Dental Floss Insertion Device with Roller Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental appliances such as braces, bridges, and prosthetics create fully enclosed oral spaces that are difficult to clean with traditional flossing methods, leading to plaque buildup and potential health issues due to the inability to insert and fully push dental floss through these spaces.
Innovation Solution
A dental floss insertion device with a body and rollers that guide and advance the floss through a floss guide path, featuring a rotatable tip and adjustable rollers to facilitate insertion and complete passage of floss into enclosed oral spaces, including optional interchangeable tips and ergonomic designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional flossing method is used, then floss can be easily held and manipulated, but floss cannot be inserted into enclosed oral spaces created by dental appliances
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces an intermediary tool with a tapered tip and guide path that mediates between the user's hand and the enclosed oral space, enabling floss insertion where direct manipulation would fail
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the floss insertion process into distinct functional zones: the tapered tip for initial penetration, the guide path for directional control, and the roller mechanism for advancement, allowing each segment to address specific challenges of enclosed space access
2Adaptability or versatility
If leader floss with stiffened end is used, then insertion into enclosed oral space is facilitated, but the stiff end is difficult to maneuver and may not be stiff enough to push completely through
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a dynamic roller mechanism that can be compressed to apply variable force along the guide path, adapting the pushing force to overcome resistance and advance the floss completely through the enclosed space
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces the insufficient mechanical stiffness of leader floss with a mechanical advantage system consisting of rollers and a compressible guide path that amplify the user's manual force to achieve complete floss penetration
3Productivity
If interdental brush is used, then some enclosed oral spaces can be cleaned, but the brush is too large to fit into very small or tight enclosed oral spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The device features a localized tapered tip and narrow guide path at the insertion end, providing the small dimensions needed for tight spaces while maintaining the functional capability to clean effectively once the floss is positioned within the enclosed space
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
Effectively allows for thorough cleaning of enclosed oral spaces by enabling easy insertion and complete passage of dental floss, reducing plaque buildup and improving oral hygiene around dental appliances.
Implementation Method 1
A first roller is positioned on a first side of the guide path and is rotatable about a first axis. A second roller is positioned on a second side of the guide path and is rotatable about a second axis for advancing the end of the length of floss along the guide path
Implementation Method 2
A portion of the second roller extends outside the body and is configured to permit a user to exert a compressive force on the floss by way of the second roller while simultaneously rolling the second roller to advance the floss along the guide path
Data Source
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AI summary
A dental floss insertion device for inserting an end of a length of dental floss into an enclosed oral space. The device may include a body and a tip attached to the body and cooperating with the body to define a floss guide path. A first roller may be positioned on a first side of the guide path and a second roller may be positioned on a second side of the guide path. The second roller may be moveable toward and away from the first roller to open and close a nip that receives the length of floss, thereby allowing a user to apply a compressive force on a piece of floss located between the first and second rollers while simultaneously rolling the second roller to advancing the end of the length of floss along the guide path, through the distal orifice, and into an enclosed oral space.