Force Sensing Array for Electric Toothbrush
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric toothbrushes lack effective control over vibration strength and force distribution of brush hairs, as they rely on separate force sensors connected via additional connectors, which complicates integration with circuit boards and limits user adaptation.
Innovation Solution
An electric toothbrush design featuring a force sensing array with a substrate-integrated drive and sensing electrodes covered by a polymer material layer, allowing for multiple force detecting points around the handle and head, coupled with a processor to analyze force uniformity and control vibration frequency based on detected values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a force sensor is formed as an individual module with separate drive electrode and sensing electrode, then the force sensing function is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional connectors needed for electrical connection to the circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The drive electrode and sensing electrode are merged into a single substrate, eliminating the need for separate force sensor modules and additional connectors. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining the force sensing function, directly resolving the technical contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple force detecting points are arranged around the toothbrush handle, then the adaptability to various holding habits is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensing array is segmented into multiple independent detecting points distributed around the toothbrush handle. Each point can independently detect force at its location, enabling adaptation to various holding habits. The segmentation allows flexible arrangement without requiring complex integrated sensor modules, thus improving adaptability while managing manufacturing complexity.
3Productivity
If the processor analyzes force uniformity of multiple brush hair bundles, then the cleaning efficacy is improved, but the loss of information increases due to complex force distribution data processing
Solution Approach 1:
The processor acts as an intermediary that receives raw force data from multiple detecting points and transforms it into meaningful metrics such as force uniformity and pressing force. This intermediary processing converts complex distributed data into actionable insights that improve cleaning efficacy without overwhelming the system with unprocessed information.
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 design enhances user experience by adapting vibration strength to holding habits and provides efficient force distribution analysis, improving cleaning efficacy and extending brush head lifespan through intelligent force management.
Implementation Method 1
the force sensor includes a substrate laid with multiple sets of drive electrodes and sensing electrodes, and a polymer material layer adhering to the substrate and covering on the multiple sets of drive electrodes and sensing electrodes to form multiple force detecting points
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an electric toothbrush including a toothbrush head, a toothbrush handle and a force sensing array. The force sensing array is arranged on the toothbrush head and/or the toothbrush handle. When the force sensing array is arranged on the toothbrush head, it is able to detect the force uniformity of brush hairs. When the force sensing array is arranged on the toothbrush handle, it is able to control the vibration strength of the brush hairs and detect the pressing force of the brush hairs.