Nodal spring assembly for an electronic toothbrush
US8413969B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 2007 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 25, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16F1/16
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A nodal-mounted spring arrangement for an electronic toothbrush includes a V-shaped spring member secured at both ends so that it can operate in out-of-phase torsion mode along the axial dimension thereof. A mounting plate is connected between a node point along the V-shaped spring member and the housing of the toothbrush. In one embodiment, the V-shaped spring member includes opposing slots on opposite sides of the node point, the slots extending in an axial direction, creating an integrated torsion bar node spring, while reducing stress in the vicinity of the nodal point. In another embodiment, a nodal assembly comprises a diamond shaped or round insert having an upper surface configured generally to fit flush with the lower surface of the V-shaped spring member, a V-block shaped or flat shim member which is configured to mate the upper surface of the V-shaped spring member and the node spring, and an attachment member, such as a screw and nut combination, which tightly connects the mounting plate, the shim, the V-shaped spring member and the insert.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.