Cavitation Nozzle Flow Passage for Oral Irrigator Stain Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional oral cavity washing devices are effective in removing food residue but fail to adequately remove plaque and stubborn stains, and do not prioritize user comfort in terms of flow rate and cavitation generation.

Innovation Solution

An oral cavity washing device with a nozzle featuring a flow passage structure that includes a first component, a reducer, and a second component, configured to generate cavitation in the washing liquid when the flow rate of the washing liquid ejected from the nozzle falls within 200 mL/min to 350 mL/min, ensuring effective removal of food residue, comfort, and stubborn stains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the flow rate of washing liquid is increased to improve stain removal capability, then the washing power is enhanced, but user comfort deteriorates due to excessive flow rate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestain removal capabilityVSAvoiduser comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the flow rate of washing liquid within the range of 200 mL/min to 350 mL/min. This optimized parameter range enables effective stain removal while maintaining user comfort, resolving the contradiction between washing power and comfort by finding the optimal balance point in the flow rate parameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes hydraulics by employing a pump to feed washing liquid to the nozzle and by designing a flow passage structure that generates cavitation. The hydraulic system controls the flow rate through the reducer and expanding passage, creating cavitation bubbles that enhance stain removal while maintaining comfortable flow rates for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If conventional nozzles are used to remove food residue, then basic washing function is achieved, but plaque and stubborn stains cannot be adequately removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing effectivenessVSAvoidremaining plaque and stains
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies phase transitions through cavitation, where the washing liquid transforms from a liquid state to contain gas bubbles. The flow passage structure with the reducer and expanding passage generates cavitation bubbles that collapse upon impact with stains, providing enhanced cleaning power to remove plaque and stubborn stains that conventional liquid flow cannot eliminate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical washing action with cavitation-based cleaning. Instead of relying solely on the mechanical force of liquid flow, the system uses cavitation bubbles to deliver impact forces that effectively remove stubborn stains and plaque, achieving superior washing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the flow passage is designed to generate cavitation, then stain removal capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestain removal capabilityVSAvoidflow passage structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the flow passage into distinct functional components: a reducer section that narrows the passage to increase velocity and pressure, and an expanding passage that allows cavitation bubble formation. This segmented design achieves effective cavitation and stain removal while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular functional zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 device effectively removes food residue and plaque while providing user comfort by optimizing the flow rate and cavitation bubble generation within the specified range, enhancing the overall washing performance.

Implementation Method 1

The flow passage structure has the first component, the reducer, and the second component so as to generate cavitation in the washing liquid flowing through the flow passage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCavitation: Cavitation

Data Source

PatentEP3357453B1Oral cavity washing device and nozzle for the same
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3357453B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3357453B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3357453B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

An oral cavity washing device according to the present disclosure includes: a nozzle having a flow passage structure including a flow passage that includes an inlet port and an outlet port; and a pump to feed washing liquid to the inlet port such that a flow rate of the washing liquid ejected from the outlet port falls within a range of 200 mL/min to 350 mL/min. The flow passage structure includes a first component, a reducer, and a second component. The first component, the reducer, and the second component are configured to generate cavitation in the washing liquid flowing through the flow passage when the flow rate of the washing liquid ejected from the outlet port falls within the range of 200 mL/min to 350 mL/min.