ErgoToothbrush

A product that caters to patients with joint pain in their hands

An Overview

With only 59% of the UK brushing their teeth twice a day and almost one in three adults having tooth decay it is clear that there is a problem with dental hygine in the UK. A specific problem is adults that might struggle with gripping products because of conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis or have previously suffered a stroke, leading to them brushing their teeth less.

The Brief

To design a product that encourages people to brush their teeth for longer or more frequently; whilst catering to the needs of users with limited mobility in their hands.
The product will most likely operate in a bathroom around moisture and will have to be waterproof. An electric toothbrush requires a strong grip, so I would like to make it easier to grip for a user with mobility issues in their hands.

The User / Demographic

My product is aimed at individuals with limited mobility, adults that suffer from Arthritis.
They might have pain and inflammation in their joints, with swelling that might cause them to struggle to grip their toothbrush.
My toothbrush provides a wider ergonomic grip so the user can grasp their toothbrush with less pain.

Research

In my research, I undertook a comprehensive analysis of the prevailing issues related to oral hygiene, including an examination of the sustainability and usability of existing products in light of contemporary impacts, and proposed ways to enhance the efficacy of oral care practices. Additionally, I delved into the rich historical evolution of the toothbrush, seeking insights that could inform the development of my prototype.

Design

The innovative designs that I developed were aimed at addressing the multifarious aspects of oral hygiene, taking into account the diverse challenges that users may face, such as joint pain. To this end, my designs incorporated features such as ergonomically optimised grips and electric motors that obviate the need for users to exert undue force or employ complex hand motions, thereby fostering greater ease and comfort in oral care practices.

Prototype

Using SolidWorks, I constructed a prototype that encouraged usability and ergonomic appeal. Using the software's surface loft and extrusion tools, I was able to create a shape that seamlessly integrated an ergonomic grip, optimized for comfort and ease of use. Subsequently, I utilised the shell feature and the split feature to create two shells, which facilitated the incorporation of key features such as custom-designed lip structures, snap joints, and screw bosses, to augment the durability and performance of the device.
To complement these mechanical components, I crafted a PCB and button mechanism, both of which were precisely engineered to specific standards. The various components of the prototype were then made via a 3D printer,which yielded highly accurate and durable parts that integrated flawlessly with one another. Finally, I integrated an existing electric toothbrush head into the design, to showcase the functionality of the device.

Evaluation

To evaluate the efficacy and performance of my prototype, I undertook a focus group study, which involved administering a well-structured questionnaire to participants and soliciting their feedback on various aspects of the device's design and usability. Moreover, I actively encouraged participants to handle the prototype and provide real-time feedback on its functionality and design elements. Overall, the feedback received from the focus group was highly encouraging, with participants highlighting the various innovative features and functionalities of the device, which aligned with the design requirements outlined at the start of the project. However, some participants raised concerns about the width of the grip, which they felt could be improved to enhance usability and comfort.