Orthodontic Floss Aid with Angled Head and Thin Support Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flossing methods, including floss picks and existing flossing devices, struggle to effectively reach and clean between teeth behind orthodontic arch-wires, making it difficult for individuals with braces to maintain proper oral hygiene due to the thickness of the device components and lack of angled access.
Innovation Solution
A flossing device with a floss support head oriented at an acute angle relative to the handle, combined with a deep U-shaped design and thin, pivotable elements, allows for easier access to interproximal spaces, including rear teeth, by enabling the device to be inserted behind the arch-wire and moved in a way that avoids interference, facilitating effective cleaning of deep pockets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional floss picks with thick posts or arms are used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device cannot be directed between the arch-wire and the teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The floss support head and support elements are designed with thin profiles (less than 0.04 inches thickness) to enable insertion between the arch-wire and teeth, while maintaining structural integrity through optimized geometry and material selection
Solution Approach 2:
The floss support head is oriented at an acute angle (not orthogonal) relative to the handle, creating a new spatial dimension that enables access to deep pockets and rear teeth while navigating around the arch-wire obstruction
2Ease of operation
If floss support heads orthogonal to the handle are used, then the device structure is simple, but access to rear teeth and deep pockets is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The floss support head is positioned at an asymmetric acute angle relative to the handle rather than symmetrically orthogonal, creating directional access capabilities that enable the distal end to reach deep pockets and rear teeth effectively
3Ease of operation
If thick support elements are used, then the device is strong and easy to manufacture, but interference with the arch-wire prevents effective flossing
Solution Approach 1:
Thin support elements (less than 0.04 inches) are designed with optimized geometry to minimize arch-wire interference while maintaining sufficient structural strength through shape optimization and material selection
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are designed to pivot and move dynamically behind the arch-wire, allowing the device to adapt its position and maintain effectiveness without requiring excessive thickness for rigidity
Data Source
AI summary
A flossing tool for persons wearing braces. A floss support head is attached at an acute angle with respect to a handle. The head includes two spaced-apart support elements where the first support element closest to the handle is thinner than the distance between the teeth and the arch-wire. A disposable plastic embodiment includes a floss strand affixed in an injection molding process to ends of the support elements; a tapered portion of the first support element which allows the device to pivot without interference from the arch-wire; and a broadened spatula tip for securing an end of the floss strand. The end of the first support element may be curved outwardly. Another embodiment includes a wire head with floss support loops.