NeoDen

What it does

Single-use floss has a tight tension that reduce effectiveness, but simple to use. Waxed floss sacrifice convenience in return for flexibility, resulting in messy state after usage. The aim was to create a floss holder that encompass the best of both worlds.

Your inspiration

Traditional single-use dental floss is widely used, even though it is not effective and generates waste, contributes significantly to plastic waste and environmental concerns. Coming from a first hand experience during my routine dental visit earlier this year for scaling and polishing, my dentist informed me that I had gum inflammation and tooth decay. She then asked about the type of floss I was using. At the time, I was using a single-use dental floss with very tight tension. She recommended switching to classic waxed floss, which enabled users to manually control the tension applied. Her advice prompted me to explore the matter further.

How it works

The dental floss uses most mechanical moving parts, similar to a correction tape stationary item. The user is able to put any floss that comes in circular form, into the internal flossing mechanism. Once done, the user has to feed the dental floss from the internal component to the upper floss clamp, following a thread line laid out within the design. After that, the user need to only clamp the floss in-between the upper section, using an in-built blade to cut off the remaining floss. The user to able to adjust the tautness of the floss to their preference using either a manual method or by utilizing the mechanical crank at the handle of the part. This allows the user to adjust according to their teeth size, as not everyone retains the same molar size. This process only has to be repeated when insert a new floss, otherwise the design works with only 2 steps involved, only needing to pull and cut the floss accordingly.

Design process

For this product, we were doing it alongside one of our course modules. The first weeks were spent generating various concept ideations through market and user research, while brainstorming several ideas based on real-world events. Once the initial ideation phase was completed, design sketching and early stage prototyping began, as we had to create a rough model of our idea within 3-4 weeks of the project. The initial prototype was made using very simple materials, and was assessed by various Dyson Engineers, who gave us invaluable insights to further improve on the idea. From that, the team came up with 4 prototypes, each building upon ideas generated through further research, user feedbacks and prototype testing. The 2nd and 3rd prototypes were aimed to redesign the initial idea, utilising 3D printing as a basis for future prototypes. The first CAD models for the prototype were drawn and adjusted from scratch. Upon user feedback with regards to safety issues, the prototypes were further redesigned, making adjustments to meet these expectations. Though it took only 11 weeks to realise the idea, while managing other modules dictated by the course requirements, the team was able to showcase the idea to the Dyson Engineers as well as members of the public.

How it is different

NeoDen stands out through its user-center and practical design. Unlike other reusable floss picks that require proprietary or customized floss, NeoDen is compatible with any standard floss, making it both cost effective and convenient. In addition, NeoDen provide casing that allows user to carry additional spool of floss with varying thickness. The adjustable angle and tensioning mechanism allow users to customize floss tightness, flossing angle for greater comfort and better accessibility for hard-to-reach areas, in particularly molars. NeoDen also pay attention to the hygiene of floss thread. Throughout the floss guide trench, covers are being created to cordon off those trench from saliva contamination when putting the floss holder into the mouth. The foldable and compact form enhances portability, providing added convenience for users on the go. Therefore, encouraging users to inculcate a better oral care habit throughout the day.

Future plans

The team has identified a number of design enhancements that focus on incorporating advanced functionality, enhancing usability, and guarantee better convenience for all users in order to significantly improve the user experience and hygiene standards of the current dental floss design. The main enhancements are an ergonomic redesign, a multipurpose travel set, an illuminated dental mirror, and UV sterilization.

Awards