Oral Irrigator with LED Bactericidal Light Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional oral irrigators rely solely on water streams to dislodge bacteria, which may not be sufficient for effective oral health enhancement and do not address bacteria below the gum line.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a radiant energy source, such as LEDs emitting light in the 350-450 nanometer range, within the oral irrigator to direct radiant energy in conjunction with the water stream, targeting and reducing black-pigmented bacteria without chemical additives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only water stream is used to dislodge bacteria, then the device structure remains simple, but the bacteria reduction effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the water stream delivery system with a radiant energy source (LED) into a single integrated device. The LED is positioned within the handle structure, and both the water stream and light emerge together to act on the oral cavity simultaneously, merging mechanical flushing with photodynamic bacterial elimination
Solution Approach 2:
The oral irrigator device is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it delivers pressurized water streams for mechanical disruption of bacterial biofilms and simultaneously emits radiant energy (light) to kill bacteria through photodynamic effects, making the device both a mechanical flusher and a light-based sterilizer
2Reliability
If water stream alone is used, then the device is easy to operate, but it cannot effectively address bacteria below the gum line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water jet function with light delivery into a unified treatment approach. The water stream mechanically disrupts biofilms and exposes subgingival bacteria, while the concurrently delivered light penetrates to kill these exposed bacteria, creating a synergistic effect that enhances effectiveness without complicating user operation
3Reliability
If chemical additives are used to kill bacteria, then bacteria reduction is effective, but the device requires additional components and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical bactericidal agents with a physical light-based mechanism. Instead of using chemical additives that would require storage tanks, dosing systems, and maintenance, the device uses an LED radiant energy source that naturally kills bacteria through photodynamic action, eliminating the need for chemical delivery subsystems
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 combination of water stream and radiant energy effectively kills undesirable black-pigmented bacteria while sparing healthy non-black pigmented bacteria, leading to improved oral health and a lasting shift in bacterial ratios.
Implementation Method 1
Integration of a radiant energy source, such as LEDs emitting light in the 350-450 nanometer range, within the oral irrigator to direct radiant energy in conjunction with the water stream, targeting and reducing black-pigmented bacteria
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An oral irrigator includes a base having a pump mechanism, a reservoir housed within the base and fluidically connected with the pump mechanism. A handle (908) with a jet tip (910) is connected with an outlet from the pump mechanism to receive a pressurized fluid stream from the reservoir to direct a fluid at a surface inside an oral cavity. The oral irrigator also includes a radiant energy source (916) and delivery system (922) for directing radiant energy at a surface inside an oral cavity.