Suction-Driven Toothpaste Dispensing in Integrated Brush Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toothbrushes with integrated toothpaste supplies face challenges in precise dosing and efficient delivery of toothpaste to the brush head, often requiring cumbersome mechanisms that can lead to wastage and inconvenience during use.
Innovation Solution
A toothbrush design featuring a suction mechanism that allows users to precisely dispense toothpaste through a coordinated channel and outlet opening using mouth suction, combined with a shut-off device and optional pressure support from an elastic balloon, enabling easy and precise toothpaste delivery without the need for manual handling of a separate container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a separate tube or container is used to apply toothpaste to the brush head, then the toothpaste can be stored separately, but the application process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the toothpaste reservoir and brush head into a single integrated unit. The reservoir is positioned within the handle section and connected to the brush head through a channel, allowing toothpaste to be automatically delivered to the brush head without requiring separate application steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the user to simply suction toothpaste through the channel using their mouth during normal brushing. The coordinated design of the reservoir, channel, and outlet opening automatically delivers the desired amount of toothpaste to the brush head without requiring manual handling or separate application actions.
2Ease of operation
If manual pressure is applied to dispense toothpaste from a reservoir, then toothpaste can be delivered to the brush head, but precise dosing becomes difficult and wastage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of toothpaste delivery from pressure-driven to suction-driven. By designing the channel and outlet opening with specific dimensions and geometry, the system allows the user's mouth suction to precisely control the flow of toothpaste, enabling accurate dosing based on the duration and intensity of suction rather than uncertain manual pressure application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure system with a suction-based system. Instead of using manual pressure on an elastic reservoir, the user's mouth suction creates a pressure differential that draws toothpaste through the channel, providing more precise control over the amount dispensed.
3Extent of automation
If a pump mechanism is used to convey toothpaste from the reservoir to the brush head, then automated delivery is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the user's own mouth suction as the driving force for toothpaste delivery, eliminating the need for external pump mechanisms. The coordinated design of the reservoir, channel, and outlet opening allows toothpaste to be automatically conveyed to the brush head through the suction action created during normal brushing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by utilizing the pressure differential created when the user sucks on the brush head. This negative pressure draws toothpaste through the channel from the reservoir to the outlet opening, achieving automated delivery without mechanical pumps or complex actuating mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If the outlet opening is large to allow easy passage of toothpaste, then dispensing is easier, but dosing precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the parameters of the outlet opening and channel dimensions to achieve a balance between ease of flow and dosing precision. The outlet opening is designed with specific dimensions that allow smooth passage of toothpaste while the suction mechanism provides precise control over the amount dispensed, overcoming the trade-off between opening size and dosing accuracy.
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 precise dosing and efficient delivery of toothpaste directly to the brush head, allowing for one-handed operation and preventing wastage, while maintaining the convenience of interchangeable cartridges with different flavors and refill options.
Implementation Method 1
The balloon is filled with toothpaste and, due to its elasticity, exerts pressure on the toothpaste almost from all sides, thereby supporting its passage through the channel to the outlet opening
Implementation Method 2
toothpaste can be drawn from the toothpaste reservoir through the channel to the at least one outlet by means of a suction action performed with the user's mouth
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5a~5b
Figure 6~6a
AI summary
Toothbrush comprising a handle portion and a brush head that has at least one outlet which is connected to a toothpaste supply in the handle portion via a duct; the toothpaste supply, the duct and the outlet are adapted to one another in such a way that a suction process performed by a user's mouth allows toothpaste to be conveyed to the at least one outlet via the duct.