Integrated Toothbrush Handle With Pump Dispensing And Floss Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toothbrush devices lack an integrated system for storing and dispensing a measured amount of toothpaste efficiently, and often require separate storage for dental floss and picks, making them inconvenient for oral hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A toothbrush device with a handle featuring a toothpaste well for a deformable toothpaste tube, a removably attachable brush head with a conduit for toothpaste delivery, a pump for controlled toothpaste dispensing, and a spool for dental floss with a pick for easy access and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If toothpaste is stored in a separate container, then storage is simple, but dispensing control and integration with brush head are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the toothpaste storage tube, dispensing mechanism, and brush head into a single integrated assembly. The storage tube is directly coupled to the brush head assembly, eliminating the need for separate containers and improving dispensing control while maintaining manageable device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The brush head assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both the brushing component and the toothpaste dispensing mechanism. The storage tube is designed to be removable and replaceable, allowing the same assembly to function with different toothpaste formulations while maintaining the integrated structure.
2Measurement precision
If a pump mechanism is added for controlled dispensing, then toothpaste delivery precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mechanism is designed to be manually operated by the user through simple pressing or squeezing motions. This self-service approach allows controlled dispensing of toothpaste without requiring complex automated mechanisms, achieving measurement precision through user action while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
3Ease of operation
If dental floss and pick are integrated into the handle, then convenience and accessibility improve, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dental floss and pick are nested within compartments of the handle structure. The floss is stored in a recessed area with a dispensing opening, while the pick is housed in a separate compartment. This nesting arrangement provides convenient accessibility during use while allowing modular manufacturing of the handle components.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is segmented into distinct functional zones: one compartment for dental floss storage and dispensing, another for pick storage, and the main gripping area. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately and then assembled, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining the integrated convenient structure.
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
Enables efficient and convenient dispensing of toothpaste and dental floss, ensuring proper toothbrushing and flossing with a measured amount of toothpaste and easy access to a pick for interdental cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
A pump is movably coupled to the handle and the pump compresses the toothpaste tube when the pump is manipulated for urging the toothpaste outwardly from the toothpaste tube and into the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing toothbrush assembly includes a handle that has a toothpaste well integrated therein. A toothpaste tube is insertable into the toothpaste well in the handle and the toothpaste tube contains a toothpaste. A brush head is removably attachable to the handle and the brush head is in fluid communication with the toothpaste tube when the brush head is removably attached to the handle. The brush head has a conduit integrated therein for receiving the toothpaste contained in the toothpaste tube. A pump is movably coupled to the handle and the pump compresses the toothpaste tube when the pump is manipulated for urging the toothpaste outwardly from the toothpaste tube and into the conduit. A spool of dental floss is removably attachable to the handle for dispensing dental floss outwardly therefrom. A pick is coupled to and extends away from the spool of dental floss.