Oral Care Device Camera Relocation for Clearer Brushing Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric toothbrushes with cameras on the brush head face challenges such as complex structure, high replacement costs, and camera obstruction by saliva or foam, leading to unclear images.
Innovation Solution
An oral care device design with a handle assembly, care element, and energy receiving device, where the energy receiving device is separated from the care element, allowing it to be outside the camera's field of view, reducing the need for simultaneous replacement and minimizing obstruction by saliva or foam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the camera is disposed on the brush head to enable observation during brushing, then the user can better understand brushing situation, but the brush head structure becomes complicated and replacement cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera (energy receiving device) is extracted from the brush head (care element) and relocated to the handle assembly. This separation allows the camera to remain in the handle while the brush head maintains its simple, replaceable structure. The receiving port in the handle provides the necessary optical access without requiring the camera to be mounted on the brush head itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving port acts as an intermediary structure that enables optical communication between the external environment and the camera inside the handle. This mediator allows the camera to capture images of the oral cavity without being physically attached to the brush head, thus simplifying the brush head structure while maintaining imaging functionality.
2Loss of information
If the camera is disposed on the brush head to enable observation during brushing, then the user can better understand brushing situation, but the replacement cost increases since the brush head is a consumable element
Solution Approach 1:
The expensive camera component is extracted from the consumable brush head and relocated to the reusable handle assembly. This separation ensures that the camera is not discarded with each brush head replacement, significantly reducing long-term costs. The brush head can be replaced independently without affecting the camera system.
3Loss of information
If the camera is inserted into the oral cavity with the brush head, then brushing observation is enabled, but the camera is easily blocked by saliva or foam resulting in unclear images
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is extracted from the oral cavity environment by relocating it to the handle assembly, which remains outside the mouth during brushing. This eliminates direct exposure to saliva and foam that would otherwise block the lens and degrade image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path is extended through the handle assembly, creating a spatial separation between the camera and the oral cavity. The receiving port provides a controlled optical window that allows imaging without placing the camera in the problematic oral environment where saliva and foam cause blockage.
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 design reduces replacement costs and ensures clear image capture by keeping the energy receiving device outside the oral cavity, enhancing user guidance and brushing effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The energy receiving device at least receives reflected energy of the energy transmitted by the energy transmitting device
Data Source
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AI summary
An oral care device is provided in this application, which includes a handle assembly, a care element, and an energy receiving device. The handle assembly includes a handle and an internal assembly. The handle defines a mounting cavity and a receiving port. The receiving port is communicated with the mounting cavity. The internal assembly is mounted in the mounting cavity and an output shaft included in the internal assembly extends out of the mounting cavity. The care element is connected to one end of the output shaft extending out of the mounting cavity. The energy receiving device is connected to the internal assembly or the handle, the energy receiving device is disposed corresponding to the receiving port.