Patent Description:
Brushing mouthpieces are an alternative to more conventional manual and/or electronic toothbrushes, which provide cleaning for only a small region of the mouth at a time and require the subject to move the brush head to cover all regions of the mouth. In contrast, brushing mouthpieces have the potential to shorten a subject's oral care routine and with less dependence upon subject behavior than conventional toothbrushes. However, providing oral care devices that exhibit effective cleaning functionality despite large variations in jaw / teeth sizes between subjects remains a significant challenge. <CIT> describes a process for oscillating drive of at last one tooth cleaning element on a tooth cleaning device with a drive unit and a movement transmitter acting between the drive unit and the cleaning element. <CIT> describes a chewing-based oral self-cleaning device comprising a pair of tubes placed back to back either directly or separated by a base plate. Each of the tubes includes a channel into which the teeth are inserted and each channel is provided with side drag elements and descaling elements on the base thereof. <CIT> describes an oral cleaning system including a toothbrush body with a first stem having a rigid configuration and a first head with a first plurality of bristles. A second stem is connected to the first stem and extends upwardly and outwardly from a distal portion of the first stem. The second stem includes a second plurality of bristles and is generally opposed and spaced apart from the first head, and has a semi-flexible configuration such that the second head is resiliently movable inwardly or outwardly relative to the first head without bending the first stem. <CIT> describes powered toothbrush systems for providing bristle positioning and bristle contact with tooth surfaces to reduce time and effort for brushing. Some embodiments include flexible fingers and/or bladders to keep bristle tips engaged with the teeth and gums.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a force-controlled clamping mechanism for an oral care device is provided. The force-controlled clamping mechanism can comprise: a first projection having a first set of cleaning elements attached to a sidewall of the first projection; a second projection having a second set of cleaning elements attached to a sidewall of the second projection, wherein the sidewall of the first projection opposes the sidewall of the second projection such that the first set of cleaning elements extend from the sidewall of the first projection towards the sidewall of the second projection and the second set of cleaning elements extend from the sidewall of the second projection towards the sidewall of the first projection; and a spring system connected to the first projection and the second projection, the spring system being configured to enable the sidewall of the first projection and the sidewall of the second projection to move towards and/or away from one another.

In an aspect, the force-controlled clamping mechanism can be configured to receive a foreign object between the sidewall of the first projection and the sidewall of the second projection such that the first and second sets of cleaning elements contact the foreign object.

In an aspect, receiving the foreign object between the first and second projections can cause a displacement of the first and second set of cleaning elements.

In an aspect, the displacement of the first and second set of cleaning elements can create a force on the spring system such that the first and second projections move towards and/or away from one another.

In an aspect, the sidewall of the first projection and the sidewall of the second projection are substantially parallel.

In an aspect, the spring system can be configured to enable the sidewall of the first projection and the sidewall of the second projection to move towards and/or away from one another while the sidewall of the first projection remains substantially parallel with the sidewall of the second projection.

In an aspect, the force-controlled clamping mechanism can have a clamping value (C) of between <NUM>% and <NUM>%, where <MAT>, BL is the length of the first and second set of cleaning elements, w is the distance between the sidewall of the first projection and the sidewall of the second projection, and Tw is the thickness of the foreign object.

In an aspect, the spring system can comprise one or more elastic constant-force mechanisms.

In an aspect, the elastic constant-force mechanisms can also be bistable mechanisms.

In an aspect, the spring system comprises one or more constant-force coil springs.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a force-controlled toothbrushing block is provided. The force-controlled toothbrushing block can comprise: a first projection having a first set of cleaning elements attached to a sidewall of the first projection; a second projection having a second set of cleaning elements attached to a sidewall of the second projection, wherein the sidewall of the first projection opposes the sidewall of the second projection such that the first set of cleaning elements extend from the sidewall of the first projection towards the sidewall of the second projection and the second set of cleaning elements extend from the sidewall of the second projection towards the sidewall of the first projection; a block backing structure; and a spring system connecting the first projection and the second projection to the block backing structure, the spring system being configured to enable the sidewall of the first projection and the sidewall of the second projection to move towards and/or away from one another.

