Triangular Bristled Toothpick with Segmented Apex for Gingival Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental tools, such as toothpicks and floss, are ineffective in cleaning interdental spaces due to irritation of the gingiva and inadequate cleaning capabilities, leading to plaque buildup and related issues like bad breath and infection.
Innovation Solution
A toothpick with a tapered triangular tip featuring serpentine bristle arrays on two sides, where the end and apex are bristle-free, allowing for effective sweeping of food particles without irritating the gingiva, and a detachable case for easy handling and sanitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bristles are added to a toothpick to improve cleaning capability, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but gingival irritation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The toothpick tip is segmented into distinct functional zones: a bristle-free apex for gingival contact and bristle-covered lateral surfaces for cleaning. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function without causing harm - the bristle-free apex prevents gingival irritation while the bristled sides provide effective plaque removal
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the toothpick tip are given different properties: the apex is kept smooth and bristle-free for gentle gingival interaction, while the lateral surfaces are equipped with bristles for aggressive cleaning action. This local differentiation of properties allows simultaneous achievement of gentle tissue interaction and effective cleaning
2Area of stationary object
If bristles radiate outwardly in all directions to maximize cleaning coverage, then cleaning area is improved, but gingival contact and irritation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The bristle arrangement is asymmetric rather than radially symmetric. Bristles are positioned only on the lateral surfaces of the toothpick tip, while the apex remains completely bristle-free. This asymmetric configuration ensures that cleaning bristles contact the tooth surfaces while the bristle-free apex contacts the gingiva, preventing irritation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a coating is applied to bristles to reduce gingival irritation, then gingival protection is improved, but cleaning effectiveness worsens due to lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
The solution extracts the protective function from the cleaning function by completely removing bristles from the apex region that contacts the gingiva. Instead of coating bristles to protect the gingiva, the invention uses a bristle-free apex, eliminating the conflict between protection and cleaning effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
A toothpick assembly including a toothpick and case within which the toothpick is detachably engaged. The toothpick includes a tapered tip which is generally triangular in cross-section having opposed sides connected by a generally flat bottom and an apex. A bristle array is provided on each side and the bottom and apex are free of bristles. The bristle array is configured as a sinuous or serpentine wave. Bristles in each array are smallest closest to an end of the tip and progressively increase in size as you move away therefrom. The toothpick is movable within the case's bore between a fully retracted, a partially extended and a fully extended position. A locking mechanism selectively locks the toothpick in any of these positions. When the toothpick is to be changed, the locking mechanism is disengaged and the toothpick is slid out of the bore and is replaced with a new toothpick.