Toothbrush Grip Socket with Compressible Resilient Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toothbrush grip components fail to provide a desired tactile sensation that changes during use, lacking enhanced comfort and grip security.
Innovation Solution
An oral care implement with a handle featuring a socket and protuberances, where a resilient grip component encloses the socket's open top end, creating a space between the cover and the socket floor, providing a tactile sensation through compressible elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a resilient material is used to cover the toothbrush handle grip area, then user comfort is improved, but the tactile sensation remains static and unchanging during use
Solution Approach 1:
The grip component incorporates a compressible element that allows the resilient material to dynamically change its tactile properties during use. When the user squeezes the handle, the compressible element compresses, creating varying tactile sensations that provide feedback about gripping force, thereby making the static resilient material dynamic and responsive to user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the grip component by introducing compressibility. The compressible element transitions from an uncompressed state to a compressed state, altering the density, volume, and tactile resistance of the resilient material. This parameter change enables the grip to provide different tactile sensations during different phases of use.
2Reliability
If projections are added to the grip component, then grip security is improved, but the overall structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the grip security function with the comfort function by integrating projections directly into the resilient material of the grip component. Rather than adding separate projection elements, the projections are formed as part of the resilient material itself, combining multiple functions into a single integrated structure that reduces overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip component utilizes a composite structure where the resilient material incorporates integrated projections. This composite design allows the material to simultaneously provide cushioning comfort and enhanced grip security through its textured surface, achieving multiple functions without requiring separate components.
3Strength
If a solid grip component is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but material usage and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by making only the grip component compressible rather than the entire toothbrush structure. The compressible element is strategically placed only in the handle grip area where tactile feedback is needed, while the rest of the toothbrush maintains its traditional solid construction. This localized approach reduces material usage and manufacturing complexity while preserving structural integrity elsewhere.
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 comfort and grip security by offering a unique tactile experience and improved handling, while reducing material usage and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the cover formed of a resilient material... providing a tactile sensation through compressible elements
Data Source
AI summary
An oral care implement having a grip component. In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a head portion and a handle portion; a socket formed in an outer surface of the handle portion, the socket comprising a floor and an open top end; at least one tooth cleaning elements mounted to the head portion of the elongated body; at least one protuberance extending upwardly from the floor of the socket; and a grip component comprising a resilient body formed of a resilient material mounted to the handle portion of the elongated body so as to enclose the open top end of the socket, an inner surface of the resilient body separated from the floor of the socket by a free volume of space.