Method and system for a modular dental device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental devices require multiple separate tools for various oral hygiene procedures, which can be cumbersome and costly, lacking the ability to perform multiple functions efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A modular dental device with reconfigurable sections that can include dispensing units, energy storage, and interchangeable cartridges, allowing for multifunctional use by combining different components to serve various oral hygiene needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate dental devices are used for different oral hygiene procedures, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the total number of devices increases, making it cumbersome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal dental device platform that can perform multiple oral hygiene functions including brushing, flossing, and dispensing of cleaning or whitening compounds. The device incorporates interchangeable modules (brush head, flossing module, cartridge system) that allow a single base unit to serve multiple purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The dental device is divided into modular components including a base unit, interchangeable heads, and replaceable cartridges. This segmentation allows users to attach different functional modules to the same base unit, providing versatility without requiring multiple complete devices. The modular design enables mixing and matching of components based on specific oral hygiene needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate dental devices are used for different oral hygiene procedures, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the cost of purchasing and maintaining multiple devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a single universal device that replaces multiple specialized devices, the patent reduces the total cost of ownership. Users purchase one base unit and interchange modules as needed, rather than buying separate devices for brushing, flossing, and chemical treatment. This consolidates costs while maintaining functional optimization through specialized modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate dental devices into a single integrated platform. The base unit combines motor-driven mechanisms, cartridge dispensing systems, and module attachment interfaces, consolidating what would otherwise require separate devices into one cost-effective solution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate dental devices are used for different oral hygiene procedures, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the time required to use multiple devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design allows users to quickly swap between different functional modules attached to the same base unit. Since the base unit remains constant, users only need to interchange heads or cartridges rather than handling completely different devices, reducing the time required to transition between different oral hygiene procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional modules are prepared in advance and can be quickly attached to the base unit. The standardized interface and pre-assembled modules enable rapid switching between functions without requiring setup or adjustment time, allowing users to efficiently sequence different oral hygiene tasks.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with interchangeable sections is implemented, then the device can serve different functions through reconfiguration, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into standardized modular sections with uniform attachment interfaces. This segmentation creates a systematic structure where each module has a defined function and connection protocol, making the overall complexity manageable through standardization rather than ad-hoc design.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit incorporates a universal attachment mechanism that can accommodate multiple types of modules. This universal interface design, while adding some structural complexity, enables functional reconfigurability without requiring multiple specialized connection systems, balancing versatility with structural coherence.
5Measurement precision
If individual sections contain reagent cartridges for dispensing compounds, then the device can provide controlled dispensing of cleaning or whitening compounds, but the device requires additional components and mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent dispensing system is segmented into separate cartridges that can be independently replaced. Each cartridge is a self-contained unit with its own dispensing mechanism, isolating the complexity of precise dispensing control to modular components rather than the entire device. This allows controlled dispensing functionality to be added without complicating the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge acts as an intermediary between the user and the dispensing mechanism. The cartridge contains pre-measured or pre-filled compounds and interfaces with the base unit's motor-driven dispensing system, providing controlled dispensing while keeping the complexity contained within the replaceable cartridge rather than the permanent base unit.
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 modular design reduces the number of devices needed, saves time, and is more cost-effective by integrating multiple functions into a single device, enabling efficient and customizable oral hygiene procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a motor, controller, actuate-able button, and tube all located in the elongated housing, the tube seal-ably connecting a pressure-inducing portion of the motor to the attachable seal to draw, when the motor is actuated by the controller, the dispensable cleaning or whitening compound from the modular cartridge
Implementation Method 2
the dispensing unit further includes one or more thermal adjusting components (e.g., to heat, to cool, or to heat and cool), the one or more thermal adjusting components being configured to change a temperature of tube or tube-associated region when actuated
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary devices and methods facilitate a modular dental device including cartridges. The modular dental device includes an energy storage module, dispensing unit, motor, controller, button, and tube, configured to dispense a compound at a dispensing port. The modular dental device includes a chamber that may receive cartridges containing different compounds, and may serve different functions including cleaning and whitening. The modular dental device may be reconfigured to perform different functions by combining different dental device sections, or by changing the order that different dental device sections are connected in.