Flossing Head Vibration with Magnetic Linear Resonant Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flossing devices suffer from inadequate power transfer, binding issues, uncomfortable vibrations, and inefficient plaque removal due to flawed drive mechanisms, leading to unsatisfactory cleaning effectiveness and user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A flossing device with a removable head, a handle, and a neck portion, featuring a drive motor that imparts vibrational movement to the head, utilizing eccentric rotating mass (ERM) or sonic vibration motors for optimal plaque removal, with a range-of-motion that minimizes user discomfort and enhances accessibility for individuals with limited dexterity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional counter-weight motors are used to generate oscillations, then the device can provide driving force, but the drive mechanism binds or stalls when the shaft is flexed and fails to transfer adequate power to the flossing head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional counter-weight motor with a magnetic linear resonant actuator (LRA) that uses magnetic fields to generate linear oscillations directly. This substitution eliminates the mechanical binding issues of counter-weight motors while providing sufficient power transfer to the flossing head through direct magnetic actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a magnetic linear resonant actuator that generates controlled mechanical vibrations at resonant frequencies. This vibration mechanism provides effective power transfer to the flossing head while avoiding the binding problems of traditional mechanical oscillation systems through resonance-based actuation.
2Speed
If sonic vibration motors are used to create oscillations, then the device can vibrate, but the vibrations are too powerful causing irritation or injury to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the vibration parameters by using a magnetic linear resonant actuator that operates at controlled resonant frequencies, producing gentler oscillations compared to sonic vibration motors. This parameter adjustment reduces vibration intensity to comfortable levels while maintaining effective cleaning action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor vibration levels and adjust the actuator output to maintain comfortable vibration intensities. This feedback system prevents excessive vibrations that could cause user irritation while preserving the cleaning effectiveness of the flossing device.
3Device complexity
If the drive mechanism is positioned at a distance from the flossing head, then the device structure is simplified, but the mechanism fails to transfer enough power to the head unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces distant mechanical drive mechanisms with a magnetic linear resonant actuator positioned closer to the flossing head. This magnetic actuation system provides direct power transfer through the shaft, eliminating power loss over distance while maintaining structural simplicity through integrated magnetic components.
4Device complexity
If manual flossing is used, then the device is simple and hygienic, but it takes time and careful attention to clean interdental areas effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a magnetic linear resonant actuator that generates mechanical vibrations to enhance the flossing action. This vibration assistance automates the cleaning process, significantly improving productivity and cleaning efficiency while maintaining relative simplicity of the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the flossing device to perform the cleaning action automatically through vibrational movement generated by the magnetic actuator. This self-service capability reduces the time and careful attention required from the user while maintaining effective interdental cleaning.
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 device effectively removes plaque and food particles with minimal user irritation, offering enhanced accessibility and improved oral hygiene through a customizable, hygienic, and efficient flossing experience.
Implementation Method 1
The drive mechanism includes a magnetic linear resonant actuator configured to generate linear oscillations
Implementation Method 2
The vibrations are isolated from the main body of the device by a plurality of vibration isolation elements
Data Source
AI summary
A flossing device is provided that, in some embodiments, includes a removable flossing head and a main body. The flossing head includes a mounting portion and arms extending therefrom to hold dental floss between the arms. The main body includes a handle portion and a neck portion extending from the handle portion. The neck portion has a receiving structure establishing a groove configured to engagingly receive and permit disengaging removal of the mounting portion of the flossing head.