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  1. #1
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    Default Hands-free toothbrush holder

    Hi Gents,
    The organisation I volunteer with has asked to make a toothbrush holder for a client. The client has one arm amputated above the elbow. He is having surgery next week on his good arm, so he won't be able to brush his teeth for six weeks without a device to hold his electric toothbrush.

    I'd like to make something like this: https://www.bearpawsf.com/products/a...thbrush-device
    The arm appears to be made from flexible coolant hose like this: https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/H166
    I have no experience with this flexible hose. I'll go to H&F tomorrow and sus it out to see if it is stiff enough to hold an electric toothbrush securely enough to allow the client to brush his teeth. I don't need the tap and I may need the pipe to be a bit longer than the 360mm this one is. Can this pipe be bought by the metre without fittings? I would like to source it in Melbourne as mail order will take too long. Anyone know a supplier?

    I think I'll make the bit that grabs the toothbrush from Delrin. It will need to be able to rotate to allow him to brush all surfaces of his teeth. But it will also need to be stiff enough that it doesn't flop around in his mouth. Any suggestions on how I might achieve that?

    I'm visiting the client on Thursday, so I will know more about his requirements and capabilities after then.

    TIA.
    Chris

  2. #2
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    Default

    You can buy this stuff from engineering suppliers as individual parts, in Adelaide Asteg Engineering supply hose packs and fittings as separate items. You'd have the same situation local to you I would have thought.

    As to whether it would support the toothbrush and hold it rigidly enough for the job, I've had hose with very stiff joints that would most probably do the job - at least initially until it wore - but I've also bought similar looking hose that had all the rigidity of a wet noodle. It's probably going to be a matter of testing samples.

    As an alternative, have you considered something like a modified indicator holder, minus the magnetic base, for a more rigid set up?

  3. #3
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    Default

    Thanks Gavin. I just remembered I have a Noga Mini-cool (I never use it). The flexible hose on that seems like it would be OK to support a toothbrush. Although the next size up might be better. As you say, it will wear and get loose eventually. However, it only has to work for six weeks while he recovers.

    I can't picture how an indicator holder would work. He would be unable to tighten or loosen the clamps I think.
    He may have a full-time carer which would give me more options.
    Chris

  4. #4
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    That 3/8" H&F hose you linked to is super stiff when new; we got some in recently and it's a bit of a fight to get it where you want but once it's there it's not going anywhere.

  5. #5
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by jack620 View Post
    I can't picture how an indicator holder would work. He would be unable to tighten or loosen the clamps I think.
    I was thinking more along the lines that any adjustability would be taken care of by the head that actually holds the toothbrush - that could be arranged somewhat like the microphone holder on a microphone stand - with the indicator holder providing the rigid support. That way you would only have one area of potential slippage or looseness and you would have more control over the degree of movement available in your design and engineering.

    The user would possibly be able to press harder against the apparatus with his mouth that way and have more control over where the brush ends up in his mouth. Perhaps mock each alternative up with a manual brush and cable ties etc. and try it yourself to see which works best.

  6. #6
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    Default

    Another thought, perhaps visit a camera shop or JB HiFi and look at the Joby Gorilla Pod (or similar) camera stands. They use the jointed mechanism that looks like the coolant hose but is purposely designed to hold a relatively heavy camera in a fixed location. There should possibly be more "designed in" rigidity in that product.

  7. #7
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    Default

    Thanks Elan and Gavin.

    The Gorrillapod arm kit might be good if the coolant hose doesn't work out. There's two in the kit which could easily be joined together if one isn't long enough.

    https://www.cameraelectronic.com.au/...od-arm-kit-pro

    It's a more expensive option but he may have NDIS funding which would negate that.
    Chris

  8. #8
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    Default

    I just spotted this on the H&F website: https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/H167
    Chris

  9. #9
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    You could always thread some thickish aluminium wire through the lock line hose for extra rigidity.
    Just a thought.
    Matt
    Warning Disclaimer

  10. #10
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    I see a problem other may not from another perspective.
    Who will mount this oir move it?
    Who will administer toothpaste?
    Who will then clean it turn the tap on tp rinse etc?

    For the period he willl be out of action surely he will have a carer/support person who can assist with his dental needs till he is recovered?

    Hare & Forbes have the coolant attachments which might be ideal

  11. #11
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    Thanks Ray. He will have a carer at least once a day. Possibly three times a day.

    During my visit he said he wants to use the device while standing, not sitting as I thought. That means the arm needs to be much longer than I envisioned. I think the flexible coolant hose will be too floppy. So I've redesigned it using using 16mm aluminium tube left over from my pool fencing. I've made an adjustable knuckle that allows the height and horizontal extension of the device to be adjusted. The toothbrush holder will pivot on the end of the horizontal arm.
    Chris

  12. #12
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    Inovation and problem solving at its best well done.
    I feel for him as there is so much more he will not be able to do during that time, leading me to believe his supoort should be 24/7. Feeding, dressing having a beer even and of course with that mother nature slaps you and reminds you it must be cleared out also.

  13. #13
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    It's tough for sure Ray. He lives with his wife, but she is in a wheelchair so can't help with everything. And I'm sure there's a lot of things he helps her with that he won't be able to do while he's recovering.
    Chris

  14. #14
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    Like while Sue was suffering with her hip then recovery after replacement, suport workers were great BUT determ8nation by Sue saw her speedy recovery to close on 90% normal with in 2 months. Now yiu can't notice she had a problem. The support was for me but they also took on house chores too.

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