Micro-tube Apparatus With Lateral Openings for Orthogonal Fluid Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid-based floss systems struggle to effectively target and clean interdental spaces due to difficulties in directing the fluid at optimal angles, leading to less efficient and effective cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A micro-tube apparatus with at least one lateral opening in its side is introduced for use with fluid-based floss systems. This design allows for the emission of fluid orthogonally towards oral surfaces, enhancing cleaning efficiency and precision by fitting into tight interdental spaces and providing simultaneous cleaning of multiple surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fluid-based floss system is used to clean interdental spaces, then cleaning can be provided without physical contact, but the fluid cannot be precisely targeted at oral surfaces resulting in less effective cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-tube is segmented with multiple lateral openings positioned at different locations along its length, allowing the fluid stream to be distributed to multiple oral surfaces simultaneously while maintaining precise targeting capability through the confined geometry of the micro-tube
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-tube acts as an intermediary device between the fluid source and the oral surfaces, confining and directing the fluid stream through its internal geometry to achieve precise targeting while maintaining contactless operation
2Productivity
If fluid is directed into interdental spaces, then cleaning of interdental areas can be achieved, but the fluid hits the surface at sub-optimal angles resulting in less effective cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-tube incorporates lateral openings at specific locations and orientations to deliver fluid at locally optimized angles to different oral surfaces, rather than using a single directional outlet. This allows each lateral opening to target its specific region with an optimal impact angle for effective cleaning
3Adaptability or versatility
If the micro-tube diameter is reduced to fit into tight interdental spaces, then access to interdental areas is improved, but the structural integrity and fluid delivery capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-tube is constructed from a composite material combining a rigid structural core for strength and integrity with a flexible outer layer that provides adaptability for insertion into tight interdental spaces while protecting the rigid core
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 micro-tube apparatus enables more precise and effective fluid delivery, improving interdental cleaning by allowing fluid to be emitted at beneficial angles and velocities, thus enhancing the overall cleaning efficacy of fluid-based floss systems.
Implementation Method 1
the micro-tube can be small enough to be able to fit into interdental spaces, and due to having a lateral opening through which fluid can be ejected, fluid can be emitted orthogonally towards an oral surface thereby providing more effective and/or efficient cleaning
Data Source
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AI summary
Proposed concepts thus aim to provide schemes, solutions, concept, designs, methods and systems pertaining to a micro-tube apparatus for use with a fluid-based floss system. In particular, embodiments aim to provide a micro-tube apparatus for use with a fluid-based floss system by providing an elongate micro-tube with at least one lateral opening in a side of the micro-tube. In other words, it is proposed that by providing an elongate micro-tube with at least one lateral opening in its side, more effective and/or efficient fluid-based flossing can be provided. For example, the micro-tube is small enough to be able to fit into interdental spaces, and due to having a lateral opening through which fluid can be ejected, fluid can be emitted orthogonally towards an oral surface thereby providing more effective and/or efficient cleaning.