Bidirectional Toothbrush Motor for Multi-Path Plaque Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric toothbrushes have monotonous motion modes that result in inadequate cleaning of areas such as the gum line, dead corners, and fissures, leading to unsatisfactory cleaning effects.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional motor and control method that alternately applies different motion paths and forces by controlling a care element to perform first and second motions with distinct driving signals, including reciprocating swings and reciprocating motions, to effectively remove tartar and dental plaque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single motion mode is used for cleaning teeth, then the device structure is simple, but the cleaning effect on gum line, dead corners and fissures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is segmented into multiple motion modes: reciprocating motion along the longitudinal axis and reciprocating swing motion around the longitudinal axis. The motor divides the rotation into different phases to generate these distinct motion patterns, allowing each motion type to address specific cleaning needs in different oral regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor dynamically switches between different motion modes during operation. By controlling the rotation phase and direction, the system transitions between longitudinal reciprocating motion and swing motion, adapting the cleaning pattern to different tooth surfaces and oral cavity regions for comprehensive cleaning coverage.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple motion modes are implemented, then the cleaning effect is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor serves multiple functions: it generates both reciprocating motion and swing motion, acts as both the driving source and the control mechanism, and can operate in different rotation phases. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each motion type, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining multiple cleaning modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the reciprocating drive mechanism and swing mechanism into a single motor structure. The motor integrates both motion generation capabilities through its rotation control, merging what would traditionally be separate mechanisms into one unified component, thereby simplifying the device structure.
3Ease of operation
If the care element moves in a single direction, then the motion control is simple, but the cleaning coverage in different oral areas is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The motor implements periodic action by alternating between different rotation phases. The rotation phase is periodically adjusted to switch between generating longitudinal reciprocating motion and swing motion, creating a rhythmic pattern of motion that comprehensively covers different oral areas while maintaining simple control through phase modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from one-dimensional longitudinal motion to two-dimensional motion by introducing swing motion around the longitudinal axis. This dimensional change allows the care element to reach gum lines, dead corners, and fissures that cannot be accessed by linear motion alone, significantly expanding cleaning coverage.
Data Source
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AI summary
A bidirectional motor, an oral care device, and a control method of the oral care device are provided. The control method includes acquiring an oral care instruction; determining a first driving signal and a second driving signal corresponding to the oral care instruction in response to the oral care instruction, controlling a care element of the oral care device to generate a first motion based on the first driving signal, and controlling the care element to generate a second motion based on the second driving signal; and alternately outputting the first driving signal and the second driving signal to control the care element to alternately output the first motion and the second motion. A motion path of the first motion is different from a motion path of the second motion. By controlling the care element to alternately perform the first motion and the second motion with different motion paths, a peeling force is applied to soft plaque or dental plaque on tooth surfaces in different directions, thereby producing a good oral care effect.