Oral Treatment Device Zone Detection with Non-Linear IMU Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oral treatment devices lack flexibility and versatility, often requiring user input for optimal operation and result in inefficient use of working fluid due to reliance on manual usage, leading to frequent replenishment needs and suboptimal treatment outcomes.

Innovation Solution

An oral treatment device equipped with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a trained non-linear classification algorithm to autonomously identify oral cavity zones, allowing precise control of fluid delivery based on the device's position and movement, providing real-time feedback to enhance treatment efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If an oral treatment device relies on manual user operation, then the device structure can be simple, but the treatment efficiency and fluid usage efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidtreatment efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device autonomously identifies oral cavity zones using IMU sensors and non-linear classification algorithms, performing self-diagnosis and self-adjustment without user input. The system automatically determines device position, movement, and orientation to selectively deliver treatment to specific zones, enabling the device to serve itself in optimizing treatment delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes treatment parameters based on real-time classification of oral cavity zones. The controller adjusts fluid delivery timing, duration, and intensity according to the classified zone, transforming static treatment protocols into adaptive, zone-specific treatment sequences that optimize both efficiency and fluid usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If the device delivers working fluid continuously, then treatment coverage is improved, but fluid waste increases and reservoir replenishment frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment coverageVSAvoidfluid waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The device transitions from uniform continuous fluid delivery to localized targeted delivery. By classifying the oral cavity into multiple zones and identifying which zone the device head is currently in, the system delivers fluid only to the relevant local area, eliminating waste in already-treated or irrelevant zones while maintaining comprehensive coverage over the treatment session.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic pulsed fluid delivery synchronized with the classification cycles. Instead of continuous flow, fluid is delivered in controlled bursts timed to coincide with when the device is in the correct oral cavity zone, achieving effective periodic treatment coverage while dramatically reducing overall fluid consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Device complexity

If the device uses basic linear classification, then the system complexity is low, but the accuracy of zone identification deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclassification systemVSAvoidzone identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces simple linear classification logic with advanced non-linear classification algorithms that process IMU sensor data. This substitution enables the system to accurately capture the complex, non-linear relationships between device movement patterns, orientation, and oral cavity zone positions, achieving high identification accuracy without requiring additional physical sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Extent of automation

If the device requires user input for operation, then the automation level is low, but the adaptability to user behavior deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser input requirementVSAvoidadaptability to user behavior

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device implements closed-loop feedback by continuously monitoring IMU sensor data, classifying the current oral cavity zone, and adjusting fluid delivery accordingly. This real-time feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to the user's specific oral anatomy and treatment needs without requiring user input, automatically learning and responding to individual behavioral patterns during the treatment session.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4262620B1Oral treatment device and computer program for operating said oral treatment device

Publication Date: 2025.07.16 DYSON TECH LTD

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2

AI summary

An oral treatment device comprises a head for use in treating an oral cavity of a user, the oral cavity comprising a plurality of oral cavity zones, and an inertial measurement unit, IMU, operable to output signals dependent on position and/or movement of the head. The oral treatment device comprises a controller configured to receive signals from the IMU indicating position and/or movement of the head relative to the oral cavity, and process the received signals using a trained non-linear classification algorithm to obtain classification data. The classification algorithm is trained to identify, from the plurality of oral cavity zones, an oral cavity zone in which the head of the oral treatment device is located. The controller is configured to control the oral treatment device to perform an action using the obtained classification data.