Electric Toothbrush Output Shaft Pressure Detection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric toothbrushes lack a pressure detection function to prevent excessive force during brushing, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and cost, as well as larger size and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
An electric toothbrush design featuring a stress triggering element and a stress detecting element on the output shaft, with a recessed structure and a flexible stress sensor, allowing for sensitive pressure detection and reduced manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a Hall sensor and V-spring assembly are used for pressure detection, then pressure detection function is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex V-spring assembly and Hall sensor system, replacing it with a simplified stress detecting element that directly measures pressure on the output shaft. This extraction of unnecessary components reduces structural complexity while maintaining pressure detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple stress detecting element that can be easily manufactured and replaced, rather than using expensive, complex Hall sensors. This approach prioritizes cost-effectiveness and simplicity over high-precision measurement, achieving adequate pressure detection at lower cost.
2Measurement precision
If a Hall sensor and V-spring assembly are used for pressure detection, then pressure detection function is achieved, but toothbrush size becomes larger and less portable
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the V-spring assembly and Hall sensor from the toothbrush structure, the patent significantly reduces the overall volume and size of the device, making it more portable while retaining essential pressure detection functionality through a compact stress detecting element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pressure detection function directly into the output shaft structure itself, eliminating the need for separate detection components. This integration consolidates multiple functions into a single compact structure, reducing overall device size.
3Device complexity
If no pressure detection function is provided, then device structure remains simple and cost is low, but user cannot prevent tooth damage from excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The stress detecting element is integrated directly into the output shaft, allowing the toothbrush to self-monitor its own operating pressure. This self-service approach enables the device to detect and alert users of excessive force without requiring external monitoring equipment, maintaining simplicity while preventing tooth damage.
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 provides accurate pressure detection, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances user experience by preventing tooth damage from excessive force while maintaining a compact size.
Implementation Method 1
the stress detecting element is configured for detecting the stress at the position where the stress triggering element is located, thereby obtaining a pressure corresponding to the stress
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electric toothbrush, comprising: a handle; a drive element provided in the handle, an output shaft of the drive element extending out of the handle; a brush head disposed at one end of the output shaft remote from the handle and connected to the output shaft; and a stress triggering element and a stress detecting element, which are oppositely provided on surfaces of the output shaft; wherein the stress triggering element is configured for producing stress concentration at the position where the stress triggering element is located when the output shaft motions; and the stress detecting element is configured for detecting the stress at the position where the stress triggering element is located, thereby obtaining a pressure corresponding to the stress, the electric toothbrush as provided offers a simple structure for pressure detection.