Vibrating Flossing Device Horizontal Drive Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flossing devices often fail to provide adequate power for effective cleaning of interdental areas, can bind or stall when flexed, and may cause discomfort due to inappropriate vibration axes, leading to inefficiencies and potential user irritation.
Innovation Solution
A vibrating flossing device with a drive mechanism that vibrates along a left-to-right axis with minimal up-and-down and front-to-back movement, utilizing a motor system that includes an eccentric rotating mass or sonic vibration motor to effectively remove plaque and food particles while maintaining floss tension and user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional drive mechanisms (counter-weight motors or sonic vibrational motors) are used to generate oscillations for the flossing device, then the device can provide vibrational motion for cleaning, but they fail to provide adequate power, may bind or stall when the shaft is flexed, or require a much larger motor to create the required oscillations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a small vibration motor to generate mechanical oscillations at the flossing head. The motor creates controlled vibrations that are transmitted through the shaft to the flossing head, enabling effective plaque removal without requiring a large motor. The vibration frequency and amplitude are optimized to provide sufficient cleaning power while maintaining a compact device design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a flexible shaft design that allows dynamic movement and flexing during use. The shaft can bend and flex to reach difficult interdental areas while the vibration motor continues to operate. This dynamic capability prevents binding and stalling that occur in rigid shaft designs, maintaining power transmission even when the shaft is flexed at various angles.
2Power
If conventional counter-weight motors are used, then the device can generate oscillations, but they fail to transfer enough power to the flossing head unit because of their distance to the head unit
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration motor is positioned as close as possible to the flossing head unit, extracting the motor from the handle and placing it directly in the head assembly. This minimizes the distance between the power source and the working end, ensuring maximum power transfer efficiency. The motor is integrated into the head unit structure rather than being located in the handle, eliminating power loss over distance.
3Productivity
If sonic flossers vibrate too powerfully, then they can remove plaque effectively, but they generate an uncomfortable sensation and may result in irritation or injury to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the vibration parameters including frequency, amplitude, and duration to achieve effective plaque removal at comfortable levels. The vibration intensity is controlled within a specific range that provides sufficient mechanical action to disrupt and remove plaque while remaining gentle enough to avoid irritating or injuring the user's gums and soft tissues. Multiple vibration modes or intensity levels may be provided to accommodate different user preferences and oral conditions.
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 device provides more effective plaque removal and comfort during use by ensuring consistent floss tension and controlled vibration, reducing waste and motor activity, and allowing for customizable usage with separate drive and vibration motors.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a motor system that includes an eccentric rotating mass or sonic vibration motor to effectively remove plaque and food particles
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a motor system that includes an eccentric rotating mass or sonic vibration motor to effectively remove plaque and food particles
Data Source
AI summary
The flossing device includes a head unit, a handle, and a neck that is coupled to the head unit at one end and to the handle at an opposite end. The flossing device provides a horizontal vibrational movement for flossing. The handle of the flossing device includes a drive motor and a drive mechanism that transfers drive motor rotation into a horizontal left-right displacement of the head unit to generate the horizontal vibrational movement of the floss. The horizontal vibration provides more efficient and effective flossing. The drive mechanism includes a cam and an eccentric collar that generates horizontal left-right displacement as the cam rotates. The drive mechanism also includes an elongated shaft with a head adapter to secure the neck to the head unit; a sidewall spacer surrounding a portion of the elongated shaft to limit the horizontal left-right displacement; and an eccentric collar that mates with the drive motor to generate the horizontal vibrational movement of the head unit.