Spring-Type Flossing Head with Flexible Elastomeric Arm
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flossing devices often experience a decrease in floss thread tension during use, leading to reduced effectiveness in removing food debris and plaque from between teeth.
Innovation Solution
A flossing device with a flexible head and cylindrical fixtures that maintain constant tension through a threading slot and hemisphere hollow spaces design, preventing knots or balls from passing through, ensuring consistent floss thread tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional flossing device with a rigid structure is used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the floss thread tension decreases during use reducing flossing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the rigid head structure with a flexible head that can dynamically adapt its shape during flossing. The flexible head is made of elastomeric material that bends and flexes to maintain optimal tension on the floss thread as the user maneuvers the device between teeth, ensuring consistent flossing effectiveness throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the physical properties of the head component. The head is constructed from elastomeric material with specific durometer values (Shore A 20-40) that provide the necessary flexibility and elastic recovery. This material parameter selection enables the head to maintain floss tension through elastic deformation while remaining simple in overall device structure.
2Ease of operation
If a flexible head is used to maintain floss thread tension, then the flossing effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the flexible shells principle by constructing the head as a thin-walled elastomeric structure that flexes during use. The head is formed as a hollow shell with specific wall thickness (0.5-2mm) that provides sufficient flexibility for tension maintenance while being manufacturable through standard rubber molding processes. The cylindrical fixtures are integrated into this flexible shell structure, combining multiple functions in a single manufacturable component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials by combining elastomeric material with embedded cylindrical fixtures. The fixtures are integrated into the elastomeric matrix, creating a composite structure where the elastomer provides flexibility and the fixtures provide structural support and floss anchoring points. This composite approach enables both flexibility for tension maintenance and structural integrity for manufacturing.
3Reliability
If the floss thread is allowed to move freely through the device, then the device structure is simple, but the tension control is lost reducing flossing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the head into distinct functional segments: the flexible elastomeric matrix and the embedded cylindrical fixtures. Each fixture acts as an independent tension control element with threading slots and hemisphere hollow spaces. This segmentation allows the floss to be anchored at specific points while the elastomeric material between fixtures provides the flexible tensioning mechanism, achieving reliable tension control through modular structural elements.
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 device maintains suitable tension of the floss thread during flossing, enhancing the effectiveness and ease of use, allowing for efficient removal of food debris from hard-to-reach spaces with one hand.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible head made of a spring-type flexible material or a spring-type flexible material coated with a protective coating
Data Source
AI summary
A “Flossing Device with Spring-Type Head” is a device used to floss the teeth. A handle with a storage chamber in which the coiled floss thread is stored, is fixedly attached to a Spring-Type Head that includes a substantially U-shape flexible arm and two substantially cylindrical shape fixtures. Each piece of the floss thread is placed and secured between the said fixtures. Due to the flexibility of the said arm, a constant suitable tension of the floss thread is maintained at all times. Using the device, while flossing becomes possible with one hand, it gives the user a much more effective and easier flossing experience.