Toothbrush Linkage with Return Torsion Springs for Force Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toothbrushes cause damage to teeth due to excessive stress applied during brushing, as users unconsciously increase the force beyond what is necessary for cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A toothbrush design featuring a brush head linkage connected to a handle via a connecting mechanism with rotatable connectors and elastic torsion springs that limit excessive force transmission, allowing the handle to change attitude and alert the user to adjust brushing strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users apply more force to the toothbrush handle for better cleaning effect, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but excessive stress is transmitted to the teeth causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic structural element acts as an intermediary between the toothbrush handle and brush head linkage. It transmits necessary brushing forces while absorbing and limiting excessive forces through elastic deformation, preventing harmful stress transmission to teeth while maintaining effective cleaning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic structural element changes its stiffness parameter dynamically through elastic deformation. Under normal brushing forces, it remains rigid for efficient force transmission. When excessive force is applied, it deforms elastically to reduce transmitted force, automatically adjusting the force transmission parameter based on applied load
2Productivity
If a rigid connection is used between handle and brush head for efficient force transmission, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but excessive force cannot be limited protecting teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system with movable connectors and elastic elements. The connectors can rotate relative to each other, and the elastic structural element can deform, allowing the system to adapt its stiffness dynamically based on applied forces, maintaining efficiency while providing protection
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a flexible connection with elastic elements is used to limit excessive force, then tooth protection is improved, but cleaning efficiency may be reduced due to force loss
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic structural element is designed with specific elastic limits that allow it to remain rigid under normal brushing forces (partial action mode for efficiency) while activating its force-limiting function only when excessive forces are applied (excessive action mode for protection). This ensures cleaning efficiency is maintained during normal use while providing protection when needed
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
The design prevents tooth damage by limiting excessive force on the teeth and enhances user awareness of brushing strength, promoting safer and more comfortable brushing.
Implementation Method 1
when the force that needs to be transmitted to the brush head linkage through the connecting mechanism and that is not perpendicular to the direction parallel to the front-rear direction is just greater than an external force required for the elastic deformation of the return torsion spring, each of the return torsion springs is elastically deformed
Implementation Method 2
The return torsion spring includes a helix spring in the form of a cylinder with an opening of the cylinder oriented in a direction parallel to an extension direction of the oscillating reference line
Data Source
AI summary
A toothbrush includes a brush head linkage (100), a connecting mechanism (200) and a toothbrush handle (300); the connecting mechanism (200) includes a first connector (210), a second connector (220) and an elastic structural element (230) connected to the second connector (220); the first connector (100) is rotatably connected to the second connector (220), and the axis of rotation extends in a front-rear direction; and the elastic structural element (230) includes at least one return torsion spring (231), the return torsion spring (231) includes a helix spring (2311) in the form of a cylinder with an opening of the cylinder oriented in a direction parallel to an extension direction of an oscillating reference line, the helix spring is in stop fit with the second connector (220) in a direction perpendicular to the oscillating reference line, and the return torsion spring further includes a first torsion bar (2311) and a second torsion bar (2312) respectively connected to a front end and a rear end of the helix spring (2311). The toothbrush according to the present disclosure can protect teeth.