Elastomeric Bristle Sleeve Compression Toothbrush
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toothbrushes with bristles made of polyamide or polyester lack effectiveness in softness and plaque removal, and there is a need for mechanisms to adjust the stiffness of cleaning element tufts.
Innovation Solution
The toothbrush features elongated polygonal shaped bristles formed of two components with different characteristics, such as material and color, and tufts surrounded by sleeves that apply compression force to create a flaring effect, allowing for varying stiffness by adjusting the height of the sleeves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional bristles made of polyamide or polyester are used, then the toothbrush structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the softness and plaque removal effectiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining elastomeric material with polyamide or polyester filaments within the same bristle. The elastomeric material provides softness and compliance for effective plaque removal, while the polyamide/polyester core maintains structural integrity. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by achieving both manufacturing simplicity (through extrusion processes) and improved cleaning effectiveness (through material properties).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes material parameters by transitioning from conventional polyamide/polyester bristles to elastomeric material with specific durometer ranges (20-70 Shore A). This parameter change in material hardness and elasticity directly improves softness and plaque removal effectiveness while maintaining ease of manufacture through established extrusion techniques.
2Reliability
If elastomeric material is used for bristles, then softness is improved, but the stiffness adjustment capability of cleaning element tufts is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bristle structure into distinct components: an elastomeric outer material providing softness, and embedded polyamide/polyester filaments providing structural support. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's properties, enabling both softness improvement and stiffness adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions of different material properties within the same bristle. The elastomeric material dominates the surface for softness, while the embedded filaments provide localized stiffness. Additionally, different bristles can have varying ratios of elastomeric material to filaments, allowing stiffness adjustment for different tuft requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If bristles have a small diameter, then the number of bristles can be increased to cover more surface area, but the individual bristle effectiveness in plaque removal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the diameter parameter of individual bristles to a larger size (0.5-2.0 mm) compared to conventional bristles. This parameter change reduces the total number of bristles needed while increasing the plaque removal effectiveness of each individual bristle through greater surface contact area and enhanced mechanical action.
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 enhances the softness and cleaning efficiency of the toothbrush by providing a wiping action that covers a larger tooth surface area, with adjustable stiffness for different tufts, improving both mouth feel and cleaning effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the sleeves may apply a compression force onto the cleaning elements, thereby creating a flaring effect
Data Source
AI summary
An oral care implement that includes a handle and a head. A tuft of cleaning elements extends from the front surface of the head along an axis and includes a plurality of cleaning elements. In one embodiment, the cleaning elements may be formed of an elastomeric material. Furthermore, a sleeve may be coupled to the head and extend from the front surface of the head. The sleeve circumferentially surrounds a first portion of the tuft of cleaning elements and a second portion of the tuft of cleaning elements protrudes beyond a distal end of the sleeve. The sleeve may apply a radial compression force onto the first portions of the cleaning elements that are surrounded by the sleeves. The second portions of the cleaning elements may diverge as they extend from the distal end of the sleeve. The oral care implement may include sleeves of varying heights.