Prophy Angle Assembly With Enclosed Bristles for Braces Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prophy brushes and cups are ineffective in cleaning areas around braces and occlusal surfaces, leading to splatter, inadequate paste retention, and difficulty in reaching interproximal spaces, causing discomfort and inefficiency in dental procedures.
Innovation Solution
A prophy angle assembly with enclosed bristles, a flexible and transparent cup, and a splatter guard to minimize splatter, enhance paste retention, and improve visibility, featuring bristles with optimized geometry and a locking mechanism for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard prophy brush is used for cleaning teeth, then the buccal and lingual faces can be cleaned adequately, but the interproximal areas and hard-to-reach regions cannot be cleaned effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The prophy brush is segmented into multiple tuft assemblies, where each tuft can be independently positioned and oriented. This segmentation allows different portions of the brush to access different anatomical regions simultaneously, including interproximal areas and hard-to-reach regions behind braces, while maintaining adequate cleaning of buccal and lingual faces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces multi-dimensional bristle orientations and tuft arrangements that extend beyond the traditional single-plane brushing action. Bristles are configured to project in multiple directions and at various angles, enabling the brush to clean surfaces in three-dimensional space, including vertical interproximal areas and occlusal surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If a prophy brush with tufts is used to clean interdental spaces and occlusal surfaces, then these hard-to-reach areas can be cleaned, but the gingival margin cannot be cleaned adequately and may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Different tuft assemblies within the brush have locally optimized properties: some tufts have softer, shorter bristles for gentle gingival margin cleaning, while other tufts have harder, longer bristles for effective interproximal and occlusal surface cleaning. This local differentiation allows each region of the brush to perform its specific function without causing harm to sensitive areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention varies key parameters of the bristles across different tufts, including length, diameter, stiffness, and density. These parameter changes enable the brush to adapt to different anatomical regions, providing gentle contact with the gingival margin while maintaining aggressive cleaning action in harder-to-reach areas.
3Productivity
If conventional prophy brushes are used, then cleaning can be performed, but splatter occurs and paste retention is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a cup or shield structure as an intermediary between the rotating brush and the surrounding environment. This cup contains the rotating tufts and prevents cleaning paste and debris from being ejected outward, thereby eliminating splatter while maintaining adequate paste retention on the tooth surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful splatter effect into a beneficial contained cleaning action. The cup structure that prevents splatter also creates a controlled environment where cleaning paste is retained and directed onto the tooth surfaces, improving paste retention and cleaning efficiency while eliminating the harmful spray of debris.
4Power
If prophy brushes rotate at high speeds to clean effectively, then cleaning power is sufficient, but the brushes become loud and startle the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The cup structure serves as an acoustic intermediary that dampens the noise generated by high-speed rotating bristles. The cup material and design absorb and dissipate sound waves, reducing the loudness of the brush while allowing it to maintain high rotational speeds for effective cleaning power.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup is designed with flexible or semi-flexible material that can absorb vibration and reduce acoustic emissions. This flexible shell structure dampens the mechanical vibrations and noise generated by the high-speed rotating bristles, creating a quieter operating environment while preserving cleaning effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a prophy angle assembly for cleaning teeth with braces comprising a housing installed with a driving mechanism including a driven gear and driving gear. A cup is co-molded with the driven gear enclosing a plurality of bristles having tips extending from a surface of the cup. A gap is formed between an inner wall of the cup and the bristles. A splatter guard is attached to the housing and positioned in constant contact with the cup to prevent splatter while cleaning of dental arcade.