Toothbrush Handle With 3-Axis Force Sensor for Oral Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric toothbrushes lack effective and cost-efficient means to provide precise and non-intrusive real-time feedback on brushing position and force, leading to inadequate oral hygiene due to uneven brushing and potential gum recession or plaque accumulation.
Innovation Solution
The use of a 3-axis force sensor integrated into the toothbrush handle, which is elastically deformable and connected to strain gauges, provides accurate feedback on brushing position and force distribution across the oral cavity, complemented by an accelerometer and gyroscope for enhanced position detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a 3-axis force sensor with strain gauges is integrated into the toothbrush handle, then measurement precision of brushing position and force is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (3-axis force measurement, acceleration detection, gyroscope measurement) into a single integrated sensor assembly mounted on the toothbrush handle. This merging approach improves measurement precision while managing device complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensor system serves multiple functions: detecting brushing position, measuring applied force magnitude, and providing feedback for brushing technique guidance. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive oral hygiene monitoring from a single sensor integration.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors (3-axis force sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope) are used for enhanced position detection, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position detection mechanisms with sensor-based detection systems (accelerometer, gyroscope, force sensor). This substitution achieves high measurement precision while reducing manufacturing complexity compared to traditional mechanical approaches, as the sensors can be integrated into existing toothbrush handle structures.
3Measurement precision
If the receiver body is made elastically deformable with 3-axis deformation capability, then measurement precision of force distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the receiver body from rigid to elastically deformable, enabling it to undergo 3-axis deformation under brushing forces. This parameter change allows the structure itself to serve as the sensing element, improving force distribution measurement precision while the elasticity provides natural compliance without complex mechanical mechanisms.
4Reliability
If real-time feedback on brushing position and force is provided, then brushing quality is improved, but loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensor data from the toothbrush is processed to provide real-time information about brushing position, force magnitude, and technique quality. This feedback loop enables users to adjust their brushing in real-time, improving overall brushing quality while the system processes only essential parameters efficiently.
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
This solution enables users to achieve balanced brushing force and coverage, improving oral hygiene by providing precise feedback on brushing position and force, reducing the risk of gum recession and plaque accumulation while being cost-effective and simple to implement.
Implementation Method 1
the receiver body elastically deformable relative to the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
a 3-axis force sensor, operatively connected to the base portion, configured to obtain 3-axis force sensor data
Implementation Method 3
complemented by an accelerometer and gyroscope for enhanced position detection
Implementation Method 4
complemented by an accelerometer and gyroscope for enhanced position detection
Data Source
AI summary
A toothbrush handle for providing oral cavity position detection during operation includes a handle body having a longitudinal axis, a receiver body elastically deformable relative to the longitudinal axis, and a three-axis force sensor that is operatively connected to the base portion and configured to obtain three-axis force data for oral cavity position detection during operation.