Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a dental flossing device that is capable of flossing teeth of a user in an automatic manner by determining gap in between teeth of the user for effective removing of food and plague and adjusting tension of a flossing string in order to make maximum contact with the surface of the teeth.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Dental flossing is a critical component of oral hygiene, indispensable for maintaining optimal dental health. While brushing cleans the surfaces of teeth and gums, flossing targets the areas between teeth and along the gumline where toothbrush bristles cannot reach effectively. These interdental spaces are prone to plaque buildup, which, if left unchecked, leads to gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Flossing daily helps remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria from these hard-to-reach areas, thus preventing dental decay and gum inflammation. It complements regular brushing and professional dental cleanings, contributing significantly to overall oral health and hygiene.

[0003] The primary equipment for dental flossing includes traditional dental floss, floss picks, and water flossers (also known as oral irrigators). Traditional dental floss, made from nylon or Teflon, is affordable and effective for removing plaque and food and plague between teeth. However, it requires manual dexterity and may be challenging for individuals with limited hand mobility. Floss picks are convenient alternatives with a handle and pre-threaded floss, making them easier to use but generating more plastic waste. Water flossers use a pulsating stream of water to clean between teeth and along the gumline, offering gentle stimulation and effective plaque removal. Their drawbacks include higher initial cost, the need for electricity or batteries, and the necessity of refilling the water reservoir. Despite these considerations, all these tools are vital for maintaining oral hygiene by preventing gum disease, cavities, and promoting fresh breath when used regularly in conjunction with brushing.

[0004] US5062437A discloses a cap for frictional retention on an existing dental flossing tool to enhance protection of the dental flossing material when the tool is not in use and which can be removed, when desired, and which includes means for retaining one end of a strand of dental flossing material to enable the cap to function as an auxiliary handle for cooperation with the dental flossing tool to permit the flossing operation to be performed without having the user's hands contacting the flossing material. Although US’437 relates to a dental flossing tool, however, the cited art has limitation in adjusting tension of flossing tool in order to completely remove food and plague from user’s teeth.

[0005] US5183065A discloses an improved dental flossing tool comprising a single flossing rod or tool is provided, containing a supply of dental floss therein and from which a strand of floss extends, and two hands are used, one to grip the flossing rod or tool, and the other to hold the free end of the floss strand at the proper angle and with the proper tension, with the second hand holding the free end of the floss strand. The floss tool of the present invention is preferably hollow, with a supply of dental floss mounted therein, and has a hollow, narrow tip through which the floss strand is routed internally to project from the end of the tip for use. A locking device is provided for selectively blocking the feeding of the floss strand in lengths which may be varied as desired and a restricting device is provided for restricting movement of the floss strand and for preventing moisture from entering the interior of the tool. Though US’065 relates to a dental flossing tool, however, the cited art has limitation in detecting blood in gums of the user, in order to regulate flossing for preventing injury to the user.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed in order to floss teeth, however the devices mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to detecting blood in gums of the user while flossing, accordingly regulates flossing for preventing injury to the user.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of dental flossing in accordance to user requirement and further capable of detecting blood in gums of the user while flossing, accordingly regulates flossing in view of preventing injury to the user.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of flossing teeth of a user in an automatic manner by determining gap in between teeth of the user for effective removing of food and plague .

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of adjusting tension of a flossing string in order to make maximum contact with the surface of the teeth.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting blood in gums of the user, accordingly regulates tension of the string for preventing injury to the user.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a dental flossing device that is capable of removing food and plague from teeth of a user by flossing in a self-sufficient manner by determining gap in between teeth of the user such that capable of being adjusting tension of a flossing string in order to make maximum contact with the surface of the teeth.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a dental flossing device comprises of a cylindrical rod provided with a cushioned padding for enabling a comfortable grip for a user, a microphone linked with the microcontroller provided on the rod for receiving an audio command from the user regarding adjusting tension of the string, a U-shaped member mounted at an end of the rod by means of a linear actuator attached to a ball and socket joint installed on the end of the member, for an articulation of the member with respect to the rod, a Teflon string attached at an end of the member by means of a pair of electromagnetic springs, for inserting the string between teeth for removal of food and plague .

