Multi-Texture Dental Floss Alternating Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dental flosses lack versatility in effectively cleaning between teeth, as they are either too thin and smooth for easy passage or too thick and coarse for effective plaque removal, failing to cater to individual dental needs, especially for those with dental appliances or braces.
Innovation Solution
A multi-texture dental floss comprising alternating segments of different textures and cross-sectional dimensions, where smooth segments facilitate easy insertion and textured segments enhance plaque removal, manufactured by applying tension, bonding, and releasing it to maintain reduced cross-sectional dimensions, allowing for efficient cleaning between teeth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the floss is made thin and smooth, then it passes more easily through the space between adjacent teeth, but it is less effective at removing plaque and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The floss is divided into alternating smooth segments and textured segments. The smooth segments facilitate easy passage between teeth, while the textured segments provide enhanced plaque removal capability. This segmentation allows the single floss product to deliver both functions that were previously mutually exclusive.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the floss are given different surface textures and cross-sectional dimensions to perform different functions. The smooth segments have a refined surface for easy insertion, while the textured segments have a coarser surface for effective cleaning, allowing each local region to be optimized for its specific purpose.
2Reliability
If the floss is made thick and textured, then it removes plaque more effectively, but it is more difficult to pass through tight spaces between teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The floss alternates between thick textured segments for plaque removal and thin smooth segments for easy passage. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing the thick textured portions only where needed for cleaning, while using thin smooth portions for navigation through tight spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The textured, thicker portions are localized to specific segments of the floss rather than the entire length. This allows the floss to have enhanced cleaning capability in specific locations without compromising the ease of passage in other locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the floss has varying cross-sectional dimensions, then it can accommodate different dental conditions, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process creates alternating segments with different cross-sectional dimensions through a systematic process of tensioning, bonding, and releasing. This segmentation approach allows for controlled variation in dimensions while maintaining a relatively straightforward manufacturing workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process dynamically changes physical parameters (tension, bonding state, cross-sectional dimension) along the length of the floss to create the multi-texture segments. By controlling these parameter changes in a sequential manner, the process achieves versatility without excessive complexity.
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 multi-texture dental floss effectively navigates tight spaces and removes plaque efficiently, accommodating various dental conditions, including those with appliances or braces, by alternating smooth and textured segments, thereby improving oral hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
wound about a drum to apply tension to the length of thread. Applying tension to the length of thread reduces at least one cross sectional dimension of the length of thread
Implementation Method 2
A portion of the tensioned length of thread is bonded by applying an adhesive, which is allowed at least partially to cure while the thread is wound upon the drum
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-texture dental floss includes distinct and alternating segments having varying textures, including smooth segments and textured segments. The smooth segments are more easily inserted into the spaces between teeth, while the textured segments more effectively remove plaque and other debris therefrom. Methods of making the multi-texture floss are also disclosed, including methods that allow the floss to be made as a continuous thread having a plurality of alternating segments, such that the floss can be wound onto a spool for storage and dispensing.