Electric Toothbrush Cap Switch for Simpler Battery Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically driven toothbrush structures face challenges with complex and costly mounting mechanisms that often become loose, leading to inconvenient and time-consuming battery replacements, and conventional switches with limited configurations that cause dimension and mechanical inconsistencies.
Innovation Solution
A novel electrically driven toothbrush design featuring a hollow handle with a removable cap member and conductive elastic piece that forms an electrical loop when triggered, allowing for easy power activation and reduced complexity in assembly and maintenance, utilizing a printed circuit board assembly or motor for power output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mounting mechanisms are used to assemble the tooth brushing portion and motor to the handle portion, then the toothbrush can be assembled, but the mounting mechanisms become loose over time and require frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The toothbrush is divided into separable modules: a handle portion, a tooth brushing portion, and a battery compartment that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized with appropriate fixing mechanisms, reducing overall assembly complexity and improving reliability of individual connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery is nested within a dedicated compartment inside the handle portion, and the tooth brushing portion can be attached to or separated from the handle. This nested structure provides organized spatial arrangement that simplifies assembly and reduces the number of mounting points that could become loose.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional mounting mechanisms are used for assembling components, then the toothbrush can be assembled, but the assembly structure becomes complicated and costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the toothbrush into distinct modules (handle, brushing head, battery compartment), each with simple attachment interfaces, the overall assembly complexity is reduced. This allows for standardized, cost-effective manufacturing of each module that can be assembled through simple connection mechanisms rather than complex integrated mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle portion serves multiple functions: it houses the motor, contains the battery compartment, and provides the mounting interface for the tooth brushing portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components and simplifies the overall assembly structure, making it easier and less costly to manufacture.
3Reliability
If the tooth brushing portion is made replaceable, then hygiene can be improved, but the mounting mechanisms become loose and require time-consuming replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The tooth brushing portion is designed as a separate replaceable module that can be quickly detached and reattached to the handle portion. This segmentation enables easy replacement for hygiene purposes while using simplified connection mechanisms that reduce replacement time compared to conventional mounting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting interfaces are pre-designed and pre-positioned on both the handle and tooth brushing portion, allowing for quick alignment and attachment. This preliminary preparation of connection points enables rapid replacement without requiring complex alignment procedures or tools, thus reducing the time lost during hygiene maintenance.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional switches are used, then power control can be achieved, but dimension and mechanical inconsistencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is integrated directly into the tooth brushing portion rather than being a separate component in the handle. This merging of the power control function with the replaceable brushing head ensures consistent positioning and eliminates dimensional inconsistencies that would arise from separate switch mechanisms. The switch configuration becomes standardized with the tooth brushing portion design.
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
Enhances user convenience and reduces manufacturing costs by simplifying the assembly and operation of the toothbrush, providing a more reliable and efficient power-driven toothbrush structure with improved ease of use and reduced maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
when the at least one trigger portion is in contact with the conductive elastic piece, the second end of the conductive elastic piece deforms and touches with the electrical fixture to form an electrical loop
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically driven toothbrush is provided, comprising a hollow handle having a first end provided with a tooth brushing portion and a second end provided with an opening. An electrical assembly module is inserted into the hollow handle through the opening and provides power to turn on the toothbrush. A conductive elastic piece is fitted with the electrical assembly module and contacts with an electrical fixture. A cap member is removably attached to the hollow handle for encapsulation. At least one trigger portion is provided on one side of the cap member. When the trigger portion contacts with the conductive elastic piece, the conductive elastic piece deforms and touches with the electrical fixture to form an electrical loop with the electrical assembly module to generate power for turning on the proposed toothbrush. By designing above, it successfully achieves purposes of improving and enhancing the conveniences of use for users.