Electric Toothbrush Voltage Stabilization Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric toothbrushes with oscillating brush heads experience unpleasantly rapid brushing movements when new, due to higher rotational speeds at full battery charge, and have inefficient power consumption and short operating time.
Innovation Solution
An electric toothbrush with a voltage stabilizing electronic circuit that adjusts the motor voltage from high to medium and low levels, maintaining a moderate rotational speed, preventing excessive power consumption and prolonging usage time, using an ASIC with a comparator and transistor for voltage control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the electric motor operates at full battery voltage, then the rotational speed is high, but the brushing movements are perceived as unpleasantly rapid and power consumption is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the voltage supplied to the electric motor based on the discharge status of the battery. The electronic circuit modifies the operating parameters (voltage and rotational speed) to maintain optimal brushing comfort throughout the battery's life cycle, transitioning from high voltage when fully charged to reduced voltage as the battery discharges.
2Speed
If the electric motor operates at full battery voltage, then the rotational speed is high, but the operating time is shortened due to excessive power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the motor voltage adaptive rather than static. The electronic circuit continuously monitors battery discharge status and dynamically adjusts the voltage level, allowing the system to operate efficiently across varying battery conditions. This dynamic adjustment optimizes power consumption to extend operating time while maintaining adequate brushing performance.
3Ease of operation
If the rotational speed is reduced to improve brushing comfort, then the brushing movements are more comfortable, but the power consumption efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the electronic circuit monitors the battery's discharge status and uses this information to adjust the motor voltage accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the motor receives optimal voltage levels at different stages of battery discharge, maintaining brushing comfort while optimizing power consumption efficiency based on real-time battery conditions.
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 solution maintains a consistent and comfortable brushing speed, prolongs operating time, and ensures efficient motor operation by maintaining optimal efficiency at dominant voltage levels, signaling battery replacement needs before complete discharge.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (4) for driving the brush (14)
Implementation Method 2
an electronic circuit (18) for adjusting the effective voltage (UMot) applied to the electric motor (4)
Data Source
AI summary
An electric toothbrush is disclosed. The toothbrush includes a housing; a brush; an electric motor for driving the brush; a power supply for providing the electric power required for operation of the toothbrush; a switch mechanism for turning the drive on and off; and an electronic circuit for adjusting the effective voltage (UMot) applied to the electric motor. In operation, a voltage supplied by the power supply declines with the discharge status of the power supply from a high-voltage range to a low-voltage range. During operation of the toothbrush in the high-voltage range (H), the effective voltage (UMot) applied to the electric motor is lowered to a level at which the electric motor has reached a rotational speed corresponding essentially to the rotational speed of the electric motor in the medium-voltage range.