Disposable Wedge Floss with Guide Groove
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flossing devices are inflexible, inconvenient to use and dispose of, and often require storage in a sanitary environment due to their reusable and rigid construction, limiting their ability to clean all tooth surfaces effectively and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A disposable, wedge-shaped flossing device with a flexible body made from materials like plastic film or paper, featuring a guide groove for easy insertion between teeth and textured adhesive surfaces for effective cleaning, allowing for manipulation with one hand and efficient removal of waste matter from all tooth surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flossing thread is used, then cleaning between teeth is achieved, but the thread is easily broken requiring unwinding additional thread leading to waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable flossing device made from inexpensive materials such as plastic film or paper. The device is designed to be used once and then discarded, eliminating the problems of thread breaking and waste associated with reusable floss. Each disposable unit contains a pre-formed wedge shape with cleaning surfaces, ensuring consistent performance without degradation from repeated use.
Solution Approach 2:
The flossing device utilizes flexible thin film materials to create a wedge-shaped structure that can bend and conform to tooth surfaces. This flexibility allows the device to navigate between tight tooth gaps while maintaining structural integrity during use, preventing the breaking issues encountered with traditional rigid or thread-based floss.
2Reliability
If reusable rigid flossing devices are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but convenience and ease of disposal deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from reusable rigid devices to disposable versions, maintaining cleaning effectiveness through properly designed wedge shapes and cleaning surfaces while dramatically improving convenience. Users can carry multiple disposable units without concern for sanitation or storage, and disposal becomes simple by throwing away used units after a single use.
Solution Approach 2:
The flossing device is segmented into distinct functional zones including a wedge-shaped insertion point for navigating between teeth, textured cleaning surfaces for removing debris, and a handle portion for manipulation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while the entire device remains compact and disposable.
3Reliability
If reusable flossing devices require sanitary storage, then hygiene is maintained, but portability and convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable nature of the device eliminates the need for sanitary storage environments. Each unit is sealed in individual packaging that maintains hygiene until use, and after use the device is discarded rather than stored. This approach allows users to carry multiple units in any condition without concern for cross-contamination or bacterial growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The flossing device is pre-packaged in sterile or clean conditions before use. The wedge shape and cleaning surfaces are prepared in advance within the packaging, eliminating the need for pre-use preparation or post-use cleaning. Users simply open the package and use the device immediately, with no storage or maintenance required afterward.
4Strength
If rigid plastic flossing devices are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but flexibility for inserting between teeth and cleaning all surfaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible thin film materials to construct the entire flossing device, including the wedge-shaped portion and handle. This flexibility allows the device to bend and contour to the curved surfaces of teeth, enabling effective cleaning of both front and back surfaces as well as interproximal areas. The material maintains sufficient strength during use while conforming to complex tooth geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The flossing device utilizes composite material structures combining different properties of flexible materials. The wedge portion may use materials with varying degrees of flexibility and friction characteristics to optimize insertion and cleaning performance. The combination of materials provides both the needed flexibility for adaptation and sufficient structural integrity for effective debris removal.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention presented is a wedge-shaped flossing device the body of which includes a tapered top edge extending between the first end and the second end and a bottom edge extending perpendicularly from said first end to said second end. A cleaning point is formed by the second end and a lead point extends below the bottom edge. The bottom edge of the device may incorporate a guide groove. The device can be disposable and may be coated with appropriate dental coatings.