Rotatable Denture Cleaning Brush with Integrated Storage Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for removable dental appliances either clean, store, or protect them, but not effectively combine all three functions, and they often fail to accommodate different sizes of dental appliances, posing challenges for elderly users and caregivers in ensuring proper hygiene and safety.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a rotatable upper brush and lower holder, connected by a cylindrical housing with perforations for fluid flow, allowing simultaneous cleaning and storage, featuring a 'push, turn, and click' locking mechanism and ergonomic handles for easy use, accommodating various sizes through adjustable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate devices are used for cleaning, storing, and protecting dentures, then each function can be performed adequately, but the overall system complexity increases and convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cleaning, storing, and protecting functions into a single integrated denture care device. The container houses both the denture and cleaning brush together, eliminating the need for separate devices for each function and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions simultaneously: the container stores the denture, the brush cleans the denture, and the cap protects both during transport. This multi-functional design addresses all denture care needs in one universal device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size cleaning device is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different sizes of dental appliances
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates adjustable and flexible elements, including a compressible foam insert that can adapt to different denture sizes and shapes. The container dimensions and internal components are designed to accommodate various appliance types rather than being fixed for a single size.
3Reliability
If manual brushing is used by elderly people, then no additional equipment is needed, but the cleaning effectiveness and hygiene outcome are inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables users to clean their dentures independently and effectively through the integrated brush and container system. The design allows elderly users to perform thorough cleaning without requiring assistance, making the cleaning process more reliable and consistent.
4Reliability
If dentures are cleaned in hand without support, then the device is simple, but the risk of dropping and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning brush is integrated into the denture container, allowing the denture to be held securely in the container while being cleaned. This eliminates the need to hold the denture separately in the hand, reducing the risk of dropping and damage.
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 device provides a safe, efficient, and hygienic cleaning, storage, and protection solution for all types of removable dental appliances, ensuring all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and the appliance is securely held during use, reducing the risk of damage and improving oral hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable upper cleaning brush comprising a plurality of downwardly protruding bristles for cleaning an upper surface of a removable dental appliance
Implementation Method 2
a rotatable upper cleaning brush comprising a plurality of downwardly protruding bristles for cleaning an upper surface of a removable dental appliance
Implementation Method 3
the cylindrical housing comprises a plurality of perforations so as to permit fluid to flow through the casing connector to the dental appliance held in the cleaning region
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device for cleaning a removable dental appliance is described. The device includes a rotatable upper cleaning brush having a plurality of downwardly protruding bristles for cleaning an upper surface of a removable dental appliance. The device also includes a lower dental appliance holder for holding the dental appliance and which is used in connection with the rotatable upper cleaning brush to limit movement of the dental appliance relative to the rotatable upper cleaning brush wherein, in use, a cleaning action can be applied to the dental appliance by rotating the rotatable upper cleaning brush relative to the dental appliance. The cleaning device further includes a casing connector for temporarily rotatably interconnecting the rotatable upper cleaning brush and the lower dental appliance holder so as to form a single integrated unit when assembled.