Sensor-Controlled Tooth Cleaning Head for Interdental Fluid Bursts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tooth cleaning devices face issues such as excessive fluid usage, inefficient interdental cleaning, and diminished fluoride action due to continuous fluid delivery, leading to bulkiness and ineffective flossing when brushing too fast.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-based tooth cleaning system with sensors to regulate fluid delivery based on head velocity and position relative to teeth, enabling precise flossing at interdental spaces and providing user feedback for optimal cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If continuous fluid delivery is used, then fluid accumulates in the mouth causing discomfort, but interdental cleaning effectiveness is reduced due to excessive fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The system switches from continuous fluid delivery to periodic/burst fluid delivery controlled by the control circuit. The fluid delivery unit operates in intervals synchronized with brush movement phases, delivering fluid only during specific periods when the brush is stationary or moving slowly, thereby preventing fluid accumulation while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The movement sensor provides real-time feedback about brush head velocity to the control circuit, which adjusts fluid delivery accordingly. When the sensor detects fast movement, the control circuit reduces or stops fluid delivery; when slow movement or stationary position is detected, fluid delivery is activated, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes fluid delivery based on actual usage conditions
2Quantity of substance
If large fluid reservoirs are used, then sufficient fluid is available for cleaning, but the device becomes bulky and tethered
Solution Approach 1:
The burst fluid delivery mode allows the system to use a smaller reservoir because fluid is delivered in concentrated intervals rather than continuously. The control circuit manages fluid dispensing in short bursts that are sufficient for interdental cleaning during each brush pause, reducing the total fluid storage capacity needed while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system delivers fluid in partial amounts during specific phases of brushing rather than continuous full delivery. This partial action approach provides sufficient fluid for the critical interdental cleaning moments without requiring a large reservoir, as fluid is only delivered when and where needed
3Productivity
If the brush is moved too fast, then brushing coverage is improved, but flossing action fails due to jetting at teeth instead of between teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The movement sensor continuously monitors brush head velocity and provides feedback to the control circuit. When the sensor detects that the brush is moving too fast for effective flossing, the control circuit automatically adjusts or stops fluid delivery, preventing the harmful jetting effect while allowing the user to maintain fast brushing motion for coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts fluid delivery parameters based on real-time brush movement conditions. The control circuit modulates fluid delivery speed, pressure, and timing according to the detected brush velocity, creating a dynamic system that adapts to the user's brushing pace to maintain flossing effectiveness across different brushing speeds
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid based tooth cleaning system includes a holdable body configured to be coupled to a head, a fluid delivery unit configured to be coupled to a nozzle within the head for emitting fluid, at least one sensor configured to provide information relating to the head with respect to a user's teeth, wherein the at least one sensor has a movement sensor for determining velocity information relating to a velocity of the head with respect to the user's teeth, and a control unit configured to utilize the velocity information from the movement sensor to enable the fluid delivery unit to emit fluid from the nozzle onto the user's teeth, and stop the fluid delivery unit from emitting fluid from the nozzle when a velocity of the head is greater than a first threshold level and/or is less than a second threshold level.