In an aspect, the force-controlled toothbrushing block can be configured to receive one or more teeth between the sidewall of the first projection and the sidewall of the second projection such that the first and second sets of cleaning elements contact the one or more teeth, wherein receiving the one or more teeth causes a displacement of the first and second sets of cleaning elements such that a force is applied to the spring system causing the sidewall of the first projection and the sidewall of the second projection to move towards and/or away from one another, and wherein the sidewall of the first projection and the sidewall of the second projection remain substantially parallel.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an oral care device is provided. The oral care device can comprise: at least one force-controlled toothbrushing block secured to a flexible mouthpiece body, the flexible mouthpiece body being configured to receive at least a region of a subject's set of teeth when the flexible mouthpiece body is inserted into the subject's mouth. In an aspect, each force-controlled toothbrushing block can include: a first projection having a first set of cleaning elements attached to a sidewall of the first projection; a second projection having a second set of cleaning elements attached to a sidewall of the second projection, wherein the sidewall of the first projection opposes the sidewall of the second projection such that the first set of cleaning elements extend from the sidewall of the first projection towards the sidewall of the second projection and the second set of cleaning elements extend from the sidewall of the second projection towards the sidewall of the first projection; a block backing structure; and a spring system connecting the first projection and the second projection to the block backing structure, the spring system being configured to enable the sidewall of the first projection and the sidewall of the second projection to move towards and/or away from one another.

In an aspect, the oral care device can include two or more force-controlled toothbrushing blocks that are secured to the flexible mouthpiece body.

In an aspect, each force-controlled toothbrushing block can be configured to receive one or more teeth between the sidewall of the first projection and the sidewall of the second projection such that the first and second sets of cleaning elements contact the one or more teeth, the one or more teeth being from the region of a subject's set of teeth received by the flexible mouthpiece body. In an aspect, for each force-controlled toothbrushing block: receiving the one or more teeth from the region of a subject's set of teeth causes a displacement of the first and second sets of cleaning elements such that a force is applied to the spring system causing the sidewall of the first projection and the sidewall of the second projection to move towards and/or away from one another, and the sidewall of the first projection and the sidewall of the second projection remain substantially parallel.

These and other aspects of the various embodiments will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the various embodiments.

The present disclosure relates to oral care devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to force-controlled mechanisms used in brushing blocks of an oral care device. In embodiments, the oral care device can include a full mouthpiece, a partial mouthpiece, a multi-surface toothbrush, and the like. As described herein, an oral care device can include one or more brushing blocks attached to a flexible mouthpiece body that can receive a region of the subject's mouth. Each of these brushing blocks provide a set of cleaning elements that contact the region of the subject's mouth and provide mechanical cleaning functionality when the device moves along the subject's teeth. As such, the cleaning elements of each brushing block must reach a sufficient portion of the surface area to be cleaned. However, if the cleaning elements are too close to the surface area to be cleaned, then effective cleaning cannot be obtained. Thus, given the variability in tooth width between different subjects and even within a single subject's mouth, the design of the oral care device and individual brushing blocks remains a significant challenge. According to the present disclosure, the oral care devices and brushing blocks are adapted with a force-controlled mechanism to deliver effective cleaning functionality to a wide range of subjects despite the variability in the dimensions of the subjects' oral features.

Turning to <FIG>, an exemplary embodiment of a force-controlled mechanism <NUM> is illustrated on an XYZ coordinate system according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the force-controlled mechanism <NUM> can include a first projection <NUM> and an opposing second projection <NUM> connected by a spring system <NUM>. Each projection <NUM>, <NUM> can include a sidewall <NUM>, <NUM> respectively, that oppose one another. In embodiments, the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially parallel with one another, as shown in <FIG>.

