Collapsible Toothbrush with Segmented Handle and Travel Case

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional toothbrushes are inconvenient for travel due to their size, require frequent replacement leading to waste of poor-quality materials, and contribute to environmental pollution with non-biodegradable plastics.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible toothbrush made of premium materials with a separable bristle assembly that can be broken down to a third of its original size, paired with a compact carrying case that includes dental care items, allowing only the bristle assembly to be replaced, reducing waste and environmental impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional toothbrush is used, then it provides basic brushing function, but it is bulky and inconvenient for travel

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidtoothbrush length

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The toothbrush is divided into three separate handle segments that can be disconnected and stored individually in the carrying case, reducing the overall length from 6-7 inches to approximately one-third of that size when packed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handle segments are designed to nest within each other or within the carrying case compartments, allowing compact storage of the toothbrush components along with other dental care items in a unified portable unit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Duration of action of moving object

If a traditional toothbrush is made of cheap materials to reduce cost, then it can be regularly replaced, but it wears out quickly and requires frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoothbrush lifespanVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The toothbrush is segmented into a permanent handle and a replaceable bristle assembly, allowing only the wear-prone bristles to be replaced while retaining the durable handle structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding the entire toothbrush when bristles wear out, only the bristle assembly is discarded and replaced, while the handle and head are recovered and reused indefinitely, extending the overall product lifespan

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a traditional toothbrush is disposed of after wear, then a new brush can be purchased, but millions of non-biodegradable plastics are thrown away causing environmental pollution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental pollutionVSAvoiddisposable materials

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the bristle assembly from the handle, the design enables selective replacement of only the consumable bristle portion while retaining the durable handle, significantly reducing the volume of material that needs to be disposed of

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handle and head components are recovered and reused repeatedly, minimizing waste generation. Only the small bristle assemblies are disposed of, reducing plastic waste by an estimated 90% compared to traditional toothbrushes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Adaptability or versatility

If a travel kit is designed to carry toothbrush and associated items, then all dental care items can be carried, but the kit becomes bulky and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrying capacityVSAvoidtravel case size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The carrying case integrates multiple functions by combining storage for the segmented toothbrush handle, bristle assemblies, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash into a single compact unit, eliminating the need for separate containers for each item

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The toothbrush components and other dental care items are arranged to nest within the carrying case compartments, maximizing space utilization and creating a compact travel-sized kit that accommodates all necessary items

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11553781B2Collapsible toothbrush and case

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 CHOUDHRY SALMAN

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a novel toothbrush design and associated carrying case. In one embodiment the toothbrush may have a handle cylindrical in shape, and may break down into three separable sections, each joinable at threaded joints. One element may be configured to receive a removable bristle assembly. In one embodiment, the toothbrush elements may each be stored in separate compartments in the carrying case. The carrying case may also include a slidably extendible drawer configured to dispense floss. The carrying case may also include separate compartments for storing consumables such as toothpaste tablets and mouthwash tablets.