Oral Care Device With Segmented Jets For Inter-Proximal Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oral care devices are inadequate for simultaneously and effectively cleaning all surfaces of teeth, particularly the inter-proximal areas, requiring multiple devices and high user compliance, which is time-consuming and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A device that directs a liquid onto multiple oral cavity surfaces using a reciprocating flow mechanism, providing simultaneous contact through a plurality of jets with controlled flow rates, pressures, and pulsation patterns to clean teeth and gingival areas efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional toothbrush is used, then it can clean tooth surfaces, but it cannot adequately clean the inter-proximal areas and requires significant user energy input
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the liquid delivery system into multiple independent jets (first jet, second jet, third jet, fourth jet) positioned at different locations to target specific oral surfaces including inter-proximal areas, replacing the single-brush contact method with segmented fluid delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple cleaning functions into a single apparatus that can clean buccal, lingual, occlusal, and inter-proximal surfaces simultaneously through coordinated jet activation, eliminating the need for separate toothbrush and floss devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If oral irrigators with a single jet are used, then they can clean inter-proximal areas, but they require precise direction and are only valuable for teeth with braces
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the liquid delivery into four distinct jets positioned at different angles and locations, allowing simultaneous coverage of multiple tooth surfaces without requiring precise manual positioning by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs multiple jets that can be selectively activated depending on the specific cleaning need, providing more cleaning capability than required for different oral conditions while maintaining simple operation
3Reliability
If multiple devices are used to remove debris and plaque, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the functions of toothbrushes (buccal and lingual surface cleaning) and oral irrigators (inter-proximal cleaning) into a single integrated system that delivers liquid through multiple jets simultaneously activated by a single user action
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple cleaning functions including buccal surface cleaning, lingual surface cleaning, occlusal surface cleaning, and inter-proximal cleaning all through one device, replacing the need for separate toothbrush, floss, and irrigator devices
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 cleans teeth and gingival areas, including inter-proximal spaces, with reduced user effort and time, improving oral hygiene and cosmetic appearance by minimizing the need for multiple devices and enhancing cleaning efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
jets of liquid are directed from the first manifold onto the first surfaces of the teeth and/or gingival area... and directed through, between, and around the surfaces of the teeth and/or gingival area
Implementation Method 2
jets of liquid are directed... to provide controlled interdental, gumline, surface and/or gingival area cleaning
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A device for directing a liquid onto a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity, the device including a handle, a neck, and a head, where the head includes a cleaning component including a chamber for maintaining the liquid proximate the surfaces, where the chamber is defined by front and rear sealing membranes, inner side walls and a base inner wall, and where the inner side walls each include a plurality of openings, the device further including a first manifold and a second manifold, a first port and a second port for conveying liquid; and means for providing an effective seal of the device within the oral cavity.