Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for dental cleaning or whitening. An example toothbrush including a body and a head comprises an electromagnetic-radiation generation component, a safety component, and a transmission component. The electromagnetic-radiation generation component is configured to generate electromagnetic radiation upon activation, the electromagnetic-radiation generation component being located in a body of the toothbrush. The safety component is configured to activate the electromagnetic-radiation generation component in response to an activation event. The transmission component is configured to transmit the electromagnetic radiation to the head of the toothbrush for dental cleaning or whitening.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/545,012, filed on Oct. 7, 2011, entitled “SAFE-MODE TOOTHBRUSH CONTROLLER,” of which the entire disclosure (including any and all figures) is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This document relates generally to dental care and more particularly to a dental cleaning/whitening apparatus. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Mechanical cleaning of teeth has certain limitations. For example, a toothbrush or dental floss often cannot penetrate into skin tissue or into the deep pockets between teeth and gums to remove bacteria and viral contamination. In addition, toothpaste is usually not very effective in terms of destroying bacteria and viruses. Electromagnetic radiation (e.g., laser) can provide a more effective tool for dental cleaning. For example, a toothbrush with a laser source can direct low power laser on teeth, gums, the deep pockets between teeth and gums, or areas below the gum line to remove bacteria and viruses there, without causing significant pain or inflammation. In addition, electromagnetic radiation (e.g., laser) may be applied on teeth for whitening purposes. For example, a whitening agent may be applied to the teeth, and then low power laser may be directed at the teeth to activate the agent so that the enamels of the teeth can be whitened. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In accordance with the teachings herein, systems and methods are provided for dental cleaning or whitening. An example toothbrush including a body and a head comprises an electromagnetic-radiation generation component, a safety component, and a transmission component. The electromagnetic-radiation generation component is configured to generate electromagnetic radiation upon activation, the electromagnetic-radiation generation component being located in a body of the toothbrush. The safety component is configured to activate the electromagnetic-radiation generation component in response to an activation event. The transmission component is configured to transmit the electromagnetic radiation to the head of the toothbrush for dental cleaning or whitening. 
         [0005]    In one embodiment, a toothbrush including a body and a head comprises an electromagnetic-radiation generation component, a safety component, and a transmission component. The electromagnetic-radiation generation component is configured to generate electromagnetic radiation, the electromagnetic-radiation generation component being located in a body of the toothbrush. The safety component is configured to prevent the electromagnetic radiation from emitting out of the toothbrush until an actuation event occurs. The transmission component is configured to transmit the electromagnetic radiation to a head of the toothbrush for dental cleaning or whitening. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  depicts an example optical toothbrush. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  depicts certain components of the brush head of the optical toothbrush as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  depicts an example optical toothbrush with a safety-pattern detection mechanism. 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  depicts an example optical toothbrush with an attachment detection mechanism. 
           [0010]      FIGS. 5A-5C  depict an example twist lock mechanism for the optical toothbrush as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0011]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict an example optical toothbrush with a switching mechanism. 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  depicts an example optical toothbrush with an optical feedback mechanism. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  depict an example optical toothbrush with a pressure sensing mechanism. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  depict an example optical toothbrush with an optical coupling mechanism. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 10A-10C  depict an example optical toothbrush with another optical coupling mechanism. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 11A-11C  depict an example optical toothbrush with a flap valve and a safety switch. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    In implementing electromagnetic radiation (e.g., laser) in toothbrushes for everyday use, safety measures can be taken to prevent accidental harm to consumers. For example, a child may point a toothbrush with a laser source toward himself or others to cause harm to the eyes. The present disclosure describes multiple approaches for safely using a toothbrush with a radiation source. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  depicts an example optical toothbrush. The optical toothbrush  100  includes a brush body  102  and a brush head  104 . A radiation generation source is contained in the brush body  102  and a light pipe  106  transfers electromagnetic radiation (e.g., laser energy) generated by the radiation generation source to bristles  108  for direct contact transmission or radiation bath. The brush body  102  may include a power supply (e.g., batteries) for the radiation generation source. The brush head  104  may be fixed or movable (e.g., rotatable). The bristles  108  may include optic fibers for guiding electromagnetic radiation (e.g., laser energy). For example, the radiation generation source may include one or more light-emitting diodes, laser diodes, or other suitable radiation generation devices. In another example, the light pipe  106  may be bifurcated to separate blue and red wavelengths. 
