Sensor-Actuated Fluid Delivery for Interproximal Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental cleaning appliances lack an efficient mechanism for delivering fluid bursts to interproximal gaps, which limits their effectiveness in removing plaque and debris from between teeth.
Innovation Solution
A dental cleaning appliance with a fluid delivery system that includes a nozzle and a contact member, where the contact member is moveable relative to the nozzle and a sensor, allowing the control circuit to actuate the delivery of working fluid based on the sensor's output, ensuring precise delivery into interproximal gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a manual pump system is used to deliver fluid, then the device can deliver fluid to the nozzle, but the precision and timing of fluid delivery to interproximal gaps is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor detects the position of the contact member relative to the nozzle and provides feedback to the control circuit, which automatically actuates the pump to deliver fluid bursts at the precise moment when the contact member enters an interproximal gap, eliminating the need for manual timing while maintaining simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the movement of the contact member itself as the trigger signal for fluid delivery. As the contact member moves into the interproximal gap, the sensor detects this movement and automatically initiates fluid delivery without requiring external manual intervention, making the system self-regulating
2Quantity of substance
If fluid is delivered continuously, then the nozzle can maintain contact with teeth, but fluid is wasted and effectiveness in targeting interproximal gaps is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous fluid delivery, the system uses periodic bursts of fluid triggered by the sensor detecting contact member movement. Fluid is delivered in short, intense bursts only when the contact member enters an interproximal gap, maximizing cleaning effectiveness while minimizing fluid consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor detects the approach of the contact member to the interproximal gap before actual contact is made, allowing the control circuit to pre-actuate the pump so that fluid delivery is synchronized perfectly with the moment the contact member enters the gap, ensuring reliable cleaning without waste
3Adaptability or versatility
If the contact member is fixed relative to the nozzle, then the structure is simple, but the ability to detect interproximal gap entry and trigger fluid delivery is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The contact member is made moveable relative to the nozzle, allowing it to independently respond to the geometry of teeth and interproximal gaps. This dynamic configuration enables the sensor to detect when the contact member enters a gap, triggering fluid delivery, while adding only minimal structural complexity through a simple movable joint mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A dental cleaning appliance includes a handle and a fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system includes a nozzle for delivering a burst of working fluid to the teeth of a user. A contact member for engaging the teeth of the user is moveable relative to the nozzle as the appliance is moved along the teeth of the user. A sensor provides an output which varies with movement of contact member relative to the nozzle. A control circuit actuates the delivery of working fluid to the teeth of the user depending on the output from the sensor.