Oral Hygiene Implement With Lateral Indication Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power toothbrushes often have indication elements positioned in a way that they are not visible to the user during use, making it difficult for consumers to understand brushing conditions such as optimal brushing time or force.
Innovation Solution
An oral hygiene implement with a handle, head, neck, and an indication element, where electromagnetic energy is directed from an output source to the indication element, achieving a Total Visible Projected Angle of greater than 300 degrees, ensuring the indication is visible from multiple angles during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the indication element is positioned in the front of the toothbrush (traditional positioning), then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the indication is not visible to the user during use when the toothbrush is moved in many directions
Solution Approach 1:
The indication element is positioned on the lateral surface of the handle rather than the front, utilizing the side dimension to achieve visibility from multiple angles during brushing. This spatial repositioning allows the indication to be viewed from various directions without requiring the user to orient the toothbrush in a specific way.
Solution Approach 2:
The indication element is specifically positioned on the lateral surface where it can be easily viewed by the user during brushing. This localized positioning optimizes visibility in the specific context of use, placing the indication exactly where the user's line of sight naturally falls during brushing motion.
2Ease of operation
If the indication element uses a narrow light distribution angle, then the energy consumption is low and the structure is simple, but the Total Visible Projected Angle is limited and the indication is not visible from multiple angles
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic output source is configured to emit light in multiple directions (broad angular distribution) rather than a single direction, utilizing three-dimensional light propagation to achieve visibility from all angles around the handle. This multi-directional emission ensures the indication is visible regardless of the user's viewing angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The indication element utilizes different colors or light wavelengths to convey different brushing condition information (such as optimal brushing force, brushing time status). This allows multiple pieces of information to be communicated through a single indication element using color differentiation rather than requiring multiple separate indicators.
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
Enhances user visibility of brushing conditions, providing effective feedback on brushing time, force, and indicating when the brush head needs replacement, thereby improving oral hygiene practices.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic energy output source. The electromagnetic energy is directed from the output source to the indication element
Data Source
AI summary
An oral hygiene implement is provided. The oral hygiene implement includes a handle; a head including a plurality of contact elements; a neck disposed between the handle and the head; an indication element; and an electromagnetic energy output source. The electromagnetic energy is directed from the output source to the indication element such that a Total Visible Projected Angle (φT) of the oral hygiene implement is greater than about 300 degrees.