### Selected Product: Electric Toothbrush

#### 1. Function of the Product
An electric toothbrush is a handheld device that uses electric power to move the brush head in a rapid motion for cleaning teeth more effectively than a manual toothbrush.

#### 2. Production Process and Raw Materials
**Raw Materials:**
– Plastic (ABS, polypropylene) for the body and handle
– Stainless steel or titanium for the motor shaft
– Lithium-ion battery for power
– Nylon for bristles
– Silicone for waterproof seals
– Electronic components (PCBs, microcontrollers)

**Production Process:**
1. **Injection Molding:** Plastic materials are heated and injected into molds to create the body and handle.
2. **Motor Assembly:** The motor is assembled using stainless steel or titanium shaft, magnets, and coils.
3. **Battery Installation:** The lithium-ion battery is fitted into the handle, connected to the circuit board.
4. **Bristle Tufting:** Nylon bristles are inserted into the brush head via a tufting machine.
5. **Electronic Assembly:** PCBs are soldered and microcontrollers are programmed and placed into the handle.
6. **Silicone Sealing:** Silicone seals are applied to ensure the device is waterproof.
7. **Final Assembly:** All components are assembled into a complete unit.
8. **Quality Control:** Each unit is tested for functionality, waterproofness, and battery life.
9. **Packaging:** The toothbrush is packaged with necessary accessories and instructions.

#### 3. Cost of Production
– **Raw Materials:** $5 (USD) per unit
– **Machinery:** $2 (USD) per unit (amortized cost of machinery)
– **Labor Cost:** $3 (USD) per unit
– **Distribution Cost:** $1 (USD) per unit
– **Total Cost:** $11 (USD) per unit

**Job Positions Needed:**
– Injection Molding Technician
– Assembly Line Worker
– Quality Control Inspector
– Electrical Engineer
– Packaging Operator

#### 4. Production Time
It typically takes about 2 weeks from raw material acquisition to finished product.

#### 5. Famous Companies
– Oral-B
– Philips Sonicare
– Colgate E1

#### 6. Countries of Production
– China
– Vietnam
– USA

#### 7. New Design: “Eco-Brush 3000”

**Design Details:**
– **Material:** Use biodegradable plastic derived from corn starch for the body, reducing environmental impact.
– **Power Source:** Solar-powered charging dock, eliminating the need for traditional battery replacement.
– **Brush Head:** Replaceable heads with a subscription model to encourage regular replacement.
– **Ergonomics:** Curved handle designed to fit comfortably in the hand, reducing fatigue.
– **App Integration:** Bluetooth connectivity to an app that tracks brushing habits and offers personalized dental care tips.
– **Colors:** Available in eco-friendly colors like forest green, ocean blue, and earth brown.
– **Packaging:** Minimalist packaging made from recycled materials with no plastic.

#### 8. Why Customers Would Prefer the New Design
Customers would prefer the Eco-Brush 3000 for its environmental friendliness, with biodegradable materials and a solar-powered dock. The subscription model for brush heads ensures they are regularly replaced, enhancing oral hygiene. The ergonomic design and app integration improve the user experience and encourage better dental care practices.

#### 9. Total Cost of the New Design
**Production Process:**
1. **Biodegradable Material Molding:** Corn starch plastic is molded into the body and handle.
2. **Motor and Solar Panel Assembly:** A small motor and solar panel are assembled and tested.
3. **Dock Assembly:** The charging dock with solar panels is assembled.
4. **Bristle Tufting:** Nylon bristles are inserted into the replaceable brush head.
5. **Electronic Assembly:** PCBs for Bluetooth and app connectivity are installed.
6. **Silicone Sealing:** Waterproof seals are added to the body.
7. **Final Assembly:** Components are assembled into the complete toothbrush.
8. **Quality Control:** Functionality, waterproofness, and solar efficiency are tested.
9. **Packaging:** Eco-friendly packaging is used.

**Costs:**
– **Raw Materials:** $6 (USD) per unit (reflecting higher cost of biodegradable materials and solar technology)
– **Machinery:** $2.50 (USD) per unit (updated for new molding and assembly equipment)
– **Labor Cost:** $3.50 (USD) per unit (more specialized labor for assembly of new technologies)
– **Distribution Cost:** $1.50 (USD) per unit (reflecting logistics for subscription model)
– **Total Cost:** $13.50 (USD) per unit

#### 10. Revenue Forecast
The new Eco-Brush 3000, with its eco-friendly appeal and additional features like app integration and a subscription model, is expected to attract environmentally conscious consumers and tech-savvy users looking for a comprehensive dental care solution. While the production cost per unit is higher, the subscription revenue model could lead to a steady income stream, potentially increasing overall revenue by 20% compared to the original product over the first year.