WO2019102044A1 - Procédé de prototypage rapide d'un champ de soies d'une brosse à dents - Google Patents

Procédé de prototypage rapide d'un champ de soies d'une brosse à dents Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019102044A1
WO2019102044A1 PCT/EP2018/082749 EP2018082749W WO2019102044A1 WO 2019102044 A1 WO2019102044 A1 WO 2019102044A1 EP 2018082749 W EP2018082749 W EP 2018082749W WO 2019102044 A1 WO2019102044 A1 WO 2019102044A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bristle
bristles
length dimension
cross
along
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2018/082749
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Evan Dak Wah DENGLER
Sungsoo Lee
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koninklijke Philips N.V. filed Critical Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Publication of WO2019102044A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019102044A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46D—MANUFACTURE OF BRUSHES
    • A46D1/00—Bristles; Selection of materials for bristles
    • A46D1/02—Bristles details
    • A46D1/0238—Bristles with non-round cross-section
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46D—MANUFACTURE OF BRUSHES
    • A46D1/00—Bristles; Selection of materials for bristles
    • A46D1/02—Bristles details
    • A46D1/0253—Bristles having a shape which is not a straight line, e.g. curved, "S", hook, loop
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46D—MANUFACTURE OF BRUSHES
    • A46D1/00—Bristles; Selection of materials for bristles
    • A46D1/02—Bristles details
    • A46D1/0261—Roughness structure on the bristle surface
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46D—MANUFACTURE OF BRUSHES
    • A46D1/00—Bristles; Selection of materials for bristles
    • A46D1/02—Bristles details
    • A46D1/0276—Bristles having pointed ends
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
    • B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
    • B33Y10/00—Processes of additive manufacturing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
    • B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
    • B33Y80/00—Products made by additive manufacturing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures

Definitions

  • the present embodiments relate generally to rapid prototyping and more particularly, to a method of rapid prototyping a bristle field for a toothbrush.
  • bristles are currently produced via a chemical removal process in which the outer diameter of a plastic bristle is etched away due to exposure to a corrosive or etchant bath. The longer the exposure time, the more material gets removed. Tapered bristles are submerged to a certain depth within the etchant bath, and then slowly extracted from the etchant bath. This results in a sharp conical tip bristle. Such a chemical removal process and method is limited in its ability to form bristles with varying characteristics.
  • bristles are produced via an extrusion process where hot nylon chips are melted and drawn through a spinneret. This results in a bristle with a very consistent diameter along the entire length.
  • an extrusion process is limited in its ability to form bristles with varying characteristics.
  • curved bristles are produced as follows. After being inserted into a brush neck, a heat application is applied to form the bristles into a desired curved shape.
  • textured bristles are produced as follows. After being extruded in a normal bristle production process, the bristle is put through a roller die which compresses the bristle to have periodic bulges in the outer shape, i.e., on an exterior of the bristle along its length.
  • bristles are normally inserted into the brush neck as a tuft, i.e., a group of adjacent bristles.
  • the bristles within a tuft are typically packed together as tightly as possible for a high bristle density.
  • This high bristle density assists in function (i.e., since more bristles means more contact area and thus higher cleaning efficiency), but is mainly done for manufacturability (i.e., a bristle picker doesn’t drop loose strands of bristles) and tuft retention (i.e., any gaps in bristle field mean the retention is looser and less secure).
  • a novel method for rapid prototyping of a brush head advantageously overcomes a main difficult part of rapid prototyping a bristle field, which comprises the very densely packed high aspect ratio shapes in the brush head of a toothbrush.
  • the embodiments of the present disclosure make use of technology that allows for the production of bristles using a conventional Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printer (e.g., an Autodesk Ember Printer. Now that this rapid prototyping technology exists, further innovations become feasible.
  • DLP Digital Light Processing
  • the smallest bristle capable of being produced by this method is 100 micron, which is about a 4 mil diameter bristle, which is about the smallest diameter bristle currently being used in production brush heads.