In an aspect, the projections <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed from a rigid and/or semi-rigid material that resists flexing away from the teeth. Put another way, the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the projections <NUM>, <NUM> are preferably the same distance or substantially the same distance apart in the x-axis along the entire z-axis length of the sidewall <NUM>, <NUM>. In contrast, with reference to <FIG>, the projections <NUM>, <NUM> of a conventional device <NUM> are closer together in the x-axis at the first ends <NUM>, <NUM>, and further apart in the x-axis at the second ends <NUM>, <NUM>.

In embodiments, each projection <NUM>, <NUM> can include one or more sets of cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> attached to and disposed along the sidewall <NUM>, <NUM> of the corresponding projection <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the one or more sets of cleaning elements <NUM> attached to the sidewall <NUM> of the first projection <NUM> may extend toward a sidewall <NUM> of the second projection, while the one or more sets of cleaning elements <NUM> attached to the sidewall <NUM> of the second projection <NUM> may extend toward a sidewall <NUM> of the first projection <NUM>.

In embodiments, the cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> can include, but are not limited to, bristles. In other embodiments, the cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> can comprise silicone pillars, woven textile, and the like. In still further embodiments, the cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> can include a combination of bristles, pillars, textiles, and the like.

Although the sets of cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> are depicted in at least <FIG> as extending perpendicularly from the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the projections <NUM>, <NUM>, it is contemplated that one or more of the sets of cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> do not extend from the corresponding sidewall <NUM>, <NUM> toward the opposition sidewall <NUM>, <NUM> at a <NUM>° angle. Put another way, one or more sets of cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> can extend from a corresponding sidewall <NUM>, <NUM> of a corresponding projection <NUM>, <NUM> towards an opposing sidewall <NUM>, <NUM> of an opposing projection <NUM>, <NUM> at an angle. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the force-controlled mechanism <NUM> has a center line L1 that bisects the first and second projections <NUM>, <NUM>, but has multiple sets of cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> extending from a corresponding sidewall <NUM>, <NUM> toward the opposing projection <NUM>, <NUM> at an angle. In embodiments, the sets of cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> may be angled in different planes and to different degrees.

In an aspect, the region between the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second projections <NUM>, <NUM> can be configured to receive a foreign object such that the different sets of cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> contact the foreign object. In embodiments, the foreign object can be at least a region of a subject's set of teeth <NUM>. More specifically, the foreign object can include one or more of the subject's teeth. In further embodiments, the foreign object can include the subject's gums or a portion thereof.

In embodiments, the sidewall <NUM> and/or the sidewall <NUM> of the first and second projections <NUM>, <NUM> respectively may be flat, as illustrated in <FIG>. In further embodiments, the sidewall <NUM> and/or the sidewall <NUM> may be curved or angled. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the first projection <NUM> includes sidewalls 108A, 108B having cleaning elements <NUM> while the second projection <NUM> includes sidewalls 110A, 110B having cleaning elements <NUM>. In an aspect, regardless of the shape of the projections <NUM>, <NUM>, the faces <NUM>, <NUM> may oriented vertically (i.e., without rotation as shown in <FIG>) and/or maintain their relative orientation when receiving a subject's teeth <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the first and second projections <NUM>, <NUM> of the force-controlled clamping mechanism <NUM> may be connected via a spring system <NUM>. In embodiments, the spring system <NUM> can be configured and/or adapted to enable the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second projections <NUM>, <NUM> to move towards and/or away from one another. In specific embodiments, the spring system <NUM> is further configured and/or adapted to enable the non-rotational movement of the first and second projections <NUM>, <NUM> such that the receiving region of the force-controlled clamping mechanism <NUM> is able to accommodate differently-sized objects (e.g., teeth <NUM>) while maintaining the relative orientation of the first and second sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>. In embodiments, the spring system <NUM> is configured and/or adapted to enable the expansion and contraction of the receiving region of the force-controlled clamping mechanism <NUM> while the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> remain substantially vertical (i.e., without rotating or tilting towards or away from the received object).

