Crossing-Arm Flossing Device with Reverse Tension Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flossing devices are inflexible and cannot accommodate different mouth sizes, making it difficult to perform effective C-shaped flossing, which is essential for cleaning interproximal areas between teeth, and often cause discomfort or damage due to their rigid nature.
Innovation Solution
A dental floss device with a reverse action mechanism, featuring arms that cross over each other, allowing the floss to be made taut for insertion between teeth and slack for C-shaped cleaning, made from a single integral piece of ABS material for cost-effectiveness and ease of use, with adjustable tension and gripping elements for comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a rigid stick flosser is used to clean interproximal areas, then the device can penetrate through tight tooth contacts, but it cannot form the required C-shape around the base of the tooth and may damage the papillary interproximal gingiva
Solution Approach 1:
The flossing device employs a flexible floss loop that can dynamically change its configuration from a straight tensioned state during insertion to a C-shape configuration during cleaning. The floss is attached to a rigid handle but remains flexible in the loop portion, allowing it to adapt to the contours of teeth and gums while maintaining sufficient tension for penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a thin, flexible floss loop made of resilient material that can bend and conform to the curved surfaces of teeth. This flexible film structure enables the formation of the required C-shape around tooth bases while the rigid handle provides structural support for penetration through tight contacts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional string floss is used with C-shaped technique, then effective interproximal cleaning can be achieved, but it requires significant manual dexterity and is difficult for people with fine motor issues
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to perform the C-shaped flossing motion automatically through its mechanical structure. The user simply inserts the device and moves it along the tooth surface, while the flexible floss loop self-forms the C-shape configuration without requiring the user to manually manipulate the floss into position.
Solution Approach 2:
The device separates the functions of tension application and C-shape formation. The rigid handle provides the force for penetration while the flexible floss loop independently forms the cleaning configuration, dividing the complex flossing task into simpler, more manageable actions for the user.
3Device complexity
If a fixed taut floss length is used in stick flossers, then the device structure is simple, but it does not have enough slack to form the required C-shape and cannot accommodate different sized mouths and teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a single rigid handle structure that serves multiple functions: providing structural support, applying insertion force, and anchoring the flexible floss loop. This universal design eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms while accommodating various mouth sizes through the flexibility of the floss loop itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The device maintains a fixed structural configuration but achieves adaptability through changes in the physical state of the floss loop. The resilient material allows the floss to stretch and conform to different anatomical parameters (tooth size, mouth size) without requiring mechanical adjustments to the device structure.
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
Enables comfortable and effective C-shaped flossing by adjusting tension easily, reducing the risk of gum damage and improving interproximal cleaning, suitable for various mouth sizes and user abilities.
Implementation Method 1
The body may be flexible and/or resilient
Data Source
AI summary
A device and methodology for flossing teeth. The device includes a body having a first arm and a second arm. The first and second arms connect at a vertex. The first and second arms extend distally from the vertex and cross over each other at a crossing over region, so that transverse movement of the first arm relative to the second arm between the vertex and the crossing over region causes an opposite transverse movement at distal ends of the first arm and the second arm. A length of dental floss is coupled between the distal ends of the first arm and the second arm at first and second attachment positions. When in a neutral position with no forces applied to the first arm and the second arm, the distance between the first and second attachment positions is smaller, and the dental floss looser, relative to when the first and second arms are squeezed together between the vertex and crossing over region such that distance between the first and second attachment positions is larger, and the dental floss tauter.