  • a method of rapid prototyping of a bristle field for a toothbrush comprises: performing, via a 3D printer or additive manufacturing (AM), a positive layer-by-layer deposition of at least one bristle fabrication material onto a brush platen, wherein the positive layer-by-layer deposition include deposition of the at least one bristle fabrication material in desired xyz locations according to a bristle field pattern of bristles to produce a desired bristle field.
  • AM additive manufacturing
  • the bristle field includes two or more mechanisms of bristles selected from the group consisting of (i) tapered and/or end rounded bristles with a decreasing cross-sectional diameter along a length dimension of the respective bristles from a base to a tip of the respective bristles, (ii) bristles having cross-sectional diameters of various dimensions along a length dimension thereof, from a base to a tip of the respective bristles, including a pattern of the cross- sectional diameters that forms at least one of (I) a bending hinge of the respective bristles and (II) bristles with periodic bulges along the length dimension thereof, (iii) bristles having various curvatures along a length dimension thereof, from a base portion to a tip portion of the respective bristles, (iv) bristles of variable diameters in a bristle field, and (v) variable densities of bristles in a bristle field.
  • bristles selected from the group consisting of (i) tapered and
  • the decreasing cross-sectional diameter along the length dimension thereof is implemented via varying a cross-sectional diameter of material deposition between subsequent, immediately adjacent, deposition layers in one of (i) a steady continuous decreasing manner (i.e., rate of decreasing change remains constant), and (ii) an accelerated continuous decreasing manner (i.e., rate of decreasing change is not constant, but increases with subsequent, immediately adjacent deposition layers), of the at least one bristle fabrication material for respective bristles.
  • the dimensions of cross-sectional diameters of the at least one bristle fabrication material for respective bristles are varied along the length dimension thereof via varying a cross-sectional diameter of material deposition between subsequent, immediately adjacent, deposition layers in two or more of (ii)(b)(l) a decreasing manner, (ii)(b)(2) an increasing manner, and (ii)(b)(3) an unchanging manner.
  • the various curvatures along the length dimension thereof are implemented via varying an offset in a location of material deposition between subsequent, immediately adjacent, deposition layers of the at least one bristle fabrication material for respective bristles.
  • the bristle field includes (iv)(a) bristles of smaller cross-sectional diameter along the length dimension thereof positioned on exterior side regions of the bristle field, and (iv)(b) bristles of larger cross-sectional diameter along the length dimension thereof positioned within an interior central region of the bristle field.
  • the bristle field includes (v)(a) a lesser density of bristles positioned on exterior regions of the bristle field, and (v)(b) a greater density of bristles positioned within an interior region of the bristle field.
  • the method comprises the step of wherein the two or more brushing guidance features and/or mechanisms of bristles include bristles having cross- sectional diameters of various dimensions along the length dimension thereof, and wherein the at least one bending hinge is operable to provide a desired bristle motion and resonance of the respective bristle.
  • the method further includes wherein the desired bristle motion and resonance of the respective bristle comprises a plaque removal bristle motion and resonance originating at a base of the respect bristle and being transferred, via the bending hinge, to a tip of the respective bristle.
  • the method comprises the step of wherein the two or more brushing guidance features and/or mechanisms of bristles include bristles having cross-sectional diameters of various dimensions along the length dimension thereof, and wherein the bristles with periodic bulges along the length dimension thereof include surface bumps and textures that comprise vertical depositions of (i) small height, small cross-sectional diameter with zero offset depositions of the at least one bristle fabrication material and (ii) large height, large cross-sectional diameter with overhang offset depositions of the at least one bristle fabrication material.
  • the method comprises wherein the two or more brushing guidance features and/or mechanisms of bristles include bristles having various curvatures along the length dimension thereof, and wherein the offset includes at least one of (a) a horizontal offset, and (b) both a horizontal and a vertical offset.
