Toothpaste-dispensing toothbrush: project of IIP’s Saamir Akhtar
Saamir Akhtar, a student at Indian Institute of Packaging, Mumbai developed a compact toothbrush, which dispenses toothpaste that is enough for a one-time use. The innovation is easy to use, and a must-buy for minimalists thereby avoiding carrying both toothbrush and toothpaste
12 Sep 2023 | By Saamir Akhtar
Akhtar highlights that the convenient toothbrush will eliminate separate packaging for toothpaste
Innovation is a result of a problem, an idea. Saamir Akhtar found out that it sometimes becomes hectic to carry a toothbrush and toothpaste while travelling, and often one of them is forgotten.
Akhtar came up with the idea to design a convenient toothbrush, which has a compact shape combining the function of toothbrush and toothpaste. It offers ease of maintaining oral hygiene while travelling, and at low cost.
The product provides easy accessibility, and does not require one to go through a set of instructions. It employs a knob-mechanism with a threaded-screw. When the user gives a single rotation to the knob, a piston (inside the handle of the brush) will move upwards and dispense paste from the bristles. The USP is that the mechanism dispenses toothpaste, which is sufficient for single-time use.
The handle of the brush is made up of polypropylene; the piston and screw is made up of HDPE; and nylon is used for the bristles. It is economical, portable, and has a compact design, and also resolves the issue of hygiene by combining toothpaste/toothbrush feature.
Akhtar highlights that the convenient toothbrush will eliminate separate packaging for toothpaste, thereby reducing carbon footprint. Also, the product is a refillable and cost-effective solution.