Ball-Snap Toothbrush Connector for Cleanable Detachable Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual toothbrush designs face challenges in manufacturing cost-efficiency and user-friendliness due to complex connector geometries that are difficult to clean and require additional manufacturing complexity, leading to environmental waste from permanent toothbrush disposal.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing a manual toothbrush with a handle and a detachable head using a spring-loaded ball-snap connector that provides a snap-fit locking mechanism for easy attachment and detachment, made from stainless steel for durability and cost-effectiveness, along with a handle design that includes a chamfered surface for anti-twist protection and improved hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a complex anchor/engaging mechanism with multiple recesses is used to provide strong connection between head and handle, then connection strength is improved, but cleaning ease deteriorates and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate components: a first connector part integrated into the handle and a second connector part integrated into the head. This segmentation allows each part to have a simpler, more manufacturable geometry while collectively providing the strong connection function through their complementary engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the head contain the complex engaging mechanism with multiple recesses, the invention inverts the design by placing the engaging mechanism in the handle and simplifying the head's connector. This inversion transfers the complexity to the stationary handle component, making the replaceable head easier to manufacture and clean.
2Strength
If a complex anchor/engaging mechanism with multiple recesses is used to provide strong connection between head and handle, then connection strength is improved, but cleaning ease deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connector into separate handle and head parts with simplified geometries, the invention eliminates complex recesses that trap toothpaste and slurry. The smooth, simple surfaces of both connector parts are easily accessible to cleaning agents and user manipulation, dramatically improving cleaning ease while maintaining connection strength through the engagement interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the traditional design by placing the engaging mechanism in the stationary handle rather than the replaceable head. This allows the head's connector to have a simple, smooth geometry that is easy to clean, while the handle's engaging mechanism provides the necessary connection strength.
3Ease of operation
If plastic hooks are used in the connector, then attachment and detachment is enabled, but the hooks relax over time requiring active user effort and additional engaging parts increase manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the plastic hook elastic deformation mechanism with a rigid mechanical engagement system consisting of complementary geometric shapes. The first and second connector parts engage through fixed geometric interlocking rather than elastic deformation, eliminating the relaxation problem inherent in plastic hooks while maintaining easy attachment and detachment through simple alignment and insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the plastic hook component entirely, replacing it with a direct rigid mechanical engagement between the connector parts. This removal of the elastic element simplifies the connector design, reduces manufacturing cost, and eliminates the need for additional engaging parts while maintaining functional performance.
4Ease of manufacture
If permanent connection by injection molding is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but environmental sustainability deteriorates due to complete disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The toothbrush is segmented into a permanent handle and a replaceable head, allowing selective replacement of only the consumable head portion. This segmentation enables environmental sustainability by keeping the handle in use for multiple heads, reducing waste, while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through integrated connector design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a discard-and-recover strategy where the head is discarded after use but the handle is recovered and reused with a new head. The integrated connector ensures the handle can be easily reused, transforming a permanently connected design into a sustainable reusable system with minimal manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector with a first substantially cylindrical section having a cavity with a spring-loaded ball-snap element comprising a ball and a spring. An at least partially conically shaped section connecting the first substantially cylindrical section and a second substantially cylindrical section. The first and the second substantially cylindrical sections and the at least partially conically section define a longitudinal length extension. The first substantially cylindrical section and the second substantially cylindrical section are off-center with respect to the longitudinal length extension. A head having a hollow portion is dimensioned to receive the second substantially cylindrical section, the at least partially conically shaped section and a part of the first substantially cylindrical section. The hollow portion has an inner wall with a circular recess dimensioned to receive the ball, removably attaching the head to the second substantially cylindrical section.