Multi-Component Oral Care Handle With Strap Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oral care implements, such as toothbrushes, face limitations in design flexibility and cost-effectiveness due to the requirement for two plastic materials to bond during injection molding, restricting the selection of materials and design options.
Innovation Solution
A multi-component handle structure for oral care implements, comprising a first hard plastic component, a second hard plastic component with a strap network, and a third elastomeric material component, which are assembled using injection molding and mechanical connections to enhance design flexibility and user comfort without chemical bonding between the plastics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two plastic materials are used to bond during injection molding, then design flexibility is improved, but material selection is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into three separate components: a first hard plastic component, a second hard plastic component with strap network, and a third elastomeric material component. These components are assembled using mechanical connections rather than requiring chemical bonding during injection molding, allowing greater freedom in material selection while maintaining design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary assembly process where components are mechanically connected through features like the strap network wrapping around the first component and the third component fitting within the second component aperture. This intermediary mechanical connection system enables the assembly of chemically incompatible materials without requiring direct chemical bonding.
2Strength
If two plastic materials bond during injection molding, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the handle into three independently formable components, each can be manufactured using optimized processes for its specific material properties. The first hard plastic component, second hard plastic component with strap network, and third elastomeric material component can be formed separately and then assembled, reducing the complexity of multi-material injection molding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive bonding during injection molding) with a mechanical connection system. The strap network provides mechanical reinforcement and connection, while the inter-fitting portions provide mechanical retention, eliminating the need for chemical bonds between components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If chemically incompatible plastics are used, then design freedom is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The strap network acts as an intermediary element that mechanically connects the first hard plastic component to the second hard plastic component. This intermediary mechanical connection system allows chemically incompatible materials to be joined reliably through physical reinforcement rather than chemical adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle employs a composite construction with three different materials: first hard plastic, second hard plastic, and third elastomeric material. Each material is selected for its specific properties and is connected through mechanical features, creating a reliable composite structure that would be impossible to achieve with chemically bonding 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; a head coupled to the handle; at least one tooth cleaning element extending from the head; the handle comprising: a first component constructed of a first hard material; and a second component constructed of a second hard material, the second component comprising a plurality of strips that collectively form a strap network that wraps around the first component.