         [0019]      FIG. 2  depicts certain components of the brush head  104  of the optical toothbrush  100  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The brush head  104  includes a radial brush hub  114  which can rotate around a central pivot point. A truncated cone  110  is located on the radial brush hub  114 . For example, the truncated cone  110  can produce safe, diffused lights from electromagnetic radiation (e.g., laser energy) transferred through the light pipe  106 . The bristles  108  on the brush head  104  each have an oval end profile  112 . For example, the bristles  108  can be made of soft light-conducting silicon that allows the bristle body to flex. 
         [0020]    To avoid accidental harm to consumers, the optical toothbrush  100  may include different mechanisms, as shown in  FIGS. 3-8B , to prevent the radiation generation source from being activated unless some activation events occur. 
         [0021]      FIG. 3  depicts an example optical toothbrush with a safety-pattern detection mechanism. The radiation generation source contained in the brush body  102  is not activated unless a safety pattern is detected. As shown in  FIG. 3 , one or more buttons  116  may be implemented on the brush body  102 . In one embodiment, the radiation generation source contained in the brush body  102  may not be activated unless the buttons  116  are pushed for multiple times (e.g., three times). In another embodiment, the buttons  116  may be pushed for multiple times in a short period of time in order to activate the radiation generation source. In yet another embodiment, multiple buttons  116  need to be pushed simultaneously to activate the radiation generation source. The safety-pattern detection mechanism may be programmable for customization by consumers (or manufacturers). 
         [0022]      FIG. 4  depicts an example optical toothbrush with an attachment detection mechanism. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the brush body  102  includes a switch  118  for detecting the attachment of the brush head  104  and the brush body  102  in order to activate the radiation generation source. When the brush head  104  and the brush body  102  are separated, the radiation generation source is not activated and no radiation can come out of the brush body  102 . When the brush head  104  is attached to (e.g., inserted into, or twisted on) the brush body  102 , a switch  118  that is located in the brush body  102  is engaged and actuated so that the radiation generation source is activated and the radiation (e.g., laser energy) can begin to be transferred through the light pipe  106 . 
         [0023]      FIGS. 5A-5C  depict an example twist lock mechanism for the optical toothbrush as shown in  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , the brush head  104  includes a key feature  120 , and the brush body  102  includes a key slot  122 . The brush head  104  can be inserted into the brush body  102  through the key slot  122  (e.g., in an inverted position), as shown in  FIG. 5B . Then, the brush head  104  and the brush body  102  are turned in opposite directions respectively (e.g., for 180 degrees) into a locked position, as shown in  FIG. 5C . For example, the switch  118  may not be engaged when the brush head  104  is pushed into the brush body  102 . Only when the brush head  104  is inserted along the key slot  122  and twisted into the proper position, the brush head  104  may come into contact with the switch  118  which may then be actuated to activate the radiation generation source, as shown in  FIG. 5B . In addition, the light pipe  106  may not be aligned with an outlet  149  of the radiation from the radiation generation source until the brush head  104  is twist-locked into the brush body  102 . That is, no radiation can be guided to the bristles  108  unless the brush head  104  is properly attached to the brush body  102 . 
