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Portable toothbrush: the functional prototype (Phase 1)

A portable toothbrush prototype with integrated toothpaste dispensing, built for an innovation competition — no initial drawings, a structured engineering approach.

  • Health / Hygiene
  • Prototyping
  • FDM
  • March 2025
Portable toothbrush: the functional prototype (Phase 1)
// ClientSmyleeth
// SectorHealth & hygiene products
// TechnologyFDM 3D printing
// CompletedMarch 2025

Client's need

1

The brief – A functional prototype for an innovation competition

The client wanted an innovative toothbrush prototype to present as part of a competition. It quickly became clear that the initial brief needed refining, and that a thorough engineering study phase was required.

  • The client provided a few inspiration images, with no drawings or 3D files
  • So we rebuilt the project entirely, defining the expected functions and usage constraints
The brief – A functional prototype for an innovation competition
2

The need – A portable, educational tool, functional from the very first phase

This toothbrush is designed to make brushing easier in any situation, particularly for portable and educational use. It has to work without any special set-up and be usable at any time of day. 3D printing made it possible to:

  • Quickly produce a first functional prototype
  • A technical evaluation of the integrated mechanism
  • Economical and flexible production
The need – A portable, educational tool, functional from the very first phase
3

Our goal – Turning an innovative idea into a functional, accessible prototype

The challenge was to turn an ambitious idea into a low-cost functional prototype, in order to demonstrate technical viability. Our actions:

  • Setting up a structured feasibility study
  • Identifying the possible mechanical solutions
  • Supporting the client in clarifying their need
Our goal – Turning an innovative idea into a functional, accessible prototype

Our response

1

In-depth study of the mechanism and exploration of solutions

Before any modelling, we carried out a study of the possible mechanisms for advancing the toothpaste through the brush.

  • Several mechanical options were explored
  • Partial 3D-printed tests helped illustrate these solutions
  • Numerous exchanges on the project sheet led to a first validated direction
In-depth study of the mechanism and exploration of solutions
2

In-depth study of the mechanism and exploration of solutions

Before any modelling, we carried out a study of the possible mechanisms for advancing the toothpaste through the brush.

  • Several mechanical options were explored
  • Partial 3D-printed tests helped illustrate these solutions
  • Numerous exchanges on the project sheet led to a first validated direction
In-depth study of the mechanism and exploration of solutions
3

A validated functional prototype, moving towards a demonstration version

The initial prototype was misread by the client, who expected a more polished, aesthetic result. After we explained the technical role of this first version, the client understood the goal and validated how the mechanism worked. The next stage of the project was therefore launched:

  • A Phase 2 dedicated to a more attractive, presentable version
  • Objective: a client demonstration and commercial assessment with a target audience
A validated functional prototype, moving towards a demonstration version
Conclusion

From concept to functional prototype

With no starting drawings, a portable toothbrush takes shape and works. 3D prototyping turns an idea into a testable object for an innovation competition.

In pictures

The project in pictures

Portable toothbrush: the functional prototype (Phase 1) — photo 1
Portable toothbrush: the functional prototype (Phase 1) — photo 2
Portable toothbrush: the functional prototype (Phase 1) — photo 3
Portable toothbrush: the functional prototype (Phase 1) — photo 4
Portable toothbrush: the functional prototype (Phase 1) — photo 5
Portable toothbrush: the functional prototype (Phase 1) — photo 6
Portable toothbrush: the functional prototype (Phase 1) — photo 7
Portable toothbrush: the functional prototype (Phase 1) — photo 8
I valued our conversations, your advice, and the quality of the functional prototype you were able to bring to life.
Michel Tesanfounder · Smyleeth

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