Powered Toothbrush Interchangeable Accessory Head With Vibratory Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental hygiene tools are inefficient and cumbersome for flossing, brushing, and gum stimulation, requiring manual operation and not effectively promoting improved oral health.
Innovation Solution
A powered toothbrush with a detachable head and interchangeable accessory assemblies, including a floss pick, gum stimulator, and interdental brush, that utilize a vibratory mechanism to enhance the efficiency of dental hygiene tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate manual dental hygiene implements are used for flossing, brushing, and gum stimulation, then each task can be performed with a specialized tool, but the user must switch between multiple devices and manual operation is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate dental hygiene implements (floss pick, interdental brush, gum stimulator) into a single integrated powered toothbrush device. The handle contains a motor that drives a common driving member which can selectively engage with different accessory assemblies, allowing all dental hygiene tasks to be performed with one device rather than switching between multiple separate implements
Solution Approach 2:
The powered toothbrush is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple dental hygiene functions. The handle with motor and driving member serves as a universal platform that can accommodate various accessory assemblies (floss pick assembly, interdental brush assembly, gum stimulator assembly), making the device multi-functional and adaptable to different dental care needs
2Ease of operation
If accessory assemblies are made easily replaceable for different dental hygiene tasks, then the device becomes more versatile and user-friendly, but the locking mechanism must be simple which may reduce reliability of secure attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a dynamic spring-loaded button (reference numeral 46) that can be easily pressed by the user to release the accessory assembly. The spring (reference numeral 48) automatically returns the button to its locked position when released, providing a simple one-handed operation for both locking and unlocking while maintaining secure attachment during use
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the spring-loaded button system. When the accessory assembly is inserted, the spring automatically pushes the button into the locked position without requiring user intervention. When the button is pressed, it releases the locking lugs, and the spring automatically returns it to the locked position after release, eliminating the need for complex manual locking operations
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 solution allows for rapid and efficient performance of various dental hygiene tasks, improving oral health by enabling more effective removal of food and plaque with vibratory assistance, and easy replacement of worn-out or task-specific accessories.
Implementation Method 1
A vibratory mechanism in the handle is activated causing vibration in the accessory assembly and thus improving the flossing, brushing or gum stimulation motions
Data Source
AI summary
A replaceable accessory head for a powered toothbrush. The user selects one of a plurality of dental care accessory assemblies for flossing, brushing teeth, or for stimulating the gums. That assembly is engaged with the head which in turn is engaged with the handle and is locked thereto. This locking motion also causes the assembly to become locked to the head and the assembly may then be used for its intended purpose. A vibratory mechanism in the handle is activated causing vibration in the accessory assembly and thus improving the flossing, brushing or gum stimulation motions. When the assembly is worn out or when a different dental hygiene task is to be undertaken, the user detaches the head from the handle, thereby simultaneously unlocking the accessory assembly from the head. The assembly is then disengaged and is replaced by a different accessory assembly.