Capillary Fluid Delivery Toothbrush
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oral care implements, such as toothbrushes, lack effective systems for dispensing auxiliary oral care agents like whitening agents and breath fresheners, with existing solutions not providing optimal delivery and sensory experiences during brushing.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing toothbrush equipped with a capillary delivery system, featuring a reservoir, a channel, and outlets on the toothbrush head, utilizing capillary action and optional vibration to enhance fluid delivery and cleaning efficacy, along with a multi-stage capillary fluid delivery system to regulate flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fluid reservoir and delivery system are added to a toothbrush, then auxiliary oral care agents can be dispensed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fluid reservoir, capillary channels, and outlet structure into a unified system where the capillary network serves both as the delivery pathway and the flow control mechanism. The outlet is formed directly from the capillary material, merging the channel and dispensing interface into a single integrated component, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining auxiliary agent dispensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary delivery system utilizes self-regulating capillary action to control fluid flow from the reservoir to the outlet without requiring external power sources, pumps, or complex flow control mechanisms. The system automatically regulates the rate of fluid delivery based on the capillary dimensions and fluid properties, enabling autonomous operation that simplifies the overall device architecture
2Reliability
If capillary action is used for fluid delivery, then controlled fluid release is achieved, but the flow rate may be insufficient for effective dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs capillary channels with varying dimensions along their length, where the capillary diameter is larger near the reservoir to enable rapid fluid uptake and smaller near the outlet to ensure controlled dispensing. This gradient in capillary properties allows the system to achieve both high fluid uptake rate and precise flow control simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between sufficient dispensing rate and controlled release
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its flow characteristics based on operational conditions. During initial contact with the oral cavity, the capillary network rapidly delivers fluid to satisfy immediate dispensing needs. As the capillary channels become saturated, the flow rate naturally moderates, providing self-regulating control that ensures both adequate initial dispensing and sustained controlled delivery throughout the brushing cycle
3Reliability
If vibration is added to enhance fluid delivery, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toothbrush incorporates periodic vibration cycles that are synchronized with the brushing motion. The vibration is activated intermittently during the brushing cycle rather than continuously, providing enhanced fluid delivery and cleaning efficacy during active brushing phases while allowing energy conservation during transition periods. This periodic activation pattern maintains cleaning effectiveness while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous vibration operation
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 capillary delivery system provides enhanced dispensing of oral care agents, improving cleaning and sensory experiences through controlled fluid release, ensuring effective distribution of agents during brushing and minimizing variability in delivery rates.
Implementation Method 1
a capillary channel constructed from a fibrous material, ceramic, porous plastic, or combination thereof extends through at least a portion of the implement to deliver the fluid to one or more outlets
Implementation Method 2
The channel and outlet may be a unitary member or separate members fluidly coupled together. The outlet may be made of a wicking material
Data Source
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Figure 8
AI summary
A fluid dispensing oral care implement with fluid delivery system. The implement includes a storage member containing a fluid. A channel formed of one or more wicking or capillary members extends through at least a portion of the oral care implement to deliver fluid(s) through one or more fluid outlets via capillary action. In one embodiment, the fluid outlet is comprised of a wicking or capillary material and is disposed in the head of the implement. In some embodiments, the implement may include a valve and a specially configured storage cap. A variety of fluids can be administered for therapeutic, hygienic, and/or other benefits, such as fresh breath, tooth whitening, tooth sensitivity, plaque and/or tartar control, or producing sensations of heat, cool, or tingling.