Designing A Toothpaste Dispensing Toothbrush

1
Designing A Toothpaste Dispensing Toothbrush

• David Lutz
• Mary Savalle
• Mohamed Al-Maaz
• Afnan Abdulazeez
• BE1100
• April 17, 2002

2
Identifying a Need

• A new dentifrice cleaning system

3
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.

4
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.

5
Criteria

• Same size as old toothbrush (or about size of
  electric toothbrushes)
  
• Easy to Refill
• Easy to Operate
• Affordable
• Good Bristle and Grip

6
Constraints

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

7
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

8
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.
  

9

• 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.

10
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.

11
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.

12
Specification
13
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.

14
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
15
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.

16
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.

17
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.

18
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.

19
Resources

• http//www.delphion.com
• http//www.mgl.ca/brushnow
• http//www.mae.ucsd.edu/ames15/prev_student_proj/s
  pring2000/me3scs/draftdesign.html