Multi-Component Oral Care Handle Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oral care implements, such as toothbrushes, lack design flexibility and cost-effectiveness in mass production while compromising user comfort and control.
Innovation Solution
A multi-component handle design featuring a first component made of hard plastic and a second component made of elastomeric material, with specific depressions and through-holes for lobe portions to form an integral mass, enhancing ergonomic features and grip functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single plastic component is used for the handle, then manufacturing cost is reduced and production is simplified, but design flexibility and user comfort are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into multiple components: a first component made of hard plastic material forming the structural portion, and a second component made of elastomeric material forming the gripping surface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling greater design flexibility without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The handle combines different plastic materials with complementary properties: hard plastic material for structural integrity and elastomeric material for comfort and grip. This composite approach leverages the advantages of each material while maintaining cost-effective mass production through integrated molding processes
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-component handle is used, then design flexibility and user comfort are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple molding operations are combined into a single integrated process where the first and second components are formed together in one molding operation. The first component is formed with recesses that receive the elastomeric material, allowing both components to be created simultaneously from a single mold setup, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The second component (elastomeric material) is formed within the recesses of the first component (hard plastic material) during the same molding operation. This nested structure allows the gripping surface to be integrated into the structural portion without requiring separate assembly steps, maintaining manufacturing simplicity
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional handle design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but user comfort and control during use are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the handle are assigned different material properties: the structural portion uses hard plastic material for durability and form, while the gripping surface uses elastomeric material for comfort and control. This local differentiation of material quality optimizes both manufacturing simplicity and user comfort by addressing each region's specific functional requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
An oral care implement having a multi-component handle is disclosed. In one aspect, the oral care implement comprises: a handle comprising a first component constructed of a first material and a second component constructed of a second material; the first component comprising: first, second and third depressions formed into an outer surface of the first component; and a first through-hole extending from a floor of the second depression to a floor of the third depression, the first through-hole extending through sidewalls of the first depression; and the second component comprising: a first portion disposed within the first depression, a second portion disposed within the second depression, and a third portion disposed within the first depression; and the first, second and third portions connected together to form an integral mass of the second material.