Diaphragm-Sealed Oral Irrigator Pump for Waterproof Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oral irrigators are not waterproof, leading to malfunction when exposed to water, which can damage electrical components.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof oral irrigator design featuring a motor, pump body, diaphragm seal, and spiral gears, along with waterproof compartments and a removably attachable charging device, ensuring the device operates even when submerged in water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a reciprocating piston pump is used to provide pulsating flow, then the flow rate can be increased, but the pulsating flow causes discomfort to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates in periodic cycles, alternating between a filling phase (where water is drawn into the pump chamber) and a ejection phase (where water is forced through the nozzle). This periodic action creates pulsating flow that increases productivity while the controlled rhythm prevents user discomfort by avoiding continuous high-pressure pulses
Solution Approach 2:
During the filling phase, the pump chamber is filled with water that will be discarded during the ejection phase. The system recovers the water drawn in during the filling phase by redirecting it through the nozzle during the ejection phase, ensuring that the pulsating flow is sustained without continuous water loss, thereby maintaining productivity while reducing harmful pulsations
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pump chamber volume is increased to reduce pulsation frequency, then user comfort improves, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump chamber volume is made variable rather than fixed. During the filling phase, the chamber volume is expanded to accommodate more water, reducing the frequency of pulsations. During the ejection phase, the chamber volume is reduced to force water through the nozzle. This dynamic volume change allows the system to achieve low pulsation frequency without permanently increasing device size
Solution Approach 2:
The pump chamber is nested within the existing pump housing structure, allowing the variable volume chamber to be contained within the compact device footprint. The chamber can expand and contract within the housing boundaries, achieving volume variation for pulsation control without proportionally increasing the external device size
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a peristaltic pump is used to provide continuous flow, then user comfort improves, but the flow rate is limited by the rotating speed of the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the peristaltic pump's mechanical rotating mechanism with a reciprocating piston pump system. Instead of using a rotating element that limits flow rate through speed constraints, the system uses a reciprocating piston that can be actuated at higher frequencies, thereby achieving continuous flow without the flow rate limitation imposed by rotating speed
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 design provides a waterproof oral irrigator that can withstand immersion in water, protecting electrical components and maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The diaphragm seal is connected to the connecting rod and the pump body and deforms from a first orientation to a second orientation as the connecting rod moves from the first position to the second position
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an oral irrigator. In one embodiment, the oral irrigator includes a motor, a pump body, a connecting rod, and a diaphragm seal. The connecting rod is at least partially received within the pump body and is movably connected to the motor such that the motor moves the connecting rod between a first position and a second position within the pump body. The diaphragm seal is connected to the connecting rod and the pump body and deforms from a first orientation to a second orientation as the connecting rod moves from the first position to the second position.