Segmented Flosser Prongs for Braces Wire Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with braces face difficulty in flossing due to the wire between brackets obstructing the insertion of floss into embrasure spaces, making traditional flossing methods tedious and often ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A flosser design featuring an inner prong and an outer prong with a recessed end, where the outer prong is angled and thinner to insert between the teeth and wire, allowing easier access to embrasure spaces, and the floss is secured within the prongs to prevent catching on the wire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional flossing methods are used with braces, then the floss can be inserted between teeth, but the wire obstructs insertion into embrasure spaces making the process tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The flosser is segmented into two distinct prongs: an outer prong for insertion between the wire and teeth, and an inner prong for positioning inside the teeth. This segmentation allows each prong to perform a specific function in navigating around the wire obstruction, making the flossing process easier and less time-consuming for individuals with braces.
2Ease of operation
If the outer prong is made thinner to fit between wire and teeth, then access to embrasure spaces is improved, but the structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outer prong is designed with non-uniform thickness: the distal end is thinner to facilitate insertion between the wire and teeth, while the proximal end maintains greater thickness for structural strength. This local variation in quality allows the prong to be both insertable and strong, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
Flossers are designed to simplify flossing with braces including facilitating the insertion of floss into and the maneuvering of the floss within the embrasure spaces. The flossers can include an inner prong and an outer prong between which a length of floss extends. The outer prong can be configured to insert between the teeth and the wire of the braces while the inner prong is positioned inside the teeth. While positioned between the wire and the teeth, the outer prong can be maneuvered to thereby floss the embrasure spaces.