  • the method comprises wherein the two or more brushing guidance features and/or mechanisms of bristles include bristles having various curvatures along the length dimension thereof, wherein the offset is configured to produce one or more of (a) a bristle having a curve along its length dimension, in response to a first offset that comprises one of a positive or a negative horizontal offset, (b) a bristle having waves along its length dimension, in response to a second offset that comprises an alternating pattern of both positive and negative horizontal offsets, and (c) a bristle having a sharp (e.g., obtuse) angle between a base portion and a tip portion thereof along its length dimension, in response to a third offset comprises a pattern of positive horizontal offsets up to a transition region, followed by a pattern of negative horizontal offsets, or vice versa.
  • the offset is configured to produce one or more of (a) a bristle having a curve along its length dimension, in response to a first offset that comprises one of a positive or a negative horizontal offset,
  • the method comprises wherein the two or more brushing guidance features and/or mechanisms of bristles include bristles having various curvatures along the length dimension thereof, and wherein the sharp (e.g., obtuse) angle between the base portion and the tip portion thereof along its length dimension comprises an angle of 90° or greater.
  • the sharp (e.g., obtuse) angle between the base portion and the tip portion thereof along its length dimension comprises an angle of 90° or greater.
  • the method comprises wherein the two or more brushing guidance features and/or mechanisms of bristles include bristles having various curvatures along the length dimension thereof, and further wherein the offset is on the order of 50% or less than a horizontal or vertical cross-sectional diameter of an immediately prior formed layer that the deposition material of a current layer is being deposited upon for a respective bristle being formed.
  • the method comprises wherein the bristle field further includes (a) two arrays of tall bristles curved along a length dimension thereof, positioned on exterior regions of the bristle field, with curved bristles of a first array on one side edge of the bristle field facing curved bristles of a second array on an opposite side edge of the bristle field, and (b) an array of shorter, straight bristles positioned within an interior region of the bristle field.
  • a toothbrush features a bristle field on a brush head manufactured via the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein.
  • the brush head includes an elongated neck with a principal axis, wherein the bristle field is located at one end of the elongated neck and disposed perpendicular to the principal axis, and wherein the brush head is configured for being physically coupled to at an opposite end of the bristle field to the handle of the toothbrush.
  • the embodiments of the present disclosure advantageously solve the problem of significant difficulties in prototyping objects that have large aspect ratios (i.e., tall and thin objects), and more particularly, bristles in a brush head of a toothbrush.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of an oral healthcare personal care appliance configured for use with a removable brush head having a bristle field manufactured via a method of rapid prototyping according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Figures 2A and 2B are side views of tapered and end rounded bristles with a decreasing cross-sectional diameter along a length dimension of the respective bristles from a base to a tip of the respective bristles, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Figure 3 is a side view of a bristle having cross-sectional diameters of various dimensions along a length dimension thereof, from a base to a tip of the respective bristle, manufactured via a method of rapid prototyping according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Figure 4 is a top view of a brush head with bristles of varying diameter in the bristle field, manufactured via a method of rapid prototyping according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of a brush head with a bristle field having a variety of both curved and straight bristles, manufactured via a method of rapid prototyping according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Figure 6 is a side view of a bristle having a varying curvature, in the form of a singular curve, along a length dimension thereof, from a base to a tip of the respective bristle, manufactured via a method of rapid prototyping according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Figure 6 A is a representational side view of a bristle having a varying curvature, showing the various regions of curvature, A-D;
  • Figure 7 is a side view of a bristle having a varying curvature, in the form of waves, along a length dimension thereof, from a base to a tip of the respective bristle, manufactured via a method of rapid prototyping according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Figure 8 is a side view of a bristle having a varying curvature, in the form of a sharp angle, along a length dimension thereof, from a base to a tip of the respective bristle, manufactured via a method of rapid prototyping according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Figure 9 is a side view of a bristle having cross-sectional diameters of various dimensions along a length dimension thereof, from a base to a tip of the respective bristles, in the form of periodic bulges (e.g., surface bumps and textures), manufactured via a method of rapid prototyping according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and [0035] Figure 10 is a top view of a brush head with a variable density bristle field that includes bristles with varying density, manufactured via a method of rapid prototyping according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 1 a perspective view of a toothbrush 10 configured for use with a brush head 18 having a bristle field 22 comprised of multiple bristle tufts 20 manufactured via a method of rapid prototyping according to an
  • the toothbrush 10 is an electric toothbrush, it may further comprise a drive system, 12 disposed within the toothbrush.
