Transcript Designing A Toothpaste Dispensing Toothbrush

Designing A Toothpaste
Dispensing Toothbrush
David Lutz
Mary Savalle
Mohamed Al-Maaz
Afnan Abdulazeez
BE1100
April 17, 2002
Identifying a Need
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A new dentifrice cleaning system
Defining The Problem
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A device that would accommodate the needs of
a traveler; light weight, compact, ready to use,
less components.
A device that would act as a development tool
for children. The device would allow children to
apply their own toothpaste and serve as a source
of independence.
Search
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Using the U.S. patent website, we found over 20
different designs for a toothpaste dispensing
toothbrush.
Everything from pressurized dispensers to
disposable dispensing toothbrushes have already
been patented.
Criteria
Same size as old toothbrush (or about size of
electric toothbrushes)
 Easy to Refill
 Easy to Operate
 Affordable
 Good Bristle and Grip
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Constraints
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Trying to market the new product and change
peoples old habits
Streamlined production line
Cost to Produce Product
Alternative Solutions
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Separate Toothbrush and Toothpaste tube
One-Time, disposable toothpaste dispensing
toothbrush
Pressurized dispensing toothpaste system
Rotating Handle to dispense toothpaste
Electric toothpaste dispensing toothbrush
Base turn design to dispense toothpaste
Analysis
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Here are the typical ingredients in toothpaste
and their function:
The fluoride content has been a key ingredient for
many years. Fluoride reduces cavities by neutralizing
the acid produced by the decay-causing bacteria.
 Potassium nitrate, sodium citrate and strontium
chloride are ingredients used to block the exposed
dentinal tubules and reduce sensitivity.
 Tartar control toothpastes contain pyrophosphates
or zinc compounds.
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•Triclosan, sanguinaria, and polyphenols are antiplaque
ingredients.
•Antigingivitis ingredients include triclosans, stannous
fluoride, and some essential oils.
•Peroxide, citroxain, titanium dioxide, and certain abrasives
give some pastes their whitening properties.
Analysis cont.
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The paste tube must be constructed so it has a
low viscosity and allows the toothpaste to flow
easily.
The entire toothpaste dispensing system works
on pressure. As the user moves the button up
the track, the plate applies more pressure to the
back forcing the toothpaste out the end and into
the bristles.
Decision
Our design is going to be one that will be, what we
think, is the easiest to operate. It is also the
cheapest to produce and is the best overall
design to meet our need.
Specification
Housing
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The outside of the
toothbrush would be
near in design to a
regular electric
toothbrush. It would be
about the same size but
would have a track and a
button on its’ handle.
The Toothpaste Tube
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Tubing leading to
bristles
Toothpaste Bag
The toothpaste tube is a smaller
version of a normal toothpaste
dispenser. At the end of the tube
there is a connection piece that is
inserted into the tube at the head
of the brush. The connection of
the two pieces is completed by
inserting the tube, which has pipe
like end with a smaller diameter,
into the pipe connecting to the
head of the toothbrush, which is
larger in diameter. When the tube
is empty, it may be removed by
pulling its pipe out of the pipe that
is connected to the head.
The Track
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The track is used to compact
the toothpaste tube in order
for application to the brush.
The track is made of plastic.
The user must first depress
the button before he moves
the button up the track. This
will prevent toothpaste from
coming out accidentally. As
the button is slid forward, a
plate is moved up
compacting the tube. When
the tube is empty, the plate
can be pushed downwards
for refilling.
Holes
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The holes are located
beneath the bristles on the
head of the toothbrush.
When the button is moved
up the track, the toothpaste
comes out the bottom of the
bristles. The pressure of the
toothpaste forces the doors
covering the holes to open.
The doors act as a barrier
between the toothpaste and
the outside elements.
Future Improvements
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Adding a mechanism to open doors over the
holes. These doors would regulate the flow of
the toothpaste as well as act as a barrier from the
cleaning solution and the outside elements.
The entire track and slide button mechanism can
be moved from the top of the toothbrush to the
side, eliminating accidental movement of the
slide.
Communication
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With 20 other design out there already, the
obvious question is why this has not been put
on the market yet.
Strong Advertising campaign needed for success
Market especially to travelers and parents as a
tool to help their children learn how to brush.
Offer different outside designs to appeal to
different audiences.
Resources
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http://www.delphion.com
http://www.mgl.ca/brushnow
http://www.mae.ucsd.edu/ames15/prev_studen
t_proj/spring2000/me3scs/draftdesign.html