Electric appliance for personal care

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing toothbrush attachments face challenges in achieving simple and secure assembly on the handle, ensuring a firm hold, and effective vibration transmission.

Innovation Solution

The attachment features a socket-like coupling structure with at least two steps of different circumferential geometries and an obliquely angled stop surface, paired with a plug-like coupling structure on the handle, incorporating an anti-twist device and a snap connection mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a horizontal projection of the coupling structure is used to secure the attachment to the handle, then the assembly is secure and firm, but the fit requires high precision and allows fluid penetration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure assemblyVSAvoidvertical fit precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a horizontal coupling interface to a vertical insertion interface with an oblique stop surface. The attachment is inserted vertically into the handle along the longitudinal axis, and the oblique stop surface (angled at α between 30°-70°) provides the securing function in a different dimensional orientation, eliminating the need for high-precision horizontal fitting while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a horizontal projection coupling structure is used, then the attachment can be secured to the handle, but fluids and dirt can penetrate the interior of the attachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securingVSAvoidfluid penetration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By changing from horizontal to vertical insertion with an oblique stop surface, the coupling interface orientation changes, which combined with the snap connection mechanism creates a sealed interface that prevents fluid and dirt penetration while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The snap connection mechanism automatically seals the interface when the attachment is inserted vertically. The elastic arms with recesses engage with the flange on the handle, creating a self-sealing effect that prevents fluid penetration without requiring additional sealing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the vibration drive is positioned away from the coupling interface, then the coupling structure is simpler, but vibration transmission to the attachment is less effective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling structureVSAvoidvibration transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the vibration drive unit with the coupling interface by positioning the electric motor and eccentric directly in the handle's coupling region. The vertical insertion path and oblique stop surface enable this integration, allowing vibration forces to be transmitted directly through the coupling interface to the attachment, enhancing power transmission while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This design ensures secure and efficient assembly, enhances vibration transmission, and provides a robust connection between the handle and attachment.

Implementation Method 1

a stop surface which runs obliquely to a straight insertion direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a vibration unit comprising an electric motor and an eccentric is arranged in the handle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric: Eccentric

Implementation Method 3

effective transmission of vibration from the handle to the attachment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4233639B1Electric appliance for personal care
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 TRISA HLDG AG
  • EP4233639B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4233639B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~1d
  • EP4233639B1 patent drawingFigure 1e~1f

AI summary

The present invention relates, among other things, to an attachment (60) for personal care, in particular for dental cleaning, which can be attached to a handle (1), wherein the attachment (60) has a base area (61) and a head area (63) which are connected by a neck area (62), wherein the attachment (60) comprises a socket-like coupling structure (70) which has at least two stages (71, 72, 73) with different circumferential geometries and which forms the attachment-side part for an interface (X) with a substantially identical, plug-like coupling structure (40) of a handle (1), wherein the attachment (60) has a stop surface (66) which extends obliquely to a straight insertion direction (R).