Lollipop Toothbrush Attachment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental cleaning devices are not readily available on food accessories, leading to infrequent teeth and gum cleaning, which contributes to increasing dental problems and expenses.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism to attach, affix, or embed dental cleaning devices on food utensils, containers, and bags, providing a visual reminder for frequent cleaning, using attachments, placeholders, and inserting mechanisms to ensure easy access and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If dental cleaning devices are kept only in washrooms or bathrooms, then device security and storage simplicity are maintained, but accessibility and frequency of use are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The food accessory serves multiple functions: it acts as both a food storage/transport container and a holder for the dental cleaning device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage locations, making the cleaning device accessible wherever food is stored or consumed.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding mechanism acts as an intermediary between the food accessory and the dental cleaning device, providing a secure attachment interface that allows the cleaning device to be conveniently stored on commonly used food items without requiring complex storage infrastructure.
2Productivity
If dental cleaning devices are attached to food accessories, then accessibility and visual reminders are improved, but risk of contamination and hygiene concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dental cleaning device is extracted from traditional bathroom-only storage and relocated to food accessories, creating a visual reminder system that prompts frequent cleaning. The separation of the cleaning device from food contact surfaces while maintaining proximity provides both accessibility and hygiene.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding mechanism provides localized attachment points on food accessories that are positioned to be easily accessible yet spatially separated from food storage areas, creating distinct zones that maintain hygiene while enabling frequent access for cleaning.
3Ease of operation
If various holding mechanisms (attachments, embeddings, placeholders) are used to secure dental cleaning devices on food accessories, then accessibility and frequency of use are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holding mechanism is segmented into separate components: an attachment element that integrates with the food accessory and a corresponding interface on the dental cleaning device. This modular approach simplifies manufacturing by allowing each component to be produced independently and assembled separately.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of integrating the holding mechanism directly into the dental cleaning device, the attachment structure is inverted and placed on the food accessory, making the food item the active holder and the cleaning device the passive object being held. This simplifies the cleaning device manufacturing while achieving the same accessibility goal.
Data Source
AI summary
A lollipop toothbrush apparatus includes an edible lollipop head, a hollow handle extending from the lollipop head, and a toothbrush having a handle that fits inside the hollow lollipop handle. The hollow lollipop handle has internal threading configured to receive a complementary threaded portion of the toothbrush handle. The toothbrush is configured to screw into the hollow lollipop handle and form a combined continuous handle for the lollipop.