Elastomeric Housing Interlock for Power Toothbrush Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power toothbrush designs face challenges in durability and manufacturing costs due to complex and costly frame designs, which are prone to damage from axial shocks and require multiple components for vibration isolation and protection.
Innovation Solution
The use of elastomeric materials for multi-function components attached to a plastic injection-molded frame, which absorbs vibration energy and secures rechargeable batteries, reducing the risk of damage from shocks and simplifying assembly processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex frame designs with multiple components are used for vibration isolation and protection, then durability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protective and structural functions into a single integrated elastomeric component that serves as both a vibration isolator and a protective frame. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining durability and shock absorption capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it isolates vibrations, absorbs axial shocks, protects internal components, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, simplifying the overall device design.
2Reliability
If multiple component parts are used to hold and protect internal functional parts, then protection and support are improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates component holding, protection, and support functions into a single elastomeric piece rather than using multiple separate hardware components. This reduces part count, lowering manufacturing costs and simplifying assembly processes while maintaining protective capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of elastomeric material provides both structural support and shock absorption in a single component, combining the properties of rigidity and flexibility that would otherwise require multiple different materials and components to achieve.
3Strength
If traditional frame designs are used, then structural support is provided, but axial shock absorption is insufficient and damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid plastic to elastomeric material, which fundamentally alters the mechanical properties to include shock absorption while maintaining structural support. This parameter change allows the component to deform elastically under axial shock loads, dissipating energy and protecting internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric component is designed to absorb axial shocks before they can reach and damage internal components. The material's inherent elasticity provides built-in cushioning that activates automatically upon impact, protecting vulnerable parts without requiring additional protective mechanisms.
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
This solution enhances the durability of power toothbrushes by minimizing damage from axial shocks, reduces manufacturing costs, and simplifies assembly methods by using modular parts with multiple functions, thereby improving the overall performance and cost-effectiveness of the device.
Implementation Method 1
The majority of the vibration energy is directed into the elastomeric material where it dissipates before reaching the housing where it can be transferred to the user
Implementation Method 2
By isolating the batteries within various elastomeric components that have features to absorb the axial shock and motion, the damage can be minimized or eliminated
Data Source
AI summary
A housing interlock (90) for a power toothbrush (10) configured to improve the durability of the toothbrush and to simplify the assembly process. The housing interlock (90) provides for tolerance mitigation and shock protection, and also provides housing interlock tabs (95) such that the housing interlock can secure the components within the housing.