Reusable Floss Holder Structure for Adjustable Tension Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dental floss is often not biodegradable and the devices used for holding it are typically made from single-use synthetic plastics, contributing to environmental waste, while existing flossing devices lack versatility and flexibility in tension control during use.
Innovation Solution
A reusable dental flossing device with a handle and a head featuring arms and a central horn, equipped with attachment means and grooves, allowing for various configurations of dental floss to be secured and tensioned manually by the user, enabling effective and versatile flossing without the need for single-use plastics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If single-use plastic devices are used for holding dental floss, then ease of operation is improved, but environmental waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be reusable with the floss being the only consumable component. The handle and head are made from durable materials that can be cleaned and used multiple times, while the floss is replaced after use. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for single-use plastic devices, reducing environmental waste while maintaining ease of operation through a simple reusable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies the disposable principle to only the floss component rather than the entire device. The floss is the short-living consumable element that is replaced, while the handle and head are designed for long-term reuse. This selective application reduces environmental waste compared to single-use devices while keeping the operational simplicity intact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed flossing devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic elements through its resilient arms that can flex and adapt during use, and through the ability of the user to adjust floss tension and configuration. The arms can be resiliently deformable to accommodate different flossing techniques and tooth geometries. This provides versatility without requiring multiple devices or complex mechanisms, as the same device can adapt to various needs through user manipulation and material flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to perform multiple flossing functions through its universal design. The handle and head configuration allows for various floss arrangements and tensions, enabling the same device to handle different flossing scenarios including interproximal cleaning, gum line cleaning, and tension adjustment. This multi-functionality achieves versatility without increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If floss is securely held between arms, then reliability of floss retention is improved, but ease of operation for tension adjustment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment means are positioned at specific locations on the arms to provide secure floss retention at critical points. The slots or attachment features are strategically placed to hold the floss firmly during use while allowing user access to adjust tension. This localized quality ensures reliability where needed without compromising the ability to操作 for tension adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient arms provide dynamic retention of the floss, allowing the arms to flex and adapt during tension adjustment while maintaining secure holding. The elasticity of the arms enables them to grip the floss firmly yet allow user manipulation for tension control, resolving the contradiction between secure retention and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dental flossing device comprising: a handle extending in a longitudinal axis and a head that deviates from the longitudinal axis of the handle. The head has two arms extending from the handle to define an intermediate space between the arms and a substantially central horn for guiding floss that is arranged on an upper face of the dental flossing device between the two arms and projects into the intermediate space. Each arm has an attachment portion provided at a distal end that is adapted to receive and hold floss stretched across the intermediate space and the handle has one or more grooves on a lower face of the handle for receipt of a loop of floss.