Turning to <FIG> and <FIG>, this non-rotational movement of the force-controlled clamping mechanism <NUM> is illustrated according to aspects of the present disclosure. As seen in <FIG>, the force-controlled clamping mechanism <NUM> is incorporated into a force-controlled brushing block <NUM> comprising the force-controlled clamping mechanism <NUM> and a block backing structure <NUM>.

In embodiments, the spring system <NUM> of the force-controlled clamping mechanism <NUM> may connect the first and second projections <NUM>, <NUM> together, for example, at corresponding horizontal portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second projections <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. In an aspect, the force-controlled clamping mechanism <NUM> may then be connected and/or secured to the backing structure <NUM> via one or more sliding connectors <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first and second projections <NUM>, <NUM> may not be connected together via the spring system <NUM>. Rather, each projection <NUM>, <NUM> may be connected to the backing structure <NUM> via the spring system <NUM> (as seen in the embodiments illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and discussed below).

However, in an aspect, the projections <NUM>, <NUM> enable a translational degree of freedom in the width direction (i.e., x-axis) such that the projections <NUM>, <NUM> can move in- and outward with respect to the surface of the received object (e.g., the teeth <NUM>). In some embodiments, translation in other directions and rotation of the projections <NUM>, <NUM> are restricted.

In embodiments, the brushing block <NUM> can include one or more flexible seals to prevent the build-up of dirt, toothpaste residue, and the like within the block <NUM>. In an aspect, there may be a flexible seal <NUM> connected between the projections <NUM>, <NUM> and/or between the projections <NUM>, <NUM> and the backing structure <NUM>. Alternatively, the brushing block <NUM> may not include any flexible seals in one or more areas in order to allow cleaning of the blocks <NUM> by the subject.

In further embodiments, the one or more brushing blocks <NUM> may be incorporated into an oral care device <NUM> by securing the brushing blocks <NUM> to a device body <NUM> configured to receive at least a region of a subject's set of teeth when the oral care device <NUM> is inserted into the subject's mouth. In an aspect, the oral care device <NUM> may include two or more brushing blocks <NUM>. In a further aspect, the device body <NUM> can allow the subject to move the oral care device <NUM> along their upper and/or lower mandibles, thereby receiving additional regions of the subject's set of teeth. Moreover, by moving the oral care device <NUM> within the subject's mouth, the cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> of the brushing blocks <NUM> will provide cleaning functionality to the subject's oral cavity. In embodiments, the oral care device <NUM> can be, for example and without limitation, a full mouthpiece, a partial mouthpiece, and/or a multi-headed brush.

As seen in <FIG>, the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the corresponding projections <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart by at least a first width W1, and as seen in <FIG>, the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the corresponding projections <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart by at least a second width W2. For reference, the widths (e.g., W1, W2, etc.) may be measured in an x-axis direction, as labeled in <FIG> and <FIG>. By calibrating the spring system <NUM>, the x-axis translation of the projections <NUM>, <NUM> can be controlled to accommodate foreign objects (e.g., teeth <NUM>) of varying sizes. Put another way, the force created by the cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> acting on the foreign object (e.g., teeth <NUM>) can be used to control the widths (e.g., W1, W2, etc.) between the first and second projections <NUM>, <NUM>. As a result, effective cleaning functionality may be achieved over a plurality of foreign objects (e.g., teeth <NUM>) of varying sizes.

In embodiments, the displacement of the first and second sets of cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> created as a result of contacting the foreign object <NUM> is referred to herein as the amount of clamping or the clamping value "C". In an aspect, the clamping value (C) may be expressed as a percentage of the projected cleaning element length. In further aspects, the clamping value (C) may be dependent on the width of the block (i.e., the distance between opposing sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>), and/or the thickness of the tooth. In still further aspects, the amount of clamping (C) may be equal on both the exterior and interior sides of the foreign object (e.g., the lingual and buccal sides of the tooth <NUM>).

