Integrally Formed Interactive Shell for Electric Toothbrush
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process of conventional electric toothbrushes is complex due to the independent mounting of buttons and light-transmitting covers, which increases the number of steps and surface gaps, potentially harboring dirt and bacteria.
Innovation Solution
An integrally formed interactive shell that combines the viewing shell and button portion, made from the same material, simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of steps and eliminating surface gaps, enhancing structural strength and integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the button and light-transmitting cover are manufactured separately and then assembled, then each component can be optimized independently, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and creates surface gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the button and light-transmitting cover into a single integrated shell structure. The shell includes both the button portion and the light-transmitting cover as unified components, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly processes. This integration directly reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the ability to optimize each functional area through molded design variations.
2Ease of operation
If the button and light-transmitting cover are assembled separately, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but surface gaps are created that can harbor dirt and bacteria
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated shell design eliminates gaps between the button and light-transmitting cover by forming them as continuous molded structures. The button is integrated directly into the shell body, and the light-transmitting cover is formed as a seamless extension, preventing dirt and bacteria accumulation while maintaining assembly flexibility through the overall shell installation process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for the handle housing, then functional independence is achieved, but production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the button, light-transmitting cover, and surrounding structural elements into a single shell component that is molded as one piece. This integration dramatically improves production efficiency by reducing the number of manufacturing steps and assembly operations, while the shell is designed to accommodate independent functional requirements through internal structuring and material selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, houses the button mechanism, transmits light for display, and forms the exterior surface. This multi-functionality is achieved through the integrated design that combines what were previously separate components into a single universal element.
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 simplifies the manufacturing process, improves production efficiency, and reduces the risk of dirt and bacteria accumulation by eliminating gaps between the viewing shell and button portion, while maintaining the interactive functions of display and control.
Implementation Method 1
The display light source is disposed corresponding to the viewing shell to transmit light to an outside of the handle housing through the viewing shell
Data Source
AI summary
An electric toothbrush includes a handle housing and a driving component. The handle housing includes a main shell and an interactive shell. The main shell and the interactive shell are connected to each other. The interactive shell is integrally formed. The interactive shell includes a viewing shell and a button portion. The driving component is disposed in the handle housing. The driving component includes a detection piece and a display light source. The detection piece is disposed corresponding to the button portion to detect whether the button portion is pressed or touched. The display light source is disposed corresponding to the viewing shell to transmit light to an outside of the handle housing. A processing technology of the handle housing of the electric toothbrush is simple and there are fewer surface gaps on the electric toothbrush.