete segments that can independently detect contact forces from different directions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different tufts within the device head are given different local qualities through varying angles of inclination. Tufts at 0 degrees detect forces from one direction, while tufts at 45 or 90 degrees detect forces from different directions. This local differentiation enables the system to determine the device's translational direction and position by analyzing which tufts are in contact with dental surfaces.
2Measurement precision
If multiple tactile sensors with different angles are used to improve localization precision, then the device can accurately track position and movement, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bristle assembly is divided into multiple tuft groups with distinct angular orientations, each group corresponding to a specific tactile sensor. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing where tufts can be arranged in standardized patterns and sensors can be positioned at predetermined locations, simplifying the assembly process despite the increased number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device head employs an asymmetric arrangement of tufts with different angles rather than a symmetric uniform pattern. This asymmetric design is intentionally created to enable directional sensing capabilities, where the unique angular configuration of each tuft group provides information about the device's orientation and movement direction that cannot be obtained from symmetric arrangements.
3Reliability
If the device tracks position and movement accurately, then comprehensive cleaning coverage can be ensured, but the system becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives real-time signals from multiple tactile sensors and processes this feedback information to determine the device's position, residence time, and translational direction. This feedback loop enables the system to monitor cleaning coverage continuously and provide guidance to the user on areas that require additional attention, ensuring comprehensive cleaning without requiring complex external tracking infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-localization and self-monitoring using its own embedded tactile sensors and controller, eliminating the need for external tracking systems or additional infrastructure. The sensor array within the device head itself provides the necessary information about position and movement, allowing the device to independently assess its own cleaning performance and provide feedback without external assistance.
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
This solution enhances the precision of localization and tracking, enabling effective evaluation of cleaning techniques and ensuring thorough coverage of all dental surfaces, improving oral hygiene by providing real-time feedback on proper brushing and cleaning practices.
Implementation Method 1
a first one of the plurality of tufts is in communication with a first tactile sensor... generating, in response to interaction of the plurality of tufts with a surface to be cleaned, first sensor data by the first tactile sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (500) for characterizing a personal care device (10). The method includes the steps of: (i) providing (510) a personal care device comprising a plurality of tufts (18), where a first one (18a) of the plurality of tufts includes a first tactile sensor (38a) and comprises a first angle relative to a device head, and further where a second one (18b) of the plurality of tufts includes a second tactile sensor (38b) and comprises a second angle relative to the device head; (ii) generating (520), in response to interaction of the plurality of tufts with a use surface (40), first sensor data by the first tactile sensor and second sensor data by the second tactile sensor; and (iii) characterizing (530), by the controller using the first sensor data and the second sensor data, a position of the personal care device within the use area.