Toothbrush With Spaced Electrodes for AC and DC Plaque Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plaque removal methods using electric fields to dissolve water on teeth surfaces risk causing electric shocks and pain, and existing toothbrushes for plaque removal do not effectively address spatial and temporal limitations.
Innovation Solution
A toothbrush design incorporating a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart on the head portion, with a voltage supply unit applying alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) voltages together, optimized for efficient plaque removal without causing harm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a high voltage is applied to the tooth surface to induce hydrolysis of water for plaque removal, then plaque removal effectiveness is improved, but electric shock and pain occur
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage application is segmented into multiple electrode pairs distributed across the tooth surface, with each pair applying a controlled electric field. This segmentation allows the total voltage to be distributed across multiple lower-voltage interfaces, reducing the risk of electric shock and pain while maintaining effective plaque removal through cumulative hydrolysis effects
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the voltage parameters by applying multiple voltages simultaneously (e.g., 1V, 5V, 10V, 20V from different electrode pairs) rather than a single high voltage. This parameter transformation maintains the total energy required for hydrolysis while distributing it across safer, more manageable voltage levels that reduce harmful effects
2Productivity
If conventional plaque removal methods are used, then plaque can be removed, but spatial and temporal limitations are imposed requiring continuous hospital visits
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms plaque removal from a professional medical service requiring hospital visits into a self-service procedure that individuals can perform at home. By providing a device with multiple electrodes that can be applied directly to teeth, the system enables users to independently remove plaque without requiring continuous hospital visits to professionals
Solution Approach 2:
The toothbrush device integrates multiple functions including plaque removal through electric field application, whitening through light irradiation, and cleaning through mechanical brushing. This multi-functionality consolidates what previously required separate professional treatments into a single home-use device, eliminating spatial and temporal limitations
3Reliability
If high-dose antibiotics are administered to treat dental tissue inflammation, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but antibiotic resistance and secondary problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of plaque (bacterial biofilm causing inflammation) into a beneficial treatment target. By using electric fields to specifically disrupt and remove plaque while leaving healthy tissue intact, the system achieves therapeutic effects without requiring antibiotics, thereby avoiding antibiotic resistance and secondary harmful effects
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 toothbrush effectively removes plaque by applying a harmless electric field, reducing treatment costs and enabling daily plaque removal without spatial or temporal restrictions, while also providing a whitening effect.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage supply unit configured to apply an AC voltage and a DC voltage together
Implementation Method 2
a first electrode and a second electrode arranged on a head portion... configured to apply an AC voltage and a DC voltage together by superimposing the AC voltage and the DC voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A toothbrush for promoting plaque removal, and a manufacturing method therefor are proposed. The toothbrush includes: a head part in which elements for cleaning teeth are arranged; a first electrode on the head part; a second electrode on the head part, the second electrode being spaced a predetermined distance from the first electrode and grounded; and a voltage supply part configured to superpose alternating current (AC) voltage and direct current (DC) voltage and apply the AC voltage and the DC voltage together to the first electrode.