Toothbrush Grip with Tactile Guidance Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toothbrushes with multiple materials in the handle lack tactile differentiation in the soft grip areas, making it difficult for users to maintain proper grip, especially in low-light conditions, which can impair maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A toothbrush design featuring a soft gripping area with a guidance element made of a harder material to provide tactile cues for proper thumb and forefinger placement, along with a unique configuration of elastomeric elements and a tongue cleaner for enhanced oral care functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastomeric material is used in the grip portion of the handle, then the user comfort is improved, but the tactile differentiation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a guidance element made of a different material (thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic) within the elastomeric grip material. This creates local quality variation where the guidance element provides distinct tactile feedback (harder, more rigid) compared to the surrounding soft elastomeric material, enabling users to locate the correct grip position through touch alone.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple plastic materials are used in the handle, then the functionality is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance element is integrated directly into the handle structure during the molding process. The elastomeric grip material and the harder guidance element are combined in a single manufacturing step, where the guidance element is formed as an embedded feature within the elastomeric material rather than being a separate component requiring assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance element serves multiple functions: it provides tactile differentiation for proper grip placement, structural reinforcement in the grip area, and visual indication through material contrast. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Data Source
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AI summary
An oral care implement is described herein. The oral care implement includes a base and a first grip member. The base has a gripping region and an oral engaging region. The base has an aperture extending therethrough. The first grip member at least partially overlays the gripping region of the base and has a plurality of gripping elements. The first grip member also has a at least one opening exposing a guidance element. The guidance element includes a protrusion and a ring surrounding the protrusion.