Toothbrush Refill Locking Mechanism for Secure Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oral hygiene implements face challenges in providing a secure locking mechanism for movably mounted functional elements that prevents separation without causing irreparable damage, particularly in detachable components like toothbrush refills.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a fixation element that extends through a recess in the functional element, secured at multiple locations on the housing, including a snap-nose design or press-fitted axle, to prevent separation of the functional element from the housing without causing irreversible damage, while allowing for rotation or oscillation around a supported axis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking pin extends into a recess in the functional element to prevent separation, then the functional element is securely locked at the housing, but the locking mechanism may cause irreparable damage to the housing or functional element upon separation attempt

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoiddamage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into a locking element with a locking arm that can be independently actuated. The locking arm can be rotated between a locked position (engaging the functional element) and an unlocked position (disengaged), allowing secure locking during operation while enabling damage-free separation when needed through actuation by the separating element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism transitions from a static, fixed locking pin to a dynamic locking arm that can change its position and engagement state. The locking arm is rotatable about an axle and can be actively controlled to engage or disengage, transforming the locking system from a permanent, damage-prone connection to a controllable, reversible one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a fixation element is secured at the housing to lock the functional element, then separation is prevented, but the mechanism becomes complex and difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element serves multiple functions: it provides the locking arm for securing the functional element, incorporates an axle for rotation, integrates a biasing element (spring) for automatic engagement, and includes a receptacle for the separating element. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element combines multiple components into a single integrated structure: the locking arm, axle, biasing element, and receptacle are all merged into one piece. This consolidation reduces assembly steps and manufacturing complexity while providing reliable locking through the integrated spring-loaded arm that automatically engages with the functional element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the functional element is movably mounted to allow rotation or oscillation, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the functional element may rattle or become unstable during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidoperational stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The biasing element (spring) is pre-installed in the locking element to provide continuous cushioning force on the locking arm. This spring maintains constant contact pressure between the locking arm and the functional element, preventing rattling and instability during rotational or oscillating movements while allowing the full range of motion needed for effective cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS9113987B2Oral hygiene implement and oral hygiene device

Publication Date: 2015.08.25 BRAUN GMBH

AI summary

An oral hygiene implement is provided. The oral hygiene implement includes a housing; a movably mounted functional element; a fixation element that is secured at the housing and that essentially locks the functional element at the housing; and an axle that is supported by the fixation element. The functional element is arranged for movement around the axle and the fixation element extends through a cut-out or recess provided in a carrier element of the functional element, such that pulling the functional element out of the housing along the longitudinal axle extension direction is inhibited.