Resilient Interproximal Pick for Sonic Vibration Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental cleaning devices, including sonic toothbrushes and interproximal cleaning devices, are ineffective in cleaning interproximal spaces between teeth and the gingival sulcus, and can cause harm if used incorrectly.
Innovation Solution
An interproximal pick device mounted on a vibration generating handle that transmits sonic vibrations through a resilient tube and rigid housing to a flexible pick for effective cleaning, with a pH indicator to monitor oral health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rigid steel tip is used for interproximal cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device can cause pain and harm if used incorrectly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid steel to resilient material, and changes the tip geometry from sharp to rounded. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining cleaning effectiveness through vibration while eliminating the harmful sharp edges and rigidity that cause pain and damage to dental structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a resilient tube material with a rounded tip, creating a device that transmits vibration effectively while being safe for dental tissues. The resilient material provides both vibration transmission and inherent safety by eliminating sharp edges.
2Power
If sonic vibrations are transmitted through a rigid structure, then vibration transmission efficiency is improved, but the device lacks adaptability to different mounting posts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameter from rigid to resilient, allowing the tube to deform and adapt to different mounting post dimensions while still transmitting sonic vibrations effectively. The resilience enables both adaptability and sufficient vibration transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a resilient tube that acts as a flexible element to transmit vibrations. This flexible structure can accommodate variations in mounting post geometry while maintaining effective vibration transmission to the tip.
3Ease of operation
If a sharp pointed pick is used for cleaning interproximal spaces, then access to tight spaces is improved, but the device can damage enamel and cause gingival inflammation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an asymmetric rounded tip design that is tapered to fit between teeth but has no sharp edges. The asymmetry allows insertion into tight spaces while the rounded geometry prevents damage to enamel and gingival tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the tip geometry parameter from sharp to rounded, eliminating the harmful concentrated stress of a sharp point while maintaining the ability to access interproximal spaces through the tapered asymmetric shape.
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
Effectively removes plaque, biofilm, and bacterial colonies, while monitoring oral pH to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease, using a user-friendly design.
Implementation Method 1
vibrations from the mounting post are transmitted through the resilient tube, through the rigid tubular housing, and into the elongate resilient pick
Data Source
AI summary
An interproximal pick device has an elongate resilient pick that extends from a rigid tubular housing. A proximal end of the elongate resilient pick is fixedly secured within an inner conduit adjacent a top end of the rigid tubular housing. A resilient tube is positioned within the inner conduit adjacent a bottom end of the rigid tubular housing. The resilient tube is sized and shaped to receive the mounting post of a sonic vibration generating handle, such that sonic vibrations from the mounting post are transmitted through the resilient tube, through the rigid tubular housing, and into the elongate resilient pick, for cleaning between the teeth.