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit, installed on the rod and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of the rod to determine gap between teeth to trigger a microcontroller to actuate the electromagnetic springs to expand to retract to adjust tension of the string for insertion into the gap, a tension sensor disposed in the member detects tension of the string to enable the microcontroller to actuate the springs to maintain tension of the string as per requirement, a vibration unit provided in the rod vibrates the rod to provide haptic feedback regarding change in tension of the string, the imaging unit detects a blood in gums of user to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the springs to extend a release tension of the string to prevent further injury, and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a dental flossing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a dental flossing device that is capable of removing food and plague from a user’s teeth by providing flossing through a flossing string in order to make maximum contact with the surface of the teeth. In addition, the device is capable of detecting blood in gums of the user, accordingly regulates tension of the string for preventing injury to the user.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a dental flossing device is illustrated, comprises of a cylindrical rod 101 having a U-shaped member 102 mounted at an end of the rod 101 by means of a linear actuator 103 attached to a ball and socket joint 104 installed on the end of the member 102, a Teflon string 105 attached at an end of the member 102 by means of a pair of electromagnetic springs 106, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 installed on the rod 101, and a microphone 108 provided on the rod 101.

[0023] The proposed device includes a rod 101 preferably in cylindrical shape incorporating various components associated with the device, developed to be configured with a cushioned padding which enables a user to acquire a comfortable grip. The rod 101 is made up of any material selected from but not limited to metal or plastic that ensures rigidity of the rod 101 for longevity of the device.

[0024] The user is required to access and presses a switch button arranged on the rod 101 to activate the device for associated processes of the device. The switch button when pressed by the user, opens up an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow for powering an associated microcontroller of the device for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation.

[0025] The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform.

[0026] After the activation of the device, the user is enabled to provide voice command via a microphone 108 mounted on the rod 101 regarding flossing of teeth. The microphone 108 turns the sound energy emitted by the user into electrical energy. The sound waves created by the user carry energy towards the microphone 108. Inside the microphone 108, a diaphragm, made of plastic, is present and moves back and forth when the sound wave hits the diaphragm. The coil attached to the diaphragm also moves in same way. The magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet cuts through the coil. As the coil moves, the electric current flows. The electric current from coil flows to an amplifier which convert the sound into electrical signal. The microcontroller linked to the microphone 108 recognize the voice and perform the operations according to the command given by the user regarding flossing of teeth.

[0027] Upon receiving of the user input, the microcontroller generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 integrated on the rod 101 for capturing multiple images of the user’s teeth profile in order to determine gap between teeth for flossing the teeth. The imaging unit 107 incorporates a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol. The artificial intelligence protocol operates by following a set of predefined instructions to process data and perform tasks autonomously. Initially, data is collected and input into a database, which then employs protocol to analyze and interpret the captured images. The processor of the imaging unit 107 via the artificial intelligence protocol processes the captured images and sent the signal to the microcontroller.

[0028] The rod 101 incorporates a U-shaped member 102 which is integrated on the end of the rod 101 by means of a linear actuator 103 for an articulation of the member 102 with respect to the rod 101. The linear actuator 103 provides extension/retraction of the member 102 as per requirement. The linear actuator 103 converts the rotatory motion provided by a DC (direct current) motor into a linear motion, and allows the movement of the member 102 in a straight line and moving it in a repetitive motion with accuracy as commanded by the microcontroller. The linear actuator 103 and the member 102 are configured with a ball and socket joint 104 which provides multi-directional movement to the member 102.

