Oral Irrigator Electronic Control for Pause Pressure Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oral irrigators face issues with mechanical intensity and pause controls that can lead to pressure buildup and potential damage, requiring mechanical relief valves, which are inefficient and noisy.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control system that detects pump load using sensors and adjusts the operational level of the oral irrigator to a standby mode when thresholds are exceeded, optimizing pump efficiency and eliminating the need for mechanical relief valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical relief valve is used to limit pressure during pause control, then pressure buildup is prevented, but the device generates noise and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical relief valve with an electronic control system that uses a sensor to detect pump load and a controller to adjust motor voltage. This substitution eliminates the mechanical components that generate noise and vibrations while maintaining pressure control functionality during pause operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor continuously monitors pump load conditions and provides data to the controller. The controller adjusts the motor voltage based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that maintains pressure control without requiring a mechanical relief valve, thereby eliminating noise and vibrations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical intensity control system is used to adjust water pressure, then user needs are met, but the system complexity increases with additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical intensity control system with an electronic control system that adjusts motor voltage to vary pump output. This electronic approach maintains the ability to adjust water pressure to meet user needs while reducing mechanical complexity by eliminating diverters, return flow paths, and associated mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls intensity by changing the electrical parameter (motor voltage) rather than using mechanical parameter changes. The controller varies the voltage supplied to the motor, which directly changes the pump output and water pressure, providing intensity adjustment with simpler system architecture.
3Device complexity
If the pump operates at fixed voltage with mechanical intensity control, then the system is simple, but pump efficiency varies with load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameter from fixed voltage to variable voltage operation. The controller adjusts the motor voltage based on actual load conditions detected by the sensor, allowing the pump to operate more efficiently across different intensity levels and load conditions, thereby reducing energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static fixed-voltage operation to dynamic variable-voltage operation. The electronic control system continuously adjusts motor voltage in response to changing load conditions, enabling the pump to adapt its performance and maintain optimal efficiency throughout varying operational demands.
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 system prevents pressure buildup, reduces noise and vibrations, and optimizes pump efficiency by maintaining consistent user experience during pause controls without mechanical relief valves.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic pump control system receives sensor data from one or more sensors; determines the operational level of the oral irrigator; and determines whether a key sensor indicator is above, below, or at a threshold
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for electronic control of an operating level of an oral irrigator, particularly when flow from the oral irrigator is paused. Methods for controlling an operational level include: determining an operational level of the oral irrigator, including whether the operational level is a standby mode; receiving sensor data from one or more sensors; determining whether a key sensor indicator is above, below, or at a threshold. If the key sensor indicator is above a threshold, the operational level is changed to standby mode. If the key sensor indicator is at or below the threshold, the operational level remains at the current level. If the key sensor indicator is below the threshold, and the current operational level is the standby mode, the operational level is changed to the operational level set before entering standby mode.