Inductive Charging Coil and Ferrite Core for Toothbrush
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging systems for power toothbrushes do not efficiently combine the functions of charging and rinsing, as the distance between the coils in these systems is greater than in conventional setups, making it challenging to achieve effective inductive charging while also providing a rinsing glass.
Innovation Solution
A combination of a base unit with a concave surface and a charging coil, and a rinsing vessel that fits onto the base unit, allowing the toothbrush to be charged over a distance of 15-35 mm, with a ferrite core and pickup coil in the toothbrush handle to enhance flux coupling, and a capacitor for improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charging coil is placed in the base unit and the pickup coil is placed in the toothbrush handle, then inductive charging can be achieved, but the charging efficiency decreases due to the increased distance between coils (15-35 mm compared to conventional close-contact charging)
Solution Approach 1:
A ferrite core is introduced as an intermediary material between the charging coil in the base unit and the pickup coil in the toothbrush handle. The ferrite core concentrates and guides the magnetic flux, improving the coupling efficiency between the coils despite the increased distance of 15-35 mm, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining the convenient wireless charging functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the parameters of the inductive charging system including the number of turns in the coils, the dimensions and material properties of the ferrite core, and the operating frequency to maximize charging efficiency at the extended distance. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves effective charging despite the larger gap between coils
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate glass is used for rinsing teeth, then rinsing function is provided, but the device complexity increases and convenience decreases compared to using the same glass for both charging and rinsing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charging function and rinsing function into a single integrated base unit. The base unit houses both the charging coil for wireless charging and a glass for rinsing teeth, eliminating the need for separate charging devices and separate rinsing glasses. This merging of functions reduces device complexity and improves convenience while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple tasks: it serves as a wireless charging station for the toothbrush handle and simultaneously as a rinsing glass for the user. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate devices, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing versatility and user convenience
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 solution enables both efficient charging and convenient rinsing in a single unit, addressing the inefficiencies of separate charging and rinsing systems by maintaining reliable charging performance over a longer distance and providing a practical rinsing glass.
Implementation Method 1
For inductive charging, the coil on a charger unit that is connected to a wall outlet is inductively coupled to a pickup coil inside the base of the power toothbrush. The resulting flux between the two coils, with the battery in the toothbrush being connected to the pickup coil in the base of the toothbrush, results in the battery being charged.
Implementation Method 2
A combination of a base unit with a concave surface and a charging coil, and a rinsing vessel that fits onto the base unit, allowing the toothbrush to be charged over a distance of 15-35 mm, with a ferrite core and pickup coil in the toothbrush handle to enhance flux coupling
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The combination of a power toothbrush and a charging system includes a charging base unit(12) having a charging coil (22) wound around the interior surface (20) of a portion of the charging base unit, and connectable to a source of electric power and a rinsing vessel(26) adapted to hold a toothbrush, the rinsing glass having a lower surface (27) configured to fit onto the upper surface (14) of the charging unit. The vessel is configured to hold a toothbrush in such a manner to prevent the toothbrush from tipping over when placed in the vessel, and further configured relative to the base unit that charging of the power toothbrush can occur between a pickup coil (46) in the handle of the toothbrush and the charging coil in the base charging unit.