Frequency Domain Fluorescence Plaque Detection in Electronic Toothbrushes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current toothbrushes lack real-time feedback to ensure complete plaque removal from interproximal regions, making it difficult for users to concentrate their brushing efforts effectively.
Innovation Solution
An electronic toothbrush equipped with a light source emitting modulated excitation light, an optical unit for fluorescence detection, and a detector that uses frequency domain lifetime measurements to communicate plaque identification information to the user, allowing for real-time plaque detection and guidance during brushing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If plaque disclosing dyes are used to help consumers identify areas where plaque builds up, then consumers can identify problem areas, but consumers have not well-received these dyes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical plaque disclosing dyes with an optical detection system using fluorescence lifetime measurement. The system uses an excitation light source to illuminate the teeth and a detector to measure the fluorescence lifetime of plaque, eliminating the need for consumers to use or tolerate chemical dyes while still providing accurate plaque identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system that measures the fluorescence lifetime of plaque molecules. Instead of directly visualizing plaque with dyes, the system uses the fluorescent properties of plaque itself as an intermediary signal, allowing detection without requiring consumers to accept external dye applications.
2Productivity
If toothbrushes are designed to efficiently remove plaque, then plaque can be lifted off quickly, but consumers may move on to another tooth before plaque has been completely removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring fluorescence lifetime during brushing and providing immediate visual or audible signals to the consumer. This feedback loop allows consumers to know when plaque has been completely removed from each tooth, preventing them from moving on too quickly while maintaining efficient plaque removal speeds.
3Reliability
If consumers brush for a longer time to ensure complete plaque removal, then plaque removal completeness improves, but brushing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The real-time fluorescence lifetime monitoring provides immediate feedback on plaque removal completeness, allowing consumers to stop brushing each tooth as soon as plaque is fully removed. This eliminates unnecessary extended brushing time while ensuring complete plaque removal, directly resolving the trade-off between reliability and time loss.
4Productivity
If dental implements provide real-time plaque detection, then users can concentrate brushing efforts in problem areas, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single toothbrush device: mechanical plaque removal through brushing, optical excitation for fluorescence generation, and detection for real-time feedback. This multi-functionality allows the device to provide intelligent guidance without requiring multiple separate devices, managing complexity while improving productivity.
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
Enables users to efficiently focus their brushing on areas with plaque buildup, reducing brushing time while ensuring thorough cleaning and improving oral hygiene by providing immediate feedback on plaque removal.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical unit for removing reflected excitation light and receiving a fluorescence light beam from the teeth
Implementation Method 2
a detector configured to receive the fluorescence light beam for detecting plaque and communicating plaque identification information of the teeth based on frequency domain lifetime measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A dental implement is presented including a body portion, at least one oscillator (210), and at least one light source (220) driven by the at least one oscillator and configured to emit at least one excitation light having a plurality of components modulated at a plurality of frequencies. The dental implement further includes at least one optical unit for removing reflected excitation light and receiving a fluorescence light beam from the teeth, and a detector (270) configured to receive the fluorescence light beam for detecting plaque and communicating plaque identification information of the teeth based on frequency domain lifetime measurements.