Toothbrush Handle Dispensing Aperture for Microbe Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toothbrushes with integrated or separable dental hygiene devices for detecting and treating microbes face issues such as inadequate precision in applying chemical disclosing agents, potential for soiling, and mechanical complexities leading to blockages and wastage, particularly with spray dispensers exposed to saliva and toothpaste.
Innovation Solution
A toothbrush design featuring a handle with a dispensing aperture and mechanism for precise application of disclosing or treating agents, including a non-contact spray nozzle, precision dripper, or metered-dose drop release system, integrated into the handle to minimize soiling and ensure accurate delivery of agents without contact with tissue surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a spray dispenser is used to apply disclosing agents, then the application coverage is improved, but the device becomes prone to blockages and soiling from exposure to saliva and toothpaste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spray dispenser mechanism from the toothbrush handle, extracting the problematic component that causes blockages and soiling. Instead, it uses a simple aperture that allows the disclosing agent to be applied through capillary action or gravity, eliminating the mechanical spray system that is susceptible to contamination and clogging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable toothbrush design where the entire handle and bristles are discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for cleaning and maintenance of the dispensing mechanism, as the entire device is thrown away after one application, preventing blockages and soiling issues.
2Measurement precision
If a mechanical dispensing mechanism is integrated into the handle, then the precision of agent delivery is improved, but the device complexity increases leading to more blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex mechanical dispensing mechanisms from the toothbrush handle. Instead of using pumps, valves, or metering devices that require precision engineering and maintenance, it employs a simple aperture that delivers the disclosing agent through passive means such as capillary action or gravity, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining adequate delivery precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical dispensing systems with non-mechanical delivery methods. The disclosing agent is delivered through the aperture via capillary action, gravity, or absorption, eliminating the need for motors, pumps, or complex metering mechanisms, thus reducing blockage risks while maintaining controlled delivery.
3Ease of operation
If the dispensing aperture is exposed for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of soiling and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable toothbrush design where the handle and bristles are discarded after single use. This eliminates the need to clean and protect the dispensing aperture, as the entire device is thrown away after one application, preventing soiling and contamination issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a protective cover or flap that can be opened during use and closed when not in use. This flexible cover protects the dispensing aperture from soiling and contamination while maintaining easy access during the brushing operation, combining protection with usability.
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
Enables precise and hygienic application of dental hygiene agents, reducing soiling and blockages, while maintaining conventional toothbrush usability and convenience, effectively disclosing and treating dental microbes with minimal wastage.
Implementation Method 1
a non-contact spray nozzle
Implementation Method 2
precision dripper
Implementation Method 3
metered-dose drop release system
Data Source
AI summary
A microbe detecting and/or treating toothbrush that includes a handle that comprises a head portion, a neck portion and a grasping portion, an upper surface and a lower surface; a plurality of bristles, positioned on and attached to the upper surface of the head portion of the handle and a dental hygiene device being parts of the handle, which comprises a dispensing aperture from which an effective amount of a disclosing and/or treating agent is dispensed and a dispensing mechanism comprising an actuator, which upon actuation, enables the dispensing aperture to provide an effective amount of a disclosing and/or treating agent, wherein the dispensing aperture and the dispensing mechanism of the dental hygiene devices are situated in the neck portion or the grasping portion of the handle.