Toothbrush Bristle Carrier Polyoxymethylene Support Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brush head designs with elastic elements and bristle carriers face challenges in achieving a compact form factor due to limitations in material compatibility and joint strength, particularly when using oscillating brush heads, leading to reduced bristle pull-out forces and increased carrier thickness.
Innovation Solution
A brush head design featuring a bristle carrier made of polyoxymethylene with a support element of polypropylene, joined via material bonding, which allows for a compact and stable integration of a thermoplastic elastomer elastic element, enabling effective anchoring of an elastic container for dental care substances and maintaining bristle depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a bristle carrier made of polyoxymethylene is used, then wear resistance, impact strength, and mechanical strength are improved, but the ability to permanently join soft elastic elements is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
A support element made of polypropylene serves as an intermediary component between the polyoxymethylene bristle carrier and the thermoplastic elastomer elastic element. The polypropylene support element can be effectively bonded to both materials, resolving the incompatibility issue while maintaining the high strength benefits of polyoxymethylene
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining polyoxymethylene (for strength), polypropylene (for bonding compatibility), and thermoplastic elastomer (for gum gentleness). This multi-material approach allows each material to contribute its optimal properties without the limitations of single-material solutions
2Reliability
If a bristle carrier made of polypropylene is used, then the ability to join soft elastic elements is improved, but impact strength and bristle pull-out forces are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The bristle carrier is segmented into two functional parts: the main carrier body made of polyoxymethylene for structural strength, and a separate support element made of polypropylene for joining functionality. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its material properties for its specific function
3Strength
If bristle depth is significantly increased, then bristle pull-out forces are improved, but brush head thickness is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The polypropylene support element acts as a mediator that provides anchoring functionality without requiring excessive bristle depth. By bonding the elastic element to this intermediate layer, sufficient pull-out resistance is achieved while maintaining a compact overall thickness
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 configuration results in a compact brush head with enhanced bristle retention and effective substance application, providing a good cleaning effect while maintaining a thin bristle carrier thickness, suitable for both electric and manual toothbrushes.
Implementation Method 1
The support element is joined to the bristle carrier in a variety of ways, for example, by positive engagement using through-holes on the bristle carrier, or by clipping the support element into the bristle carrier, or by material bonding, such as by ultrasonic welding.
Implementation Method 2
The elastic element is joined to the support element by material bonding
Data Source
AI summary
A brush head of compact design, which includes a bristle carrier having secured to it bristles, and an elastic element for holding an oral, dental and/or gingival cleaning and/or care substance. The elastic element is joined to the bristle carrier by means of a support element. The bristle carrier is made of a first plastic, the support element of a second plastic, and the elastic element of a third plastic.