Segmented Toothbrush Head with Elastomeric Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional toothbrushes have limited flexibility, which hinders their ability to conform to tooth curvature, penetrate interproximal areas, and retain dentifrice effectively, leading to reduced cleaning efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A toothbrush design featuring a head formed by a plurality of spaced-apart segments made of rigid material, connected by elastomeric channels, with an elastomeric soft tissue cleaner on the rear surface, allowing for flexible bristle angles and improved dentifrice retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the toothbrush head is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the brush can transmit sufficient pressure to teeth, but the head cannot conform to tooth curvature and penetrate interproximal areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to conform to tooth curvatureVSAvoidpressure transmission capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The toothbrush head is divided into multiple rigid segments that are flexibly connected to each other. Each segment maintains structural integrity for pressure transmission while the flexible connections allow the segments to move independently and conform to the curved surfaces of teeth and interproximal areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The toothbrush head combines rigid materials for segment construction with flexible elastomeric materials for connections. This composite construction allows different parts of the head to have different mechanical properties - rigidity where needed for pressure transmission and flexibility where needed for conforming to tooth surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If the toothbrush head is made flexible to reach interproximal areas, then the brush can penetrate between teeth, but the head cannot transmit sufficient pressure to teeth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepenetration into interproximal areasVSAvoidpressure transmission to teeth

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the head into multiple rigid units connected flexibly, each segment can independently adapt to interproximal spaces while collectively maintaining the ability to transmit brushing pressure to tooth surfaces through the rigid segment structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric connection materials provide flexibility for penetrating between teeth while the rigid segment materials ensure sufficient pressure transmission capability is maintained during the brushing action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional flat bristle trim is used, then the brush structure is simple, but the brush cannot clean along the gum line effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to clean along gum lineVSAvoidbristle arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bristle trim is segmented into multiple independent sections corresponding to the head segments. Each section can be angled and positioned independently to contact the gum line at different locations, allowing effective cleaning along the curved gum line while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bristle trim sections are made dynamically adaptable through their connection to the flexible head segments, allowing them to move and angle themselves to contact the gum line effectively during brushing while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 cleaning efficiency by providing the necessary flexibility to reach interproximal areas and maintain dentifrice contact, improving plaque removal and gum line cleaning while reducing bad breath through effective soft tissue cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

The segments are isolated from one another by channels containing an elastomeric material that flexibly connects the segments together

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an elastomeric soft tissue cleaner located on a rear surface of the head opposite the front surface of the head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9167887B2Oral care implement

Publication Date: 2015.10.27 COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO

AI summary

An oral care implement, such as a toothbrush (100), comprises a handle (110) and a head (120). A plurality of tooth cleaning elements (130) may be provided on a front surface (121) of the head (120). The head (120) is formed by a plurality of spaced-apart segments (140-145) made of a rigid material. The segments (140-145) are isolated from one another by channels (157-159B) containing an elastomeric material (146) that flexibly connects the segments (140-145) together. The oral care implement further comprises an elastomeric soft tissue cleaner (200) located on a rear surface (122) of the head (120) opposite the front surface (121) of the head (120). Each of the segments (140-145) comprises a protuberance (163-169) made of the rigid material that extends through the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner (200) and is exposed therethrough.