  • the drive system 12 operates to drive the brush head with the base 26 of the bristle tufts 20 embedded in a brush head platen 24 and the tips 28 of the bristle tufts 20 free to operate on the teeth of a user, as shown in Figure 5. .
  • the method of rapid prototyping of a bristle field, for example, on a brush head, for an toothbrush comprises: performing, via a 3D printer, or additive manufacturing (AM), a positive layer-by-layer deposition of at least one bristle fabrication material onto a brush head platen, wherein the positive layer-by-layer deposition include deposition of the at least one bristle fabrication material in desired xyz locations according to a bristle field pattern of bristles to produce a desired bristle field.
  • AM additive manufacturing
  • the desired bristle field includes two or more mechanisms of bristles selected from the group consisting of (i) tapered and/or end rounded bristles with a decreasing cross-sectional diameter along a length dimension of the respective bristles from a base to a tip of the respective bristles, (ii) bristles having cross- sectional diameters of various dimensions along a length dimension thereof, from a base to a tip of the respective bristles, including a pattern of the cross-sectional diameters that forms at least one of (I) a bending hinge of the respective bristles and (II) bristles with periodic bulges along the length dimension thereof, (iii) bristles having various curvatures along a length dimension thereof, from a base portion to a tip portion of the respective bristles, (iv) bristles of variable diameters in a bristle field, and (v) variable densities of bristles in a bristle field.
  • Current bristle fabrication materials include varieties of nylon (6-6, 6-12) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), a type of polyester.
  • rapid prototyping materials can include ABS, nylon, or
  • a brush head platen can include a rectangular/oval type of shape with a typical width of 10 mm to 15 mm, length 10 mm to 30 mm, and thickness of 2 mm to 5 mm, although it can be appreciated that different dimensions are also possible.
  • Dimensions of a bristle field can include a footprint that is typically the same as a platen, except for an offset, e.g., 1 mm smaller at the outer boundaries.
  • the height of the bristle field is determined according to the requirements of a given toothbrush implementation, for example, which can typically range from about 5 mm to 13 mm, although other dimensions are possible, and may have a complex surface topography.
  • the embodiments of the present disclosure advantageously provide a method to rapid prototype that comprises a positive deposition method. That is, the amount of material to be deposited during formation of a given bristle is varied, e.g., according to a given bristle function, to create a variety of tapers.
  • Each deposition layer of a bristle can be visualized as a brick in the figures of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 2A is one example of a bristle 30 with a steadily decreasing taper from the base 26 to the tip 28, while the illustration of Figure 2B is an“end-rounded” bristle 30 which has a very quick transition to a small diameter at the tip 28 of the bristle.
  • the material being deposited comprises any suitable bristle fabrication material for a respective bristle or respective bristles.
  • the decreasing cross-sectional diameter along the length dimension of the bristle thereof is implemented via varying a cross-sectional diameter of material deposition, between subsequent, immediately adjacent, deposition layers in a steady, continuous decreasing manner.
  • the rate of decreasing change along a length dimension of the respective bristles from a base 26 to a tip 28 of the respective bristle remains constant, i.e., having a steadily decreasing taper.
  • the vertical depositions further comprise depositions of decreasing diameter or cross-sectional dimension without any overhang (i.e., in a horizontal direction) of a previously deposited layer.
