Dental Nozzle Adaptability via Flexible Conduit and Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric toothbrushes lack an efficient mechanism for delivering fluid bursts to interproximal gaps for effective cleaning, often relying on static nozzles that do not adapt to tooth contours, leading to incomplete removal of dental plaque and debris.
Innovation Solution
A dental cleaning appliance with a moveable nozzle and fluid conduit system that uses sensors and control circuits to actuate fluid delivery based on the nozzle's position relative to the teeth, ensuring precise delivery of bursts of working fluid into interproximal gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static nozzle is used for fluid delivery, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning efficacy is insufficient because the nozzle cannot adapt to tooth contours
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is made moveable relative to the handle through a flexible fluid conduit, allowing it to dynamically adapt to the contours of teeth and interproximal gaps. This dynamic configuration enables the nozzle to change its position and orientation during use without requiring a complex mechanical articulation system.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible fluid conduit connects the nozzle to the handle, allowing the nozzle to move and flex to match the curvature of teeth. This flexible connection provides adaptability while keeping the overall structure simple, avoiding the need for rigid mechanical joints or complex positioning mechanisms.
2Productivity
If fluid is delivered continuously, then the cleaning action is maintained, but fluid waste increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery system operates in periodic bursts rather than continuously. The pump actuates intermittently to deliver fluid only when the nozzle is positioned in interproximal gaps, creating a pulse-like delivery pattern that maintains cleaning effectiveness while minimizing fluid consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor detects the position of the nozzle relative to the handle and provides feedback to the control circuit. When the nozzle enters an interproximal gap (detected through changes in sensor output), the control circuit actuates the pump to deliver fluid. This feedback mechanism ensures fluid is delivered only when needed, improving efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the nozzle is made moveable to reach interproximal gaps, then the cleaning coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid conduit is designed as a flexible element that allows the nozzle to move freely to access interproximal gaps. This flexible connection provides the necessary mobility and adaptability without requiring complex mechanical articulation, joints, or positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle is configured to move dynamically relative to the handle through the flexible conduit, enabling it to adapt to the three-dimensional geometry of teeth and reach difficult-to-access areas. This dynamic capability is achieved through simple flexibility rather than complex mechanical systems.
4Measurement precision
If fluid delivery is actuated by sensor feedback, then the precision of fluid delivery is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor is positioned to detect the relative position of the nozzle to the handle, providing feedback about nozzle placement. This feedback signal is used by the control circuit to determine when to actuate the pump, enabling precise fluid delivery to interproximal gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position-sensing mechanisms with a simpler sensor-based detection system. The sensor detects positional changes through non-mechanical means (such as optical, magnetic, or capacitive fields), reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
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
Enhances cleaning efficacy by ensuring fluid is delivered only when needed, reducing waste and improving plaque removal from hard-to-reach areas, thereby improving oral hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for providing an output which varies with movement of said at least part of the fluid delivery system relative to the handle
Implementation Method 2
The nozzle is preferably formed from resilient material, such as an elastomeric material or a rubber... as the nozzle is moved along the teeth of a user during use of the appliance, the tip of the nozzle may deflect relative to the base of the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid delivery system of a dental cleaning appliance includes a fluid inlet, a pump for drawing a working fluid through the fluid inlet, a hydraulic accumulator for receiving working fluid from the pump, a nozzle having a fluid outlet, and a valve located between the accumulator and the nozzle. The valve has an open position for enabling the accumulator to deliver a burst of working fluid to the nozzle, and a closed position for enabling the accumulator to be replenished under the action of the pump. A control circuit actuates the pump and controls the position of the valve.