Power Toothbrush Drivetrain for Sweeping and Tapping Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power toothbrush devices using only rotary sweeping motion are not optimized for all areas of the mouth, leading to non-optimal performance in interproximal, gumline, incisor, and molar surfaces, and there is a need for improved systems that achieve stain and plaque removal and gum health objectives.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a drivetrain assembly in power toothbrush devices that generates both periodic linear and rotational movements, allowing bristles to move in a controllable sweeping and tapping motion, with amplitudes and frequencies optimized for improved cleaning performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If only rotary sweeping motion is used, then the device structure is simple, but cleaning performance is non-optimal for certain areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static rotary sweeping motion to a dynamic motion pattern that combines sweeping with periodic linear tapping movements. The drivetrain assembly generates variable motion patterns that adapt to different brushing needs, creating optimal cleaning action through controlled periodic displacement in addition to rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the drivetrain assembly that generates periodic linear movement superimposed on the rotary sweeping motion. This creates a tapping effect with specific amplitude and frequency ranges that enhance cleaning performance by periodically impacting plaque and debris, improving removal effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If a single toothbrush design is used, then device complexity is low, but performance varies across different target areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a single toothbrush device that performs multiple cleaning functions through the combined sweeping and tapping motions. The drivetrain assembly enables the brush to effectively clean various target areas including interproximal spaces, gumlines, and tooth surfaces, making one device versatile enough to replace multiple specialized brushes.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic motion pattern generated by the drivetrain assembly allows the single toothbrush design to adapt its cleaning action to different target areas. By controlling the amplitude and frequency of the periodic linear movement, the device can optimize its performance for various口腔 regions without requiring multiple specialized brushes.
3Area of moving object
If sweeping motion amplitude is increased, then surface coverage improves, but gum tissue damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action with controlled amplitude and frequency to achieve effective cleaning while preventing tissue damage. The periodic linear tapping motion operates within specific parameter ranges that provide sufficient mechanical action for plaque removal while avoiding excessive force that could harm gum tissue. The rhythmic nature of the motion allows tissue recovery between impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the amplitude and frequency of the periodic linear movement within optimal ranges. By adjusting these parameters, the device achieves effective cleaning action without exceeding safe thresholds for tissue damage. The drivetrain assembly is designed to maintain these parameters within the specified ranges during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A power toothbrush device (100) including a brush head member (104) having a set of bristles (116); a body portion (102) coupled with the brush head member; and a drivetrain assembly (122). The drivetrain assembly includes an actuator (840) configured to generate periodic linear movement and a drivetrain shaft (124, 824) configured to transmit the generated periodic linear movement to the brush head member. The set of bristles are configured to be driven in a first direction (TM) at an amplitude equal to or greater than 0.25 mm and less than 3 mm and a frequency equal to or greater than 0.25 Hz and less than 520 Hz in the first direction. The drivetrain shaft is further configured to periodically rotate the set of bristles in a second direction (SM) about a central axis of the power toothbrush device.