Segmented Floss Device with Textured Surface for Plaque Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional string floss is cumbersome, uncomfortable to use, ineffective in breaking up plaque and tartar, and poses challenges in accessing interproximal regions, particularly for individuals with limited dexterity or those wearing braces, while also potentially exacerbating infections and being difficult to use in dental settings.
Innovation Solution
A floss device with a unique geometry featuring an arcuate configuration, a textured outer surface, and a linear portion for easy handling, capable of absorbing and releasing antimicrobial solutions to mechanically remove plaque and tartar, designed to be used by both the general public and dental professionals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If string floss is used to mechanically remove plaque and tartar, then the strength required leaves only longitudinal filament fabrication as an option, but this results in inability to breakup plaque and tartar effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The floss device is segmented into a filament portion and a lateral element portion, where the lateral element can be positioned laterally to the filament. This segmentation allows the lateral element to engage and mechanically breakup plaque and tartar surfaces while the filament provides the necessary strength to navigate between teeth.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a lateral dimension by adding the lateral element that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filament. This dimensional change enables the floss to engage plaque and tartar surfaces from the side, allowing effective mechanical breakup rather than just longitudinal scraping.
2Ease of operation
If string floss is wrapped around index fingers to facilitate use, then dexterity is required to manipulate, but this causes irritation and discomfort especially for elderly users
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the manipulation complexity from the user's fingers by providing a pre-formed floss device with a grasping portion. The lateral element and enlarged distal end are designed to be easily held between thumb and index finger without requiring multiple wraps, eliminating the cutting and irritation problems associated with traditional wrapped floss.
Solution Approach 2:
The floss device is designed as a disposable unit that is pre-formed and ready to use. After use, the entire device is discarded rather than requiring unwrapping and manipulation of continuous string floss, reducing user discomfort and improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If string floss diameter is reduced or coated with wax to facilitate sliding between tightly aligned teeth, then accessibility improves, but the inherent problems with string floss still persist
Solution Approach 1:
The floss device segments the cleaning function into a thin filament for navigating between teeth and a lateral element for mechanical plaque removal. This segmentation allows the filament to access tight interproximal regions while the lateral element provides reliable plaque breakup capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the floss device have different properties: the filament is thin and flexible for accessing tight spaces, while the lateral element has sufficient mass and rigidity for mechanical plaque removal. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between accessibility and reliability.
4Ease of operation
If string floss is used to remove food and debris between adjacent teeth, then food removal is attempted, but the floss can force food and debris into interproximal regions where it lodges and exacerbates infection
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pushing food and debris deeper into interproximal regions with longitudinal motion, the lateral element engages plaque and debris from the side and mechanically breaks it up, then the filament lifts the debris away. This inverted approach prevents forcing contaminants deeper into the gums.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral element's motion against plaque and tartar surfaces creates mechanical disruption that breaks up adhered debris, preventing it from becoming lodged in interproximal regions. The mechanical action loosens and removes contaminants rather than forcing them deeper.
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
The floss device effectively removes plaque and tartar, provides antimicrobial treatment, and is comfortable to use, addressing the limitations of traditional string floss by enhancing accessibility and safety, particularly for individuals with dexterity issues and those with braces.
Implementation Method 1
The textured outer surface has a micro-contoured profile which increases surface tension and facilitates the retention of a greater quantity of a solution or medication
Data Source
AI summary
A floss device is disclosed which is designed to be used to floss between adjacent teeth in a person's mouth. The floss device includes a first portion joined to a second portion. The first portion has an arcuate configuration which terminates in a rounded tip. The second portion is linear and terminates in an enlarged distal end which is designed to be grasped between a person's thumb and index finger and facilitates manipulation of said floss device. The floss device also has a textured outer surface that can temporarily retain a solution or liquid medication and then transfer the solution or liquid medication onto the teeth and surrounding soft tissue in a person's mouth. A method of molding the floss device and a method of using the floss device are also disclosed.