Electric Toothbrush Base With Real-Time Brushing Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric toothbrush systems lack a comprehensive solution for real-time data analysis and communication of usage data during brushing sessions, limiting user understanding and feedback.

Innovation Solution

A universal base for electric toothbrushes that enables inductive charging and wireless communication, featuring a Bluetooth component for data exchange, an analyzing component for instantaneous processing, a timer-clock for session tracking, and a multi-functional light component for instant data communication, along with optional WLAN connectivity for broader data sharing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a universal base with multiple components (Bluetooth, analyzing, timer-clock, light) is implemented, then real-time data processing and communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time data processing capabilityVSAvoidbase structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple independent components (Bluetooth component, analyzing component, timer-clock component, light component) into a single integrated universal base unit. This merging approach enables real-time data processing and communication while consolidating what would otherwise be separate devices, thus improving productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal base is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: wireless charging, Bluetooth data communication, real-time usage data analysis, timer functionality, and visual feedback through light components. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple separate tools, improving productivity while managing complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If wireless communication and real-time feedback components are added to the base, then user understanding of brushing habits is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage data communication capabilityVSAvoidbase manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical or manual data recording methods with electronic and wireless communication systems. The Bluetooth component enables automatic wireless transmission of usage data, while the analyzing component processes data electronically in real-time, and the light component provides visual feedback without mechanical moving parts. This substitution reduces manufacturing complexity compared to mechanical systems while improving information communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensors and processing components are integrated in the base, then measurement precision of usage data is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage data analysis accuracyVSAvoidcomponent integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The analyzing component serves as an intermediary between the Bluetooth communication component (which receives raw usage data) and the light feedback component (which displays processed information). This intermediary processing layer enables precise measurement and analysis of usage data through systematic processing, while managing component integration complexity by providing a clear functional interface between different subsystems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Facilitates real-time data processing and communication of brushing metrics, providing users with immediate feedback and holistic understanding of their brushing habits, enhancing oral care effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a charging component for inductively charging the electric toothbrush when the toothbrush is placed upon the top surface of the universal base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive charging: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4380408B1Universal base for electric toothbrush
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 BRAUN GMBH
  • EP4380408B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4380408B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4380408B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A universal base for an electric toothbrush has a body comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface therebetween. The base can be coupled with the toothbrush for wireless communication therebetween. The base includes a charging component for inductively charging the electric toothbrush, a Bluetooth component for communicating usage data received from the toothbrush during a brushing session, an analyzing component for instantaneous processing of the usage data received from the toothbrush, a timer-clock component for displaying either a count-up or a countdown of the brushing session during the brushing session and time of day before and after the brushing session, and a multi-functional light component for instantaneously communicating, during the brushing session, at least one element of the usage data.