Electric Toothbrush Switch Assist - DL-21

For (With Whom)

People who want to press the power button of an electric toothbrush but find it difficult because of reduced hand muscle strength or similar.

Why

A colleague, a speech-language-hearing therapist (ST) in home-visit rehabilitation, consulted us because a client could not press the power button of an electric toothbrush by themselves.

How

During a home-visit rehabilitation session, we evaluated the remaining function of the fingers and made about three sample patterns. At first we devised a socket-type self-help device. After that, we changed to a plan of fixing it with a cable tie provided by a resin company in Nagoya, since that was easier to adjust.

Outcome

Previously, the person could not stop the electric toothbrush at their own pace, so the brush would come out of the mouth and toothpaste and the like would splatter. With this tool, the person can now press the power button at their own pace and brush their teeth with ease.

Materials Used

Body: PLA Fastener: Cable tie

Approximate 3D Print Weight

2g

Print Settings Overview

Body: Nozzle diameter = 1.0mm, Layer height = 0.4mm, Infill = 20%, Temp = 240°C (on the hot side), Speed = 60mm/s, Supports = No

Accessory Information

• Cable tie
• Electric toothbrush