         [0024]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict an example optical toothbrush with a switching mechanism. As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the brush head  104  includes electrical contacts  126  and  128  which can be used to activate the radiation generation source contained in the brush body  102 . The bristles  108  are each bent (e.g., 90 degrees) to receive the electromagnetic radiation (e.g., laser energy) transferred from the light pipe  106  and transmit such radiation downward. The radiation generation source contained in the brush body  102  is not activated when the electrical contacts  126  and  128  are separated as shown in  FIG. 6A . When the bristles  108  are in contact with teeth, the resulting pressure on the bristles  108  forces the electrical contacts  126  and  128  into contact as shown in  FIG. 6B . Then, the radiation generation source contained in the brush body  102  is activated to generate the radiation (e.g., laser energy) to be transferred to the bristles  108 . In one embodiment, the electrical contacts  126  and  128  may be connected directly to the radiation generation source. In another embodiment, a sensor may detect a signal which is generated when the electrical contacts  126  and  128  are forced into contact, and the radiation generation source may then be activated in response to the sensor detecting such a signal. In yet another embodiment, a strain-sensitive pattern may be implemented on the brush head  104 . A strain gauge may be used to detect the electrical conductance changes of the strain sensitive pattern in response to the pressure applied on the bristles  108 . The radiation generation source may be activated if the changes of the electrical conductance of the strain sensitive pattern exceed a predetermined threshold. For example, the bristles  108  can be periodically placed and staggered to increase the pressure reception area. 
         [0025]      FIG. 7  depicts an example optical toothbrush with an optical feedback mechanism. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the toothbrush  100  includes a sensor  136  for detecting optical reflection from tooth enamels in order to activate full-power laser transmission. Initially, the radiation generation source contained in the brush body  102  may generate a sensing signal (e.g., 0.1 mW) which is transmitted out of the toothbrush  100 . The sensor  136  detects the reflection of the sensing signal. If the detected reflection exceed a threshold power (e.g., 0.01 mW) or a threshold wavelength, then the radiation generation source in the brush body  102  may be activated to generate full-power laser emission (e.g., 10-100 mW). The radiation generation source contained in the brush body  102  may periodically (or continuously) generate sensing signals and the sensor  136  can continue to check the reflection of the sensing signals to prevent accidents. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the sensing signal is transmitted out of the bristles  108 , and the sensor  136  detects the reflection through the bristles  108 . If the bristles  108  are close to non-reflective surfaces (e.g., eyes), the detected reflection may have very low power and the radiation generation source will not be activated. On the other hand, if the bristles  108  are close to the teeth  130 , the detected reflection from the tooth enamels may exceed the predetermined threshold, and the radiation generation source may be activated. In another embodiment, the sensing signal is transmitted out of other parts of the brush head  104  instead of the bristles  108 , and the sensor  136  detects the reflection through other parts of the brush head  104 . The optical feedback mechanism may be combined with other safety mechanisms. 
         [0026]    Furthermore, to avoid accidental harm to consumers, the optical toothbrush  100  may include different mechanisms, as shown in  FIGS. 8A-10C , to prevent electromagnetic radiation (e.g., laser energy) generated by the radiation generation source from emitting out of the toothbrush  100  unless some actuation events occur. 
         [0027]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  depict an example optical toothbrush with a pressure sensing mechanism. As shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the brush head  104  includes a beam reflector/refactor  132  for each of the bristles which can reflect/refract the electromagnetic radiation (e.g., laser energy) guided toward the bristles. For example, when a bristle  135  is not in contact with a tooth  130 , a focal point  131  of the reflection/refraction is outside of the bristle  135 . Then most of the radiation reflected by the beam reflector/refractor  132  may not reach the tooth  130  with sufficient intensity for dental cleaning or whitening, as shown in  FIG. 8A . For example, some reflected radiation beams may not even enter into the bristle  135 . The intensity of the radiation beams that do enter into the bristle  135  may be significantly weakened by reflection/refraction against the walls of the bristle  135 . However, when the bristle  108  is pressed against the tooth  130  under sufficient pressure, a focal point  133  of the reflection/refraction is inside the bristle  135 . Most of the radiation (e.g., laser energy) reflected by the beam reflector/refractor  132  may travel through the bristle  108  and fall on the tooth  130  with sufficient intensity for dental cleaning or whitening, as shown in  FIG. 8B . 
