Ionic Toothbrush Conductive Resin Plaque Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric toothbrushes face challenges in combining mechanical movement with ion production, making it difficult to effectively remove dental plaque due to the complexity and bulkiness of internal charge conducting components.

Innovation Solution

An ionic electric toothbrush design featuring a handle portion with conductive resin on its outer surface, a brush head with conductive resin, and a motor-driven mechanism that generates a negative electrical charge, allowing for improved plaque removal by attracting positively charged plaque molecules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If internal charge conducting components are used for ion production, then ion generation capability is improved, but device complexity and bulkiness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion generation capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional metal rod and contact-based charge conduction system with a conductive resin system. The conductive resin is applied as a coating or integrated material that conducts electrical charge through the brush head and handle without requiring separate metal components, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining ion generation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and form of the charge conducting material from solid metal rods and contacts to a conductive resin material. This material can be applied as a coating or integrated into the plastic components, fundamentally changing how charge is conducted and reducing the need for separate internal components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If metal rod and contact components are used for charge conduction, then ion production is achieved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion productionVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the charge conduction function with the existing plastic components of the toothbrush. The conductive resin is applied to the brush head and handle surfaces, combining the insulating plastic structure with conductive properties without requiring separate metal components, thereby simplifying manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes metal rod and contact components with a conductive resin system that can be applied as a coating or integrated during molding. This eliminates the need for precise metal component assembly and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining ion production capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If conductive resin is applied on outer surface, then device complexity is reduced, but electrical conductivity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidelectrical conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the conductive resin formulation and application parameters to ensure sufficient electrical conductivity. By controlling the resin composition, thickness, and curing conditions, the system achieves adequate charge conduction through the brush head and handle while maintaining the simplified external surface structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 toothbrush effectively removes plaque by generating a negative electric field around the brush head, enhancing brushing efficiency and plaque removal while maintaining a compact and user-friendly design.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical circuit configured to transmit a negative electrical charge through at least a portion of the brush head, wherein the electrical circuit includes one or more sections of conductive resin present on an outer surface of one or both of the handle portion and the brush head portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

generating a negative electric field around the brush head, enhancing brushing efficiency and plaque removal while attracting positively charged plaque molecules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS11812845B2Ionic toothbrush

Publication Date: 2023.11.14 WALMART APOLLO LLC

AI summary

The disclosure provides an ionic toothbrush having an elongated body that may be configured to have a one-piece design, or alternatively one or more components of the ionic toothbrush may be removable and/or replaceable. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an ionic toothbrush which includes a handle portion, a brush head portion including a plurality of bristle tufts; and an electrical circuit configured to transmit a negative electrical charge through at least a portion of the brush head, wherein the electrical circuit includes one or more sections of conductive resin present on an outer surface of one or both of the handle portion and the brush head portion.