Denture Adhesive Removal Tool with Dual-Action Bristles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing denture adhesive from dentures are often inconvenient and not hygienic, as they require abrasive materials or solvents, which may not effectively remove residual adhesive.

Innovation Solution

An oral cleaning implement with a handle and a tool adapted for removing denture adhesive, featuring a concave surface with a thermoplastic elastomer coating and a ridge or scoop design for scraping off adhesive, integrated into a two-component handle with hard plastic and softer elastomer materials, facilitating easy and hygienic removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional toothbrushes or abrasive pads are used to remove denture adhesive, then cleaning capability is improved, but the risk of damaging dentures increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage to denturesVSAvoideffectiveness of adhesive removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical parameter of the cleaning tool by providing a dual-sided brush head with bristles of different hardness levels. One side has softer bristles for gentle cleaning, while the other side has firmer bristles for more effective adhesive removal. This parameter variation allows users to select the appropriate side based on the cleaning task, effectively removing adhesive while minimizing damage risk to dentures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If solvents or abrasive materials are used to remove denture adhesive, then removal effectiveness is improved, but hygiene and convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of adhesive removalVSAvoidhygiene of removal method
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention enables self-service cleaning by providing a brush head that can effectively remove adhesive through mechanical action alone, without requiring external solvents or chemicals. The dual-sided bristle design allows the brush to handle both gentle cleaning and stubborn adhesive removal, making the process self-contained and hygienic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a single-sided brush head is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability for different cleaning needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrush head structureVSAvoidsuitability for different cleaning tasks
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The brush head is segmented into two distinct sides, each with bristles optimized for different cleaning functions. One side features softer bristles suitable for delicate denture surfaces, while the other side has firmer bristles for removing adhered materials. This segmentation allows a single brush head to perform multiple cleaning tasks effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-sided brush head design provides multi-functionality, allowing one tool to serve multiple purposes: gentle cleaning on one side and adhesive removal on the other. This universal design eliminates the need for separate tools for different cleaning tasks, enhancing versatility while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10477957B2Oral cleaning implement with a tool adapted for removal of denture adhesive from dentures
Publication Date: 2019.11.19 HALEON UK IP LTD
  • US10477957B2 patent drawing
  • US10477957B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Aspects of the present invention are directed to an oral cleaning implements having a head and a handle. The implements distal end of the handle may be a tool adapted for removal of denture adhesive from dentures.