Thin Film Toothpaste Strip for Precise Fluoride Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional toothpaste tubes are cumbersome, prone to leakage or drying out, and lack precise fluoride delivery, leading to potential overuse and increased risk of enamel fluorosis, especially in children.

Innovation Solution

Development of rapidly dissolving oral films or strips containing a water-soluble polymer and precise dosages of fluoride, designed for easy application and minimal moisture loss, with optional additives for enhanced cleaning and spitting promotion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional toothpaste tubes are used, then fluoride delivery is provided, but the tubes are heavy, prone to leakage or drying out, and lack precise fluoride delivery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluoride delivery precisionVSAvoidtube structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The toothpaste is segmented into a thin film format that can be precisely measured and applied, replacing the bulky tube structure. This segmentation allows for precise fluoride delivery while eliminating the leakage and drying out issues of conventional tubes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a thin film as the delivery vehicle for toothpaste, replacing the rigid tube structure. This thin film approach provides precise fluoride delivery, is lightweight, and eliminates the problems of leakage and drying out associated with conventional tubes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If fluoride-containing toothpaste is used, then dental caries prevention is achieved, but overuse leads to enamel fluorosis especially in children

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecaries prevention effectivenessVSAvoidenamel fluorosis risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical tube-based application system with a thin film system that allows for precise control of fluoride delivery. This substitution enables accurate dosing that prevents both inadequate caries prevention and excessive fluoride intake leading to fluorosis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the delivery parameters by using thin films with controlled thickness and surface area, allowing precise control of the amount of fluoride delivered. This parameter control ensures adequate caries prevention while preventing overuse and enamel fluorosis in children.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If standard toothpaste tubes are used, then cleaning function is provided, but they are cumbersome and difficult to use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetoothpaste application easeVSAvoidtoothpaste tube weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the heavy tube structure with a lightweight thin film that is easy to handle and apply. This thin film approach eliminates the cumbersome nature of conventional tubes while maintaining the cleaning function through precise fluoride and abrasive delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Provides a convenient, non-adhering, and accurately dosed fluoride delivery system that mitigates overuse risks and facilitates safe fluoride intake, particularly for children, while maintaining effective dental cleaning and fluoridation.

Implementation Method 1

The mono- or multi-layer films contain a water soluble polymer. The films also contain a dentifrice ingredient that is distributed throughout one or more layers of the film.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS10105296B2Thin film toothpaste strip
Publication Date: 2018.10.23 VACCARO RITA

AI summary

The invention relates to rapidly dissolving films and methods of their preparation and administration to a patient. The mono- or multi-layer films contain a water soluble polymer. The films also contain a dentifrice ingredient that is distributed throughout one or more layers of the film.