Oral Care Device Automatic Mode Selection via Impedance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oral care devices lack the ability to effectively deliver ionic micro-currents for iontophoresis applications, such as enhancing plaque removal and fluoride delivery, while also failing to adapt brushing modes based on user interaction and oral cavity regions, and do not provide real-time health status diagnosis of teeth.
Innovation Solution
An oral care device with a handle and brush head portion, featuring first and second electrodes for completing an electrical circuit, a power source, and a controller circuit that detects impedance to switch between operational modes, generate micro-currents, and diagnose oral health by varying micro-current amplitude and frequency based on user interaction and oral cavity resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the oral care device delivers higher ionic currents for iontophoresis applications, then plaque removal and fluoride delivery are enhanced, but user discomfort may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller circuit is configured to deliver the ionic micro-current for a predetermined operational duration and then electrically decouple the first electrode from the controller circuit and power source. This periodic application of current enhances plaque removal and fluoride delivery while limiting total exposure time to prevent user discomfort. The circuit completion detection via impedance measurement ensures current is only delivered when proper contact is made, further controlling exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller circuit measures impedance through the user's body to detect completion or opening of the electrical circuit. This feedback mechanism allows the device to automatically adjust operation based on contact quality, ensuring effective current delivery when properly connected while preventing discomfort from improper contact. The impedance-based detection enables real-time monitoring of the iontophoresis process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the oral care device provides multiple operational modes for different oral cavity regions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller circuit automatically detects the user's hand contact and oral cavity contact through impedance measurement, then autonomously determines the appropriate operational mode without requiring user input or complex programming. The device self-adjusts based on the detected electrical circuit completion, providing adaptability to different oral cavity regions while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple through automatic mode selection.
3Speed
If the first electrode remains continuously connected to the controller circuit and power source, then the device can respond quickly to user needs, but energy consumption increases and safety decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The first electrode is electrically decoupled from the controller circuit and power source after a predetermined operational duration, creating periodic connection cycles. This approach allows the device to be ready for use, establish connection quickly when needed, then power down to conserve energy and enhance safety. The impedance-based circuit completion detection ensures rapid response when the device is activated while minimizing continuous power consumption.
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 device effectively delivers higher ionic currents for enhanced plaque removal and fluoride delivery without user discomfort, automatically adjusts brushing modes based on oral cavity regions, and provides real-time health status diagnosis of teeth through impedance analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The controller circuit detects a completion or an opening of the electrical circuit by measuring an impedance through the user between the hand of the user and the oral cavity of the user
Implementation Method 2
Iontophoresis is a medical technique that utilizes a small current (or charge) to deliver medicine or chemicals through the skin of a patient. The controller circuit generates an ionic micro-current through the user between the first electrode and the second electrode to enhance delivery of chemical actives
Implementation Method 3
Electrical contact of the second electrode at the hand of the user and electrical contact of the first electrode at the oral cavity of the user completes an electrical circuit between the first electrode and the second electrode
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to oral care devices, system and methods for advanced ionic micro-current control. In some embodiments, an oral care device is actuated upon completion of an electric circuit by a users hand and oral cavity. The electrode on an oral care implement may be configured to lose conductivity over time to indicate a replacement oral care implement is need. In some embodiments, a controller of the oral care device may detect the type of oral care implement and control the ionic micro-current accordingly. Additionally, embodiments may detect a region within the oral cavity that the oral care device is in contact with and apply the ionic micro-current accordingly. Further, in some embodiments, the health status of various regions of a user's oral cavity may be detected and monitored over time.