Brush and head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric toothbrushes are simply motorized versions of manual toothbrushes, lacking innovative designs that effectively utilize vibration for improved brushing efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A brush design featuring a head with bristles, an actuator that expands and contracts in response to an electric signal, a connection member to transmit vibration, and a body with a housing that houses the actuator, allowing the head to vibrate reciprocally at a predetermined angle relative to the body's extension direction, enhancing brushing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electric toothbrushes are made by simply motorizing manual toothbrushes, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but brushing efficacy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable connection member that can rotate relative to the housing, transforming the static motorized structure into a dynamic system. The connection member's ability to rotate and transmit vibration at predetermined angles creates more effective brushing motion while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces angular dimension by orienting the connection member at predetermined angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the housing extension direction. This angular arrangement transforms the linear vibration from the actuator into multi-directional brushing motion, enhancing cleaning efficacy without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
2Productivity
If the head vibrates reciprocally at a predetermined angle relative to the body extension direction, then brushing efficacy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member serves as an intermediary component between the actuator and the head. It receives linear vibration from the actuator, rotates at predetermined angles, and transmits the transformed vibration to the head. This intermediary mechanism achieves complex angled vibration with relatively simple structural additions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with a simpler actuator-coniction member assembly. The connection member's rotational capability provides the necessary angular motion without requiring traditional mechanical linkages, cam mechanisms, or gear systems that would increase device complexity.
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 design provides improved brushing efficacy by effectively transmitting vibration from the actuator to the bristles, allowing for efficient cleaning and user experience through bone conduction of sound, with adjustable modes and frequency options.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator that expands and contracts in response to an electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
A brush includes a head with bristles, an actuator that expands and contracts in accordance with an electric signal, a connection member that transmits vibration of the actuator to the head, and a body including a housing that houses the actuator. The direction of reciprocal vibration of the head is at a predetermined angle relative to the direction of extension of the housing.