Oral Care Implement UV Sanitization System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultraviolet light-based sanitization systems for oral care implements are deficient as they may expose users to harmful UV light, fail to focus light on the base of tooth cleaning elements where bacteria growth is most likely, and are costly due to circuitry integration that requires frequent replacement.
Innovation Solution
An oral care implement sanitization system comprising an oral care implement with a light source and a case that includes a power source and electrical coupling elements. When the oral care implement is positioned in the case, the electrical coupling elements connect, activating the light source to sanitize the tooth cleaning elements without exposing the user to UV light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultraviolet light is applied to sanitize oral care implements, then harmful germs and bacteria are killed, but the user is exposed to harmful ultraviolet light
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sanitization function into two separate components: the oral care implement contains the light source, while the case contains the power source and control circuitry. This segmentation allows the light source to be positioned inside the implement where it can sanitize the bristles without exposing the user during normal use, while the case provides a safe enclosed environment for activation and charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The case acts as an intermediary device that mediates between the power source and the light source. It contains the control circuitry that regulates when and how the light source operates, ensuring sanitization occurs only when the implement is properly positioned in the case, thereby preventing user exposure while maintaining sanitization effectiveness.
2Reliability
If prior ultraviolet light systems are used, then germs and bacteria are killed, but the light is not focused on the base of tooth cleaning elements where bacteria growth is most likely
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is specifically positioned within the head portion of the oral care implement, adjacent to the base of the tooth cleaning elements. This local positioning ensures that the ultraviolet light is concentrated precisely where bacteria growth is most likely to occur, rather than being distributed uniformly or positioned elsewhere in the implement.
3Reliability
If circuitry is formed as a part of the oral care implement, then the implement can be sanitized, but the system becomes costly due to frequent replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the expensive power source and control circuitry into the reusable case, while the oral care implement contains only the relatively inexpensive light source and basic electrical coupling elements. This segmentation allows the implement to be replaced frequently without wasting the expensive circuitry, as the case with its power source and control electronics can continue to be used with new implements.
Solution Approach 2:
The case is designed as a universal base that can accommodate and charge multiple different oral care implements. The electrical coupling elements in the case are configured to work with various implement designs, allowing a single case with its expensive power source and circuitry to serve multiple implements over time, thereby reducing the overall cost per sanitization cycle.
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 sanitizes oral care implements by focusing UV light on the base of tooth cleaning elements, reducing user exposure to harmful UV radiation, and offering a cost-effective solution by eliminating the need for frequent replacement of circuitry.
Implementation Method 1
a light source located in the head portion and configured to sanitize the plurality of tooth cleaning elements
Data Source
AI summary
An oral care implement sanitization system that includes an oral care implement and a case for storing the oral care implement and activating a sanitization or sterilization procedure. The oral care implement may include tooth cleaning elements, a light source, and a first electrical coupling element operably coupled to the light source. The case may include a housing having a cavity for holding the oral care implement, a power source, and a second electrical coupling element operably coupled to the power source. When the oral care implement is positioned within the cavity of the housing of the case, the first and second electrical coupling elements are operably coupled together. Operable coupling of the first and second electrical coupling elements initiates, either immediately or upon the occurrence of some additional action, activation of the light source for sanitizing or sterilizing the tooth cleaning elements.