Interdental Probe for Selective Flossing Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flossing devices are inefficient in targeting interdental spaces, leading to ineffective cleaning and wastage of flossing fluid outside the intended area, which can result in gum and periodontal diseases due to improper cleaning of interproximal spaces.
Innovation Solution
An interdental space detection component with a probe that can be inserted into the oral cavity to detect the presence of teeth on both sides, using sensors to determine when it is wedged between teeth, allowing for selective activation of the flossing function and preventing fluid wastage outside the interdental space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flossing device is used without interdental space detection, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness deteriorates due to inability to target interdental spaces accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The interdental probe performs preliminary detection of the interdental space before the flossing fluid is delivered. The probe detects the presence and characteristics of the interdental space in advance, allowing the control system to prepare and deliver fluid only when appropriate, thereby improving cleaning effectiveness without requiring complex simultaneous multi-component coordination
Solution Approach 2:
The interdental probe acts as an intermediary detection component that bridges the gap between the user's manual operation and the automated flossing function. By detecting interdental space characteristics and transmitting this information to the control system, the probe enables targeted fluid delivery without requiring the entire device to be complex
2Reliability
If flossing fluid is dispensed continuously, then cleaning coverage is improved, but fluid wastage increases outside the interdental space
Solution Approach 1:
The interdental probe provides real-time feedback about the presence and characteristics of the interdental space to the control system. Based on this feedback, the control system dynamically controls the fluid delivery, dispensing fluid only when the probe detects an appropriate interdental space, thereby eliminating wastage outside the target area while maintaining adequate cleaning coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The flossing device transitions from static continuous fluid delivery to dynamic controlled delivery. The fluid dispensing is dynamically adjusted based on the real-time detection results from the interdental probe, allowing the system to adapt fluid delivery timing and amount to the actual interdental space conditions, thus preventing wastage while ensuring coverage
3Measurement precision
If interdental probe with sensors is added, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is extracted as a separate, dedicated interdental probe component with integrated sensors. This modular approach allows the probe to focus on precise detection without being burdened by the complexity of the fluid delivery system, while the main device receives simplified detection data, thereby achieving high detection precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The interdental probe is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting the presence of interdental space, measuring space characteristics, and providing feedback for fluid delivery control. By consolidating these detection and feedback functions into a single multi-functional probe, the design achieves comprehensive detection precision without requiring separate complex systems for each function
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 solution ensures effective cleaning of interdental spaces by selectively activating the flossing function only when the probe is between teeth, reducing fluid wastage and improving oral hygiene by ensuring thorough plaque removal.
Implementation Method 1
using sensors to determine when it is wedged between teeth
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present invention relates to oral care. In order to improve the effectiveness of a flossing device, an interdental space detection component is proposed for detecting an interdental space. The interdental space detection component may be integrated in a brush head with integrated flossing function. The fluidic flossing function may selectively be switched on at the interdental space, thereby saving flossing fluid and preventing ineffective flossing outside the interdental space.