Toothbrush Dentifrice Reservoir With Flexible Membrane Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toothbrushes lack a self-contained and efficient delivery system for cleaning products, which can lead to inconsistent application and user inconvenience, especially in terms of ergonomics and refilling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A toothbrush design featuring a flexible compartment cover made of soft material that contains and dispenses cleaning products, such as dentifrice, through holes in the head, with an ergonomic handle and optional refilling capability, utilizing a finger ridge to facilitate product deposition without touching the bristles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-contained dentifrice supply system is integrated into the toothbrush, then cleaning product delivery consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dentifrice reservoir, dispensing mechanism, and toothbrush head into a single integrated unit. The flexible reservoir is embedded within the head structure, and the dispensing system merges the reservoir, holes for product egress, and bristle engagement zone into one cohesive assembly, eliminating the need for separate dentifrice containers and application mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible reservoir automatically dispenses dentifrice through pressure differential created during normal brushing motions. The system self-regulates product flow based on user application without requiring pumps, valves, or electronic controls, achieving reliable delivery through passive mechanical response to user-induced pressure changes.
2Ease of operation
If a flexible compartment cover is used to contain and dispense cleaning product, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible reservoir made of elastomeric material that can be molded as a single piece with integrated sealing features. The flexibility of the material compensates for minor dimensional variations in the molded features, allowing reliable sealing and dispensing without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing tolerances while maintaining ease of user operation.
3Productivity
If multiple holes are provided in the head for product dispensing, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single dentifrice reservoir into multiple discrete dispensing openings distributed across the head surface. This segmentation allows simultaneous delivery of cleaning product to multiple bristle zones, increasing overall productivity and coverage area while maintaining the simplicity of a single reservoir structure without requiring complex multi-chamber designs.
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 convenience by providing a consistent delivery of cleaning products while allowing for refilling, improving ergonomic design and ease of use with a soft, flexible compartment cover that returns to its original shape after use.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible compartment cover is made of soft material which is configured to flex concavely inward when pressed by a users thumb or finger
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning brush with a dispenser for cleaning product is described. The cleaning product is stored in a cavity, and is dispensed by pressing on a flexible membrane on one side of the cavity. When thus depressed, the cleaning product is extruded through holes in the head into the region of the bases of bristles on the front side of the brush. The toothbrush is ergonomically shaped in a concave spoon like shape to fit a user's hand more comfortably. The brush may include a cover which has a general appearance of a fountain pen to facilitate an in obtrusive carrying of the brush.