Integrated Toothbrush Dispenser with Wedge Squeezer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oral hygiene systems require multiple separate components for toothbrushing, including a toothbrush, toothpaste tube, squeezer, and holder, which are not hygienic for multiple users and inefficient in dispensing toothpaste.
Innovation Solution
An integrated device combining a toothbrush, toothpaste dispenser, and holder with a detachable toothpaste tube and a wedge-shaped squeezer that guides along a track for efficient toothpaste dispensing, along with a refresh cup for hygiene and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components (toothbrush, toothpaste tube, squeezer, holder) are used, then each component can be optimized independently, but the system complexity increases and hygiene for multiple users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the toothbrush holder, toothpaste dispenser, and squeezer into a single integrated unit. The holder body houses both the toothpaste tube receptacle with squeezer mechanism and the toothbrush mounting structure, eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining manufacturability through modular assembly of the integrated parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated holder serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores the toothpaste tube, dispenses toothpaste onto the toothbrush, holds the toothbrush in place, and provides a hygiene barrier through the removable cap. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized multi-purpose structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used, then component replacement is flexible, but toothpaste dispensing efficiency deteriorates due to manual handling
Solution Approach 1:
The squeezer mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a simple manual pump action that automatically dispenses the correct amount of toothpaste onto the toothbrush. The mechanism includes a reservoir, pump chamber, and dispensing nozzle that work together to provide controlled toothpaste flow without requiring manual squeezing or complex operation, thereby improving dispensing efficiency while maintaining replacement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated holder acts as an intermediary between the toothpaste tube and the toothbrush, providing a controlled dispensing interface. The squeezer mechanism within the holder mediates the toothpaste flow from the tube to the brush, ensuring efficient and hygienic transfer without direct user contact with either the tube or brush, thus improving productivity while allowing flexible component replacement.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate toothbrush and holder are used, then cleaning is simpler, but hygiene for multiple users deteriorates due to shared contact surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated holder is designed with separable components including a removable cap that can be detached for cleaning. The toothbrush mounting area, toothpaste dispensing area, and exterior surfaces are segmented into distinct zones that can be cleaned separately. This segmentation maintains hygiene for multiple users by allowing thorough cleaning of contact surfaces while keeping the overall structure simple enough for easy maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable cap is extracted as a separate component that can be easily removed for cleaning and sanitization. This extracted element provides a hygiene barrier that can be regularly cleaned or replaced, addressing multi-user hygiene requirements while keeping the main holder body simple in design and easy to manufacture. The cap acts as a removable protective cover for the internal mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination toothbrush and toothpaste dispenser device includes a caddy that accepts tube of toothpaste and guides an integral toothpaste squeezer along a predetermined track. The squeezer is generally wedge-shaped and may be moved parallel and/or inwardly to the axis of the caddy. A modular and detachable toothbrush head mates with the caddy and includes a shaft with a central bore for delivering toothpaste to the toothbrush bristles. A refresh cup is further supplied to store and protect the combination device while not in use.