Fluid Reservoir Level Detection in Oral Care Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficacy of oral health care devices decreases when the fluid reservoir is not filled to the recommended level, leading to air being outputted through the manifold switch, potentially causing damage and reducing the effectiveness of the treatment.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system to monitor the fluid level in the reservoir using current, ultrasonic, or impedance sensors, and adjusting the pump motor velocity according to a predefined profile to prevent damage and notify the user of insufficient fluid, ensuring the device turns off safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fluid reservoir is not filled to the recommended level, then the device can be operated with insufficient fluid, but air is outputted through the manifold switch causing damage and reducing treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of fluid level before operation begins. The sensor detects whether fluid is present in the reservoir, and the controller prevents operation or alerts the user if fluid is insufficient, avoiding air output through the manifold switch that would cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through a sensor that continuously monitors fluid level in the reservoir. The controller receives this feedback and adjusts operation accordingly - preventing operation, reducing pump speed, or alerting the user when fluid levels are insufficient, thereby maintaining reliability while allowing flexible operation.
2Productivity
If the pump operates with insufficient fluid in the reservoir, then the device continues to function, but the manifold switch is damaged and treatment efficacy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting insufficient fluid levels before they can cause harm. The sensor monitors fluid presence, and the controller prevents the pump from operating under conditions that would cause air output and manifold switch damage, thereby eliminating the harmful effect before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct mechanical monitoring with sensor-based detection. Instead of relying on mechanical float switches or simple level indicators, the patent uses sensors (optical, capacitive, or other types) to detect fluid levels, providing more reliable and precise control to prevent harmful operation.
3Device complexity
If no fluid level monitoring is implemented, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot prevent damage from air output through the manifold switch
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary sensor between the fluid reservoir and the control system. This sensor acts as a mediator that detects fluid levels and translates physical fluid presence into electrical signals that the controller can process, enabling reliable detection without complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service monitoring where the sensor automatically detects fluid levels and the controller autonomously responds by preventing operation or alerting the user. This eliminates the need for manual monitoring or complex external monitoring systems, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliability.
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
Prevents damage to the device, maintains treatment efficacy by ensuring the fluid reservoir is filled adequately, and provides user feedback for proper filling, thereby extending the device's operational lifespan and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring a fluid level in the reservoir using a sensor, the sensor comprising a transducer configured to generate an ultrasonic wave
Data Source
AI summary
An oral health care device is disclosed. The oral health care device includes a fluid reservoir, a pump, a sensor, and a microcontroller. The sensor is configured to sense whether fluid is being provided to a plurality of fluid nozzles via the pump. The microcontroller is configured to stop a motor associated with the pump according to a velocity profile based on an output of the sensor.