Patent ID: 8813330
Filing Date: 2014-08-26
Classification: A61C,B26B,F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for tuning a leaf spring assembly used in a resonant driving system for a power toothbrush appliance having a workpiece and a driving frequency, the method being a part of a manufacturing process for the toothbrush appliance, comprising the steps of: determining the resonant frequency of the leaf spring assembly, following manufacture of the leaf spring assembly, with the workpiece moving at a fixed amplitude, as part of a manufacturing process of the power toothbrush appliance, wherein the leaf spring assembly has a configuration and wherein the determined resonant frequency is either above or below the driving frequency of the toothbrush appliance; changing the configuration of the leaf spring assembly, in order to shift an operating point of the leaf spring assembly on its operating characteristic curve, such that the resulting resonant frequency of the leaf spring assembly is closer to the driving frequency of the toothbrush appliance than previously, if the determined resonant frequency is not within a pre-selected tolerance relative to the driving frequency; determining again the resonant frequency of the leaf spring assembly, with the workpiece moving at said fixed amplitude to determine whether the resulting resonant frequency is within the pre-selected tolerance; and repeating the steps of changing and determining again until the resonant frequency of the leaf spring assembly is within the pre-selected tolerance.