Oral Care Device Pressure Sensor Visual Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oral cleaning devices lack real-time feedback mechanisms to inform users about the pressure applied during brushing, leading to ineffective cleaning sessions due to potential tissue abrasion from excessive pressure, which can slow down the oscillations of electric toothbrushes and reduce their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a pressure sensor and a visual indicator, such as a light ring with LEDs, into an electric oral cleaning device to provide immediate feedback to the user about the applied pressure, ensuring optimal cleaning performance by adjusting the user's pressure based on predefined thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors with electromechanical transducers are used to monitor pressure, then pressure detection capability is improved, but real-time feedback to the user is not achieved because alarms are not provided in real-time and are often not detected by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a visual feedback system using an LED indicator that provides real-time information to the user about excessive pressure application. The LED is positioned to be visible when the brush head is in the mouth, ensuring the user receives immediate feedback without needing to hear or remember alarm signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromechanical transducer alarm system with an optical signaling system using an LED indicator. This substitution eliminates the limitations of auditory feedback and provides continuous visual information about pressure levels directly at the brush head location.
2Force
If users apply excessive pressure during cleaning, then cleaning force is improved, but tissue abrasion and damage occur and oscillations slow down reducing cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The visual feedback system allows users to immediately see when they are applying excessive pressure through the LED indicator, enabling them to self-correct their brushing technique in real-time to avoid tissue damage while maintaining effective cleaning force.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides preliminary warning before significant tissue damage can occur by illuminating the LED indicator when excessive pressure is first applied, allowing the user to correct their technique before harmful effects manifest.
3Force
If excessive pressure is applied, then initial cleaning impact is improved, but oscillations of the brush slow down and cleaning effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The LED indicator provides real-time feedback that allows users to maintain optimal oscillation speed by avoiding excessive pressure application, ensuring the brush continues to oscillate at its designed speed for maximum cleaning effectiveness.
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 solution enables real-time pressure monitoring and feedback, preventing tissue damage and maintaining optimal oscillation of the toothbrush, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the cleaning session by ensuring proper pressure application.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor configured to obtain sensor data during a cleaning session
Implementation Method 2
a visual indicator configured to provide feedback about pressure to the user during the brushing session
Data Source
AI summary
An oral cleaning device (10) configured to provide real-time feedback to a user. The oral cleaning device comprises a pressure sensor (12) configured to obtain pressure sensor data during a cleaning session; a visual indicator (46) configured to provide feedback about pressure to the user during the brushing session; and a controller (30) in communication with the pressure sensor and the visual indicator, wherein the controller is configured to: receive, from the pressure sensor, the pressure sensor data; determine an amount of pressure being applied by the user of the oral cleaning device; and provide, using the visual indicator, a visual indication of the amount of pressure being applied by the user of the oral cleaning device.