Moveable Nozzle Fluid Delivery for Interproximal Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric toothbrushes lack an effective mechanism for delivering a burst of fluid to interproximal gaps for enhanced cleaning, relying on static nozzles or simple fluid delivery systems that do not adapt to tooth contours.
Innovation Solution
A dental cleaning appliance with a moveable nozzle and fluid conduit system, driven by a sensor and control circuit, which biases the nozzle to deflect and urge against teeth, delivering a burst of fluid precisely into interproximal gaps based on movement detection, ensuring efficient removal of plaque and debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static nozzle is used in the brush head, then the device structure is simple, but the fluid delivery cannot adapt to tooth contours and interproximal gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is made moveable relative to the brush unit, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and orientation in response to tooth contours and interproximal gaps. The nozzle can deflect and move independently to adapt to varying dental geometries while maintaining fluid delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid delivery system is segmented into a moveable nozzle portion and a stationary brush unit. This segmentation allows the nozzle to independently adapt to tooth surfaces while the brush unit remains stable, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If the nozzle is biased to deflect and urge against teeth, then fluid delivery precision to interproximal gaps is improved, but the risk of unwanted fluid ejection increases
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor detects the position and movement of the nozzle relative to the brush unit, providing feedback to a control circuit. The control circuit monitors nozzle deflection and activates fluid delivery only when the nozzle is properly positioned against the teeth, preventing unwanted ejection while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical biasing system is supplemented with an electronic control system that uses sensor feedback to regulate fluid delivery. This substitution of pure mechanical control with sensor-based control allows precise fluid delivery while preventing harmful ejection.
3Measurement precision
If a moveable nozzle with sensor and control circuit is implemented, then fluid delivery precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable nozzle serves multiple functions: it adapts to tooth contours, positions fluid delivery precisely, and provides positional feedback to the control system. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating several functions into a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle, sensor, and control circuit are integrated into a unified system where the sensor monitors nozzle position and the control circuit regulates fluid delivery based on this information. This merging of components creates a coordinated system that achieves precision while managing complexity through integration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the nozzle is made moveable relative to the brush unit, then adaptability to interproximal gaps is improved, but the structural stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A biasing mechanism applies a restoring force to the movable nozzle, counteracting external forces and maintaining positional stability. The biasing element ensures the nozzle returns to a neutral position when not in contact with teeth, providing stability while preserving adaptability during use.
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 appliance effectively dislodges matter from interproximal gaps with controlled bursts of fluid, improving cleaning efficacy and preventing unwanted fluid ejection, enhancing overall oral hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient fluid conduit connected to the pivotable fluid conduit, the resilient fluid conduit being twistable, bendable or compressible so as to bias the pivotable fluid conduit to pivot
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A dental cleaning appliance includes a handle, and a fluid delivery system for delivering a burst of working fluid to the teeth of a user. The fluid delivery system includes a nozzle from which the burst of working fluid is delivered to the teeth of the user. The appliance also includes a brush unit which extends at least partially about the nozzle. The brush unit includes a bristle carrier and a plurality of bristles mounted on the bristle carrier. A drive unit drives the movement of the bristle carrier relative to the nozzle.