Development of Interface for Replaceable Toothbrush Head

Abstract: This master thesis aims to explore the possibility of creating a toothbrush made from renewable raw materials by developing a toothbrush handle consisting of wood. The content in this master thesis covers a product development process of a toothbrush and has been executed in collaboration with TePe Munhygienprodukter AB, at Lund University. The majority of the process has involved concept development by manufacturing prototypes and testing them. The main focus has been directed towards creating an interface that enables the toothbrush head in plastic to connect with the toothbrush handle in wood. Finding an appropriate wooden material for the toothbrush handle has also been a part of the project. The concepts developed in this master thesis are a result from established customer needs that have been identified by observations and a questionnaire. The developed concepts were presented as CAD models and 3D printed parts. These were then further developed by continuous testing and refinement of the concepts. The result of the master thesis was two different concept proposals for a toothbrush with a replaceable toothbrush head. This design allows the toothbrush head to be easily changed when considered worn out and the toothbrush handle is able to be reused. The final wooden material recommended for the toothbrush handle was beech.