Segmented Toothbrush Head with Multi-Directional Bristles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current toothbrush designs have difficulty accessing all surfaces of the teeth, particularly the inner and outer portions, due to bristles being oriented in the same direction and not adapting well to the anatomy of the mouth, making it challenging for users, especially those with reduced mobility, to brush effectively.

Innovation Solution

A toothbrush head with two opposite bases, an outer and an inner base, linked by a central bridge, featuring sets of bristles oriented at specific angles to reach all surfaces of the teeth simultaneously, including the upper, outer, and inner portions, and the gum line, without requiring awkward handle positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single base with a single set of bristles oriented in the same direction is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot access all surfaces of the teeth effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to all tooth surfacesVSAvoidhead structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The toothbrush head is divided into two opposite bases (outer base and inner base) with separate bristle sets. Each base independently targets specific tooth surfaces, allowing simultaneous cleaning of outer, inner, and chewing surfaces without requiring complex positioning maneuvers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-direction bristle orientation to multi-directional bristle arrangements by adding bristles on opposite sides of the head. This dimensional expansion allows bristles to contact tooth surfaces from multiple angles simultaneously, effectively accessing all tooth surfaces including inner faces and molars.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If bristles are oriented in the same direction, then manufacturing is simple, but it is difficult to access inner faces and molars

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrushing of inner faces and molarsVSAvoidbristle orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bristle system is segmented into multiple independent sets: outer bristles on the outer base, inner bristles on the inner base, and central bristles on the bridge. Each set is oriented to target specific anatomical regions, enabling effective cleaning of inner faces and molars while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different bristle sets have different orientations and characteristics tailored to specific tooth surfaces. Outer bristles are oriented for outer surfaces, inner bristles for inner faces, and central bristles for chewing surfaces, providing locally optimized cleaning for each anatomical region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the handle is positioned in awkward orientations, then all tooth surfaces can be accessed, but users with reduced mobility cannot brush correctly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to all tooth surfacesVSAvoidusability for users with reduced mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The dual-base head structure with independently oriented bristle sets eliminates the need for awkward handle positioning. Users can simply insert the head into the mouth, and the segmented bristle arrays automatically contact all tooth surfaces including inner faces and molars, making the brush accessible to users with reduced mobility or dexterity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The toothbrush head is designed to self-position and self-adjust within the mouth. The multi-directional bristle arrays automatically align with tooth surfaces upon insertion, eliminating the need for users to perform complex positioning maneuvers or have precise manual dexterity to achieve effective cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Strength

If silicone bristles with low hardness are used, then they are soft, but they cannot drag material from interdental spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidbristle hardness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The toothbrush employs composite bristle construction combining different materials with complementary properties: duPont Teflon PTFE material provides low friction for dragging debris from interdental spaces, while polyamide provides structural strength and rigidity. This composite approach achieves both softness for comfort and sufficient hardness for effective material removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP4052608B1Toothbrush head and manufacturing method

Publication Date: 2025.04.23 ZIZ DENTAL CARE SL

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AI summary

The invention relates to a toothbrush head and manufacturing method, having a head with bristles (3) that is coupled to a gripping handle (4), said head (2) comprising two opposite bases, an outer one (5) and an inner one (6), which are linked to each other by means of a central bridge (7) that defines an intermediate separation space (8) therebetween, there being a set of outer bristles (3a) and another set of inner bristles (3b), which emerge facing each other from the respective inner faces of said opposite bases (5, 6), and a set of central bristles (3c) emerging from the central bridge (7) and perpendicular to the rest of bristles (3a, 3b).