Segmented Toothbrush Tuft Angles for Interdental Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toothbrushes are inadequate in cleaning the interproximal and gingival marginal regions of teeth, failing to effectively remove plaque and debris from hard-to-reach areas.
Innovation Solution
A head for an oral care implement featuring at least two tufts of filaments inclined at different angles and lengths, allowing for improved access and cleaning in interdental areas, with longer filaments penetrating into gaps and shorter filaments cleaning occlusal and buccal surfaces, enhancing cleaning efficiency and reducing the risk of gum injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional toothbrushes with uniform tufts are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the cleaning effectiveness in interproximal and gingival marginal regions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The brush head is divided into multiple tufts, with each tuft segmented into filaments of different lengths (first length and second length). This segmentation allows different parts of the same tuft to perform different cleaning functions, with longer filaments accessing interproximal spaces and shorter filaments cleaning occlusal surfaces, thereby resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the brush head feature tufts with different configurations. Specifically, certain tufts have filaments of first length optimized for interproximal cleaning while other filaments have second length for occlusal cleaning. This local differentiation of quality allows the brush to effectively address multiple cleaning challenges simultaneously without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Reliability
If tufts are inclined in different directions with different lengths, then cleaning performance in hard-to-reach areas is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting each tuft into distinct filament length groups (first length and second length), the design allows for standardized manufacturing of filament sets. The segmentation creates clear, discrete categories that are easier to manufacture with consistent precision compared to continuous variations in filament properties.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple filament groups with different lengths are combined within single tufts, allowing the brush head to achieve complex cleaning capabilities through combination of standardized components. This merging approach maintains manufacturing precision by using repeated, standardized filament specifications across multiple tufts rather than requiring unique precision for each individual filament.
3Reliability
If longer filaments are used to penetrate interdental spaces, then cleaning of interproximal areas is improved, but the risk of gum injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each tuft is segmented into filaments of first length (longer) and second length (shorter). The longer filaments penetrate into interproximal spaces for effective plaque removal, while the shorter filaments remain on the occlusal and buccal surfaces. This segmentation ensures that only the necessary portion of each tuft contacts the gums, minimizing injury risk while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the brush head have tufts with different filament length distributions. This local quality differentiation allows longer filaments to be positioned where interproximal access is needed while shorter filaments are positioned where gum contact should be minimized, thereby resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and gum safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A head for an oral-care implement comprises at least two tufts extending from a mounting surface of the head. The tufts are inclined with respect to the mounting surface in at least two different directions. Each of the tufts comprises a first group of filaments having a first length and at least a second group of filaments having a second length wherein the first length is different from the second length.