Solid-state fusion type environment-friendly toothbrush head as well as preparation method and application thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a solid fusion type environment-friendly toothbrush head as well as a preparation method and application thereof. The toothbrush head comprises a bristle base and bristles planted on the bristle base, and a toothpaste body is fused and consolidated with the bristles on a microstructure through a freeze-drying process to form an integrated solid-state toothbrush head unit. The paste is of a porous loose structure after being freeze-dried, and is easy to quickly absorb water and soften when meeting water. The toothbrush head does not need to be additionally added with preservatives and is long in storage life; when the toothbrush is used, the toothbrush can be used for brushing teeth only by installing the toothbrush head on the reusable toothbrush handle and putting the toothbrush head into water to absorb water and soften the toothpaste body. The problems that traditional toothpaste needs to be added with preservatives, plastic packages are wasted, use is inconvenient, and paste residues are wasted are solved, and a healthy, environment-friendly and convenient oral cavity cleaning product is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of personal oral care products technology, specifically to a novel disposable toothbrush head that integrates toothpaste paste and toothbrush bristles, its preparation method and application, and in particular to an environmentally friendly toothbrush head that utilizes freeze-drying technology to achieve solid-state fusion of toothpaste paste and bristles and is preserved without preservatives. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional toothpaste requires the addition of preservatives to inhibit microbial growth, which may have potential impacts on oral microbiota and human health with long-term use. Toothpaste tubes are mostly made of composite plastic, making recycling difficult and generating a large amount of plastic waste. They are inconvenient to use, requiring squeezing out toothpaste, which can lead to waste (residue at the tube opening, excessive discharge). When traveling or going out, both a toothbrush and toothpaste must be carried.

[0003] Most existing "toothpaste and toothbrush 2-in-1" products use physical methods to place a small amount of toothpaste in specific areas of the brush head (such as the grooves between the bristles or the back of the brush head). The toothpaste is separate from the bristles, making it easy for the toothpaste to fall off or contaminate the bristles during transportation. Preservatives still need to be added to the toothpaste. The amount of toothpaste is usually small, or the user experience is not good.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new type of oral hygiene product that is healthier, more environmentally friendly, more convenient, and provides a better user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a solid-state fused environmentally friendly toothbrush head, its preparation method, and its application. The core technology lies in using freeze-drying to fuse toothpaste with toothbrush bristles at the molecular / microscopic level, forming an integrated, solid, porous structural unit. This achieves the goals of preservative-free long-term preservation, immediate use upon drying, reduced plastic waste, and improved convenience.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the specific technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A solid-state fusion-type environmentally friendly toothbrush head includes a bristle base and bristle bundles fixed on the bristle base. Toothpaste paste is physically bonded and solidified with the bristles at the microscopic level through a freeze-drying process to form an integrated porous solid structure unit that covers or partially embeds the bristles.

[0007] Preferably, the toothpaste paste is a preservative-free conventional oral cleaning paste composition, and its moisture content in the freeze-dried state is less than 5% (by weight), preferably less than 3%.

[0008] Preferably, the freeze-drying process includes a pre-freezing stage and a sublimation drying stage, wherein the pre-freezing temperature is lower than the eutectic point temperature of the toothpaste paste, and the sublimation drying is carried out under vacuum conditions.

[0009] Preferably, the bristle base is provided with a connection structure adapted to the reusable toothbrush handle for detachable installation.

[0010] Preferably, the bristles are made of nylon, PBT, TPE, or biodegradable materials; the bristle base is made of plastic or biodegradable materials.

[0011] A method for preparing the solid-state fused environmentally friendly toothbrush head includes the following steps: (S1) Provide a bristle base and bristles fixed thereon; (S2) Apply the prepared water-containing toothpaste paste to the brush bristles in a measured amount; (S3) Pre-freeze the brush bristles with toothpaste applied to them to completely freeze the toothpaste; (S4) The frozen paste is sublimated and dried under vacuum until the moisture content of the paste drops below a predetermined threshold, forming an integrated porous solid structure that is fused and solidified with the bristles, thus obtaining the solid-state fused environmentally friendly toothbrush head.

[0012] In step (S2), the application method is impregnation, spraying, dripping, or molding injection.

[0013] In step (S3), the pre-freezing temperature is -30°C to -50°C; In step (S4), the vacuum level during the sublimation drying stage is less than 100 Pa, and the temperature of the heating plate is controlled between -40°C and 60°C.

