System for determining amplitude of a power toothbrush brushhead in the mouth
US9204947B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 2012 |
| Grant date | Dec 8, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C17/32
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The power toothbrush includes a handle (12), a brushhead (14) and a drive assembly (20) which includes a processor (22) for driving the brushhead at a selected frequency and amplitude. A miniature gyroscope (MEMS) (26) and an accelerometer (28) are mounted on the brushhead or on a portion of the drive assembly within the handle for detecting rotational velocity of the brushhead and orientation of the brushhead in the mouth during operation. Information from the gyroscope (rotational) and the accelerometer are then provided to the processor for determining amplitude of brushhead movement. The amplitude information is provided to the user, or can be further processed and fed back (30) to the drive assembly for control of brushhead movement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.