For example, with reference to <FIG>, the amount of clamping (C) <NUM> may be expressed as a function of the projected cleaning element length ("BL") <NUM>, the width of the block ("w") <NUM>, and the width of the tooth ("Tw") <NUM>. In embodiments, the amount of clamping (C) <NUM> can be determined according to Equation <NUM>: <MAT> where C is the amount of clamping, BL is the length of the first or second set of cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM>, w is the distance between the sidewall <NUM> of the first projection <NUM> and the sidewall <NUM> of the second projection <NUM>, and Tw is the thickness of the foreign object <NUM>.

In embodiments, a target cleaning element length (BL) <NUM> may be determined given a clamping value (C) <NUM>, a tooth width (Tw) <NUM>, and a block width (w) <NUM> according to Equation <NUM>: <MAT> where C is the amount of clamping, BL is the length of the first or second set of cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM>, w is the distance between the sidewall <NUM> of the first projection <NUM> and the sidewall <NUM> of the second projection <NUM>, and Tw is the thickness of the foreign object <NUM>.

In embodiments, a target block width (w) <NUM> may be determined given a clamping value (C) <NUM>, a tooth width (Tw) <NUM>, and a cleaning element length (BL) <NUM> according to Equation <NUM>: <MAT> where C is the amount of clamping, BL is the length of the first or second set of cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM>, w is the distance between the sidewall <NUM> of the first projection <NUM> and the sidewall <NUM> of the second projection <NUM>, and Tw is the thickness of the foreign object <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the cleaning performance for four simulations using different constant clamping values and a simulation using a constant force spring system <NUM>. As shown, the horizontal axis plots the cleaning along the gumline, the vertical axis plots the interdental cleaning, and the size of each bubble corresponding to the resulting average force in the spring. In particular, illustrated is a first bubble plot <NUM> for a fixed-width clamping block at C = <NUM>%, a second bubble plot <NUM> for a fixed-width clamping block at C = <NUM>%, a third bubble plot <NUM> for a fixed-width clamping block at C = <NUM>%, a fourth bubble plot <NUM> for a fixed-width clamping block at C = <NUM>%, and bubble plot <NUM> for a brushing block <NUM> with a constant-force spring system <NUM> (i.e., variable width clamping block <NUM>). As shown, the bubble plot <NUM> was generated using a spring system <NUM> with a constant force of <NUM> N, but other forces are contemplated.

Looking at the bubble plots <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for the fixed-width blocks, it can be seen from <FIG> that these blocks are very sensitive to the amount of clamping and thus the tooth size. For example, comparing bubble plots <NUM>, <NUM>, decreasing the amount of clamping from C = <NUM>% to C = <NUM>% results in a significantly smaller average force (i.e., smaller bubble size) and the area fraction of the gumline that is cleaned increases, but the area fraction of the interdental surfaces that are cleaned decreases significantly.

Similarly, comparing bubble plots <NUM>, <NUM>, decreasing the amount of clamping from C = <NUM>% to C = <NUM>% results in a smaller average force (i.e., smaller bubble size), the area fraction of the gumline that is cleaned increases, and the area fraction of the interdental surfaces that are cleaned decreases.

In contrast, comparing bubble plots <NUM>, <NUM>, and bubble plot <NUM>, decreasing the amount of clamping from C = <NUM>% or C = <NUM>% to C = <NUM>% results in a smaller average force (i.e., smaller bubble size) without an increase in either interdental cleaning or gumline cleaning. That is, while the simulation <NUM> at C = <NUM>% saw a decrease in interdental cleaning but an increase in gumline cleaning, the simulation <NUM> at C = <NUM>% saw a decrease in both interdental and gumline cleaning.

However, when compared with the fixed-width simulations <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the simulation <NUM> with the constant-force spring system <NUM> exhibited the best overall cleaning performance in both the gumline and interdental regions. Further, the average force applied by the block in the simulation <NUM> is smaller than both the simulations <NUM>, <NUM> at C = <NUM>% and C = <NUM>%. In particular, the constant-force spring simulation <NUM> exhibits an interdental cleaning area fraction above <NUM> and a gumline cleaning area fraction about <NUM>.

