Asymmetric Flexible Tissue Cleanser for Oral Contours

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current oral care implements are ineffective in thoroughly removing bacterial deposits and debris from the tongue, leading to chronic bad breath due to the papillary nature of the tongue surface, which creates a unique ecological site for microorganism accumulation and volatile sulfur compound production.

Innovation Solution

A flexible tissue cleanser with conically shaped nubs and elastomeric construction, integrated into a toothbrush head with split regions for enhanced flexibility and asymmetric configurations, allows for effective cleaning of oral tissues by mechanically removing microflora and debris while accommodating the natural contours of the mouth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rigid tissue cleanser is used, then structural stability is maintained, but cleaning effectiveness on contoured oral tissues is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The tissue cleanser is divided into multiple segments or sections with varying degrees of flexibility. The head portion contains the cleaning elements while the handle provides structural support, allowing each segment to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the tissue cleanser have different mechanical properties - the head portion is designed to be flexible to conform to oral contours, while the handle maintains rigidity for stable handling. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between flexibility for cleaning effectiveness and rigidity for structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If a symmetric tissue cleanser design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to asymmetric oral contours is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to oral contoursVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The tissue cleanser employs an asymmetric design where the head portion has an irregular shape that mirrors the asymmetric contours of oral tissues. The cleaning elements are distributed asymmetrically to match the varying curvature and surface area of different regions of the mouth, enhancing adaptability while remaining manufacturable through standard molding techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Productivity

If deep penetration into tongue recesses is achieved, then removal of microbial deposits is improved, but risk of tissue damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval effectivenessVSAvoidtissue damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning elements undergo parameter changes in their mechanical properties - they are designed to be soft and compliant with durometer values optimized for gentle contact. The elements can dynamically change their effective stiffness based on the force applied, allowing deep penetration into recesses under light pressure while automatically reducing penetration depth if excessive force is applied, thereby preventing tissue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The tissue cleanser incorporates dynamic elements that can adapt their configuration during use. The flexible head and compliant cleaning elements allow the device to dynamically conform to the varying geometry of oral tissues, achieving deep penetration into recesses when needed while automatically adjusting to prevent damage to delicate tissues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 flexible and asymmetric design of the tissue cleanser enables improved cleaning and comfort, effectively removing microbial deposits and debris from the tongue and other soft tissues, reducing bad breath by allowing deeper penetration into recesses and promoting salivary flow, thereby addressing the challenge of halitosis.

Implementation Method 1

A flexible tissue cleanser with conically shaped nubs and elastomeric construction... effectively removing microbial deposits and debris from the tongue and other soft tissues

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

provides improved cleaning and effective removal of bacteria and microdebris disposed on the oral tissue surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS8353075B2Oral care implement

Publication Date: 2013.01.15 COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO

AI summary

An oral care implement or toothbrush includes a head, tooth cleaning elements and tissue cleansing elements. The tooth cleaning elements may be provided on a first face of the toothbrush head while the tissue cleansing elements may be disposed on a second face of the head. The head may further include one or more splits that provide flexible and non-flexible regions. Various configurations of splits may be used to create different effects such as more responsive flexion, regions of differing flexibility and/or different degree of flexion.