  • the decreasing cross-sectional diameter along the length dimension thereof is implemented via varying a cross-sectional diameter of material deposition between subsequent, immediately adjacent, deposition layers in an accelerated continuous decreasing manner.
  • the rate of decreasing change along a length dimension of the bristle 30 from a base 26 to a tip 28 thereof is not constant, but increases with subsequent, immediately adjacent deposition layers.
  • the rate of decreasing change along a length dimension of the respective bristles from a base 26 to a tip 28 of the respective bristle 30 does not remain constant, but accelerates, i.e., having a steadily larger or rapidly decreasing taper. The result is that the bristle is end-rounded at the tip 28 thereof.
  • the vertical depositions further comprise depositions of decreasing diameter or cross-sectional dimension without any overhang (i.e., in a horizontal direction) of a previously deposited layer.
  • bristle lengths typically vary from 5 mm to 12 mm in length from the plastic base or platen where the bristles are held.
  • Bristle diameters for oral healthcare typically vary from 4 mil to 7 mil, or approximately 100 microns to 180 microns, although it can be appreciated that difference sizes are also possible. End rounding is smoothing the tips of the bristles that come in contact with the user’s teeth and gums, and preferably results in a hemispherical bristle tip.
  • End rounding is typically achieves through removal of some of the original material, by means such as smoothing, sanding, grinding, etching or other removal methods.
  • the radius of curvature for the end-rounded portions of the bristle will depend on the diameter of the bristle, and is typically half the diameter.
  • Bristle taper typically extends from the tip to near the base of the bristle, and further can depend on the overall bristle length.
  • the embodiments of the present disclosure advantageously provide a method to rapid prototype that comprises a positive deposition method in which the amount of material to be deposited during formation of a given bristle is varied, e.g., according to a given bristle function. Varying the amount of material is used to create a variety of cross-sectional diameters along a length of a respective bristle.
  • each deposition layer is visualized as a discrete brick.
  • a variety of cross- sectional diameters along the length of a respective bristle 32 is useful in creating bristles with built-in“bending hinges” which advantageously allow for new bristle motions by enhancing bristle resonance.
  • Such an embodiment also advantageously allows more energy to be targeted at the bristle tips 28, for example, so as to enhance plaque removal or to give new brushing sensations, like massage.
  • FIG. 3 there is shown a side view of a bristle 32 having cross-sectional diameters of various dimensions along a length dimension thereof, from a base 26 to a tip 28 of the respective bristle, manufactured via a method of rapid prototyping according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • this embodiment includes a pattern of the cross-sectional diameters that forms a bending hinge 40 of the respective bristle, i.e., the bristle is formed with a built-in hinge having a given bristle resonance.
  • cross-sectional diameters of the bristle fabrication material for each respective bristle is varied along the length dimension thereof via varying a cross- sectional diameter of material deposition between subsequent, immediately adjacent, deposition layers in two or more of (a) a decreasing manner, (b) an increasing manner, and (c) an unchanging manner.
  • fabrication of the bristle 32 comprises vertical depositions with changing diameters, or cross-sectional dimensions, along a length dimension thereof.
  • a base deposition layer 32a is deposited first.
  • At least one subsequent vertical deposition 32b with varying diameters, or cross-sectional dimensions, along a length dimension thereof is deposited.
  • a transition region 32c operates as a pivot or vertex of the adjacent built-in hinge or bending hinge 40.
  • the at least one bending hinge 40 is operable to provide a desired bristle motion and resonance of the respective bristle.
  • the desired bristle motion and resonance of the respective bristle comprises a plaque removal bristle motion and resonance originating at a base of the respect bristle and being transferred, via the bending hinge 40, to a tip of the respective bristle.
  • other specifically engineered bristle motions and resonances for an intended oral healthcare procedure are contemplated.
  • deposition layers of various sizes can be used along the length of the bristle to achieve the desired performance characteristics.
  • An example of bristle motion or resonance includes a phenomena called “bristle whip”.
