Oral irrigator pause mechanism using mechanical valve gear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Oral irrigators with electrical actuators to pause fluid flow pose safety hazards and are costly due to the inclusion of electrical circuitry near fluid conduits, and existing solutions do not provide a convenient and safe way to interrupt fluid flow without turning off the device.

Innovation Solution

A mechanically controlled pause mode in the oral irrigator handle using a valve gear assembly with a rack gear and pinion gear mechanism, allowing users to pause fluid flow without removing their hand or turning off the device, eliminating the need for electrical components in the handle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electrical actuators are used to pause fluid flow, then convenience is improved, but safety hazards and manufacturing costs worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of pausing fluid flowVSAvoidsafety hazards from electrical circuitry near fluid conduits

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical actuators with a purely mechanical pause switch assembly. The actuator is mechanically connected to a valve assembly through a seal, eliminating the need for electrical circuitry near fluid conduits. This mechanical substitution maintains the convenience of pausing fluid flow while removing safety hazards associated with electrical components in proximity to water.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If electrical actuators are used to pause fluid flow, then convenience is improved, but manufacturing costs worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of pausing fluid flowVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates expensive electrical actuators and circuitry by implementing a mechanical pause switch assembly. The mechanical components (actuator, seal, valve assembly) are simpler and less costly to manufacture than their electrical counterparts, while still providing the same functional capability of pausing fluid flow during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If power is turned off to stop water flow, then safety is improved, but convenience worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety from electrical hazardsVSAvoidconvenience of interrupting fluid flow

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control function into two independent parts: power control (on/off) and fluid flow control (pause/resume). The pause switch assembly allows users to interrupt fluid flow without affecting power supply to the pump. This segmentation enables safe pausing of water flow while maintaining power to the device, eliminating the need to turn off power to stop water.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If electrical circuitry is included in the handle, then functionality is improved, but device complexity and cost worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality of pausing fluid flowVSAvoidcomplexity of electrical components in handle

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electrical circuitry with a simple mechanical pause switch assembly in the handle. The actuator connects mechanically to the valve assembly through a seal, providing pause functionality without requiring electrical components. This mechanical approach reduces device complexity while maintaining the desired functionality of pausing fluid flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution provides a safe and cost-effective way to interrupt fluid flow, enhancing user convenience and reducing manufacturing costs by avoiding electrical circuitry near fluid conduits, while maintaining power to the oral irrigator during pause mode.

Implementation Method 1

The pause control actuator includes a rack gear that rotates a pinion gear of the valve gear.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

the valve gear includes a ball that can be positioned to block the flow of fluid through the valve body when the pause mode is selected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall valve blocking: Ball

Data Source

PatentEP3677219B1Oral irrigator with tip release assembly

Publication Date: 2021.09.15 WATER PIK INC

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A

AI summary

An oral irrigator comprises a handle housing defining a cavity, a tip removably connected to the handle housing, and a tip release assembly connected to the handle housing. The tip release assembly comprises a tip eject button slidably connected to the handle housing and movable between a first position and a second position, and a latch connected to the handle housing and positioned within the cavity. Movement of the tip eject button from the first position to the second position moves the latch laterally across the cavity from an engage position to a disengage position.