[0014] Processing and Packaging: After drying, post-processing (such as flattening and shaping) can be carried out under appropriate conditions (such as a dry inert gas environment), and then stored and transported in moisture-proof, light-proof, and sealed packaging (such as nitrogen-filled aluminum foil bags).

[0015] The application of the solid-state fusion environmentally friendly toothbrush head in oral hygiene.

[0016] An oral hygiene system includes a reusable toothbrush handle and a solid-state fused eco-friendly toothbrush head, wherein the toothbrush handle and the bristle base of the toothbrush head are detachably connected via a connecting structure.

[0017] To use, the user takes out a disposable toothbrush head, aligns its connecting structure, and attaches it to the reusable toothbrush handle. Simply wet the brush head with water for a few seconds; the freeze-dried porous toothpaste quickly absorbs the water, dissolving / dispersing evenly on the bristles and returning to a state similar to traditional toothpaste. Then, brush your teeth like you would with a regular toothbrush. After use, remove the disposable toothbrush head from the handle and discard it (sort it according to its type). Clean the handle for future use.

[0018] Beneficial effects of the present invention 1. Health and safety: The extremely low water activity after freeze-drying effectively inhibits the growth of microorganisms, eliminating the need for traditional chemical preservatives and reducing potential risks to oral flora and human health.

[0019] 2. Significantly environmentally friendly: greatly reduces plastic usage: only the toothbrush head is disposable (small in size), while the handle can be reused for a long time, significantly reducing plastic usage (>70%) compared to the traditional "toothbrush + toothpaste tube" combination; avoids the recycling problems of toothpaste tubes (especially composite plastic tubes); and allows the use of biodegradable materials to make the brush head base and bristles, further reducing the environmental burden.

[0020] 3. Extremely convenient: Ready to use immediately, eliminating the need to squeeze toothpaste and avoiding the embarrassment of squeezing too much or too little; extremely convenient to carry for travel, business trips, and outdoor activities (only need to bring a small package of toothbrush heads + a small brush handle); simply wet the toothbrush to activate it.

[0021] 4. Reduced waste: The toothpaste is applied in measured amounts, with almost no residue or waste (traditional toothpaste tubes have a difficult-to-squeeze-out end).

[0022] 5. Long shelf life: The freeze-dried state has high stability, and when packaged in a moisture-proof container, its shelf life can be longer than that of traditional toothpaste.

[0023] 6. Excellent user experience: The toothpaste blends evenly with the bristles, and there are no clumps of toothpaste falling off after wetting, making the brushing experience better than traditional methods. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a solid-state fused environmentally friendly toothbrush head; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the ring structure; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the top cover structure; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the toothbrush head and handle separated.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the assembled state of the toothbrush head and handle.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the preparation process.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Brush base; 2. Brush bristles; 3. Toothpaste paste; 4. Toothbrush handle; 5. Connecting structure; 6. Step; 7. Ring; 8. Top cap. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Example

[0029] like Figures 1-6 The solid-state fusion eco-friendly toothbrush head shown includes: Brush base 1: Made of PP material, its size is the standard size of existing toothbrush bristle bases, with a snap-on connection structure 5. The bristle base 1 has annular steps, bristles 2 are embedded on the bristle base 1, a ring 7 is fitted at the annular steps 6, and a top cover 8 is set on the ring cover 7.

[0030] Brush bristles 2: Nylon 612, medium hardness, standard bristle density. The outermost ring of bristles has a higher bristle density than the inner bristles, acting as a barrier to prevent the cream from easily slipping off the bristle base 1.

[0031] Toothpaste paste 3 uses the formula and manufacturing method of invention patent CN1218685C, removing conventional preservatives such as sodium benzoate / paraben from the formula. (Weight percentage%) sepiolite 30%, calcium carbonate 15%, glycerol 10%, lauryl alcohol 20%, sorbitol 8%, fragrance 1.2%, food coloring 0.06%, saccharin 0.3%, and deionized water as the balance.

[0032] The manufacturing method of solid-state fusion eco-friendly toothbrush heads includes the following steps: S1. Prefabricated brush base 1 with brush bristles 2.

[0033] S2. Toothpaste Application: Precisely and evenly apply the prepared, moist toothpaste paste 3 to the brush bristles 2. Application method: Immersion (fully or partially immersed in the paste). The amount applied must ensure coverage / blending effect and the amount used per brushing.

[0034] S3. Pre-freezing: Quickly place the brush head with the applied paste into an ultra-low temperature environment (-30℃) to freeze, allowing the water in the paste to completely crystallize. The temperature must be below the eutectic point of the paste.

