Retractable Oral Care Dispenser Integrated in Toothbrush Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oral care systems, such as tray-based tooth whitening products, are uncomfortable, inconvenient for storage, and not portable, making them difficult to use and transport.
Innovation Solution
A compact, portable oral care system that integrates a toothbrush with a dispenser for oral care products, allowing the toothbrush and product to be stored and applied together, with the dispenser being retractable and extendable for easy access to the product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tray-based systems are used for oral care products, then the products can be applied, but the system becomes uncomfortable and awkward to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the toothbrush handle and the oral care product dispenser into a single integrated unit. The dispenser is positioned within the handle's internal cavity, merging two previously separate items (toothbrush and product container) into one unified device that is easier to use and carry.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is nested within the internal cavity of the toothbrush handle. This nesting arrangement allows the product container to be housed inside the handle structure, reducing overall complexity while maintaining functionality of both components.
2Quantity of substance
If tray-based systems are used for oral care products, then the products can be stored, but extra storage space is required in bathroom cabinets
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser containing the oral care product is nested within the internal cavity of the toothbrush handle. This eliminates the need for separate storage space in bathroom cabinets, as the product is already housed within the portable handle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the product storage function into the toothbrush handle itself, the system eliminates the need for additional stationary storage space. The handle becomes both a cleaning tool and a product reservoir.
3Ease of operation
If tray-based systems are used for oral care products, then the products can be applied, but the system is not conveniently portable for transport and travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the toothbrush and oral care product dispenser into a single portable unit. The dispenser is positioned within the handle's internal cavity, creating a self-contained system that is convenient for transport and travel, eliminating the need to carry separate products.
4Reliability
If oral care product and toothbrush are stored separately, then each component can be optimized, but storage becomes cumbersome and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the toothbrush and oral care product dispenser into a single integrated unit with the dispenser positioned within the handle's internal cavity. This merging maintains component functionality while dramatically improving storage convenience, as both items are now housed together in one portable unit.
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
The system provides a convenient, self-contained solution for oral care that is easy to transport and use, ensuring that users can apply oral care products efficiently and effectively without the need for separate storage or handling of multiple items.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element positioned within the internal cavity and operably coupled to the dispenser so as to propel the dispenser between the retracted and extended states
Data Source
AI summary
An oral care system including a toothbrush body having a cavity and a dispenser positioned within the cavity. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care system comprising: a toothbrush body comprising a handle and a head, the toothbrush body extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the head; an opening in the proximal end of the toothbrush body that forms a passageway into an internal cavity of the handle; a first dispenser positioned within the internal cavity and comprising a first store of oral care material, the first dispenser resiliently coupled to the toothbrush body to be alterable between: (1) a first retracted state; and (2) a first extended state.