  • a resonance e.g., via rapid prototyping, can be used to amplify bristle motion, or could be used to reduce bristle motion to keep the bristle tip contact on a desired area.
  • the bristle tip motion can be enhanced or reduced.
  • the bristle field 22 includes (a) bristles 30 of smaller cross-sectional diameter along a length dimension thereof that are positioned and distributed horizontally across a surface of a platen 24 of the brush head 18, on exterior side regions of the bristle field 22.
  • the bristle field 22 further includes (b) bristles 32 of larger cross-sectional diameter along the length dimension thereof that are positioned and distributed horizontally across the surface of the platen 24 of the brush head 18, within an interior central region of the bristle field 22.
  • Varying the diameter, i.e., in cross-section along a length of a bristle between different regions of the brush field advantageously allows for a soft feeling of bristles at the gum line of a person using a toothbrush with such a bristle field and a stiff cleaning via bristles in the center of the brush field of the brush head.
  • Various configurations of bristles as described herein in the bristle field can be used to achieve different brushing performance.
  • a perspective view is shown of a toothbrush 10 that comprises a brush head 18 with a bristle field 22 having a variety of both curved 34 and straight 30 bristles, manufactured via a method of rapid prototyping according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the bristles are created by the positive deposition method in which the amount of material to be deposited during formation of a given bristle is varied, e.g., according to a given bristle function. For example, the location of material deposited could be varied to advantageously create a variety of curvatures.
  • Each deposition layer can be visualized as a discrete brick in the Figures. This could be useful in creating bristles in a curve, in a wave, or even sharp angled bristles.
  • the bristle field 22 includes bristle tufts 20 that are arrays of tall bristles 34 curved along a length dimension thereof, positioned on exterior regions of the bristle field 22. Curved bristles of a first array on one side edge of the bristle field face curved bristles of a second array on an opposite side edge of the bristle field.
  • the bristle field further includes bristle tufts 20 that are an array of short, straight bristles 30 positioned within an interior region of the bristle field 22.
  • a side view is shown of a bristle 34 having a varying curvature, in the form of a singular curve, along a length dimension thereof, from a base 26 to a tip 28 of the respective bristle, manufactured via a method of rapid prototyping according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the various curvatures along the length dimension thereof are implemented via varying an offset in a location of material deposition between subsequent, immediately adjacent, deposition layers of the bristle fabrication material for respective bristles.
  • the offset includes at least one of (a) a horizontal offset, and (b) both horizontal and vertical offsets.
  • each of the layer-by-layer vertical depositions including one offset (i.e., a horizontal offset) for a first portion of the bristle.
  • the depositions include one or more of horizontal and vertical offsets.
  • the offset can be configured to produce a bristle having a desired curve along its length dimension, wherein the offset comprises one of a positive or a negative horizontal and/or vertical offset.
  • the offset comprises one of a positive or a negative horizontal and/or vertical offset.
  • the offset is on the order of 50% or less than a horizontal or vertical cross-sectional dimension or diameter of an immediately prior formed layer that the deposition material of a current layer is being deposited upon for a respective bristle being formed.
  • a curved bristle can be manufactured through slight offsets in deposition alignment.
  • heating/shaping step would have to be performed in order to bend the bristles into the desired shape.
  • the various curvatures along the length dimension thereof are implemented via varying an offset in a location of material deposition between subsequent, immediately adjacent, deposition layers of the bristle fabrication material for respective bristles.
  • the offset includes positive/negative (+/-) horizontal offsets 36’ between adjoining deposition layers.
  • the bristle of Figure 7 includes waves along its length dimension, wherein the offset comprises an alternating pattern of both positive and negative horizontal offsets.
  • the offset is on the order of 50% or less than a horizontal or vertical cross- sectional dimension or diameter of an immediately prior formed layer that the deposition material of a current layer is being deposited upon for a respective bristle being formed.
