Toothbrush Bristle Tuft Configuration for Cleaning Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a tooth cleaning implement that provides a customizable mouthfeel, accommodating both those who prefer a harder brush for confidence in debris removal and those who find hard brushes uncomfortable, while effectively cleaning plaque and debris from teeth and gums.
Innovation Solution
The design features a central bristle tuft with a domed distal surface and a plurality of perimetric bristle tufts with inclined distal surfaces that slope downward, arranged to surround the central tuft, optimizing the distribution of tooth cleaning elements to provide a balanced cleaning experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If harder cleaning elements are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but comfort and mouthfeel are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different bristle tuft configurations in different regions of the toothbrush head. The central bristle tuft has a domed distal surface for targeted cleaning, while perimetric bristle tufts have inclined distal surfaces that slope downward. This variation in local structure allows different areas to provide different cleaning characteristics, balancing effectiveness and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cleaning elements into multiple distinct tufts (one central and multiple perimetric) rather than using a uniform bristle array. Each tuft can be independently configured with specific characteristics, allowing the central tuft to provide stronger cleaning action while perimetric tufts provide gentler contact, thus resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and comfort.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If softer cleaning elements are used, then comfort and mouthfeel are improved, but cleaning effectiveness is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by configuring the central bristle tuft with a domed distal surface that provides concentrated cleaning action, while perimetric tufts have inclined surfaces that slope downward toward the central tuft. This creates zones of different cleaning intensity, allowing softer overall contact for comfort while maintaining effective plaque removal in key areas.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the cleaning elements into segmented tufts rather than using a continuous bristle layer, the patent enables differential performance characteristics. The segmented structure allows the central tuft to deliver focused cleaning effectiveness while perimetric tufts provide comfort, achieving both goals simultaneously.
3Reliability
If cleaning elements are concentrated in specific areas, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but coverage of teeth and gums is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cleaning elements into multiple spatially distributed tufts (one central and multiple perimetric) that collectively cover the bristle bearing surface. This segmentation allows concentrated cleaning action at the central tuft while perimetric tufts extend the coverage to the edges, maintaining both effectiveness and comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dimensional variation by configuring bristle tufts with different distal surface geometries (domed vs. inclined sloping surfaces). This three-dimensional configuration allows the tufts to project at different angles and heights, enhancing both the concentration of cleaning action and the overall coverage area simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
An oral care implement having a head with a bristle bearing surface. The oral care implement may include a central bristle tuft extending from a central portion of the bristle bearing surface. The oral care implement may include a plurality of perimetric bristle tufts extending from the bristle bearing surface and arranged to circumferentially surround the central bristle tuft. The perimetric bristle tufts may have different shapes from one another.