Design for Manufacturability

Electric Toothbrush Redesign


Crest Spinbrush Classic

Redesign by:

Aaron Shedd
Brad Fairfax
Yifeng Tang
Suyi Li
Pete Kobylarek

Winter 2005

Upon initial investigation of the electric toothbrush it was determined that the brush contained a significant number of parts. Users complain of painful vibration, stiffness of the head assembly and bristles, and poor ergonomic design.  A motor suspension was added to reduce the vibrations felt by the user. The new geometric design of the head assembly allows for greater flexibility and an altered bristle base provides the user with an increase in functionality.  Some improvements to reduce the manufacture cost include incorporating snap-fits and removing screws to both the casing and the motor assembly.  The redesign of the drive shaft also eliminated unneeded parts. For the user, our design offers less vibration, a more flexible brush neck, and an additional bristle component to reach the backs of teeth. This redesign was developed by Aaron Shedd, Brad Fairfax, Yifeng Tang, Suyi Li, and Pete Kobylarek in Winter 2005, instructors: Prof. Sridhar Kota, Mentor Dr. Donald Malen, and Teaching Assistant Audrey Plinta.

 

 

Project Specifications (pdf)

 

Pictorial Summary

1. Bristle Component: trapezoidal bristle component added to improve quality of brushing

2. Driveshaft:

flat driveshaft allows for more flexibility of head assembly and reduced part count

3. Head Shape:

 tapered brush head improves brushing comfort for user

3. Neck Shape:

thin, flat neck design allows for greater flexibility of head assembly

4. Motor Constraints:

suspended motor reduces vibration and part count

 

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