  • FIG 8 there is shown a side view of a bristle 38 having a varying curvature, in the form of a sharp angle 0, along a length dimension thereof, from a base 26 to a tip 28 of the respective bristle, manufactured via a method of rapid prototyping according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the various curvatures along the length dimension thereof are implemented via varying an offset in a location of material deposition between subsequent, immediately adjacent, deposition layers of the bristle fabrication material for respective bristles.
  • the offset includes positive/negative (+/-) horizontal offsets between adjoining deposition layers of various portions of a respective bristle.
  • the bristle of Figure 8 includes a sharp (e.g., obtuse) angle 0 between a base or first portion and a tip or second portion thereof along its length dimension.
  • the offset comprises a pattern of positive horizontal offsets 38a for the first portion of the bristle, up to a transition region 38’, followed by a pattern of negative horizontal offsets 38b for the second portion of the bristle, or vice versa.
  • the sharp (e.g., obtuse) angle between the base portion and the tip portion thereof along its length dimension comprises an angle of 90° or greater.
  • the offset is on the order of 50% or less than a horizontal or vertical cross-sectional dimension or diameter of an immediately prior formed layer that the deposition material of a current layer is being deposited upon for a respective bristle being formed.
  • a method to rapid prototype comprises a positive deposition method in which the size of an amount of material to be deposited during formation of a given bristle is varied, e.g., according to a given bristle function.
  • the size of material deposited could be varied to create a variety of surface bumps and textures.
  • Such an embodiment can advantageously help with cleaning surfaces by having areas of the bristle that can“catch” the dirt or debris when the side of the bristle touches a target surface.
  • each deposition layer is visualized as a discrete block.
  • FIG. 9 there is shown a side view of a bristle 39 having cross-sectional diameters of various dimensions along a length dimension thereof, from a base to a tip of the respective bristles, in the form of periodic bulges 39d (e.g., surface bumps and textures), manufactured via a method of rapid prototyping according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • this embodiment includes a pattern of the cross-sectional diameters that forms bristles with periodic bulges along the length dimension thereof.
  • cross-sectional diameters of the bristle fabrication material for each respective bristle is varied along the length dimension thereof via varying a cross-sectional diameter of material deposition between subsequent, immediately adjacent, deposition layers in two or more of (a) a decreasing manner, (b) an increasing manner, and (c) an unchanging manner.
  • the bristle 39 with periodic bulges 39d along the length dimension thereof include surface bumps and textures that comprise vertical depositions of (i) small height, small cross-sectional diameter with zero offset depositions 39e of the at least one bristle fabrication material and (ii) large height, large cross-sectional diameter with overhang offset depositions 39d of the at least one bristle fabrication material.
  • bristles with periodic bulges could be manufactured, via rapid prototyping, with either the same material for the entire bristle, or with different materials for the bulges. If the same material is used for the entire bristle, it could give the appearance of a rope with knots periodically tied into it.
  • the bulges 39d comprise alternative materials, like a soft rubber elastomeric material, the bulges could deliver a polishing or massaging effect to oral surfaces.
  • the bulges 39d could have a texture formed on the outer surface thereof to add a roughness to what is normally a smooth surface (e.g., sides of the bristle).
  • the textures could take many shapes and variations, such as a series of conical protrusions 86 configured to assist in scraping plaque from teeth, or a series of dome shaped bumps 88, configured to deliver a massage benefit to gums by concentrating a force delivered upon impact.
  • a method to rapid prototype comprises a positive deposition method in which the density of bristles 20 is varied along the brush head, e.g., according to a given bristle function.
  • varying of the bristle density can provide new functional designs.
  • Combinations of the features discussed herein are also possible.
  • For single tuft brush heads a maximum conformity can be obtained by using a continuous bristle field. Safety issues are non-existent, since there is very large anchor (i.e., the whole platen of the brush head). Also every bristle in the brush field of the brush head is part of a single large tuft, so the tuft retention force requirements would be easily met and corresponding tuft retention force test easily passed.
