Pressure sensing system and method for an electric toothbrush
US11324307B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 2019 |
| Grant date | May 10, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 15, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA46B2200/1066
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A pressure feedback system continuously monitors the level of pressure or force on a brush head and is programmed to provide a feedback signal to a user based on the amount of pressure. The pressure level is monitored as a function of the change in the speed of the drive shaft. The system includes a housing, a motor, a drive shaft for attachment to a brush head, a feedback device, a sensor capable of detecting a change in the rotational speed of the drive shaft, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor is programmed activate the feedback device as a function of the measured change in rotational speed. The sensor may be a Hall effect sensor, or another sensor that is responsive to a magnetic field. A magnet may be positioned on the drive shaft, or another portion of the system that moves as a function of the drive shaft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.