In embodiments, the force-controlled clamping mechanisms <NUM>, the force-controlled toothbrushing blocks <NUM>, and/or the mouthpieces for toothbrushing <NUM> can provide improved interdental cleaning and/or improved gumline cleaning. In an aspect, the improved interdental cleaning and/or the improved gumline cleaning is provided at lower average applied forces (i.e., without requiring as much force as conventional systems).

In embodiments, the force-controlled clamping mechanisms <NUM>, the force-controlled toothbrushing blocks <NUM>, and/or the mouthpieces for toothbrushing <NUM> can provide an interdental cleaning performance, measured as the area fraction of the interdental space, of at least about <NUM>, including at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, and ranges based on any combination of points thereof.

In embodiments, the force-controlled clamping mechanisms <NUM>, the force-controlled toothbrushing blocks <NUM>, and/or the mouthpieces for toothbrushing <NUM> can provide a gumline cleaning performance, measured as the area fraction of the gumline space, of at least about <NUM>, including at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, and ranges based on any combination of points thereof.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, further aspects of the force-controlled clamping mechanisms <NUM>, the force-controlled toothbrushing blocks <NUM>, and the oral care devices <NUM> are described. In particular, <FIG> illustrates a force-controlled toothbrushing block <NUM> moving from position A to position B along a region <NUM> of a subject's mouth, the region <NUM> including one or more teeth <NUM> that are received by the block <NUM> and/or the oral care device <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>). <FIG> illustrates the elongation of the spring system <NUM> of the block <NUM> as the block <NUM> moves from position A to position B. As shown, the block <NUM> starts widening when the cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> are maximally bent on the widest part of the tooth <NUM> and contracts again after the cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> have passed the tooth <NUM> and are positioned in the next interdental area <NUM>. From <FIG>, it can also be seen that the length of the spring system <NUM> has a variation of about <NUM>, which corresponds to an effective clamping difference of about <NUM>% of the bristle length for this particular simulation. However, the simulation demonstrates that the constant-force spring system <NUM> can effectively change the effective amount of clamping (C) to provide improved cleaning in different areas.

In embodiments, the maximum clamping difference provided by the force-controlled clamping mechanisms <NUM>, the force-controlled toothbrushing blocks <NUM>, and/or the oral care devices <NUM> can be about ±<NUM>%, about ±<NUM>%, about ±<NUM>%, about ±<NUM>%, about ±<NUM>%, about ±<NUM>%, about ±<NUM>%, about ±<NUM>%, about ±<NUM>%, about ±<NUM>% about ±<NUM>%, about ±<NUM>%, about ±<NUM>%, about ±<NUM>%, about ±<NUM>%, about ±<NUM>%, about ±<NUM>%, about ±<NUM>%, and ranges based on any combination of points thereof.

Turning now to <FIG>, further aspects of the spring systems <NUM> used in the force-controlled clamping mechanisms <NUM>, the force-controlled toothbrushing blocks <NUM>, and the oral care devices <NUM> are illustrated and described.

In embodiments, the spring systems <NUM> of the force-controlled clamping mechanisms <NUM>, the force-controlled toothbrushing blocks <NUM>, and the oral care devices <NUM> are configured to provide a constant or nearly-constant force within an operational range. In an aspect, one or more components of the spring system <NUM> may be formed from a polymer composition, a metal, and/or a metal alloy by molding, rapid prototyping, three-dimensional printing, and the like. In embodiments, the spring system <NUM> or a portion thereof may be integrated into or otherwise attached to the backing structure <NUM> of the block <NUM> and/or the device body <NUM>.

