Oral Care Hemoglobin Detection Using Reflected Saliva Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an apparatus and method to detect blood in the oral cavity, as many individuals do not experience pain from gum bleeding and thus ignore recommended dental visits, which can be caused by mechanical issues, gum disease, or systemic factors.
Innovation Solution
An oral care implement with a cavity for receiving a saliva sample and a sensor that emits light to determine the presence of hemoglobin, using a processor to analyze the reflected light and calculate the presence of blood in the saliva.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used to detect gum bleeding, then no detection is performed, but users cannot obtain information about blood in oral cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The oral care implement integrates multiple functions: toothbrushing, saliva collection, optical sensing, and blood detection. The single device performs both oral hygiene and diagnostic functions, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment while providing accurate blood detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to self-diagnose gum bleeding at home using the integrated sensor and processor. Users can obtain immediate feedback about blood presence in their saliva without needing to visit a dentist or use complex laboratory equipment, making the detection service accessible and convenient
2Measurement precision
If specialized equipment and reagents are used for blood detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/chemical detection systems with an optical sensing system. The sensor emits light and detects changes in light properties when hemoglobin is present, substituting sophisticated laboratory equipment with a simpler optical measurement approach that maintains detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects hemoglobin by measuring changes in optical parameters (light absorption, reflection, or transmission) rather than using chemical reagents. The processor analyzes these optical parameter changes to determine blood presence, achieving accurate detection through physical parameter measurement instead of chemical analysis
3Loss of information
If no detection system is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but users cannot detect blood without experiencing pain
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs detection during or after the toothbrushing process, capturing saliva that may contain blood before the user rinses their mouth. This preliminary detection action ensures that blood information is captured at the optimal moment without requiring separate complex procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection function with the existing toothbrushing routine. The sensor, saliva collection cavity, and processing system are integrated into the oral care implement, merging diagnostic functionality with daily hygiene practice to maintain operational simplicity while enabling blood detection
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 system effectively detects the presence of blood in the oral cavity during or after brushing, providing users with information about gum bleeding without the need for reagents or specialized equipment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor configured to emit light into the cavity and receive reflected portions of the emitted light to obtain data useful for determining whether hemoglobin is present in the user's saliva located in the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
An oral care implement, oral care system, and/or method for detecting the presence or absence of hemoglobin/blood in a user's oral cavity. The oral care implement may include a cavity for receiving a saliva sample from a user and a closure member that can close the cavity for purposes discussed herein. The oral care system may include a handle, a refill head, and a collection cup, with the refill head and collection cup being detachably coupled to the handle. A sample of the user's saliva may be introduced into the collection cup. The handle may include a sensor that can obtain information related to the presence or absence of hemoglobin/blood in the oral cavity or in a sample of the user's saliva. The sensor may be operably coupled to a processor that can determine whether hemoglobin is present in the sample based on the information obtained by the sensor.