Chewable Dentifrice Dispensing Device for Pet Oral Hygiene
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-human animals resist tooth cleaning with traditional toothbrushes, leading to neglected pet teeth that can be expensive to remediate, and existing chewable implements are considered supplementary rather than primary solutions.
Innovation Solution
The CLEANCHEW device, which is a chewing-actuated tooth cleaning system featuring bite-actuated release of dentifrice through channel pairings with one-way valves and an elastomeric outer layer, allowing for effective teeth and gum cleaning, along with customizable flossing and a hands-free design for easy access to controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional toothbrushes are used to clean pet teeth, then teeth cleaning can be performed, but non-human animals resist the process making it difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling pets to clean their own teeth through a chewable device that they voluntarily consume. The CLEANCHEW device is designed to be chewed and consumed by the pet, automatically dispensing dentifrice and providing cleaning action without requiring the pet to tolerate external brushing, thus making the pet serve its own cleaning needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by switching from manual brushing (human-controlled) to self-cleaning through chewing (pet-controlled). Instead of forcing a brush onto the pet's teeth, the device is chewed and consumed, reversing the control dynamic and making the pet the active agent in the cleaning process.
2Ease of operation
If chewable teeth cleaning implements are provided to pets, then pets may voluntarily use them, but veterinarians view these as supplementary rather than primary solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single chewable device: dentifrice storage, dentifrice dispensing, mechanical scrubbing action, and flossing capability. This integration transforms a supplementary chew toy into a comprehensive teeth cleaning system that combines the voluntary engagement of chewables with the cleaning efficacy traditionally requiring manual brushing.
Solution Approach 2:
The CLEANCHEW device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a chew toy for voluntary engagement, a dentifrice dispenser for chemical cleaning, a mechanical scrubber through chewing action, and includes flossing capability for inter-dental cleaning. This multi-functionality elevates it from supplementary to potentially primary cleaning solution.
3Reliability
If manual toothbrushing is performed on pets, then effective cleaning can be achieved, but it requires significant time and effort from the owner
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables pets to perform their own cleaning by chewing and consuming the CLEANCHEW, eliminating the need for owner-managed brushing sessions. The pet voluntarily engages with the device at its own pace, transforming a time-consuming manual process into an autonomous self-service activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be consumed over time through periodic chewing actions, with the dentifrice dispensing and cleaning occurring throughout the chewing process rather than requiring a single prolonged brushing session. This distributes the cleaning action across multiple shorter interactions.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional dentifrice dispensing is used, then cleaning agents can be applied, but the device lacks integration between dentifrice release and cleaning action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dentifrice dispensing mechanism with the cleaning action mechanism into a single integrated system. The dentifrice is stored within the chewable structure and dispensed automatically during chewing, combining chemical application and mechanical cleaning in one unified device rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The chewable matrix itself serves as an intermediary that connects dentifrice storage to cleaning action. As the pet chews the CLEANCHEW, the mechanical breakdown of this intermediary material simultaneously releases dentifrice and provides scrubbing action, mediating between the stored cleaning agent and the tooth surface.
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 CLEANCHEW device provides an effective and efficient method for cleaning teeth and gums, reducing the need for expensive veterinary procedures by allowing animals to naturally dispense dentifrice and scrub their teeth, while also offering a customizable and user-friendly experience for both pets and humans.
Implementation Method 1
channel pairings or sets may include features, projections and/or spacers and one-way valves to permit the biting-actuated release of dentifrice from an inner chamber
Implementation Method 2
movable bite-actuated and/or motor-actuated members conform an elastomeric or flexible outer layer
Data Source
AI summary
A device adapted for brushing and flossing each of a user's teeth simultaneously is disclosed. Many methods and modes for the device's use are also set forth. In some embodiments, the device is custom-fitted to each user, based on molds, impressions or other 3-dimensional imaging techniques, allowing for a more effective, rapid brushing experience. Customized flossing lines, comprising a wide variety of materials and cleansing products, are set forth in exemplary detail. A specialized handle is set forth, configured for maintaining easy access to controls while leaving the device in place in a user's mouth while cleaning, hands-free.