In embodiments, the spring system <NUM> can include an elastic constant force mechanism configured to provide a constant or nearly-constant force within an operational range. For example, with reference to <FIG>, a force-controlled toothbrushing block <NUM> having a force-controlled mechanism <NUM> is illustrated. As shown, the force-controlled mechanism <NUM> includes the first and second projections <NUM>, <NUM> and sets of cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> that extend from corresponding sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>. In an aspect, the first and second projections <NUM>, <NUM> may be connected via the spring systems <NUM>. As illustrated, the spring systems <NUM> connect each projection <NUM>, <NUM> independently to the backing structure <NUM> of the block <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, a cross-section taken along line D shown in <FIG> is illustrated. In particular, each spring system <NUM> includes a constant force mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>, which consist of several interconnected curved struts connected to the backing structure <NUM>. As shown, a portion of the backing structure <NUM> is disposed between the projections <NUM>, <NUM> and the spring systems <NUM>. However, in embodiments, the constant force mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> can also be directly connected, attached, or otherwise integrated into the corresponding projection <NUM>, <NUM>.

Each of the constant force mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> can be configured such that they each provide a constant or nearly-constant force within a desirable operational range. In an aspect, the operational range may be defined in terms of displacement of the mechanism <NUM>, <NUM> and/or a component thereof. For example, <FIG> illustrates the displacement (∂) of the constant force mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown, when a force F1 is applied to the constant force mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, the constant force mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> undergo elastic deformation. The x- and y-axes shown in FIG. 12A represent displacement / distance and illustrate how the constant force mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> may deform under the force F1. With reference to <FIG>, illustrated is a generalized plot of the reaction force generated by the constant force mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> as a function of the input displacement. As shown, within an operational range <NUM>, the constant force mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> can be configured to provide a constant and/or nearly-constant force.

In embodiments, the design of the constant force mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured such that the operational range <NUM> is suitable for the toothbrushing blocks <NUM> and the oral care devices <NUM>. In an aspect, the operational range <NUM> for each constant force mechanisms <NUM>, 1204may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, including from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

As such, with reference to <FIG>, a force-controlled toothbrushing block <NUM> comprising a force-controlled mechanism <NUM> may be configured such that the spring systems <NUM> enable a unidirectional (e.g., x-axis direction) translation of the projections <NUM>, <NUM>. More specifically, the spring systems <NUM> of such blocks <NUM> may expand (as shown in <FIG>) or contract (as shown in <FIG>) with a constant / nearly-constant force, such as the force created when the cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM> are displaced by a foreign object (e.g., one or more teeth <NUM>). In an aspect, the non-rotational movement of the projections <NUM>, <NUM> can be achieved without the use of a sliding joint or connection (e.g., connectors <NUM> shown in <FIG>) while the flexible sealing covers <NUM> may or may not be present.

As described herein, the controlled-force mechanism <NUM> (and particularly the spring systems <NUM>) of the present disclosure are generally configured to allow translation of the projections <NUM>, <NUM> in the direction of the x-axis without angular rotation / tilt in the direction of the y-axis or z-axis. However, it should be appreciated that the toothbrushing blocks <NUM> and/or the mouthpieces <NUM> may also enable vertical translation of the projections <NUM>, <NUM>. In particular, the toothbrushing blocks <NUM> and/or the oral care devices <NUM> may allow vertical translation of the projections <NUM>, <NUM> such that the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> maintain their orientation relative to one another. In particular embodiments, for example, the toothbrushing blocks <NUM> of an oral care device <NUM> may include a connector (not shown) connecting the backing structure <NUM> of the blocks <NUM> to the mouthpiece body <NUM>, wherein the connector allows for extension and contraction of the block <NUM> in the direction of the z-axis without enabling the angular rotation or tilt of the projections <NUM>, <NUM> relative to one another.

Turning to <FIG> and <FIG>, another constant-force mechanism <NUM> for use in a spring system <NUM> of a controlled-force block <NUM> is illustrated. According to the present disclosure, the constant-force mechanism <NUM> may be a bistable mechanism comprising one or more inelastic members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> connected together with several interconnected curved struts <NUM>, <NUM>. When a force, such as force F1, is applied to a portion of the constant-force mechanism <NUM>, such as inelastic member <NUM>, the curved struts <NUM>, <NUM> undergo elastic deformation such that the inelastic members <NUM>, <NUM> extend outwards in the direction of the x-axis. In particular, elastic structs <NUM>, <NUM> may be connected (e.g., through inelastic member <NUM>).

