Disposable Toothbrush With Twist-Knob Toothpaste Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable toothbrushes lack a built-in supply of toothpaste and a mechanism to dispense it, and there is no clear indication when to replace them, posing issues for users traveling or away from home.
Innovation Solution
A disposable toothbrush design featuring a brush body with a storage cavity for toothpaste, a brush neck with channels for flow, a push arrangement to dispense toothpaste, and a twist knob to actuate the mechanism, allowing users to access toothpaste and know when to replace the brush.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a disposable toothbrush is used without a built-in toothpaste supply, then the device structure remains simple, but the user must carry separate toothpaste when traveling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the toothbrush and toothpaste into a single integrated unit. The toothpaste is stored in a reservoir within the toothbrush handle, and a pumping mechanism delivers toothpaste to the bristles during use. This merging eliminates the need to carry separate toothpaste when traveling.
Solution Approach 2:
The toothbrush is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical brushing through bristles and simultaneously delivers toothpaste through an integrated pumping system. This multi-functionality makes the device self-contained and suitable for travel without requiring additional items.
2Ease of operation
If the toothbrush is designed without a toothpaste dispensing mechanism, then the manufacturing cost is lower, but the user cannot access toothpaste from the brush
Solution Approach 1:
The toothbrush includes a manual pumping mechanism that allows the user to self-serve toothpaste by squeezing the handle. This simple self-service mechanism enables toothpaste delivery without requiring complex automated systems, maintaining ease of operation while providing functional access to toothpaste.
3Loss of information
If there is no indication mechanism for toothpaste depletion, then the device structure remains simple, but the user cannot know when to replace the brush
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a visual indication mechanism that changes color or becomes transparent when the toothpaste reservoir is depleted. This allows the user to easily see when to replace the brush without requiring complex electronic sensors or indicators.
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable toothbrush arrangement includes a brush body, a brush head, a brush neck, a pushing arrangement, and a twist knob. The brush neck and brush head includes channels therein to permit the flow of toothpaste into the brush head and out apertures therein. The pushing arrangement is positioned within the brush body and designed to exert a pushing force on the toothpaste. The twist knob is positioned at an end of the brush body and operatively connected to the pushing arrangement and designed to be twisted by a user to actuate the pushing arrangement and push toothpaste out through the head apertures. Once all toothpaste is used, the disposable toothbrush arrangement can be discarded and replaced.