US-20260124027-A1 - AUTOMATIC ORAL CARE DEVICE

US20260124027A1US 20260124027 A1US20260124027 A1US 20260124027A1US-20260124027-A1

Abstract

An oral care device can include a mouthpiece configured for at least partial insertion into a mouth of a user. The mouthpiece can include an arcuate shape to cover a tooth of the user. The mouthpiece can include oral engagement members removably installed into the mouthpiece and configured to contact oral surfaces. A sensor can be integrated within the mouthpiece. The sensor can be configured to detect an operational characteristic of the mouthpiece during use by the user. A base can be configured to receive the mouthpiece and charge and clean the mouthpiece upon connection with the mouthpiece. A control system can be configured to control the operation of the oral care device based on at least one operational characteristic of the mouthpiece.

Inventors

Suneel Ismail Sheikh
Chuck Satoshi Hisamoto
Mark Charles Olander
Michael Jason Ward
Samuel Alan Smidt

Assignees

Suneel Ismail Sheikh
Chuck Satoshi Hisamoto
Mark Charles Olander
Michael Jason Ward
Samuel Alan Smidt

Dates

Publication Date: 20260507
Application Date: 20251030

Claims (20)

1 . An oral care device comprising: a mouthpiece configured for at least partial insertion into a mouth of a user, the mouthpiece having an arcuate shape to cover a tooth of the user, the mouthpiece including: oral engagement members removably installed into the mouthpiece and configured to contact oral surfaces; and a sensor integrated within the mouthpiece, the sensor configured to detect an operational characteristic of the mouthpiece during use by the user; a base configured to receive the mouthpiece and charge and clean the mouthpiece upon connection with the mouthpiece; and a control system configured to control operation of the oral care device based on at least the operational characteristic of the mouthpiece.
2 . The oral care device of claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece comprises: a first energy device configured to translate the oral engagement members along a first axis; and a second energy device configured to generate a vibrational frequency and propagate the vibrational frequency to the oral engagement members.
3 . The oral care device of claim 2 , wherein the first axis is configured to align with a long axis of the tooth of the user.
4 . The oral care device of claim 2 , wherein the oral engagement members are configured to conform to one or more oral surfaces that include one or more of a facial, occlusal, proximal, incisal, or lingual surfaces of the tooth, gums, or a tongue of the user.
5 . The oral care device of claim 4 , wherein the vibrational frequency is configured to stimulate the oral surfaces to clean the oral surfaces.
6 . The oral care device of claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece comprises: a fluid tank configured to store a fluid within the mouthpiece; and a spray port configured to direct the fluid toward the oral surfaces of the user.
7 . The oral care device of claim 6 , wherein the fluid comprises at least one of a toothpaste, a mouthwash, or a medicated solution.
8 . The oral care device of claim 7 , wherein the base comprises a reservoir to store fluid, and wherein the base is configured to refill the fluid tank of the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece is installed on the base.
9 . The oral care device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor includes an accelerometer, and wherein the accelerometer is configured to generate a movement signal indicative of sudden movement of the mouthpiece.
10 . The oral care device of claim 9 , wherein the control system comprises: a controller including processing circuitry; and memory coupled to the controller, the memory including instructions that, when performed by the processing circuitry, are configured to cause the controller to: determine, based on the movement signal, a magnitude of movement of the mouthpiece; transmit, based on the magnitude of movement of the mouthpiece being beyond a movement threshold range, a stop operation signal to the mouthpiece to inhibit or prevent operation of the mouthpiece; and transmit, based on the magnitude of movement being within the movement threshold range, a start operation signal to the mouthpiece to start brushing operations.
11 . The oral care device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor includes a position sensor, and wherein the position sensor is configured to generate a position signal indicative of an orientation of the mouthpiece.
12 . The oral care device of claim 11 , wherein the control system comprises: a controller including processing circuitry; and memory coupled to the controller, the memory including instructions that, when performed by the processing circuitry, are configured to cause the controller to: determine, based on the position signal, a calculated orientation of the mouthpiece; transmit, based on the calculated orientation of the mouthpiece being beyond an orientation threshold range, a stop operation signal to the mouthpiece to inhibit or prevent operation of the mouthpiece; and transmit, based on the calculated orientation being within the orientation threshold range, a start operation signal to the mouthpiece to start brushing operations upon proper insertion of the mouthpiece onto the oral surfaces and specified positioning of the user.
13 . The oral care device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor includes a pressure sensor, and wherein the pressure sensor is configured to generate a pressure signal indicative of a pressure exerted on the oral engagement members or the mouthpiece by the oral surfaces.
14 . The oral care device of claim 13 , wherein the control system comprises: a controller including processing circuitry; and memory coupled to the controller, the memory including instructions that, when performed by the processing circuitry, are configured to cause the controller to: determine, based on the pressure signal, a calculated pressure exerted on the oral surfaces by the oral engagement members of the mouthpiece; transmit, based on the calculated pressure being within a pressure threshold range, a start operation signal; and transmit, based on the calculated pressure being outside the pressure threshold range, a stop operation signal to the mouthpiece to inhibit or prevent operation of the mouthpiece.
