Portable Tooth Cleaning Device with Plunger Dispensing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tooth cleaning devices are inconvenient for use outside the home due to their large size and requirement for water and toothpaste, and there is a need for compact, multi-use devices that can remove dental stains without additional materials.

Innovation Solution

A portable tooth cleaning device with an elongated housing containing an oral care composition that is dispensed onto bristles using a plunger assembly, allowing for multiple uses without separate toothpaste or water, and featuring a flexible housing that compresses to release the composition onto the bristles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional tooth brushes are used, then durable and reusable cleaning is achieved, but the device becomes too large and inconvenient for portable use

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate components: a reusable handle and a replaceable head containing the cleaning composition. This segmentation allows the handle to be durable and reusable while the head can be compact and disposable, resolving the contradiction between durability and portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning composition is contained within a cavity in the handle, with the plunger assembly nested inside the same handle structure. This nesting allows multiple functional elements to be integrated into a compact portable device without requiring separate containers for each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If conventional tooth brushes are used, then effective tooth cleaning is achieved, but water and tooth paste are required making use impossible when unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning composition is merged with the toothbrush structure itself, contained within the handle cavity. This integration eliminates the need for separate toothpaste and water sources, allowing the device to function as a complete self-contained system that can be used anywhere without additional materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical brushing through the bristles, delivers cleaning composition through the plunger mechanism, and contains all necessary components in one unit. This multi-functionality allows effective tooth cleaning without requiring separate toothpaste or water, enhancing portability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If a compact portable tooth cleaning device is created, then portability is improved, but the device becomes single-use and less durable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidreusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into a durable reusable handle and a replaceable head. The handle containing the plunger mechanism can be used repeatedly, while the head with bristles and composition can be replaced after a single use or when the composition is depleted, combining reusability with compact portable design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables discreet and effective tooth cleaning and stain removal in social settings without additional materials, maintaining oral hygiene and freshness with a compact, reusable device.

Implementation Method 1

a plunger assembly, the plunger assembly comprising a rotatable dial at the second end of the housing coupled to a helically grooved shaft, and a non-rotatable laterally extending plunger having an outer surface slidably engaged with an inner wall of the housing and a central opening engaged with the helically grooved shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a plunger assembly comprising a rotatable dial at the second end of the housing coupled to a helically grooved shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS12096843B2Multiuse tooth cleaning devices and processes for using same

Publication Date: 2024.09.24 360 GLOBAL HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Tooth cleaning devices for portable, discrete use to improve dental hygiene as well as cosmetic appearance of teeth and processes for using same. The devices enable discrete cleaning of teeth after drinking dark-colored beverages or after eating food in social settings when conventional teeth cleaning devices are unavailable or inconvenient. In particular, these devices are designed for multiple uses, so that the same device may be used for teeth cleaning on multiple occasions.