Dynamic Nozzle Actuator for Oral Irrigator Fluid Spray Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oral irrigator devices have limited effectiveness in cleaning interproximal areas between teeth due to their narrow nozzle design, which restricts the coverage of plaque removal, especially in visible interproximal surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The use of a dynamic nozzle actuator with responsive materials that can change the direction, angle, and cross-sectional width of the fluid spray, allowing for a wider spray angle and multiple spray directions, thereby increasing the effective interdental area covered by the nozzle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a narrow and focused nozzle design is used, then the spray can be concentrated on the approximal area, but the effective interdental area covered is limited and interproximal surfaces are not cleaned thoroughly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic nozzle actuator that can change the orientation and direction of the nozzle relative to the teeth. This dynamic adjustment allows the spray to be redirected from the approximal area to the interproximal surfaces, enabling thorough cleaning of both areas without requiring multiple static nozzles. The actuator dynamically repositions the nozzle to cover varying interdental areas during operation.
2Device complexity
If a static nozzle design is used, then the device structure is simple, but the spray direction and angle cannot be adjusted to reach different interdental areas
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is transformed from a static component to a dynamic one by integrating an actuator mechanism. This actuator enables the nozzle to adjust its orientation and spray direction dynamically, allowing it to adapt to different interdental areas and cleaning requirements while maintaining a relatively compact overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic nozzle actuator provides multi-functionality by enabling the single nozzle to perform multiple cleaning tasks - targeting both approximal and interproximal surfaces, adjusting spray angles, and reaching various interdental areas. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized nozzles while maintaining structural efficiency.
3Area of stationary object
If the nozzle covers a wider interdental area, then more plaque areas can be cleaned, but the spray becomes less focused and may reduce cleaning efficacy on specific areas
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic actuator allows the nozzle to dynamically adjust between wide coverage and focused spray modes. When cleaning broader areas, the nozzle can be positioned to cover more interdental space, and when targeting specific plaque deposits, it can be repositioned to concentrate the spray precisely on the affected area, maintaining cleaning efficacy across varying requirements.
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
This solution enhances the cleaning efficacy by dynamically adjusting the fluid spray to reach and clean both approximal and interproximal plaque areas more effectively, improving gingival health without the need for extensive manual flossing.
Implementation Method 1
a dynamic nozzle actuator positioned within the guidance tip, wherein said dynamic nozzle actuator comprises at least one responsive material adapted for being energized to implement at least one dynamic actuation of an effective channel
Implementation Method 2
the responsive material further comprises a spring-like actuator configured to tilt an outer surface of the guidance tip in an oscillating manner
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle (12) for an oral irrigator device (10) having a guidance tip (34) with an orifice at one end, and a dynamic nozzle actuator (64) positioned within said guidance tip. The orifice (36) is configured to expel a fluid as one of a jet, a spray, or any combination thereof. The dynamic nozzle actuator (64) comprises at least one responsive material adapted for being energized and configured to implement at least one dynamic actuation of an effective channel (62) for dynamically influencing at least one of (i) a direction of fluid expelled from the orifice (36), (ii) an angle of fluid expelled from the orifice (36), (iii) a cross-sectional width of fluid expelled from the orifice (36), and (iv) any combination thereof.