Reed sensors in Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes are designed to make the brush head and bristles move in rapid motions, either in a back-and-forth motion, or in a back and forth motion that also rotates both clockwise and anti-clockwise.
The basic design of an electric toothbrush is that the whole working assembly is sealed within a water proof body with an O-ring sealed battery compartment which protects the battery from moisture. Most of the controls for operating the electric toothbrush and turning it on or off require sealed switches that will not be affected by water.
This is where ultra-miniature reed switches help. The switches and buttons that are encased in the the rubber body use magnets that trigger the reed switches inside that require multiple presses to change speed and a single short press or a long press of the power button to turn the electric toothbrush on and off. This is achieved by mounting tiny magnets under these buttons that activate or signal cycle the reed switches mounted inside the toothbrush assembly.
Application Classification
Applications are classified as Position Sensing, Pulse Counting, Electromagnetic or Relay, Temperature Sensing or Magnet Biasing types. This application is classified as follows and the link gives more information on best practices to help select the most suitable AT band and matching magnet.
Position sensing Type
 | A Position Sensing Application is one which requires the end position of a movement...Continue reading |
Recommended Products
The Reed Switches and Sensors used in such applications need to be robust, durable and efficient in meeting a high life expectancy. Our engineers work hard in life testing our products under various conditions, and our intention is to ensure end product durability and life. Although we wouldn’t want to restrict any of our products for use in only certain applications, the recommended products for use in this application are listed below.
UM-0018-H Ultra Miniature Reed Switch
 | This highly sensitive and reliable, Form A type 7.0 mm reed switch is designed...Continue reading |
MM-1018 Micro Miniature Reed Switch
 | This is durable and reliable, Form A type 10.0 mm Micro Miniature reed switch...Continue reading |
MS-104 Ultra Miniature PCB Mountable Reed Sensor
 | Omni polar, normally open (NO), epoxy encapsulated, 10.1 mm PCB mountable pin pitch, capable...Continue reading |
MS-105 Miniature PCB Mountable Reed Sensor
 | This micro miniature PCB mountable reed sensor is designed for switching 10W. The sensors...Continue reading |