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The Electric Toothbrush

The Electric Toothbrush. Group 1. Team Leader: Joe Mulé Mechanical Engineer: Craig Rusch Electrical Engineer: Hyon Lee Industrial Engineer: Colby Curtis. Objective.

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The Electric Toothbrush

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  1. The Electric Toothbrush

  2. Group 1 • Team Leader: Joe Mulé • Mechanical Engineer: Craig Rusch • Electrical Engineer: Hyon Lee • Industrial Engineer: Colby Curtis

  3. Objective • The objective of our project was to reverse engineer a Crest SpinBrush Classic. This consists of dissecting the actual product itself, and then deciding what we could do to improve it.

  4. History of the Toothbrush • The “Chew Stick” was the first toothbrush invented around 3000 B.C. • A “Chew Stick” was simply a twig with a frayed end that the person would use to rub against their teeth to remove any debris on their teeth.

  5. History of the Toothbrush • In the late 1930’s Du Pont laboratories invented nylon. • The invention of nylon led to the invention of synthetic bristles which would replace swine hair. • In 1938 the modern version of the toothbrush was created.

  6. History of the Toothbrush • In 1961 the first electric toothbrush was released. • The electric toothbrush was invented simply because in the 60’s the people wanted everything to be electric. • Later on it was discovered that having an electric toothbrush would be very beneficial because it could clean your teeth more efficiently in possibly less time.

  7. Mechanical Engineering Aspect • This aspect has to do with transferring the motion form the electric motor to the bristles at the end of the brush and making them move. • There is a small shaft that oscillates back and forth to make the circular disc that the bristles are mounted on spin. • The gear on the motor spins and makes the shaft oscillate by moving the first section of the shaft move side to side. • The mechanical engineers need to work with the electrical engineers on the motor design to make the motor quiet, but still efficient. • They need to make sure the gear isn’t too large that the motor has to work too hard to make it spin, which would result in the batteries wearing out quickly.

  8. Gears

  9. Inner Workings: Head of Toothbrush

  10. Inner Workings: Whole Unit

  11. Possible Mechanical Improvements • Make both of the bristle units move. • The top bristle unit spins but the lower one is stationary. • This could be accomplished by connecting the lower bristle unit by a slot that allowed it to move forward and backward. • The unit could then be attached to the shaft that makes the head bristle unit spin, since at the point were the lower bristle unit sits, the shaft is just moving forward and backward. • If they were connected and the stationary bristle unit was mounted in a slot that allowed in to slide forward and back, there would be more movement in the cleaning area and that would allow the user to get cleaner teeth with less movement of his/her hand, while still using the same power source and shaft as before.

  12. Industrial EngineeringErgonomics and User-Friendliness • Plastic cap to prevent dirt and debris from collecting on the bristles. • Plastic cap has holes to allow moisture to evaporate. • Power switch has ridges to prevent slippage. • Tilt forward design allows user to reach the hard-to- reach spots with minimal effort. • Replacement head units • Environmentally friendly • Saves consumer money

  13. Industrial EngineeringPossible Improvements • Add rubber gripping • Increases the coefficient of static friction to prevent slippage when wet.

  14. Industrial EngineeringPossible Improvements • Maximize profits by adding themes to the toothbrush. • Profit = Total Revenue – Total cost • More sales = increased revenue • In order to increase total revenue we want to appeal to a wider customer base.

  15. Electrical Engineering Aspect • DC motor provides the motion. • Power supplied by 2 AA Batteries. • The toothbrush is turned on and off with a simple switch which opens and closes the loop.

  16. Electrical EngineeringPossible Improvements • Battery Life indicator • LED begins to flash when batteries run low. • Rechargeable Batteries • Adjustable speed • More control for people with sensitive teeth.

  17. References • Parenting Toddlers. 21 Apr. 2005<http://www.parentingtoddlers.com/toothbrush-history.html>. • Everyday Mysteries. 21 Apr. 2005<http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/tooth.html>. • Beauty Riot. 21 Apr. 2005<http://www.beautyriot.com/article.php?id=2102&c_id=9>. • How Stuff Works. 28 Apr. 2005<http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/motor.htm>.

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