15 . The oral care device of claim 13 , wherein the control system comprises: a controller including processing circuitry; and memory coupled to the controller, the memory including instructions that, when performed by the processing circuitry, are configured to cause the controller to: determine, based on the pressure signal, a calculated pressure exerted on the oral engagement members of the mouthpiece by the oral surfaces of the user; and transmit, based on the calculated pressure being beyond a threshold, a stop operation signal.
16 . The oral care device of claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece comprises a track carrying the oral engagement members, the track configured to removably attach the oral engagement members to the mouthpiece.
17 . The oral care device of claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece comprises: a first track portion including a first portion of the oral engagement members; and a second track portion including a second portion of the oral engagement members, and wherein the first track portion and the second track portion are configured to removably couple the first portion of the oral engagement members and the second portion of the oral engagement members to the mouthpiece, respectively.
18 . The oral care device of claim 17 , wherein the first portion of the oral engagement members comprises a plurality of groupings of oral engagement members, and wherein each bristle of the plurality of groupings of oral engagement members has a similar stiffness.
19 . The oral care device of claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece includes a J-shaped profile.
20 . The oral care device of claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece includes a U-shaped profile.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY This patent application claims the benefit of priority, under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e), to Suneel Sheikh U.S. patent application Ser. No. 63/715,213, entitled “AUTOMATIC ORAL CARE DEVICE,” filed on Nov. 1, 2024 (Attorney Docket No. 5188.002PRV), which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to oral hygiene devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to automated dental care systems designed to assist users in maintaining effective oral health. BACKGROUND Maintaining effective oral hygiene can be important for overall health and well-being. Regular oral care routines can help prevent oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontal disease, and soft tissue pathology. Poor oral hygiene can lead to pain, infection, tooth loss, and serious systemic health consequences, ultimately diminishing quality of life. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various examples are illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings. Such examples are demonstrative and not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive examples of the present subject matter. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an oral care device. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of an oral care device. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for an example of a method for an oral care device. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of a mouthpiece. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the mouthpiece from FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an example of a mouthpiece cleaning oral surfaces of a user. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example of a mouthpiece. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example of a mouthpiece. FIG. 9 is a side view of an example of track portions of oral engagement members. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an example of a mouthpiece. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a machine upon which one or more examples may be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present disclosure includes an automatic oral care device that offers a comprehensive solution by providing a hands-free, easy-to-use system that can facilitate routine oral hygiene care for individuals. The device can include a mouthpiece with integrated sensors and powered bristles that automatically adjust to the user, ensuring effective cleaning while maintaining comfort and safety. The system can include a base station for charging and cleaning the mouthpiece, along with a control system that can monitor and adjust the operation of the device, such as based on real-time or other feedback. This innovative approach aims to enhance and simplify oral health outcomes, reduce caregiver burden, and improve overall quality of life for users. The oral care device can include a mouthpiece configured for at least partial insertion into a mouth of a user. The mouthpiece can include an arcuate shape to follow a dental arch and cover a tooth and a gumline of the user. The mouthpiece can include oral engagement members that can be removably installed into the mouthpiece and configured to contact oral surfaces. A sensor can be integrated into the mouthpiece. The sensor can be configured to detect an operational characteristic of the mouthpiece during use by the user. A base can be configured to receive the mouthpiece and charge and clean the mouthpiece upon connection of the base with the mouthpiece. A control system can be configured to control the operation of the oral care device based at least in part on the operational characteristic of the mouthpiece. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an oral care device 100. The oral care device 100 can be used for oral hygiene routines, such as in residential or medical settings (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or the like). The oral care device 100 can also be portable so the oral care device 100 can be used in an office setting, traveling, camping, in hotels, or the like. The oral care device 100 can help ensure good oral hygiene for an end-user of the oral care device 100. The oral care device 100 can include a base 102 and a mouthpiece 112. The base 102 can receive the mouthpiece 112 to charge and clean the mouthpiece 112 upon connection with the mouthpiece 112. To help charge the mouthpiece 112, the base 102 can include a charging interface 104. The charging interface 104 can convey a charge to the mouthpiece 112 via an electrical connection (e.g., electrical pads or electrically conductive connections) or a wireless connection (e.g., Qi, Power Matters Alliance (PMA), or any other wireless charging technique). The base 102 can also include a cleaning reservoir 106, a fluid reservoir 108, and a graphical user interface 110. The cleaning reservoir 106 can include or be provided with a cleaning solution (e.g., baking soda, white vinegar, a commercially available denture, retainer, or removable cleaner, or the like). The cleaning reservoir 106 can also include an ultrasonic cleaning source