Audio-Guided Toothbrush Motor Timing for Brushing Technique
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved oral care devices with audio capabilities that can effectively train users in proper toothbrushing techniques, as existing technologies lack comprehensive guidance and feedback mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A toothbrush with a controller, motor, speaker, and memory that provides audio instructions and praise recordings, controlling the motor to move tooth cleaning elements based on predetermined times and user input, ensuring thorough oral cavity cleaning and encouraging proper brushing habits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If audio capabilities are added to provide comprehensive brushing instructions and feedback, then user training effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (audio instruction delivery, timing control, motor actuation, and feedback provision) into a single integrated toothbrush device. The controller synchronizes audio instructions from memory with motor-driven brushing cycles, providing coordinated guidance and feedback without requiring separate training devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The toothbrush serves multiple functions simultaneously: it cleans teeth through motor-driven bristles, provides audio instructions for proper technique, tracks brushing duration, and delivers praise feedback. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate devices into one universal oral care tool.
2Reliability
If multiple audio instructions and praise recordings are stored in memory, then brushing technique guidance is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller plays audio instructions and praise recordings at specific periodic intervals during the brushing cycle. Instructions are provided at the start of brushing segments, and praise feedback is given after predetermined time periods, rather than continuously, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple audio instructions and praise recordings are pre-loaded into the device's memory during manufacturing. This preliminary action allows the device to store comprehensive guidance content without requiring real-time energy expenditure for content generation or transmission during use.
3Reliability
If the motor is controlled to move cleaning elements for predetermined durations, then oral cavity cleaning thoroughness is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brushing process is divided into multiple predetermined time segments, with the motor activating for specific durations corresponding to different oral cavity zones. The controller manages these segmented intervals systematically, ensuring complete coverage while maintaining an efficient overall timeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller seamlessly transitions the motor between different brushing segments without idle pauses, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the brushing process. Audio instructions and praise feedback are synchronized with these continuous motor operations to maximize cleaning efficiency within the total time frame.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary
In some embodiments, a method of controlling an oral care implement having an audio output device and a movable oral cleaning element driven by a motor includes receiving a user instruction to commence a cleaning sequence; playing, via the audio output device, an audio instruction relating to oral cleaning; after completion of playing the audio instruction relating to oral cleaning, controlling the motor to drive the oral cleaning element; a predetermined time after operating the motor to drive the oral cleaning element, controlling the motor to stop driving the oral cleaning element; and at least in part in response to controlling the motor to stop driving the oral cleaning element, playing, via the audio output device, a recording containing praise.