[0029] The ends of the member 102 are configured with a pair of electromagnetic springs 106 which engages a Teflon string 105 with the member 102. The electromagnetic spring consists of electromagnetic coil where upon the passing of current the coil generates a magnetic field and the coil is magnetized that generates a magnetic force. The magnetic force creates electromagnetic attraction leading to expanding and compressing of spring that provides insertion of the string 105 in between the teeth of the user for removal of food and plague, thereby flossing the teeth.

[0030] In case the user via the microphone 108 provide instruction for adjusting tension of the string 105 for effective flossing, the microcontroller regulates the energizing of the electromagnetic springs 106, thereby the string 105 adjusts n accordance to the determined gap of the teeth.

[0031] During flossing, the microcontroller actuates a vibration unit which is integrated in the rod 101 such that provides haptic feedback regarding change in tension of the string 105 as per requirement for effective flossing of the teeth. The vibration unit subjects the rod 101 to the action of moving or causing to move back and forth or from side to side very quickly leading to controlled and reproducible mechanical vibration, which helps in flossing of the teeth by enabling maximum contact of the string 105 with the teeth.

[0032] The member 102 is equipped with a tension sensor which detects tension of the string 105. The tension sensor measures the force applied to the string 105 by converting mechanical tension into an electrical signal. The tension sensor utilizes strain gauges that deform under applied tension, altering their electrical resistance. This change is proportional to the applied force, allowing precise measurement. In accordance to the detected tension in the string 105, the microcontroller regulates the energizing of the springs 106 to maintain tension of the string 105 as per requirement.

[0033] In case during flossing, the imaging unit 107 detects a blood in gums of user, the microcontroller re-energizes the springs 106 such that extends in order to release tension of the string 105 in view of preventing further injury to the gums.

[0034] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0035] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the proposed invention includes where the rod 101 as disclosed in the invention is gripped by the user, then the microphone 108 enables the user for input regarding adjusting tension of the string 105. Then, the pair of electromagnetic springs 106 inserts the string 105 between teeth for removal of food and plague. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 determine gap between teeth accordingly the microcontroller actuate the electromagnetic springs 106 to expand to retract to adjust tension of the string 105 for insertion into the gap. The tension sensor detects tension of the string 105 to enable the microcontroller to actuate the springs 106 to maintain tension of the string 105 as per requirement. The vibration unit provide haptic feedback regarding change in tension of the string 105. In case the imaging unit 107 detects the blood in gums of user, the microcontroller accordingly actuates the springs 106 to extend the release tension of the string 105 to prevent further injury.

[0036] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A dental flossing device, comprising:

i) a cylindrical rod 101 provided with a cushioned padding for enabling a comfortable grip for a user;
ii) a U-shaped member 102 mounted at an end of said rod 101 by means of a linear actuator 103 attached to a ball and socket joint 104 installed on said end of said member 102, for an articulation of said member 102 with respect to said rod 101;
iii) a Teflon string 105 attached at an end of said member 102 by means of a pair of electromagnetic springs 106, for inserting said string 105 between teeth for removal of food and plague;
iv) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107, installed on said rod 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said rod 101, to determine gap between teeth to trigger a microcontroller to actuate said electromagnetic springs 106 to expand to retract to adjust tension of said string 105 for insertion into said gap; and
v) a tension sensor disposed in said member 102 detects tension of said string 105 to enable said microcontroller to actuate said springs 106 to maintain tension of said string 105 as per requirement.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 108, linked with said microcontroller, provided on said rod 101 for receiving an audio command from said user regarding adjusting tension of said string 105 to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said imaging unit 107 to determine gap between teeth to actuate said electromagnetic springs 106 to expand to retract to adjust tension of said string 105 for insertion into said gap.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a vibration unit provided in said rod 101 vibrates said rod 101 to provide haptic feedback regarding change in tension of said string 105.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said imaging unit 107 detects a blood in gums of user to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said springs 106 to extend a release tension of said string 105 to prevent further injury.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.