Embedded Print Toothbrush Handle Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current toothbrush designs lack versatility in appearance, making it difficult to differentiate individual brushes and adapt to seasonal or cultural trends without significant production costs, and existing printing techniques struggle with applying high-quality prints on curved surfaces that are exposed to moisture and wear.
Innovation Solution
A toothbrush design featuring a handle, neck, and head made of hard plastic with sectional surfaces that allow for the application of prints using standard techniques like decal printing, where a first portion is moulded with a print and then covered by a second portion to protect it from wear and moisture, using transparent plastic to enhance visibility and optical effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prints are applied to the curved handle surface to provide appearance variations, then the ability to differentiate and adapt toothbrush appearance is improved, but the quality and durability of the print is compromised due to the curved surface and exposure to moisture and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the print within the handle material rather than applying it to the surface. The print is incorporated in a plane that extends through the handle in the longitudinal direction, transforming the print from a surface-level feature vulnerable to curvature and wear into an internal feature protected by the handle material itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional surface printing methods with an embedding technique where the print is incorporated into the molded handle. This substitution eliminates the need for surface adhesives or coatings that would be vulnerable to the curved surface and moisture exposure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional printing methods are used on curved surfaces, then appearance customization is achieved, but the printing quality and mass production suitability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the print application process with the handle molding process. The print is embedded in the handle material before the handle is molded into its final curved shape, allowing high-quality printing on a flat or easily moldable surface while the handle itself provides the curved ergonomic form.
Solution Approach 2:
The print is applied and embedded in the handle material before the handle is molded into its final curved shape. This preliminary action allows the print to be applied on a more accessible surface while the molding process subsequently forms the ergonomic curved shape of the handle.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is made with rounded cylindrical form for comfortable grip, then ease of operation is improved, but the suitability for high-quality printing deteriorates due to the multi-directional curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent orientates the print plane along the longitudinal direction of the handle, extending through the handle from one end to the other. This dimensional orientation allows the print to be displayed along the length of the curved handle rather than attempting to wrap around the curved surface, maintaining both grip comfort and print quality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A toothbrush device is described as well as a method of manufacture which makes it possible to alter the appearance of the toothbrush without investing in new moulding tools. The device comprises a print or a label embedded in the toothbrush.