Oral Fluid Delivery Control Using IMU Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oral treatment devices lack flexibility and versatility in delivering treatments, often requiring user input for optimal operation and leading to inefficient use of working fluid due to incorrect usage.
Innovation Solution
An oral treatment device equipped with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that processes signals to control the delivery of working fluid based on device position and movement, automatically triggering or preventing fluid delivery based on user behavior and device orientation to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fluid delivery is continuously enabled in known oral treatment devices, then the device can provide treatment functionality, but working fluid is wasted due to incorrect usage and the device lacks adaptability to user behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses IMU sensors to continuously monitor device movement and position, providing feedback to the controller. The controller processes this feedback to determine when the device is stationary and should receive fluid delivery, dynamically adjusting fluid delivery based on real-time movement detection. This feedback mechanism enables adaptability to user behavior while preventing fluid waste during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects user intent through IMU sensor data and autonomously controls fluid delivery without requiring explicit user input. The controller self-adjusts fluid delivery timing based on detected movement patterns, allowing the device to serve itself by interpreting user behavior and making appropriate treatment delivery decisions.
2Extent of automation
If the device requires user input to trigger fluid delivery, then the system remains simple, but the device lacks automation and treatment accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual user input mechanisms with an automated sensor-based detection system. IMU sensors electronically detect device movement and position, substituting the need for mechanical user triggers. The controller processes sensor data to automatically control fluid delivery, achieving high automation while managing complexity through electronic sensing rather than mechanical interfaces.
3Manufacturing precision
If fluid delivery is triggered without movement detection, then the system is simple to operate, but treatment accuracy is reduced and fluid is delivered at incorrect times
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of device movement and position using IMU sensors before triggering fluid delivery. The controller continuously monitors sensor data in advance to determine the appropriate timing for fluid delivery, ensuring treatment accuracy by confirming the device is stationary and positioned correctly before initiating fluid flow.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2
AI summary
An oral treatment device is provided. The oral treatment device comprises an inertial measurement unit, IMU, operable to output signals dependent on position and/or movement of the oral treatment device. The oral treatment device comprises a fluid delivery system for delivering working fluid to an oral cavity of a user. The oral treatment device comprises a controller configured to process signals received from the IMU indicating position and/or movement of the oral treatment device relative to the oral cavity of the user, and on the basis of the processing, output a control signal to the fluid delivery system to control delivery of the working fluid.