Automatic Filling Mechanism for Hand-Held Oral Cleaning Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-held oral cleaning devices using fluid droplet sprays for interproximal teeth cleaning require frequent refilling of the liquid chamber, which is inconvenient and disrupts the user experience, while existing solutions do not seamlessly integrate refilling with charging functionality.
Innovation Solution
An automatic filling mechanism for hand-held fluid droplet appliances that utilizes a docking and charging station with a larger fluid reservoir, featuring dual ports with flexible sealing, a snorkel system for air and fluid management, and safety mechanisms to prevent overfilling, ensuring efficient and leak-proof refilling and charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the hand-held device uses a small fluid chamber for portability, then the device can be held and used easily, but the chamber requires frequent refilling which disrupts user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid storage system is segmented into two parts: a small fluid chamber in the hand-held device for portability and a larger fluid reservoir in the docking station for extended capacity. The hand-held device chamber is separated from the docking station reservoir through magnetic alignment and selective engagement of inlet/outlet ports, allowing the device to remain lightweight while accessing larger fluid storage when docked.
2Device complexity
If the device chamber is refilled manually, then the structure remains simple, but the refilling process is inconvenient and requires user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service refilling through magnetic alignment between the docking station and hand-held device. When the device is placed in the docking station, magnets automatically align the inlet and outlet ports, allowing fluid to flow from the reservoir to the chamber without user intervention. The system self-regulates the refilling process through check valves and fluid dynamics.
3Extent of automation
If dual ports are used for fluid inlet and outlet, then automatic refilling is enabled, but flexible sealing is required to prevent leakage
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible sealing portions are integrated around the inlet and outlet ports to create reliable seals when fluid flows between the docking station reservoir and the hand-held device chamber. These flexible seals accommodate the movement and alignment variations that occur during docking while maintaining fluid-tight connections, preventing leakage during automatic refilling operations.
4Quantity of substance
If the snorkel system is used for air and excess fluid exit, then proper fluid level management is achieved, but the snorkel tube may clog from crystal buildup
Solution Approach 1:
A hard plastic tip is provided at the open end of the snorkel tube to help ensure proper positioning of the snorkel system within the chamber of the hand-held appliance. The tip features a v-cut shape along the top edge or holes cut through the plastic to reduce crystal buildup and prevent clogging before it occurs during normal operation.
5Reliability
If check valves are added to control fluid flow, then overfilling is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Check valves are integrated into the inlet and outlet ports to automatically control fluid flow direction and prevent overfilling. The valves self-regulate based on fluid pressure and flow direction, allowing the system to prevent overfilling and backflow without requiring external control mechanisms or increasing overall system complexity.
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
Enables continuous use of the hand-held device with reduced need for manual refilling, ensuring effective cleaning and charging without leakage or clogging, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a door for the chamber that can be opened, the door having an O-ring around the outer perimeter thereof to prevent leaking of fluid
Implementation Method 2
the second female port and the snorkel system being used for exiting air and excess fluid from the chamber as fluid enters the chamber through the first female port
Implementation Method 3
flexible sealing portions surround the first and second female ports of the automatic filling mechanism to prevent leakage of fluid
Implementation Method 4
at least one check valve is connected to at least one of the first or second female ports to control the automatic filling process and provide a shut-off
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
An automatic filling mechanism for use in conjunction with a hand-held fluid droplet appliance (10) for dental cleaning, the automatic filling mechanism having a door (42) to a chamber (40) in the hand held fluid droplet appliance (10) for holding fluid, the door having a female liquid inlet port (44) and a female liquid and air exit interface (46) having a snorkel system (80) attached thereto that is inserted into the chamber (40) that is used to fill the chamber (40) with fluid (112) from a reservoir (110) on a docking and charging station (100) when the hand held fluid droplet appliance (10) is inserted into a cradle (160) on the docking and charging station (100).