Multi-position Docking for Oral Irrigator Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Oral irrigators are often too large for portability and storage due to static handle couplings, which limit user flexibility and compactness.
Innovation Solution
A multi-position docking system for the handle of oral irrigators, allowing it to be secured in different angular positions relative to the base, facilitating both use and storage configurations, with magnetic coupling and rotating features for easy switching between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a static C-clamp coupling is used to secure the handle to the base unit, then the handle is firmly held in a predetermined position, but the unit's area is extended making it more difficult to transport or store
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static C-clamp coupling with a dynamic multi-position docking system that allows the handle to be secured at various angular positions (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) relative to the base unit. This enables the handle to be positioned in a retracted orientation during storage, reducing the overall area occupied by the device while maintaining secure coupling through magnetic and mechanical retention features.
2Reliability
If a static C-clamp coupling is used to secure the handle to the base unit, then the handle is firmly held in place, but the user is left with a predetermined position that may not be ideal for a given user
Solution Approach 1:
The docking system provides multiple predetermined angular positions where the handle can be securely coupled to the base unit, allowing users to adjust the handle to their preferred position for ergonomic comfort. The magnetic and mechanical retention features ensure stable coupling at each position while enabling easy repositioning.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is coupled to the dock in a first angular position for use configuration, then user accessibility is optimized, but the device occupies more space during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the handle to be positioned in an extended orientation (e.g., 0° or 45°) during use for optimal user accessibility, and then rotated to a retracted orientation (e.g., 90° or 135°) during storage to minimize the device's storage volume. The magnetic and mechanical retention features ensure the handle remains securely coupled at each position.
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
Enables a more compact transition between use and storage configurations, accommodating user preferences and improving portability and storage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the handle is magnetically coupled to the dock in the plurality of angular positions relative to the base
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-position docking of an oral irrigator handle is provided. An oral irrigator may include a handle and a base including a dock configured to secure the handle in multiple orientations or angular positions relative to the base, such as a first orientation associated with a use configuration, and a second orientation associated with a storage configuration. In the use configuration, a reservoir may be coupled to the base with the handle coupled to the dock in the first orientation. In the storage configuration, the base may be positioned at least partially within the reservoir with the handle coupled to the dock in the second orientation. The dock may include a docking surface that engages with the handle, and a retaining feature to secure the handle to the dock. For example, the handle may be magnetically coupled to the dock in each orientation, such as within different cradles of the dock.