Electric Toothbrush Electrode Assembly for Hard-to-Reach Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toothbrushes struggle to effectively remove dental plaque, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, leading to tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Innovation Solution
An electric toothbrush design incorporating first and second electrodes that generate electromagnetic waves using a driving signal with both AC and DC components, along with a light-emitting diode for visibility, to enhance plaque removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional toothbrushes are used to remove dental plaque, then basic brushing function is provided, but effective removal of plaque in hard-to-reach areas is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical brushing action with an electromagnetic field-based cleaning mechanism. Electrodes generate electromagnetic waves that directly interact with and remove dental plaque through non-mechanical means, enabling effective cleaning in areas where mechanical brushes cannot physically reach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the cleaning mechanism by introducing electromagnetic waves with specific frequencies (AC and DC components). This parameter change allows the cleaning energy to penetrate and affect plaque in ways that mechanical brushing cannot, improving effectiveness in hard-to-reach areas.
2Reliability
If only mechanical brushing is used, then simple structure is maintained, but plaque removal effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The toothbrush head combines multiple functions in a single device: mechanical bristle brushing and electromagnetic field generation. The electrodes and signal supply unit are integrated into the existing toothbrush structure, allowing the device to perform both traditional mechanical cleaning and advanced electromagnetic plaque removal without requiring separate devices.
3Reliability
If AC and DC components are combined in driving signal, then oral care effects are amplified, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driving signal uses periodic AC components combined with DC components, creating a pulsed electromagnetic field pattern. This periodic action allows the electrodes to generate cleaning energy in controlled bursts, amplifying the plaque removal effect while managing energy consumption through the rhythmic nature of the AC signal cycles.
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 electric toothbrush effectively removes dental plaque, preventing tooth decay and periodontal disease by amplifying oral care effects through the synergistic use of AC and DC components.
Implementation Method 1
first and second electrodes disposed in the opening area and providing electromagnetic waves corresponding to a driving signal
Implementation Method 2
at least one light-emitting diode (LED) may be disposed at the end portion of the sub-substrate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electric toothbrush that includes an outer case including a handle part having a tubular shape, and a head part extending from the handle part and having an opening area open to front; first and second electrodes disposed in the opening area and providing electromagnetic waves corresponding to a driving signal; and a head cover having a plurality of bristle holes, a first electrode hole, and a second electrode hole, which are formed therein, and closing the opening area. The first and second electrodes may penetrate the first and second electrode holes, respectively, and be exposed to outside.