Concentric Bristle Head Design for Interproximal Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toothbrushes face difficulties in penetrating the gaps between neighboring teeth and between teeth and gums due to their bristle arrangement, which limits their effectiveness in cleaning these areas.
Innovation Solution
A powered toothbrush bristle head design featuring a disk-shaped bristle carrier with bristle tufts arranged in concentric circles of varying diameters, including tapered and end-rounded bristles, to enhance interproximal and subgingival access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional bristle arrangement is used, then manufacturing is simple, but interproximal access and subgingival access are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bristle head is segmented into multiple bristle tufts arranged in concentric circles, with each tuft containing bristles of specific types (tapered, end-rounded, or a combination). This segmentation allows different bristle types to be strategically positioned in different zones to address specific cleaning needs in interproximal and subgingival areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different bristle types are assigned to different local zones of the bristle head. Tapered bristles are positioned in certain tufts for penetrating tight spaces, while end-rounded bristles are positioned in other tufts for gentle cleaning. This local differentiation optimizes performance for specific anatomical regions without requiring complete redesign of the entire bristle head.
2Reliability
If conventional bristle arrangement is used, then device structure is simple, but subgingival access efficacy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bristle carrier is segmented into multiple concentric circular arrangements of bristle tufts, allowing systematic distribution of different bristle types. This segmented approach ensures that tapered bristles for penetration and end-rounded bristles for cleaning are both present and properly positioned to work synergistically during brushing motions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of bristle configuration by introducing concentric circular arrangements with varying diameters and assigning different bristle type compositions to different tufts. This parameter variation creates a gradient of cleaning actions from the center to the periphery, enhancing subgingival access capability.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(e)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
A powered toothbrush and toothbrush head comprise a transmission housing (10); a substantially disk-shaped bristle carrier (20); and a plurality of bristle tufts (30). A plurality of first bristle tufts are arranged on the bristle carrier (20) along a first virtual circle; and a plurality of second bristle tufts are arranged on the bristle carrier (20) along a second virtual circle, the second virtual circle being concentric with and having a smaller diameter than the first virtual circle. Each of the plurality of first bristle tufts includes a plurality of bristles of a first type, having a tapered form.