Electromagnetic Drivetrain for Power Tapping and Sweeping Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power toothbrush devices rely on rotary sweeping motion, which has limitations in cleaning efficiency, particularly in removing plaque from interproximal zones, gumline areas, and gum pockets, and are heavily dependent on user position and pressure.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electromagnetic assembly to generate a controllable power tapping motion parallel to the bristle direction, either coupled with or decoupled from the sweeping motion, using a drivetrain assembly that includes a motor and electromagnetic components to independently control the bristle movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rotary sweeping motion is used to clean teeth, then overall surface cleaning is achieved, but cleaning efficiency in interproximal zones and gum pockets is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cleaning function into two distinct motion components: rotary sweeping motion for overall surface cleaning and linear tapping motion for interproximal and gum pocket cleaning. This segmentation allows each motion type to specialize in specific cleaning zones, resolving the contradiction between overall coverage and targeted effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of linear tapping motion perpendicular to the traditional rotary sweeping plane. By adding this vertical dimension of motion parallel to bristle orientation, the system achieves effective cleaning in previously inaccessible areas like gum pockets and interproximal zones while maintaining overall surface cleaning capability.
2Ease of operation
If two separate mechanical systems are used to drive tapping and sweeping motions, then controllable power tapping motion is achieved, but device cost, size, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sweeping and tapping drive functions into a single integrated electromagnetic assembly. The stator generates magnetic fields that simultaneously control both the rotary sweeping motion and linear tapping motion of the brush head, eliminating the need for separate mechanical systems and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic assembly serves multiple functions: it generates both sweeping and tapping motions, provides independent control of each motion type, and replaces what would traditionally require separate motors and mechanical transmissions. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between controllability and complexity.
3Productivity
If bristles are subjected to heavy loads during cleaning, then thorough plaque removal is achieved, but bristles become trapped and cleaning efficiency suffers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic linear tapping motion that rhythmically impacts the brush head against the teeth. This periodic action prevents bristles from becoming continuously trapped under heavy load by repeatedly resetting their position, maintaining cleaning efficiency while achieving thorough plaque removal through the combined sweeping and tapping motions.
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
Improves plaque and stain removal, achieves deeper gum pocket cleaning, reduces bristle constraint, and makes the device less dependent on user technique, enhancing overall cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic assembly configured to drive the drivetrain shaft and the brush head member having bristles about a second axis of the device, different than the central axis, or in a direction parallel to a third axis of the device, that is different that the central axis
Data Source
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AI summary
Drivetrain assemblies for personal care devices using electromagnetic components to generate a combination of controllable power tapping and sweeping motions. The drivetrain assemblies include a drivetrain shaft at least partially contained within a body portion of the device. The drivetrain shaft is further configured to engage a brush head member of the device. The drivetrain assemblies further include a motor mounted on the drivetrain shaft, where the motor is configured to periodically rotate the drivetrain shaft about a first axis of the device, and an electromagnetic assembly configured to drive the drivetrain shaft and thereby the brush head member about an second axis of the device or in a direction parallel to a third axis of the device. The electromagnetic assembly includes a stator, a voice coil actuator, a rotor, or a linear solenoid actuator, for example.