[0035] S4. Freeze-drying (sublimation drying): Transfer the frozen brush head to a freeze dryer. Under high vacuum (<50 Pa), by controlling the temperature of the heating plate (-40℃), the frozen ice crystals directly sublimate (solid → gas), without passing through a liquid state. This process slowly removes moisture, forming a porous framework structure, while the paste components adhere tightly to the brush bristle surface. The drying endpoint is defined as a residual moisture content of less than 3% in the paste.

[0036] S5. Post-treatment and packaging: After drying, post-treatment (such as flattening and shaping) can be carried out under appropriate conditions (such as a dry inert gas environment). Then, a ring 7 is fitted onto the annular step 6 of the brush base 1, and the top cover 8 is put on. Then, it is stored and transported in a moisture-proof, light-proof, and sealed package (such as an aluminum foil bag filled with nitrogen). Example

[0037] like Figures 1-6 The solid-state fusion eco-friendly toothbrush head shown includes: Brush base 1: Made of ABS material, its size is the standard size of existing toothbrush bristle bases, with a slot-type connection structure 5. The bristle base 1 has annular steps, bristles 2 are embedded on the bristle base 1, a ring 7 is fitted at the annular steps 6, and a top cover 8 is provided on the ring cover 7.

[0038] Bristles 2: Nylon PBT or TPE, medium hardness, standard bristle density. The outermost ring of bristles has a higher bristle density than the inner bristles, acting as a barrier to prevent the cream from easily slipping off the bristle base 1.

[0039] Toothpaste paste 3 uses the formula and manufacturing method of invention patent CN 103599000 B, removing the preservative zinc citrate from the formula. (Weight percentage %) Glycerin as a humectant, accounting for 25wt%; Carrageenan as a binder, accounting for 2wt%; Sodium pyrophosphate as a stabilizer, accounting for 0.35wt%; A mixture of cellulose and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate as an abrasive, accounting for 21wt%; Xylitol as a sweetener, accounting for 5wt%; β-carotene as a nutritional fortifier, accounting for 0.11wt%; Fragrance as a flavoring agent, accounting for 0.2wt%; Pigment 0.0015wt%, with the remainder being water. The manufacturing method of solid-state fusion eco-friendly toothbrush heads includes the following steps: S1. Prefabricated brush base 1 with brush bristles 2.

[0040] S2. Toothpaste Application: Precisely and evenly apply the prepared, moist toothpaste paste 3 onto the brush bristles 2. Application method: Precise spraying or metered dripping. The amount applied must ensure coverage / blending effect and single application quantity.

[0041] S3. Pre-freezing: Quickly place the brush head with the applied paste into an ultra-low temperature environment (-40℃) to freeze, allowing the water in the paste to completely crystallize. The temperature must be below the eutectic point of the paste.

[0042] S4. Freeze-drying (sublimation drying): Transfer the frozen brush head to a freeze dryer. Under high vacuum (<80 Pa), by controlling the temperature of the heating plate (10°C), the frozen ice crystals directly sublimate (solid → gas), without passing through a liquid state. This process slowly removes moisture, forming a porous framework structure, while the paste components adhere tightly to the brush bristle surface. The drying endpoint is defined as a residual moisture content of less than 5% in the paste.

[0043] S5. Post-treatment and packaging: After drying, post-treatment (such as flattening and shaping) can be carried out under appropriate conditions (such as a dry inert gas environment). Then, a ring 7 is fitted onto the annular step 6 of the brush base 1, and the top cover 8 is put on. Then, it is stored and transported in a moisture-proof, light-proof, and sealed package (such as an aluminum foil bag filled with nitrogen). Example

[0044] like Figures 1-6 The solid-state fusion eco-friendly toothbrush head shown includes: Brush base 1: made of biodegradable material, its size is the standard size of existing toothbrush bristle bases, with a threaded connection structure 5. The bristle base 1 has annular steps, bristles 2 are embedded on the bristle base 1, a ring 7 is fitted at the annular steps 6, and a top cover 8 is provided on the ring cover 7.

[0045] Brush bristles 2: biodegradable material (PLA-based material), medium hardness, conventional bristle density. The bristle density of the outermost ring is greater than that of the inner bristles, which acts as a barrier to prevent the paste from easily slipping off the bristle base (1).

