Bruxism Detection via Synchronized Force and Myoelectric Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting human bruxism, such as those using force sensors or myoelectric sensors, often struggle to accurately distinguish between data caused by bruxism and data from other sources like tongue or lip movements, or eyelid closure.
Innovation Solution
A detection device comprising a force sensor integrated into a mouthpiece and a myoelectric sensor attachable to the human cheek, with a controller synchronizing the outputs of both sensors to differentiate between bruxism-related data and non-bruxism-related data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only a force sensor is used in the mouthpiece, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot distinguish between force caused by bruxism and force caused by tongue or lips touching the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a force sensor and a myoelectric sensor into a single detection device. The force sensor detects forces applied to the mouthpiece, while the myoelectric sensor detects muscle activity in the cheek. By merging these two sensing mechanisms, the system can cross-validate signals to distinguish bruxism from other causes of force application, thereby improving measurement precision without excessive increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device performs multiple functions: it detects both mechanical force (via force sensor) and muscle electrical activity (via myoelectric sensor). This multi-functionality allows the single device to differentiate between bruxism and other activities such as tongue or lip contact, resolving the limitation of single-sensor systems.
2Device complexity
If only a myoelectric sensor is used on the cheek, then the device structure is simple, but it produces false outputs when eyelids are tightly closed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the force sensor to validate myoelectric sensor outputs. When the myoelectric sensor detects muscle activity, the force sensor provides confirming evidence of actual bruxism-related force application. This feedback mechanism eliminates false positives from eyelid closure, improving detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging force sensor and myoelectric sensor data, the system cross-validates signals to eliminate false outputs. The combination allows differentiation between genuine bruxism events and artifacts from eyelid closure, significantly improving reliability.
3Measurement precision
If both force sensor and myoelectric sensor are used, then bruxism detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two sensors into a single integrated detection device with a unified controller that processes both force sensor and myoelectric sensor signals. This integration approach improves measurement precision while managing device complexity through consolidated hardware and software architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, a detection device includes: a force sensor disposed at a mouthpiece; a myoelectric sensor attachable to a human cheek; and a controller configured to perform output in which an output of the force sensor is synchronized with an output of the myoelectric sensor.