Toothbrush Handle Toothpaste Dispensing With Depletion Alerts

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing toothbrushing process is cumbersome, particularly for handicapped or injured individuals, as it requires coordination to dispense toothpaste onto the bristles, often resulting in missed application or accidental application on clothing, and lacks indicators for toothpaste depletion.

Innovation Solution

A toothbrush with an integrated toothpaste compartment and audio/visual indicators that dispenses toothpaste directly onto the bristles, providing a 90-day supply and alerting users when the toothpaste is depleted, simplifying the brushing process and reducing bathroom items.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If toothpaste is dispensed manually from a tube onto bristles, then the user has control over the amount of toothpaste, but the process becomes cumbersome and prone to errors such as missing the bristles or applying toothpaste on clothing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of toothpaste applicationVSAvoidaccuracy of toothpaste application

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The toothbrush system performs the toothpaste application function automatically without requiring manual intervention. The toothpaste is dispensed from the handle directly onto the bristles through an automated dispensing mechanism, eliminating the need for the user to manually apply toothpaste and thereby preventing application errors while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The toothpaste dispensing function is merged with the toothbrush structure itself. The toothpaste compartment is integrated into the handle, and the dispensing mechanism is combined with the bristle application process, allowing the toothbrush to both hold and apply toothpaste in a single unified device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate items (toothbrush, toothpaste tube, mouthwash) are used, then each item can be optimized for its specific function, but the number of bathroom items increases and convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidnumber of items

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The toothbrush is designed as a multi-functional device that combines several oral hygiene functions into one unit. It includes a toothpaste compartment for storing and dispensing toothpaste, a brush head for brushing, and a mouthwash strip roll compartment for storing and dispensing mouthwash strips. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions that traditionally required separate items

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The toothbrush employs a nested structure where the mouthwash strip roll is contained within the handle, and the toothpaste compartment is also integrated into the handle. The brush head connects to the handle, creating a compact nested arrangement where multiple functional components are housed within the single toothbrush structure, reducing the number of separate items needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Loss of information

If no depletion indicator is provided, then the device remains simple, but the user cannot know when toothpaste is depleted and must manually check

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoothpaste depletion statusVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The toothbrush includes a sensor that detects the depletion status of the toothpaste compartment and provides feedback to the user through an indicator. When the toothpaste is depleted, the sensor activates an indicator (such as an LED or visual signal) to inform the user that the toothpaste needs refilling or replacement, eliminating the need for manual checking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The manual checking process is replaced with an automated sensing system. Instead of requiring the user to physically inspect the toothpaste level, an electronic sensor detects the depletion status and communicates this information through an indicator system, substituting mechanical inspection with electronic detection and feedback

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8388250B2Toothpaste dispensing toothbrush with mouthwash strip roll compartment

Publication Date: 2013.03.05 HARDEN VANESSA LYNN

AI summary

A toothbrush combined with a toothpaste dispenser with a wall mounted holder. The present invention comprises of a twist knob that is able to push a piston up a toothpaste compartment. The piston creates pressure inside the toothpaste compartment and causes the toothpaste to travel up a main channel. The main channel branches into a plurality of smaller tubes. Each tube has a respective rubber tube dispenser that protrudes and extends from the brush head. The rubber tube dispensers allow the toothpaste to be dispensed on top of the bristles. The toothbrush additionally comprises of a mouthwash strip roll dispensing mechanism positioned in the knob. The present invention additionally comprises of audio and visual indicators to provide users with visual or hearing impairments with a signal notification of toothpaste depletion.