Electrical Toothbrush Control for User-Confirmed Brush Head Mode Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical toothbrushes automatically change operation modes based on interchangeable brush heads without user awareness, leading to confusion and less effective brushing.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that require user confirmation before changing operation modes when a new brush head is installed, allowing users to maintain control over mode changes and adjust settings to suit their needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electrical toothbrush automatically changes operation mode based on the interchangeable brush head, then the toothbrush adapts to different brush heads, but the user may be confused by unexpected changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrush head compatibilityVSAvoiduser confusion
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback to the user by displaying a notification on the user interface when a new brush head is detected and the recommended operation mode differs from the current mode. This feedback loop allows the user to be informed of the change before it occurs, preventing confusion while maintaining adaptability to different brush heads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by notifying the user in advance of the operation mode change before actually executing the change. The notification is displayed first, and only after user confirmation does the system switch to the new operation mode, ensuring the user is prepared for the transition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the electrical toothbrush requires user confirmation before changing operation mode, then the user maintains control, but the operation mode change is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser controlVSAvoidmode change delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary notification to the user, displaying the recommended operation mode change on the user interface. This preliminary action prepares the user for the change without immediately executing it, allowing the user to confirm at their convenience while still achieving the mode change promptly after confirmation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows the user to self-service the operation mode change by providing a simple confirmation interface. The user can review the recommended mode and confirm or reject the change according to their preferences, maintaining full control over the toothbrush operation without requiring complex intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4231873B1Methods and systems for controlling an electrical toothbrush
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4231873B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4231873B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4231873B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention provides a method for controlling an operation of an electrical toothbrush with an interchangeable brush head. The method includes obtaining an existing operation mode of the electrical toothbrush and identifying a new interchangeable brush head when the new interchangeable brush head is provided to the electrical toothbrush. A new operation mode associated with the new interchangeable brush head is identified, the new operation mode being different from the existing operation mode. An input is requested from a user to confirm that the operation of the electrical toothbrush should change to the new operation mode. The operation mode of the electrical toothbrush is then changed to the new operation mode or maintained in the existing operation mode based on the user input.