Oral Irrigator Pause Control Reset Using Stored Spring Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oral irrigators lack an automatic mechanism to reset the pause control to a paused state when turned off or returned to its handle, leading to unexpected fluid flow and potential spills.
Innovation Solution
A bi-stable pause control mechanism with a resilient device that stores potential energy when the irrigator is turned on, automatically resetting to a paused state when turned off or placed on a stand, using a slider, return, and stopper system to inhibit fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the oral irrigator is turned off or placed on a stand, then the appliance should automatically reset to paused state to prevent fluid flow, but existing designs lack this automatic reset mechanism causing unexpected fluid flow and spills
Solution Approach 1:
The pause control mechanism automatically resets itself when the oral irrigator is turned off or placed on a stand, without requiring user intervention. The bi-stable pause control element and resilient device work together to self-reset the valve to the closed position, preventing fluid flow automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient device stores potential energy during operation and releases it when needed to automatically reset the pause control element before the user can accidentally activate fluid flow. This preliminary energy storage ensures the system is ready to prevent spills before they occur.
2Ease of operation
If a manual pause control button is used, then the user can stop and start the appliance, but the control may remain in the off state accidentally leading to fluid flow when not intended
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when it should be paused (when turned off or placed on stand) and self-corrects by resetting the pause control element to the closed position, eliminating the need for user memory or manual intervention to prevent accidental spills.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand engagement mechanism provides feedback to the pause control system, triggering the automatic reset when the irrigator is placed on the stand. This feedback loop ensures the system responds appropriately to user actions and environmental conditions.
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
Ensures controlled operation by automatically resetting the pause control, preventing unexpected fluid flow and reducing spills, enhancing user convenience and control over the appliance.
Implementation Method 1
compressing a resilient device from a first position to a second position; expanding the resilient device from the second position to the first position
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to systems and methods for automatically resetting pause control on an oral irrigator. The methods use a resilient device which stores potential energy when the oral irrigator is turned on or the pause control feature is turned off. The stored potential energy is then released and switches the pause control feature on when the oral irrigator is turned off or placed on its stand. The pause control assembly includes a slider coupled to the valve, where the slider has a first protrusion; a return which makes contact with a first protrusion of the slider; and a stopper, which in the closed position prevents the return from moving. The automatic pause control reset can also include a pressure plate and a pressure chamber which respond to a change in fluid pressure to permit the opening of a pause control valve.