Toothbrush Handle Grip Stop for Reduced Hand Dexterity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with reduced dexterity face challenges in effectively handling and maneuvering oral care implements like toothbrushes due to the need for a tight grip and rapid movements, which are difficult to manage with limited hand control.
Innovation Solution
An oral care implement with a handle featuring a gripping portion and a cantilevered grip stop that prevents hand movement, allowing for improved handling and comfort, and optionally a rotatable grip stop for customizable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional toothbrush handle is used, then the structure is simple, but users with reduced dexterity cannot effectively grip and maneuver it
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is segmented into distinct functional zones: a gripping portion with specific ergonomic contours, a grip stop portion positioned distally, and a transition zone connecting them. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function - the gripping portion for secure holding and the grip stop for preventing excessive movement - thereby improving ease of operation without requiring complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip stop acts as an intermediary element between the user's hand and the brush head. It provides a physical reference point that mediates the interaction by preventing the hand from sliding too far up the handle toward the head, thereby controlling hand movement and improving maneuverability for users with reduced dexterity.
2Ease of operation
If the grip stop extends a short distance, then the structure remains simple, but it cannot effectively prevent hand movement
Solution Approach 1:
The grip stop is designed with specific dimensional parameters - extending a distance greater than the width of an adult finger from the gripping portion. This parameter change ensures that the grip stop protrudes far enough to effectively contact and control the user's hand, preventing it from sliding up toward the brush head, while maintaining a reasonable length that does not create excessive complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the grip stop is fixed in position, then manufacturing is simpler, but it cannot accommodate varying user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The grip stop is designed with rotational capability, allowing it to pivot about an axis relative to the gripping portion. This dynamic feature enables the grip stop to be positioned at different circumferential locations around the handle, accommodating varying user preferences and hand positions. The rotational mechanism is implemented in a straightforward manner that does not significantly complicate the manufacturing process.
Data Source
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AI summary
An oral care implement that is designed for users with reduced dexterity in their hands. In particular, the oral care implement includes a handle portion that includes a gripping portion configured to be gripped by the hand of a user and a grip stop protruding from the gripping portion in a cantilevered manner. The grip stop may be positioned near the end of the handle adjacent to the head of the oral care implement to stop movement of the user's hand upwards towards the head. The grip stop extends from the gripping portion a distance that is greater than a width or diameter of an adult finger to ensure it functions as a stop. In one embodiment, the grip stop may be rotatably or pivotably coupled to the gripping portion so that its exact circumferential position can be modified to enhance user comfort.