         [0028]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  depict an example optical toothbrush with an optical coupling mechanism. As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the brush head  104  includes a focus lens  144  to provide optical focus of the electromagnetic radiation generated from the radiation generation source contained in the brush body  102 . When the brush head  104  and the brush body  102  are separated, the radiation generated by the radiation generation source contained in the brush body  102  is diffused. For example, the radiation generation source may include a laser diode and a diffuser. The laser diode can be used to generate laser radiation which can be diffused by the diffuser, and the diffused radiation may not cause physical harm to users. On the other hand, when the brush head  104  is attached to the brush body  102 , the focus lens  144  contained in the brush head  104  may be aligned well with the outlet  149  of the radiation from the radiation generation source. The diffused radiation may be changed by the focus lens  144  into coherent emission (e.g., laser energy) which can then be transferred through the light pipe  106  to the bristles  108  for dental cleaning or whitening. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 10A-10C  depict an example optical toothbrush with another optical coupling mechanism. As shown in  FIGS. 10A-10C , the light pipe  106  includes a faceted end  148  which can redirect the electromagnetic radiation (e.g., laser energy) generated from the radiation generation source contained in the brush body  102  and a beam barrier  150  which can block and diffuse the radiation. Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 10B , when the brush head  104  and the brush body  102  are separated, the beam barrier  150  blocks and diffuses the radiation generated from the radiation generation source contained in the brush body  102  so that no coherent emission (e.g., laser energy) can go out of the brush body  102 . When the brush head  104  is attached to the brush body  102 , the bottom surface of the faceted end  148  may be aligned with the outlet  149 . The radiation (e.g., laser energy) generated by the radiation generation source may be redirected (e.g., by 90 degrees) by the faceted end  148  and transferred through the light pipe  106  to the bristles  108  as shown in  FIG. 10A . For example, a key feature may be included in the brush head  104  and a key slot may be included in the brush body  102  so that the brush head  104  can be inserted into the brush body  102  securely. 
         [0030]    In addition, the optical toothbrush  100  may include mechanisms, as shown in  FIGS. 11A-11C , to prevent the radiation generation source from being accidentally activated and prevent coherent electromagnetic radiation (e.g., laser energy) from emitting out of the toothbrush  100  unless certain events occur. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 11A-11C  depict an example optical toothbrush with a flap valve and a safety switch. As shown in  FIGS. 11A-11C , the brush body  102  includes a safety switch  162  to prevent accidental activation of the radiation generation source contained in the brush body  102 . In addition, the brush body  102  includes a flap valve  164  to prevent coherent radiation (e.g., laser energy) from emitting out of the brush body  102 . Specifically, the radiation generation source may not be activated unless the safety switch  162  is engaged. Even if the radiation generation source is activated, no coherent radiation (e.g., laser energy) may emit out of the brush body  102  unless the flap valve is opened. As shown in  FIG. 11B , when the brush head  104  and the brush body  102  are separated, the safety switch  162  is not engaged, and thus the radiation generation source is not activated. The flap valve  164  is closed at this time, and serves as an additional protection to block/diffuse any coherent radiation (e.g., laser energy) that may be generated by the radiation generation source. As shown in  FIG. 11C , when the brush head  104  is inserted into the brush body  102 , the brush head  104  pushes open the flap valve  164  so that the radiation can emit out of the brush body  102 . However, if the safety switch  162  is not engaged, the radiation generation source may not be activated. In one embodiment, when the flap valve  164  is opened, it engages the safety switch  162  to activate the radiation generation source, as shown in  FIG. 11C . In another embodiment, the safety switch  162  may automatically be engaged in response to the flap valve  164  being opened, even if the flap valve  164  does not physically touch the safety switch  162 . For example, a sensor may be used to detect the opening of the flap valve  164  and then cause the safety switch  162  being engaged. 
         [0032]    This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, include the best mode, and also to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. 
         [0033]    It should be understood that as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Further, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “each” does not require “each and every” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Finally, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meanings of “and” and “or” include both the conjunctive and disjunctive and may be used interchangeably unless the context expressly dictates otherwise.