Dental Flosser Actuator Mechanism for Spool Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dental flossing methods require high dexterity and are time-consuming, with spool-type floss dispensers being difficult to maneuver and pick-type holders being poorly suited for certain teeth, leading to infrequent flossing and excessive waste.
Innovation Solution
A dual-purpose dental flosser with a handle and housing that includes a rotatable spool for floss, an actuator for locking and unlocking the spool, and a biasing member to facilitate easy floss dispensing and reduce dexterity requirements, allowing for improved flossing with minimal hand manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional spooling-type floss dispensers are used, then floss can be dispensed, but high dexterity and manual manipulation are required making the operation complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the actuator with contact surfaces) between the user's manual input and the spool rotation. The actuator translates simple pushing motion into controlled spool unwinding, reducing the need for complex finger dexterity while maintaining precise floss dispensing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct manual mechanical manipulation of the spool with a mechanical actuation system. Instead of requiring the user to manually rotate or manipulate the spool, a button-actuated mechanism automatically controls the spool rotation, substituting complex manual mechanics with a simpler actuation interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pick-type floss holders are used, then floss can be held, but manipulation angles are poor for rear molar teeth and the entire holder must be disposed of after use creating waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal flossing device that can be used on all tooth types including rear molars. The spool mechanism with adjustable actuator provides versatility in reaching different teeth, while the reusable handle design eliminates the need to discard the entire holder after single use, thereby reducing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by making the handle and actuator mechanism reusable while only consuming the floss itself. The durable construction of the handle and actuator allows multiple uses across different teeth, recovering the value of the main body while the consumable floss is discarded after use.
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 dental flosser enables easier and more efficient flossing by allowing users to grip the handle with one hand and the floss with the other, reducing dexterity needs and promoting regular flossing, while also being reusable to minimize waste.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator further includes a biasing member for biasing the at least one contact surface relative to the spool
Implementation Method 2
The actuator includes at least one contact surface configured to frictionally engage at least one of the first top surface, the first bottom surface, the second top surface, or the second bottom surface
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a dental flosser includes a handle and a housing coupled to the handle. The housing includes a chamber for rotatably receiving a spool having first top and bottom surfaces and a side surface and having a supply of floss wound about the side surface, the supply of floss having second top and bottom surfaces. The housing further includes a floss orifice for directing at least a portion of the supply of floss therethrough. The dental flosser also includes an actuator including at least one contact surface configured to frictionally engage at least one of the first top surface, the first bottom surface, the second top surface, or the second bottom surface. The actuator further includes a biasing member for biasing the at least one contact surface relative to the spool.