Segmented Dental Cleaning System with Dual-Wall Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental cleaning systems with actuated mouthpieces face inefficiencies due to lack of contour following for varying jaw geometries, leading to ineffective cleaning as flexible mouthpieces absorb brushing movement and fail to apply sufficient pressure on tooth surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A dental cleaning system comprising separate inner and outer wall elements that can be independently deformed to match jaw shapes, with a drive mechanism that imparts vibration and movement towards and away from each other, allowing for effective cleaning by tapping against tooth surfaces rather than sweeping across them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible mouthpiece is used to adapt to different jaw shapes, then adaptability is improved, but cleaning effectiveness deteriorates because the mouthpiece absorbs brushing movement and cannot apply sufficient pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthpiece is divided into multiple segments along its length, with each segment capable of independent deformation. This segmentation allows the mouthpiece to adapt to different jaw shapes while maintaining structural integrity and force transmission capability, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The mouthpiece incorporates dynamic characteristics with varying stiffness along its length - more flexible at certain regions for adaptation, and stiffer at bristle regions for effective cleaning. This dynamic structure enables the mouthpiece to simultaneously achieve adaptability and maintain sufficient brushing pressure
2Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece silicone mouthpiece with large diameter bristles is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but cleaning effectiveness deteriorates due to poor contact with tooth surfaces and excessive bristle bending
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthpiece is segmented into multiple sections that can be manufactured separately and then assembled, combining the ease of manufacturing individual components with the cleaning effectiveness of a structured design featuring smaller, more precise bristle elements
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mouthpiece have different structural properties - the body can be simple for easy manufacture, while the bristle regions are specifically designed with smaller diameter bristles and optimized spacing to ensure proper contact with tooth surfaces and effective cleaning performance
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mouthpiece is made too flexible to fit different users, then adaptability is improved, but brushing effectiveness deteriorates as the mouthpiece absorbs all brushing movement
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthpiece employs a dynamic stiffness distribution along its length, being more flexible in regions that need to conform to user anatomy and stiffer in regions that require force transmission for effective brushing, thus maintaining both adaptability and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the mouthpiece into multiple segments with different mechanical properties, the design achieves regional flexibility for user adaptation while maintaining overall structural rigidity for effective brushing action
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
This design enhances cleaning effectiveness by maintaining stiffness while allowing for adaptability to different jaw shapes, ensuring better contact and pressure distribution of bristles on tooth surfaces, resulting in improved plaque removal and simplified manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a drive mechanism for coupling the first and second wall elements, and imparting a drive vibration of the first and second wall elements
Data Source
AI summary
A dental cleaning system comprises a first wall element for mounting against the inner, lingual, tooth surfaces of one or both jaws and a second wall element for mounting against the outer, facial, tooth surfaces of said one or both jaws. A drive mechanism couples the first and second wall elements, and imparts a drive vibration of the first and second wall elements towards each other and apart from each other.