Software Overview The software that controls the Place n’ Paste is designed to be robust and error proof. With minimal intervention from the user, the software runs a designed procedure while also guarding against any errors that can inhibit the unit from running properly. At start up, the software will check that the unit is starting in the correct position so that further errors will not occur. It will also not run if the battery is low or the brush is not present, and will cease to run if the brush were to fall out during operation. Also, the unit will not run a second cycle until the current toothbrush has been removed at the end of its cycle. This prevents excessive use of the device on one toothbrush. In the case that an error is realized, the front LED indicator will show this and the unit is reset by simply cycling the main power in the rear. Control The brain of the device is a microcontroller called a Freeduino. This is a version of a popular type of open source microcontroller called an Arduino. The Freeduino features low power consumption, which is great for battery operated devices. It uses 16 input/output pins for device communication and is based around the C Programming language. Components Motion Once the magnet sensor has detected the toothbrush has been placed into the device, the start button can be pressed, then the motion begins. The device rotates clockwise 45 degrees using a high torque low power DC motor. The motor rotates until it hits a limit switch which tells the motor that it has reached the correct spot and it should stop rotating. The dispensing takes place and once the dispensing is completed the DC motor rotates back 45 degrees counter clockwise until it hits another limit switch which tells the motor that it is back to its starting position and to stop rotating. At this point the toothbrush may be removed. Dispensing A toothpaste pump is used to dispense the toothpaste. This comes from an existing product called Touch N Brush. This product is hard to press and you must carefully place the toothbrush and hold it properly for correct dispensing, this can be difficult for some people. The pump is activated by a linear actuator pushing on the pump when the toothbrush is rotated under the dispenser. Power The device is being run by a 12V sealed lead acid battery. Since our device runs off battery power and draws power in an idle state waiting for activation, along with a start button to start the rotation, there is a an on/off switch which allows the device to turn on into idle state where it waits to be activated and begin motion and dispensing. The battery is rechargeable and hold 9AH (approximately 4 days of constant motor activation). The battery can be plugged into an outlet to be charged. Components Interface The attachment onto the toothbrush allows an easy fail safe insertion into the device. The device is a funnel shaped similar to the attachment on the toothbrush such that it helps guide the toothbrush into place. The interface also only allows to the toothbrush to be placed in the correct orientation. The toothbrush attachment also has a magnet in it which serves several purposes. The magnet helps hold the toothbrush in place as it is guided through the motion and helps pull the toothbrush into the correct position in the device. The magnet also is used in correlation with a magnet field sensor which detects that the toothbrush has been placed into the device.