Physiological Retractor for Toothbrush Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toothbrushes with physiological retractors are bulky, hindering access to narrow mouth zones and causing discomfort due to excessive volume and abrasive action on mucous membranes.
Innovation Solution
A toothbrush design featuring a rotating brushing member with a physiological retractor having a varying distance from its axis and a beveled distal portion, allowing for effective brushing while protecting mucous membranes and maintaining a compact, comfortable form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a stationary plate or shell physiological retractor is used to protect mucous membranes, then protection of mucous membranes is improved, but the volume and bulkiness of the toothbrush head increases
Solution Approach 1:
The physiological retractor is segmented into multiple functional zones: a retraction portion with varying distance to the axis forming a bulge for gentle retraction, and a beveled distal portion forming a penetration tip for easy insertion. This segmentation allows the retractor to provide protection while maintaining a compact overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor portion varies its distance from the axis of rotation along the axis of rotation, creating a three-dimensional bulge shape rather than a uniform cylindrical form. This dimensional variation allows the retractor to provide effective protection in critical zones while minimizing volume in other areas.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a semi-cylindrical shell retractor is used to protect mucous membranes, then protection of mucous membranes is improved, but access to narrow or remote zones of the mouth is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is divided into a retraction portion and a beveled distal portion, with the beveled portion creating a penetration tip that leads the way during insertion. This segmentation enables the toothbrush to access narrow and remote oral zones more easily while the retraction portion maintains protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having a uniform cylindrical retractor that pushes against tissues, the beveled distal portion inverts the approach by creating a tapered penetration tip that guides insertion into narrow spaces, reversing the conventional approach of blunt insertion.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a voluminous retractor is used to protect mucous membranes, then protection of mucous membranes is improved, but comfort during brushing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor portion varies its radial distance from the axis along the axial direction, creating a bulge shape that concentrates protection where needed while minimizing overall volume. This dimensional variation reduces the bulkiness that causes discomfort during brushing.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor provides enhanced protection locally at the bulge region where mucous membrane retraction is most needed, while having reduced volume in other areas. This local quality approach ensures protection effectiveness without the discomfort of uniform voluminous design.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a toothbrush comprising:a.) a support member of the handle type;b.) at least one brushing member mounted to rotate on said support member about an axis of rotation (X-X′), and having side surface that extends along the axis of rotation between a proximal end facing towards the support member, and an opposite, distal end, and that is designed to be brought into contact with the teeth for the purpose of cleaning them; andc.) a physiological retractor covering said side surface in part so as to protect the mucous membranes adjacent to the teeth from the mechanical action of the brushing member;Said toothbrush being characterized in that, facing the side surface of the brushing member, the physiological retractor has a retraction portion.