Cam-Actuated Fluid Valve for Oral Care Implement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oral care implements with fluid supply mechanisms are either unreliable due to fragile diaphragms or bulky and expensive with many moving parts, lacking a simple and compact solution for consistently delivering oral care fluid.
Innovation Solution
A manually-operated toothbrush with a supply mechanism featuring a linear cam and actuator that moves a first valve between isolation and fluid communication positions, utilizing a propellant to push oral care fluid from a reservoir through a fluid passageway to a fluid outlet, with a biasing device ensuring reliable operation and minimal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a thin diaphragm or membrane is used for pumping oral care fluid, then the device can be simple in structure, but the reliability deteriorates over time due to the diaphragm remaining intact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fragile diaphragm component entirely from the system. Instead of using a diaphragm for pumping, the invention employs a valve mechanism with a cam-actuated plunger that directly controls fluid flow, eliminating the reliability issue associated with diaphragm integrity while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adopts a disposable cartridge containing the valve and plunger mechanism that can be replaced when worn. This approach trades the longevity of individual components for overall system reliability, allowing the main handle body to remain while replacing only the consumable fluid delivery cartridge
2Reliability
If mechanisms with many moving parts are used for driving oral care fluid, then the fluid can be reliably delivered, but the device becomes bulky, expensive to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the oral care device into two separate segments: a permanent handle body containing the cam mechanism and a replaceable cartridge containing the valve and fluid reservoir. This segmentation allows the complex cam-actuated valve mechanism to be simplified and miniaturized within the cartridge, reducing the number of moving parts in the main device while maintaining reliable fluid delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is designed to automatically actuate the valve through a simple rotational motion that self-regulates the fluid flow. The cam profile inherently controls the timing and duration of valve opening, eliminating the need for additional control mechanisms, springs, or actuators, thereby reducing the number of moving parts while ensuring reliable operation
3Volume of moving object
If a compact supply mechanism is designed, then the device size is reduced, but the reliability may be compromised due to limited space for robust components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the valve mechanism within the cam actuator housing, and the entire cartridge assembly fits within the handle body. This nested arrangement allows robust components to be packed efficiently in three-dimensional space, maintaining component strength and reliability while minimizing the overall device volume. The cam, valve, and spring are arranged concentrically and in series to maximize space utilization
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 robust, compact, and reliable mechanism for delivering oral care fluid, enhancing user control and comfort while reducing manufacturing costs and complexity, allowing multiple uses without compromising performance.
Implementation Method 1
The selector comprises a user-contactable surface forming a portion of an exterior surface of the oral care implement. The selector comprises a unitary component comprising the user- contactable surface and the cam. The cam is movable relative to the body along a first axis and the follower is movable relative to the body along a second axis
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a propellant to push oral care fluid from a reservoir through a fluid passageway to a fluid outlet
Implementation Method 3
with a biasing device ensuring reliable operation and minimal components
Data Source
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AI summary
An oral care implement having a body having a handle, a head at an end of the handle, and at least one fluid outlet, the head having at least one oral care element extending therefrom; a reservoir in the body and for storing an oral care fluid; and a supply mechanism connected to the body, the supply mechanism having a user-operable selector comprising a cam, and an actuator comprising a follower in contact with the same, the actuator operable to cause the oral care fluid to flow from the reservoir towards the fluid outlet, and wherein the cam is movable relative to the body to cause movement of the follower relative to the body and thereby operate the actuator.