Countertop Water Flosser Ergonomic Button and Stability Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water flossers lack ergonomic design and efficient operation features, such as stable positioning and easy actuation of power buttons, which can lead to instability and difficulty in use.
Innovation Solution
A water flosser design featuring a base with a reservoir, a lid, and an input device that can be actuated downward, including a power button and a light ring, with a motor and pump system that adjusts pressure and flow rate through a dual output shaft and sensing device, enhancing stability and ease of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the power button is positioned on the base surface, then it is easy to access, but the device may slide during use
Solution Approach 1:
The power button is moved from the horizontal base surface to the vertical sidewall of the reservoir, changing the spatial dimension and orientation. This allows the button to be accessed from the side rather than from above, preventing the device from sliding while maintaining ease of operation through vertical actuation
2Ease of operation
If the input device requires lateral pressing, then it can be actuated easily, but the device may slide across the surface
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pressing the button laterally (horizontally), the input device is designed to be actuated by pushing upward (vertically) against gravity. This inversion of the actuation direction eliminates the sliding problem while maintaining intuitive and easy operation through the natural pushing motion
3Strength
If the reservoir has a convex corner, then it provides structural integrity, but input devices cannot be coplanar with the lid
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir sidewall is designed with different geometric properties at different locations: a convex corner at the bottom for structural strength, and a coplanar surface at the top for ergonomic input device integration. This local differentiation allows both structural integrity and ease of operation to be optimized in their respective zones
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 design provides a stable and user-friendly water flossing experience by ensuring the device does not slide during use and allows for precise control of fluid pressure and flow rate, improving oral hygiene effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a light source and a light pipe extending between the light source and the light ring to transmit light from the light source to the light ring
Implementation Method 2
a pump disposed in the base and in fluid communication with the reservoir and a motor disposed in the base
Implementation Method 3
discharging a pressurized pulsating fluid stream into a user's oral cavity
Implementation Method 4
a motor disposed in the base and including a dual output shaft having a first shaft end coupled with the pump
Implementation Method 5
a sensor configured to determine a rotational speed of the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A water flosser is provided that may include a base, a reservoir positioned above the base, a lid, and a handle in fluid communication with the reservoir such as by a hose. The reservoir of the water flosser may include a recess formed in a reservoir wall for receipt of a hose support structure. An input device (e.g., a power button) may be positioned adjacent an upper portion of the water flosser, such as in or adjacent the lid. Actuation of the input device may include application of a force downward toward the base. The water flosser may include a motor having a dual output shaft, with one end of the shaft being associated with a rotary encoder or other sensing device to determine an operational characteristic of the motor. The motor may be driven by a power source such as a rechargeable battery.