Toothbrush Container With Sandglass Timer for Water-Saving Brushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current containers for dental hygiene do not incorporate a timer, leading to inefficient tooth brushing times and excessive water usage, with no method to ensure compliance with recommended brushing durations and water conservation.
Innovation Solution
A container with a built-in timer, such as a sandglass, that houses a toothbrush and toothpaste, along with a method of use that includes filling the container with water, brushing for the timed duration, and rinsing, ensuring correct brushing technique and water savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a container for dental hygiene elements is provided without a timer, then the container structure remains simple, but the brushing duration cannot be controlled and water is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the container function with a timer function into a single integrated device. The timer is incorporated within the container structure, allowing simultaneous storage of dental hygiene elements and timing of brushing duration, thereby resolving the contradiction between controlling brushing time and maintaining simple container structure
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed to serve multiple functions: storing toothbrush and toothpaste, timing the brushing duration, and controlling water usage. This multi-functionality allows the device to address time control needs without requiring separate timer equipment, thus improving time management while keeping the overall system relatively simple
2Loss of substance
If the tap is left running during tooth brushing, then water is readily available for rinsing, but excessive water is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the user fill the container with a limited amount of water before brushing. This pre-filled water is sufficient for both the brushing process and subsequent rinsing, eliminating the need to keep the tap running and thereby preventing water waste while maintaining rinsing convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The container serves as a self-contained water reservoir that provides all necessary water for the dental hygiene routine. The limited water quantity in the container is designed to be sufficient for both brushing and rinsing, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependence on continuous tap water supply, thus reducing water waste
3Duration of action of moving object
If brushing is done without time guidance, then the operation is quick and simple, but the brushing duration is insufficient for proper dental hygiene
Solution Approach 1:
The timer mechanism is merged with the container structure, integrating the timing function into the existing container design. This integration allows the container to provide time guidance for proper brushing duration without requiring a completely separate timer device, thus improving brushing time duration while limiting the increase in overall device complexity
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 correct tooth brushing for the recommended duration while conserving water, addressing the gaps in existing technology with a simple, cost-effective, and aesthetically appealing solution suitable for educational purposes.
Implementation Method 1
a timer consisting of a sandglass
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Abstract: The invention relates to a container intended for dental hygiene and other uses and to the use method thereof. The invention includes a timer (3) which is removably or permanently mounted in the container (1 and 2). The method includes: a first step in which the toothbrush (12) and the tube of toothpaste (11) are removed from the container; a second step in which the container is filled with water (13); a third step in which the toothpaste is dispensed, the timer (3) is started and the user (14) brushes his/her teeth; a fourth step in which the mouth is rinsed and the brush (12) is cleaned with the aforementioned water (13); and a fifth step in which the brush (12) and the tube (11) are placed back in the container (1 and 2).