incuTANK: Sharing ideas and innovation.

Today we are all really excited to share an exclusive interview with Scott Amron, of Amron Experimental. Scott is a true innovator, who is driving exciting new product designs through creative functions. He has received numerous awards and endless media coverage for his inspiring creations, especially our favorite, his ‘Brush & Rinse‘.

The ‘Brush & Rinse’ is a toothbrush that can also redirect water from the faucet in a water-fountain form for easy rinsing after brushing.

Dave: How did you come up with the idea, was it an accident? Where do find you get most of your inspiration?

Scott: It came to me when I was rinsing my toothbrush off after brushing my teeth one morning. For some reason, I just felt that the water should be flowing out of the toothbrush body like a water fountain. I made a crude prototype then and there and within minutes it was realized. This one was an accident in the sense that I sorta stumbled onto an unknown universal problem. I’ve no idea where ideas come from. It’s the follow through that really matters. I’m inspired by music and films to follow through.

Definitely agree with that, it really is all about the follow through. After coming up with the idea, what steps were needed to get it into production? How long did that process take?

Brush & Rinse is not in production, yet. But, my Endo Magnet Clip is. I raised money, cut tooling and placed orders. It took about 18 months. I’ve also licensed concepts to manufacturers that were on the market within 6 months.

This is a bit of a technical question, but why isn’t the water groove on the other side of the toothbrush, so you can rinse without flipping over?

I’ve got dozens of different versions with grooves and holes and channels placed in many different locations on the toothbrush body. I think the version that’s featured (on my website) is one of the more fantastical placements especially to first time viewers. Once you’ve been exposed to the concept, you begin to ask questions and realize that that particular version may or may not be the most ideal.

Wow didn’t realize you had so many different prototypes! I am looking at them now online…the one with water coming from a hole in the bottom is really cool! Have you pitched this to a toothbrush company (Oral-b, Crest, Colgate etc..)?

Yes, I’m currently in talks with a few oral care companies. P&G remains unapproachable.

That’s actually really interesting since P&G was highlighted in the latest Economist special on Innovation for being open to change and recommendations from private companies and individuals embracing the industry trend in ‘open innovation’. Well, what kind of commercial success do you envision?

I’ve been approached by major retailers trying to place orders. But, I have no intentions of going into the toothbrush making business. I’m looking to license the IP to an international toothbrush manufacturer. I hope to have the Brush & Rinse concept built into all toothbrushes, both manual and electric, someday. Whether people use it or not, it should be a free feature. It’s to be thought of as a hidden additional feature. It does not add cost to manufacture.

Sounds like a sensible approach, I’m really looking forward to seeing this on every toothbrush. What is your favorite invention that you have made so far? Anything wild on the way?

I came up with a Light Switch Hook called “OFF”. It’s a fully functional light switch that provides a hanging function when in the OFF position. I designed it to persuade people to use less energy. You can either hang something on it or turn a light ON – you can’t do both. It’s obnoxious and it’s my favorite.

That idea is OFF the Hook! haha sorry i had to say it Seriously though, I think the entire ‘Die Electric’ line is a great. My favorites are the ‘Candull’ and the ‘Single Vase AC’. Not sure if you saw it, but at Incubaker we came up with an idea in oral care, namely carbonated mouthwash…whats your first reaction!?

It seems logical. I’d try it. Tiny scrubbing bubbles…it takes notes from the toilet cleaning products. Offers new meaning to the term potty-mouth.

How did you find out about Incubaker anyway? Do you have a favorite posting?

I think I Google’d “design concepts” or something like that. I’m not sure. It was real late. The Solar Bottle by Alberto Meda & Francisco Gomez Paz was pretty interesting. I’m actually working on a device that sucks water out of the air like a dehumidifier of sorts for drinking water – wireless water.

Wireless water?! Sounds revolutionary, I want one. Any last words of advice for other innovators?

Prototype every idea you have. It may lead to something else…something better.

Inspirational. Thanks again Scott!