Horizontal Toothbrush Holder for Stable, Sanitary Toothpaste Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toothbrush holders do not effectively stabilize toothbrushes for children and adults with limited motor skills or disabilities to apply toothpaste without compromising sanitation, and existing automated dispensers are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal toothbrush holder with a recessed space for the brush end, a flat underside for stability, and a vertical storage feature, made from durable materials like plastic polymers, allowing easy cleaning and sanitation, and incorporating artwork to encourage use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a child or person with limited motor skills uses both hands to apply toothpaste, then toothpaste application becomes easier, but the toothbrush cannot be held steady and may fall into the sink or on the floor, compromising sanitation
Solution Approach 1:
The toothbrush is pre-positioned in a dedicated recessed slot on the toothbrush holder before toothpaste application begins. This preliminary positioning stabilizes the toothbrush, allowing the user to freely apply toothpaste with both hands without worrying about the toothbrush moving or falling.
Solution Approach 2:
The toothbrush holder acts as an intermediary device between the user and the toothbrush. It provides a stable base and recessed slot that secures the toothbrush, mediating the interaction between the user's hands and the toothbrush during toothpaste application.
2Ease of operation
If an automated toothpaste dispenser is used, then toothpaste application becomes easier with one hand, but the device becomes complex, expensive, and requires electric power
Solution Approach 1:
The toothbrush holder with recessed slots serves as a simple, passive structure that requires no external power or complex mechanisms. Users simply place the toothbrush in the holder and apply toothpaste manually, making the system self-service and eliminating the need for automated dispensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex automated dispensers with a simple, inexpensive toothbrush holder structure. The holder is a basic plastic or ceramic object with recessed slots, eliminating the need for sensors, motors, and power sources associated with automated systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the toothbrush holder is made large to provide stable horizontal holding, then toothbrush stability improves, but the holder becomes less appealing to clean and harder to pack for travel
Solution Approach 1:
The toothbrush holder transitions from a purely horizontal holding design to a combined horizontal and vertical design. The recessed slots provide horizontal stability during application, while vertical slots enable upright storage and drying, maximizing space efficiency and ease of cleaning without increasing overall size.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodied invention is a toothbrush holder that provides a sanitary method of stabilizing a toothbrush for application of toothpaste. The design comprises a horizontal stabilizer for the brush end of the toothbrush, with a recessed space for the brush end. The stabilizer includes an underside with a flat surface that will rest against the sink counter and provide stability in use. The toothbrush holder can be easily rinsed off or placed in a dishwasher for sanitation. A vertical stand feature is added for storage and to allow the toothbrush to air dry. Finally, the horizontal toothbrush stabilizer design allows the incorporation of art that is applied via embossing or by shaping.