Typodont development

My client wished to develop a typodont, or fake mouth, to be used for toothbrush sales and demos by field reps for Oral-B. The project began by communicating model features via hand-drawn models.

Alpha design

The alpha design was intended to remain opened or closed by means of a detent, allowing for one-handed operation to open and close the mouth. Final CAD for the alpha design is shown here.

Alpha prototype

The typodont and associated case were prototyped and assembled in materials and finishes resembling those desired in the final version.

Assembled alpha prototype

While fit was good, function was not where we wanted it to be. The detent was not strong enough and was too easily overridden. After further conceptualization, the design was scrapped in favor of a button interlock between the two jaw halves.

Alpha case prototype

The alpha case was proof of concept for the two-piece assembly concept with a living hinge.

Beta design

The beta design included a button interlock between the two jaw halves. Final design CAD is shown.

Beta case design

Improvements were made to the hinge and latch in the beta design.

Final beta design

Typodont and case, designed and ready for prototyping after working with the client's overseas molders a bit.

Typodont rendering

Final render of the beta typodont. Though the design was ultimately not chosen by the end customer, the project was well-managed and I was quite pleased with the design and modeling effort.