  • varying density in the brush field advantageously allows for a soft feeling at the gum line of a person using a toothbrush with such a bristle field and a stiff cleaning via bristles in the center of the brush field of the brush head.
  • variable density bristle field 22 formed on platen 24, which includes bristle tufts 20 having bristles 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 39 with varying density, manufactured via a method of rapid prototyping according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the variable densities of bristles in a bristle field 22 comprise wherein the bristle field includes an area having lesser density of bristles 22a positioned on exterior regions of the bristle field, and (b) a greater density of bristles 22b positioned within an interior region of the bristle field.
  • toothbrush features a bristle field on a brush head manufactured via the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein.
  • the toothbrush comprises a handle, wherein the brush head includes an elongated neck with a principal axis, wherein the bristle field is located at one end of the elongated neck and disposed perpendicular to the principal axis, and wherein the handle is configured for being physically coupled to at an opposite end of the elongated neck of the brush head.
  • the toothbrush further comprises an actuator disposed within the handle and a controller.
  • the actuator includes a drive shaft and is operable to impart a desired brushing motion, via the drive shaft, to the bristle field via the brush head.
  • the controller is coupled to the actuator and configured for controlling an operation of the actuator to implement the desired brushing motion.
  • any reference signs placed in parentheses in one or more claims shall not be construed as limiting the claims.
  • the word“comprising” and“comprises,” and the like does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the specification as a whole.
  • the singular reference of an element does not exclude the plural references of such elements and vice-versa.
  • One or more of the embodiments may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and/or by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware.
  • the mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Brushes (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé de prototypage rapide d'un champ de soies (22) d'une brosse à dents (10), qui comprend la réalisation, par l'intermédiaire d'une imprimante 3D, ou la fabrication additive (AM) d'un dépôt positif couche-par-couche de matériau de fabrication de soies sur une platine (24). Le dépôt positif couche-par-couche comprend le dépôt du matériau de fabrication de soies à des emplacements xyz souhaités selon un motif de champ de soies pour produire un champ de soies souhaité. Le champ de soies souhaité (22) a au moins un d'une variété de soies (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 39) ayant des diamètres de section transversale de diverses dimensions le long de la dimension de longueur de celui-ci.
PCT/EP2018/082749 2017-11-27 2018-11-27 Procédé de prototypage rapide d'un champ de soies d'une brosse à dents WO2019102044A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US201762590720P 2017-11-27 2017-11-27
US62/590,720 2017-11-27

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WO2019102044A1 true WO2019102044A1 (fr) 2019-05-31

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130276812A1 (en) * 2010-10-27 2013-10-24 Geka Gmbh Applicator device for applying a cosmetic, applicator element therefor, and cosmetic unit comprising the applicator device
US20140325776A1 (en) * 2013-05-03 2014-11-06 Alice Chang Toothbrush with thin and tapered bristles and with ingredients and with tongue cleaner
WO2017075616A1 (fr) * 2015-10-29 2017-05-04 Carnegie Mellon University Procédé de fabrication de fibres douces à l'aide de la modélisation par dépôt fondu
WO2018060767A1 (fr) * 2016-10-02 2018-04-05 Airway Medix S.A. Système, procédé et kit pour soins buccaux

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130276812A1 (en) * 2010-10-27 2013-10-24 Geka Gmbh Applicator device for applying a cosmetic, applicator element therefor, and cosmetic unit comprising the applicator device
US20140325776A1 (en) * 2013-05-03 2014-11-06 Alice Chang Toothbrush with thin and tapered bristles and with ingredients and with tongue cleaner
WO2017075616A1 (fr) * 2015-10-29 2017-05-04 Carnegie Mellon University Procédé de fabrication de fibres douces à l'aide de la modélisation par dépôt fondu
WO2018060767A1 (fr) * 2016-10-02 2018-04-05 Airway Medix S.A. Système, procédé et kit pour soins buccaux

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