Electric Toothbrush Head Coupling Structure for Stable Vibration Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric toothbrushes face issues with high manufacturing costs due to the use of metal or springs for tight coupling to the drive shaft, and some brush heads struggle with loose fits or reduced vibratory effect.
Innovation Solution
A coupling member with a base and coupling section, featuring a cylindrical sidewall and optional resilient spring member, securely attaches to the toothbrush handle, using multiple engagement means to ensure stability and vibratory transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal or springs are used inside the brush head to facilitate tight coupling to the drive shaft, then the coupling stability and vibratory effect are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive metal springs with a disposable plastic brush head that includes an integrated resilient coupling structure. The coupling section is made of resilient material that can be molded as part of the brush head assembly, eliminating the need for separate metal spring components while maintaining the tight coupling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the coupling function directly into the brush head structure by combining the resilient coupling section with the brush head body. The coupling section with teeth is molded as an integral part of the brush head, merging the attachment mechanism with the brush head itself rather than using separate components.
2Reliability
If metal or springs are used inside the brush head to facilitate tight coupling to the drive shaft, then the vibratory effect is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves the vibratory coupling effect using a disposable plastic brush head with an integrated resilient coupling structure. The resilient material in the coupling section provides the necessary elasticity and vibration transmission without requiring expensive metal springs, maintaining performance while reducing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses resilient material (which may be a composite or polymer material) for the coupling section that provides both structural integrity and elastic properties needed for vibration transmission. This material choice replaces metal while maintaining the vibratory coupling effect.
3Ease of manufacture
If no metal or springs are used in the brush head, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the brush head may have difficulty staying connected to the handle and may not offer sufficient vibratory effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a resilient coupling section that dynamically adapts to the drive shaft through elastic deformation. The resilient material allows the coupling section to flex and conform to the drive shaft geometry, maintaining stable connection without rigid metal components. The dynamic elastic response ensures continuous contact and vibration transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal to resilient plastic material for the coupling section. This parameter change allows the coupling to maintain stability through elastic properties rather than rigid mechanical interference, achieving connection stability with lower-cost materials.
4Ease of manufacture
If no metal or springs are used in the brush head, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the brush head may not offer sufficient vibratory effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves sufficient vibratory effect in a disposable brush head by integrating a resilient coupling section directly into the brush head structure. The resilient material provides the necessary elasticity for vibration transmission without requiring expensive metal spring components, maintaining performance in a cost-effective disposable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient coupling section dynamically transmits vibrations from the drive shaft to the brush head through elastic deformation. The dynamic elastic response of the resilient material ensures effective vibration transmission without rigid mechanical connections, maintaining vibratory effect while using lower-cost materials.
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 provides a cost-effective, stable, and efficient coupling that maintains vibratory effectiveness, reducing manufacturing costs and ensuring secure attachment under high-speed vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient spring member that is sized to be positioned within the aperture and touch the drive shaft while being held by the aperture
Data Source
AI summary
This document discloses a member for mounting a toothbrush head to an electric toothbrush. The member includes a base having an opening for receiving a drive shaft of an electric toothbrush. The member also includes a coupling section that includes a cylindrical sidewall that surrounds a cavity for receiving the drive shaft. A tip extends from an end of the coupling section that is opposite the base. The tip meets the cylindrical sidewall at a ledge that limits a distance of travel of the coupling member into the cavity; and a plurality of teeth that extend into the cavity from the cylindrical sidewall along a longitudinal axis of the coupling section.