Oscillating Oral Hygiene Cleaning Section With Adjustable Gear Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric oral hygiene devices with oscillatory rotation mechanisms for cleaning elements face challenges in adapting the oscillation angle to optimize cleaning efficiency and user comfort, as the fixed maximum oscillation angle can lead to either inadequate cleaning or gum irritation.
Innovation Solution
A gear unit is introduced that couples the drive shaft to a cleaning element carrier, allowing the carrier to oscillate around a parallel axis at a distance from the drive shaft axis, thereby adjusting the oscillation angle and reducing the maximum oscillation angle of the cleaning elements, which can be tailored to suit user preferences for either lower height or higher velocity of bristle ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the drive shaft provides oscillatory rotation with a fixed maximum oscillation angle, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the cleaning efficiency and user comfort cannot be optimized for different preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the oscillation angle adjustable rather than fixed. The gear unit allows the cleaning element carrier to oscillate at different angles within a range, enabling the system to adapt to different user preferences and cleaning needs. This transforms a static parameter into a dynamic, adjustable one, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the oscillation angle parameter from a fixed value to an adjustable range. By introducing a gear unit that allows the carrier rotation axis to be parallel but offset from the drive shaft rotation axis, the system can vary the oscillation angle to optimize cleaning efficiency and user comfort, thereby improving adaptability without fundamentally complicating the core oscillation mechanism.
2Productivity
If the maximum oscillation angle is increased to improve cleaning efficiency, then cleaning results are enhanced, but gum irritation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable oscillation angle mechanism allows users to dynamically select the appropriate oscillation intensity. For users prioritizing cleaning efficiency, a larger oscillation angle can be selected. For users concerned about gum irritation, a smaller angle can be chosen. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by allowing optimization based on individual needs rather than forcing a fixed compromise.
3Reliability
If the oscillation angle is adjusted to reduce noise and wear, then operational life is extended, but cleaning efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of the oscillation angle based on usage conditions. When extended operational life is the priority, users can select smaller oscillation angles that reduce wear and noise. When cleaning efficiency is the priority, larger angles can be selected. This resolves the contradiction by allowing users to prioritize different parameters based on their immediate needs rather than being locked into a fixed configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning section of an oral hygiene device is disclosed. The cleaning section includes a cleaning element carrier mounted for oscillatory rotation around a carrier rotation axis; a gear unit arranged for being coupled to a drive shaft of a handle of the oral hygiene device, which drive shaft defines a drive shaft rotation axis in an attached state, and the gear unit further having an actuation element for transferring motion from the drive shaft to the cleaning element carrier during operation. The carrier rotation axis is parallel to the drive shaft rotation axis and is disposed at a distance to the drive shaft rotation axis.