Teeth Cleaning Device Using 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
1Area of stationary object
If traditional whole mouth toothbrushes are used to clean all teeth surfaces simultaneously, then the coverage area is improved, but the cleaning efficiency and plaque removal effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the mouth into multiple segments using separate dentature channels for upper and lower teeth, with multiple air bladders positioned at different locations. Each air bladder can be independently pressurized to clean specific tooth surfaces, allowing simultaneous coverage of all teeth while maintaining effective cleaning action through segmented operation.
2Reliability
If the Bass Method motion is replicated in whole mouth toothbrushes, then the cleaning technique is improved, but the mechanical complexity and device design difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses pneumatic pressure through air bladders to achieve the desired cleaning motion and pressure application. By controlling air pressure to specific bladders, the system replicates the Bass Method's angular motion and pressure application without complex mechanical linkages, motors, or actuators, thereby maintaining effectiveness while reducing mechanical complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple air bladders are used to clean different tooth surfaces, then the cleaning coverage is improved, but the device complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air bladders are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide structural support for the cleaning pads, deliver cleaning pressure, and enable differentiation of cleaning zones. The control system uses a unified approach to manage all bladders through single or combined activation patterns, reducing control complexity despite having multiple bladders for comprehensive teeth coverage.
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 in different directions, improving upon the limitations of traditional whole mouth toothbrushes.
Implementation Method 1
a control unit operably coupled to the air-flow subsystem, the control unit configured to: (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
In one embodiment, the invention may be a teeth cleaning device including: a first support structure having a first dentature channel configured to receive at least a first portion of a dentature of a user, the first dentature channel defined at least in part by a first channel floor, a first facial wall, and a first glossal wall; a plurality of teeth cleaning pads, the teeth cleaning pads including: a first facial teeth cleaning pad coupled to the first facial wall; and a first glossal teeth cleaning pad coupled to the first glossal wall so as to oppose the first facial teeth cleaning pad, the first facial teeth cleaning pad and the first glossal teeth cleaning pad being oriented such that an acute angle is formed therebetween; a plurality of air bladders operably coupled to the teeth cleaning pads; and an air-flow subsystem operably coupled to the air bladders.