[0046] Toothpaste paste 3 uses the formula and manufacturing method of invention patent CN 101926738 B, removing the preservative sodium benzoate from the formula. Calculated based on a total toothpaste weight of 100 grams, it contains 3 grams of food-grade sodium tripolyphosphate, 0.1 grams of fumed silica, 6 grams of abrasive, 20 grams of glycerol, 0.5 grams of xanthan gum, 1.0 gram of sodium dodecyl sulfate, 0.1 gram of sodium saccharin, 0.6 grams of fragrance, and the remainder being deionized water. The manufacturing method of solid-state fusion eco-friendly toothbrush heads includes the following steps: S1. Prefabricated brush base 1 with brush bristles 2.

[0047] S2. Toothpaste Application: Precisely and evenly apply the prepared, moist toothpaste paste 3 to the bristles 2. Application Method: Inject into the bristles using a mold. The amount applied must ensure coverage / blending effect and the amount used per application.

[0048] S3. Pre-freezing: Quickly place the brush head with the applied paste into an ultra-low temperature environment (-50℃) to freeze, allowing the water in the paste to completely crystallize. The temperature must be below the eutectic point of the paste.

[0049] S4. Freeze-drying (sublimation drying): Transfer the frozen brush head to a freeze dryer. Under high vacuum (<100 Pa), by controlling the temperature of the heating plate (60°C), the frozen ice crystals directly sublimate (solid → gas), without passing through a liquid state. This process slowly removes moisture, forming a porous framework structure, while the paste components adhere tightly to the brush bristle surface. The drying endpoint is defined as a residual moisture content of less than 4% in the paste.

[0050] S5. Post-treatment and packaging: After drying, post-treatment (such as flattening and shaping) can be carried out under appropriate conditions (such as a dry inert gas environment). Then, a ring 7 is fitted onto the annular step 6 of the brush base 1, and the top cover 8 is put on. Then, it is stored and transported in a moisture-proof, light-proof, and sealed package (such as an aluminum foil bag filled with nitrogen).

[0051] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention. In particular, the toothpaste paste 3 is not an innovative point or protected by this invention; it can be a conventional oral cleaning paste without preservatives, or it can be developed in-house or in collaboration with others, with permission from others, or directly provided by others as a preservative-free toothpaste paste. The scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A solid-state fusion-type environmentally friendly toothbrush head, comprising a bristle base (1) and bristles (2) fixed on the bristle base (1), characterized in that: The toothpaste paste (3) is physically bonded and solidified with the brush bristles (2) at the microscopic level through a freeze-drying process, forming an integrated porous solid structure unit that covers or partially embeds the brush bristles.

2. The solid-state fusion-type environmentally friendly toothbrush head according to claim 1, characterized in that: The toothpaste paste (3) is a conventional oral cleaning paste composition without preservatives, and its moisture content in the freeze-dried state is less than 5% (by weight), preferably less than 3%.

3. The solid-state fusion-type environmentally friendly toothbrush head according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The freeze-drying process includes a pre-freezing stage and a sublimation drying stage. The pre-freezing temperature is lower than the eutectic point temperature of the toothpaste paste (3), and the sublimation drying is carried out under vacuum conditions.

4. The solid-state fusion-type environmentally friendly toothbrush head according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bristle base (1) is provided with a connection structure (5) adapted to the reusable toothbrush handle (4) for detachable installation.

5. The solid-state fusion-type environmentally friendly toothbrush head according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bristles (2) are made of nylon, PBT, TPE or biodegradable materials; the bristle base (1) is made of plastic or biodegradable materials.

6. A method for preparing the solid-state fused environmentally friendly toothbrush head according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (S1) Provide a bristle base (1) and bristles (2) fixed thereon; (S2) Apply the prepared water-containing toothpaste paste (3) quantitatively to the brush bristles (2); (S3) Pre-freeze the bristles (2) on which toothpaste paste (3) has been applied to, so that the paste is completely frozen; (S4) The frozen paste is sublimated and dried under vacuum until the moisture content of the paste drops below a predetermined threshold, forming an integrated porous solid structure that is fused and solidified with the bristles, thus obtaining the solid-state fused environmentally friendly toothbrush head.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that: In step (S2), the application method is impregnation, spraying, dripping, or molding injection.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that: In step (S3), the pre-freezing temperature is -30℃ to -50℃; in step (S4), the vacuum degree of the sublimation drying stage is less than 100 Pa, and the heating plate temperature is controlled between -40℃ and 60℃.

9. The application of the solid-state fusion environmentally friendly toothbrush head according to any one of claims 1-5 in oral hygiene.

10. An oral hygiene system, characterized in that: The toothbrush includes a reusable toothbrush handle (4) and a solid-state fused environmentally friendly toothbrush head as described in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the toothbrush handle (4) and the bristle base (1) of the toothbrush head are detachably connected by a connecting structure (5).

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