Direct-Drive Toothbrush Linear Motor High-Frequency Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oscillating/rotating toothbrushes are limited in operating frequency due to noise issues associated with gearing, which restricts their ability to provide enhanced cleaning through higher drive frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A toothbrush design that eliminates gearing by using a direct drive system with a linear motor and magnetic coupling, allowing operation at frequencies between 150 Hz to 175 Hz while maintaining a sound intensity level below 75 dB(A), achieved through a handle with a contact element carrier that oscillates to provide effective cleaning and fluid dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional oscillating/rotating toothbrushes use gearing to convert motor rotational energy to oscillating motion, then the brushhead can achieve oscillating/rotating cleaning action, but the operating frequency is limited to below 100 Hz due to noise generated by the gear system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gear system from the toothbrush design. By eliminating the gearing mechanism that converts motor rotational motion to oscillating motion, the invention eliminates the noise source associated with gear operation while enabling direct coupling of the linear motor to the brushhead for vibration-free high-frequency operation above 100 Hz
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical gear conversion system with a direct-drive linear motor system. Instead of using mechanical gears to convert rotational motion to oscillating motion, the invention uses a linear motor that directly generates linear oscillating motion, eliminating mechanical noise and enabling higher operating frequencies
2Productivity
If oscillating/rotating toothbrushes operate at higher frequencies to improve cleaning efficiency and generate fluid dynamics effects, then cleaning performance is enhanced, but noise levels increase due to the gear system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gear system that limits high-frequency operation. By eliminating the noisy gearing mechanism, the invention enables operation at frequencies above 100 Hz that enhance cleaning efficiency through improved mechanical action and fluid dynamics effects without the penalty of increased gear noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes high-frequency mechanical vibration generated by the linear motor to achieve superior cleaning. The direct-drive system enables vibration frequencies above 100 Hz that enhance plaque removal through both mechanical disruption and fluid dynamics effects in the oral cavity, without the noise constraints of gear systems
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 design enables improved cleaning efficiency with higher frequencies while reducing noise levels, providing better oral care with reduced sound intensity and increased comfort during use.
Implementation Method 1
A toothbrush design that eliminates gearing by using a direct drive system with a linear motor
Implementation Method 2
direct drive system with a linear motor and magnetic coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A personal care device having a handle having an engagement portion and a persona care attachment are described. The personal care attachment has a housing attached to the engagement portion and a contact element carrier. The contact element carrier is movably coupled to the housing. A plurality of contact elements is arranged on the contact element carrier, and wherein the personal care attachment is driven at a frequency of between about 150 Hz to about 175 Hz and has a sound intensity level of less than about 75 dB(A).