Oral Care Device Dynamic Interproximal Space Adjustment
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for cleaning interproximal spaces are cumbersome and ineffective due to variations in dental anatomy, leading to inadequate cleaning and increased risk of gum and periodontal disease.
Innovation Solution
An oral care device that measures or receives information about interproximal spacing and automatically adjusts its cleaning parameters, such as spray pattern and intensity, to effectively clean interproximal spaces of varying sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional interdental cleaning methods with multiple brush sizes are used, then cleaning coverage for different interproximal spaces is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single interdental brush that can adapt to multiple interproximal space sizes. The brush features a compliant handle with a sensor that detects the size of the interproximal space and automatically adjusts the brush bristle configuration or size to match, eliminating the need for multiple specialized brushes while maintaining comprehensive cleaning coverage across different anatomical variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the brush configuration adjustable and responsive to real-time conditions. The sensor detects interproximal space dimensions during use, and the brush dynamically reconfigures its bristle arrangement or effective size to optimize cleaning for each specific space, transforming a static single-size brush into a dynamic multi-size solution.
2Reliability
If patients follow dental practitioner instructions with multiple brush sizes, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation and time consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the brush to automatically determine and adjust to the appropriate configuration for each interproximal space without user intervention. The sensor detects space dimensions and the brush autonomously reconfigures itself, eliminating the need for patients to remember or select between multiple brush sizes, thereby maintaining cleaning effectiveness while dramatically simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback through a sensor system that detects interproximal space characteristics and provides real-time information to the brush control system. This feedback loop enables the brush to automatically adjust its configuration based on actual anatomical conditions, ensuring optimal cleaning effectiveness without requiring patient knowledge or decision-making about brush selection.
3Ease of operation
If a single oral care device is used for all interproximal spaces, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different space sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming a static single-size brush into a dynamic system that can reconfigure itself. The brush incorporates a sensor that detects interproximal space dimensions and automatically adjusts the bristle configuration, effective brush size, or cleaning parameters in real-time, enabling a single device to perform the function of multiple fixed-size brushes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the brush's physical or operational parameters based on detected interproximal space characteristics. The sensor measures space size and the control system adjusts parameters such as bristle stiffness, brush head diameter, or cleaning force to optimize performance for each specific anatomical configuration, maintaining adaptability within a single device.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (800) for adjusting a user's oral care routine by an oral care device (10) based on interproximal spacing, the method including the steps of: (i) obtaining (820), using the oral care device, information about an interproximal space (66) in the user's mouth; and (ii) automatically adjusting (850), based on the obtained information, a parameter of the oral care device, wherein the dynamic adjustment is configured to improve oral care of the interproximal space.