Teeth Cleaning Device With Pneumatic Bladder Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing whole mouth toothbrushes are not efficient in removing plaque and tartar from all teeth surfaces simultaneously, as they do not effectively replicate the Bass Method of teeth cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A teeth cleaning device with a support structure featuring dentature channels, teeth cleaning pads, air bladders, and an air-flow subsystem controlled by a unit that pressurizes and alternates air between bladders to create specific cleaning motions, ensuring thorough engagement of all teeth surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual toothbrushing methods are used, then the device structure is simple, but the cleaning efficiency and ability to reach all teeth surfaces simultaneously is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the cleaning function into multiple independent air bladders distributed across different teeth surfaces. Each air bladder can be independently pressurized and controlled to clean specific areas, enabling simultaneous cleaning of multiple teeth surfaces while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pressurized air delivered through air bladders to clean teeth surfaces. The air-flow subsystem pressurizes air that inflates the bladders, causing them to expand and press against teeth surfaces for cleaning. This pneumatic approach replaces traditional mechanical brushing, dramatically improving cleaning efficiency and accessibility to all teeth surfaces
2Area of stationary object
If air bladders are used to pressurize cleaning pads, then cleaning coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional subsystems
Solution Approach 1:
The air-flow subsystem serves multiple functions: it pressurizes air for inflating air bladders, controls the timing and sequence of bladder inflation, and enables simultaneous cleaning of multiple teeth surfaces. This multi-functional design expands cleaning coverage while avoiding the need for separate mechanical actuators for each cleaning element
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls cleaning by changing the pressure parameter of air delivered to different air bladders over time. By dynamically adjusting air pressure and timing, the system achieves comprehensive teeth surface coverage without requiring complex mechanical positioning mechanisms for each cleaning pad
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple cleaning pads are positioned to reach all teeth surfaces, then cleaning comprehensiveness is improved, but the difficulty of positioning and controlling each pad increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning and control mechanisms with a pneumatic system. Air pressure delivered through controlled air-flow pathways automatically positions and actuates the cleaning pads attached to air bladders. This substitution achieves precise positioning and coordination of multiple cleaning elements without complex mechanical linkages or actuators
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 enhances the efficiency of plaque and tartar removal from all teeth surfaces by utilizing pressurized air to move teeth cleaning pads into position, providing a more comprehensive cleaning experience compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
pressurize the air bladders with external air in a pressurization mode
Implementation Method 2
transfer air back-and-forth between select ones of the air bladders in a cleaning mode
Data Source
AI summary
A teeth cleaning device including: a first support structure comprising a first dentature channel configured to receive upper teeth; a second support structure comprising a second dentature channel configured to receive lower teeth; a first set of teeth cleaning pads located within the first dentature channel and a second set of teeth cleaning pads located within the second dentature channel; a first set of air bladders operably coupled to the first set of teeth cleaning pads and a second set of air bladders operably coupled to the second set of teeth cleaning pads; and a control unit operably coupled to an air-flow subsystem which is coupled to the bladders, the control unit configured to: (1) operate the air-flow subsystem to produce a first cleaning motion; (2) operate the air-flow subsystem to produce a second cleaning motion; and (3) operate the air-flow subsystem to produce a third cleaning motion.