Toothbrush Suction Cup Base with Integrated Timer Button
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminated toothbrushes lack a convenient and reliable mechanism for activating timed illumination, often relying on buttons or switches that may be inconveniently located and difficult to use.
Innovation Solution
A toothbrush design featuring a suction cup base with a centrally located button that activates a light source through a switch and timer, allowing for easy operation and ensuring the light sources flash on and off for a predetermined brushing time, with the option to restart or turn off the timer as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a button or switch is placed on the grip portion of the handle for activation, then the toothbrush can provide timed illumination, but the button location becomes inconvenient and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The button is extracted from the handle grip portion and relocated to the base portion of the toothbrush. This separation allows the activation control to be positioned in a more accessible and convenient location, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base portion serves as an intermediary structure that houses both the suction cup and the activation button. This intermediary element provides a convenient location for the button while maintaining the functional integrity of the toothbrush system.
2Ease of operation
If the toothbrush remains stationary on a support surface during brushing, then timed illumination can be activated, but the toothbrush cannot be easily moved or repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup provides a dynamic attachment mechanism that allows the toothbrush to be easily repositioned and reattached to the support surface. This dynamic capability maintains reliability of timed illumination activation while enabling convenient repositioning during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cup enables the toothbrush to self-adhere to the support surface without requiring additional fastening mechanisms. This self-service attachment maintains the reliability of the timed illumination system while allowing easy repositioning by the user.
3Ease of operation
If the button is centrally located on the suction cup base, then activation becomes more convenient, but the structural design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The button is merged with the suction cup base structure, creating an integrated component that combines the attachment function and the activation control in a single element. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the convenient central location of the button.
Solution Approach 2:
The base portion is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the suction cup attachment mechanism and as the housing for the activation button. This universal design approach consolidates multiple functions into a single structure, easing manufacturing while providing convenient operation.
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
Provides a user-friendly and effective means of maintaining dentist-recommended brushing times with timed illumination, enhancing cleaning efficacy and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a suction cup configured to removably adhere to a support surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a toothbrush having a handle portion defining a longitudinal axis, a head portion coupled to the handle portion having a plurality of bristles extending therefrom, a light source disposed within at least one of the handle portion and the head portion, and a base portion including a suction cup configured to removably adhere to a support surface, wherein the suction cup includes an actuator configured to actuate the light source.