In an aspect, the constant-force mechanism <NUM> can protect the toothbrushing block <NUM> and/or the oral care device <NUM> again mechanical shock or sudden overloading. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the constant-force mechanism <NUM> can provide a constant or nearly-constant force <NUM> over a target operational range <NUM>, but if or when the force <NUM> reaches a threshold <NUM> that forces displacement of the spring system <NUM> beyond the target operational range <NUM>, the force <NUM> drops down to zero.

In an aspect, the constant-force mechanism <NUM> may be formed from a polymer composition, a metal, and/or a metal alloy by molding, rapid prototyping, three-dimensional printing, and the like.

In embodiments, the constant-force mechanism <NUM> or a portion thereof may be integrated into or otherwise attached to the backing structure <NUM> of the block <NUM> and/or the mouthpiece body <NUM>. For example, one or more of the inelastic members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be attached to or otherwise form part of the force-controlled clamping mechanism <NUM>, the backing structure <NUM>, and/or device body <NUM>. In particular, one of the inelastic member <NUM> of each mechanism <NUM> may be attached or otherwise integrated into a projection <NUM>, <NUM> while the other inelastic member <NUM> may be attached or otherwise integrated into the backing structure <NUM> and/or device body <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, another constant-force mechanism <NUM> for use in a spring system <NUM> of a controlled-force block <NUM> is illustrated. As shown, the constant-force mechanism <NUM> may be a constant-force coil spring. In embodiments, the constant-force mechanism <NUM> may be disposed on a spool <NUM> that may freely rotate, as shown in <FIG>. In embodiments, the constant-force mechanism <NUM> may be disposed within a cavity <NUM> of a holding member <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In embodiments, the constant-force mechanism <NUM> may be attached to a nonmoving member <NUM> and used to push on the back of a movable member <NUM>.

For example, with reference to <FIG>, a coil spring-type constant force mechanism <NUM> for use in a toothbrushing block <NUM> is illustrated according to aspects of the present disclosure. In particular, the toothbrushing block <NUM> includes a controlled-force mechanism <NUM> comprising a first and second projection <NUM>, <NUM> and a backing structure <NUM> as described above. One or more components of the block <NUM> may be sealed using a sealing connector <NUM> (e.g., to prevent fluids and/or solids from building-up within the block <NUM>). A constant-force mechanism <NUM> may then be disposed between movable members <NUM> and attached to the nonmoving backing structure <NUM>. As such, when a force is generated due to the displacement of the cleaning elements <NUM>, <NUM>, the force will be translated through the moving members <NUM> to the constant-force mechanism <NUM>, thereby allowing a non-rotational movement of the projections <NUM>, <NUM>.

It should also be appreciated that terminology explicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein.

Claim 1:
A force-controlled clamping mechanism (<NUM>) for an oral care device, comprising:
a first projection (<NUM>) having a first set of cleaning elements (<NUM>) attached to a sidewall (<NUM>) of the first projection (<NUM>);
a second projection (<NUM>) having a second set of cleaning elements (<NUM>) attached to a sidewall (<NUM>) of the second projection (<NUM>), wherein the sidewall of the first projection (<NUM>) opposes the sidewall of the second projection (<NUM>) such that the first set of cleaning elements (<NUM>) extend from the sidewall (<NUM>) of the first projection (<NUM>) towards the sidewall (<NUM>) of the second projection (<NUM>) and the second set of cleaning elements (<NUM>) extend from the sidewall (<NUM>) of the second projection (<NUM>) towards the sidewall (<NUM>) of the first projection (<NUM>); and
a spring system (<NUM>) connected to the first projection (<NUM>) and the second projection (<NUM>), the spring system (<NUM>) being configured to enable the sidewall (<NUM>) of the first projection (<NUM>) and the sidewall (<NUM>) of the second projection (<NUM>) to move towards and/or away from one another;
characterised in that the spring system (<NUM>) comprises one or more elastic constant-force mechanisms (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) or one or more constant-force coil springs (<NUM>).