Designing A Toothpaste Dispensing Toothbrush David Lutz Mary Savalle Mohamed Al-Maaz Afnan Abdulazeez BE1100 April 17, 2002

Identifying a Need A new dentifrice cleaning system

Defining The Problem 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 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

Constraints Trying to market the new product and change peoples old habits Streamlined production line Cost to Produce Product

Alternative Solutions 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 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.

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. 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 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 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. Tubing leading to bristles Toothpaste Bag

The Track 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 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 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 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 http://www.delphion.com http://www.mgl.ca/brushnow http://www.mae.ucsd.edu/ames15/prev_student_proj/spring2000/me3scs/draftdesign.html