Diverging Bristle Toothbrush Head for Dentifrice Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toothbrushes have limited ability to conform to the curvature of teeth, penetrate interproximal areas, and retain dentifrice, leading to reduced cleaning efficiency due to the flat bristle trim and dentifrice slipping away from the bristles during brushing.
Innovation Solution
A toothbrush design featuring a head with a prophy cup and angled, elongated cleaning elements that form a hollow cone structure, surrounded by a prophy cup, to capture and distribute dentifrice effectively, combined with tufts of densely packed bristles for improved cleaning and retention of dentifrice during brushing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional toothbrushes use a flat bristle trim, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ability to conform to the curvature of teeth and penetrate interproximal areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the conventional flat bristle trim with a three-dimensional arrangement where bristle tufts are positioned at different heights and angles on a curved head surface. The head features a rounded contour that follows the natural curvature of teeth, with bristles arranged in arcs and at varying elevations to conform to tooth surfaces and access interproximal areas effectively.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional toothbrushes use a flat bristle trim, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ability to retain and distribute dentifrice is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat bristle surface to a three-dimensional arrangement where bristle tufts are positioned at different heights, angles, and radial distances from the head center. This multi-level configuration creates dentifrice retention zones between and among bristle tufts, allowing toothpaste to be held and distributed more effectively during brushing.
3Productivity
If conventional toothbrushes use uniformly arranged bristles, then the structure is simple, but the cleaning efficiency across different tooth surfaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by varying the arrangement, orientation, and density of bristle tufts across different regions of the brush head. Specific areas have bristles positioned at different angles and heights to optimize cleaning for particular tooth surfaces, such as outer, inner, and chewing surfaces, providing locally adapted cleaning action throughout the mouth.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional toothbrushes use a flat bristle trim, then the design is simple, but the ability to clean along the gum line is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by positioning certain bristle tufts at inclined angles relative to the head surface, allowing them to flex and adapt during brushing motion. This dynamic arrangement enables bristles to reach along the gum line at various angles, providing effective cleaning action where the brush head contacts the gingival margin during normal brushing movements.
Data Source
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AI summary
An oral care implement implementing a cleaning element arrangement having diverging cleaning elements. In one aspect, the invention is an oral care implement comprising a handle and a head. A plurality of cleaning elements extend from the first surface of the head so as to form a ring about an axis extending from the first surface of the head. Each of the cleaning elements extend from the first surface of the head at an inclined orientation so as to radially diverge from the axis. In one embodiment, a cleaning element wall also extends from the first surface of the head and circumferentially surrounds the plurality of cleaning elements. In another aspect, the invention may be an apparatus for incorporation into an ansate oral care implement that utilizes the aforementioned arrangement of cleaning elements.