Toothbrush Head Curvature and Segmentation for Plaque Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toothbrushes often retain plaque and undesired substances between bristles, which can damage tooth enamel during cleaning and polishing.
Innovation Solution
A toothbrush design featuring a toothbrush head with alternating elastomer and hard plastic components on lateral surfaces, including a tongue scraper and massaging fingers, and a polygonal toothpaste receiving reservoir, facilitates the removal of plaque and foam by utilizing curvature and constrictions to direct these substances away from the bristle field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bristle tufts and elastomeric elements are spaced very close together to increase cleaning efficiency, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but plaque and undesired substances get caught between the bristles and are retained in the cleaning element field, which may have a damaging effect on tooth enamel
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral surface of the toothbrush head is segmented into alternating hard plastic sections and elastomer sections. This segmentation allows different material properties to be applied to different zones, enabling effective plaque removal while protecting tooth enamel. The hard plastic sections provide structural support and scraping capability, while the elastomer sections provide flexibility and gentle contact with the teeth.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the lateral surface are assigned different material qualities - hard plastic in some areas and elastomer in others. This local differentiation of material properties allows the toothbrush to perform multiple functions: the hard plastic sections effectively scrape away plaque, while the elastomer sections provide a softer contact that prevents damage to the tooth enamel during the cleaning process.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional toothbrush designs are used with straight lateral surfaces, then manufacturing is simple, but plaque and foam removal from the bristle field is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral surface of the toothbrush head incorporates curved sections instead of straight lines. These curved sections, alternating between hard plastic and elastomer materials, create a scraping action that effectively removes plaque and foam from the bristle field during brushing. The curvature allows the lateral surface to engage with the teeth at multiple points, enhancing the cleaning action while maintaining manufacturability through standard molding techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
A toothbrush having a toothbrush head with a top side at which cleaning elements for cleaning teeth are arranged. The cleaning elements and the head can facilitate the removal of foam, plaque and undesired particles.