Nozzle Vane Fluid Pulsation for Oral Care Energy Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical and electrical systems for producing fluid pulses in oral care appliances for interproximal cleaning are complex, expensive, and have short lifetimes due to energy loss.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle assembly with a deformable element or vane supported by springs within the nozzle, which deflects and returns to create cyclical perturbations in fluid flow, transitioning between turbulent and laminar flow to produce stable fluid pulses without a separate activation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical or electrical systems are used to produce fluid pulses in oral care appliances, then fluid pulsation can be achieved, but the system complexity increases and device lifetime decreases due to energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow itself serves as the actuating mechanism by deflecting the vane, eliminating the need for separate mechanical or electrical actuators. The system uses its own operating fluid to drive the pulsation mechanism, thereby simplifying the overall system structure and reducing failure points while maintaining reliable fluid pulse generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electrical actuation systems with a passive fluid-dynamic mechanism. Instead of using motors, valves, or mechanical linkages to generate pulses, the system relies on the natural interaction between the fluid jet and the flexible vane to produce pulsation, thereby reducing mechanical complexity and improving reliability
2Use of energy by moving object
If mechanical actuation systems are used to interrupt fluid flow, then fluid pulses can be produced, but energy loss increases and device lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the kinetic energy already present in the fluid flow to drive the vane and create pulsation, rather than requiring additional energy input from external actuators. The fluid's own energy is harnessed to perform the work of interrupting and redirecting the flow, improving overall energy efficiency and reducing thermal losses
Solution Approach 2:
The vane is designed to be flexible and dynamically responsive to the fluid flow, allowing it to deflect and return naturally with the flow's pressure variations. This dynamic behavior enables the system to adapt to changing flow conditions without requiring active control, reducing energy loss and improving component longevity
3Device complexity
If a deformable vane is used to interrupt fluid flow, then fluid pulsation is produced without complex mechanisms, but the system requires precise control of flow characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls pulsation characteristics by adjusting fundamental flow parameters such as fluid pressure, flow rate, and viscosity, rather than requiring precise mechanical tolerances. By changing these fluid parameters, the pulsation frequency and amplitude can be tuned without complex manufacturing requirements, balancing simplicity with controllable performance
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
This approach reduces energy loss and extends the lifespan of the system by utilizing turbulent flow characteristics to generate pulsating fluid flow for effective interproximal cleaning, enhancing plaque removal efficiency without the need for complex mechanical or electrical actuation.
Implementation Method 1
the interrupter assembly is deflected from an original position by the fluid flow through the nozzle to interrupt the flow momentarily and then return to said original position as the flow decreases
Implementation Method 2
a liquid flow interrupter assembly supported by a support member within the nozzle assembly, wherein the interrupter assembly is deflected from an original position by the fluid flow through the nozzle to interrupt the flow momentarily and then return to said original position as the flow decreases
Implementation Method 3
While turbulent flow is typically avoided due to energy losses, by operating in the transitional range between turbulent and non-turbulent flow, transient vortex shedding occurs, interspersed with laminar flow. The higher vorticity results in the fluid pulses/slugs being stabilized as they exit the nozzle of the appliance.
Implementation Method 4
by operating in the transitional range between turbulent and non-turbulent flow, transient vortex shedding occurs, interspersed with laminar flow
Data Source
AI summary
The appliance includes a jet source of fluid, and a nozzle assembly through which the fluid is directed and then out for application to the teeth. A flow interrupter assembly is mounted within the nozzle assembly, such that the interrupter assembly is responsive to the fluid flow to produce momentary successive interruptions of the fluid flow by the action of the interrupter assembly moving from an original position to a flow interrupting position and then returning to its original position as the flow decreases and then is interrupted, due to the fluid flow itself, resulting in a cyclical perturbation in the fluid flow from the nozzle, by flow action alone.