Actuator Shaft Multi-Point Electrical Contact for Stable Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric toothbrushes with reciprocating shafts experience instability in electrical current supply due to varying resistance at the sliding contact point between the shaft and terminal plate, leading to inconsistent current delivery during brushing.
Innovation Solution
An actuator with a shaft supported for axial or rotational reciprocating movement and an electricity conducting member making contact at multiple points on the shaft's circumferential surface ensures stable current supply, using a linear oscillating actuator with an electromagnetic block and a bearing or a liquid/gel-like conducting agent for consistent electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a shaft makes sliding contact with a terminal plate during reciprocating movement, then the brush body can be driven axially, but the electrical resistance at the contact point varies, causing unstable electric current supply
Solution Approach 1:
The electricity conducting member is divided into multiple contact points (first, second, and third contact points) distributed around the circumferential surface of the shaft. This segmentation ensures that even if one contact point becomes unstable due to shaft flexing or shaking, other contact points maintain electrical connection, thereby stabilizing the overall electric current supply to the brush body.
2Force
If the shaft is pressed against teeth or shakes during reciprocating movement, then the mechanical function is maintained, but the contact stability between shaft and terminal plate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electricity conducting member contacts the shaft at multiple distributed points (first, second, and third contact points) rather than a single point. This segmentation provides redundancy so that mechanical forces causing shaft flexing or shaking do not completely disrupt electrical contact, as remaining contact points maintain the electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The electricity conducting member serves dual functions: it provides mechanical support/bearing for the shaft during reciprocating movement and simultaneously maintains stable electrical conduction. This multi-functionality allows the same component to handle both mechanical instability and electrical conductivity requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a stable electric current to the brush body, effectively removing plaque by maintaining consistent electrical resistance even under external forces, enabling efficient plaque removal.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic block for, when applied with an alternating current, causing the moving block and the shaft to make the axial reciprocating movement or the rotational reciprocating movement around longitudinal axis of the shaft
Implementation Method 2
an electricity conducting member for making contact with the shaft at a plurality of points on a circumferential surface of the shaft used as an electricity conducting path leading to other members
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator includes a shaft supported in such a manner as to make axial reciprocating movement or rotational reciprocating movement around longitudinal axis thereof, and an electricity conducting member for making contact with the shaft at a plurality of points on a circumferential surface of the shaft used as an electricity conducting path leading to other members. Further, an electric toothbrush includes the actuator as a drive power source for a brush body, and the brush body is adapted to be supplied with an electric current through the shaft.