Toothbrush Bristle Layout With Concave and Convex Cleaning Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toothbrush designs lack an optimal arrangement of cleaning elements that enhance cleaning efficiency and effectiveness on tooth surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An oral care implement with a head featuring a first group of tooth cleaning elements forming a concave cleaning surface, a second group forming a convex cleaning surface, and a third group extending transversely and inclined across the head, dividing the first group into subgroups, creating distinct cleaning profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning methods are used, then device complexity is low, but cleaning effectiveness is insufficient for orthodontic appliances
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is nested within the orthodontic appliance itself, with the cleaning element integrated into the retainer structure. This allows the cleaning function to be embedded within the existing appliance without adding separate external cleaning devices, thereby improving cleaning effectiveness while minimizing additional device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device enables the orthodontic appliance to clean itself through automated ultrasonic vibration and fluid circulation systems integrated into the retainer. This self-cleaning capability eliminates the need for manual cleaning by the user while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
2Reliability
If traditional cleaning methods are used, then ease of operation is high, but hygiene maintenance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs cleaning functions through integrated ultrasonic vibration and fluid delivery mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex manual cleaning procedures by the user while ensuring consistent hygiene maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical cleaning actions are replaced with automated ultrasonic vibration and fluid circulation systems, providing superior hygiene maintenance without requiring the user to perform complex manual operations.
3Reliability
If cleaning elements are integrated into the appliance, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element is nested within the orthodontic appliance structure, with the cleaning tip positioned within the retainer body. This integration allows the cleaning function to be incorporated into the existing appliance without adding significant external components, thereby improving cleaning effectiveness while minimizing increases in device complexity.
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 innovative arrangement of tooth cleaning elements provides enhanced cleaning efficacy by ensuring thorough coverage and improved plaque removal, catering to various tooth surfaces and contours.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning element (220) positioned within the retainer body (202) and configured to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency
Implementation Method 2
a fluid delivery system (210, 212, 214, 216, 218) configured to deliver a fluid to the cleaning element (220) through the retainer body (202)
Data Source
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AI summary
An oral care implement having an arrangement of tooth cleaning elements thereon. The oral care implement may include a head extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end. A plurality of tooth cleaning elements extend from the head and are arranged in groups including a first group of tooth cleaning elements that terminate in distal ends that form a concave cleaning surface and a second group of tooth cleaning elements that terminate in distal ends that form a convex cleaning surface. Furthermore, there may also be a third group of tooth cleaning elements extending transversely across the head and dividing the first group of tooth cleaning elements into first and second subgroups of tooth cleaning elements. The third group of tooth cleaning elements may be inclined relative to a surface of the head from which they extend.