Electric Toothbrush with Direction-Sensing Vibration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric toothbrushes lack the ability to provide feedback on toothbrushing time and uniformity, leading to inadequate plaque removal and increased risk of gum diseases due to uneven brushing patterns and vibration intensity adjustments.

Innovation Solution

An electric toothbrush with a bristle-vibrating unit, bristle direction-sensing unit, and control unit that automatically adjusts vibration intensity based on the detected direction of toothbrush bristles, providing feedback on toothbrushing time and ensuring proper brushing of all teeth surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the electric toothbrush vibrates at high frequency (more than 20,000 times per minute) to efficiently remove plaque, then plaque removal efficiency is improved, but harmful side effects occur such as gum recession and tooth abrasions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplaque removal efficiencyVSAvoidgum recession and tooth abrasions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The toothbrush dynamically adjusts vibration frequency based on the brushing surface being cleaned. The control unit receives signals from the sensing unit about which surface is being brushed and automatically changes the vibration frequency accordingly - using high frequency (20,000-30,000 times/min) for occlusal surfaces where plaque removal is priority, and low frequency (1,000-5,000 times/min) for buccal and lingual surfaces to prevent gum damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different vibration frequencies are applied to different surfaces of the teeth based on their specific cleaning requirements. The occlusal surface receives high-intensity vibration for effective plaque removal, while the buccal and lingual surfaces receive low-intensity vibration to avoid harmful effects on gum tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the vibration intensity is controlled according to each portion of teeth, then uniform and efficient brushing is achieved, but toothbrushing must be stopped to adjust vibration intensity which reduces convenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrushing uniformity and efficiencyVSAvoidconvenience of continuous brushing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The toothbrush system performs self-adjustment of vibration intensity based on automatic detection of the brushing surface. The sensing unit continuously monitors which surface is being brushed and the control unit automatically adjusts the motor speed without requiring user intervention. This eliminates the need for the user to stop brushing and manually adjust settings, maintaining both brushing quality and convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing unit provides real-time feedback about the brushing surface to the control unit, which then adjusts the vibration frequency accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the appropriate vibration intensity is applied to each surface without requiring user awareness or manual adjustment, allowing continuous uninterrupted brushing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If the electric toothbrush provides automatic vibration intensity control based on detected surfaces, then the system complexity increases with additional sensing and control units, but this enables automated adjustment without user intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic vibration intensity adjustmentVSAvoidsystem structure with sensing and control units

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated sensing and control system. The sensing unit detects the brushing surface and the control unit automatically adjusts the motor speed, substituting the need for manual user intervention with an automated electronic control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution ensures uniform brushing, reduces the risk of gum diseases by providing real-time feedback and adjusting vibration intensity, motivating users to maintain proper brushing habits and preventing gum recession and tooth abrasions.

Implementation Method 1

a bristle-vibrating unit configured to vibrate toothbrush bristles to clean a surface of teeth in contact with the toothbrush bristles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a bristle direction-sensing unit configured to detect a direction to which the toothbrush bristles are directed in an oral cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensing:

Data Source

PatentUS8272091B2Electric toothbrush and method for controlling thereof

Publication Date: 2012.09.25 OMRON HEALTHCARE CO LTD

AI summary

An electric toothbrush is disclosed. The electric toothbrush according to some example embodiments includes a bristle-vibrating unit that vibrates toothbrush bristles to clean a side of teeth in contact with the toothbrush bristles, a bristle direction-sensing unit detecting a direction to which the toothbrush bristles are directed in an oral cavity and a control unit automatically controlling the bristle-vibrating unit in response to the detected direction such that the vibration intensity of the toothbrush bristles when an occlusal side is brushed is weaker than the vibration intensity when a buccal side or a lingual side is brushed.