Dental Training Instrument Force Sensing for Objective Skill Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental training methods lack objective measurement for evaluating students' grasp and pressure against tooth/tissue, leading to potential damage and inadequate instrumentation mastery, and there is no calibrated way to document mastery over time.
Innovation Solution
A dental training system with force sensing transducers on the grip portion of instruments, connected to a control module, provides visual and audible feedback on proper grasp and force application, allowing for objective evaluation and calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure transducers are mounted on the grip portion to measure force, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transducers (force sensing transducers on the grip portion and a scale transducer at the tip) into a single integrated measurement system. The control module consolidates data from all transducers to calculate load force, merging multiple measurement functions into one coordinated system that reduces overall complexity despite adding measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module serves multiple functions: it receives data from transducers, stores zeroed force data, calculates load force independent of grasp force, determines whether force is within acceptable range, and provides visual/audible feedback. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices for each function, resolving the complexity issue while maintaining high measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple transducers are used to measure both grasp force and load force, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by storing zeroed force data in the control module before actual measurements begin. This preliminary action establishes a baseline that allows the system to quickly calculate load force independent of grasp force during use, eliminating the need for repeated calibration procedures and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module provides real-time visual and audible feedback to students about their force application. This immediate feedback allows students to self-correct without requiring frequent instructor intervention or recalibration, reducing the time lost to calibration and evaluation procedures while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If objective measurement systems are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control modules
Solution Approach 1:
The control module acts as an intermediary between the transducers and the student. It receives raw data from multiple transducers, processes the information by calculating load force independent of grasp force using stored zeroed force data, and provides simplified visual/audible feedback. This intermediary function consolidates complexity into a single processing unit rather than requiring complex individual sensor systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise measurement and feedback on grasp and force application, reducing damage and improving instrumentation skills through quantifiable assessment and documentation.
Implementation Method 1
at least two force sensing transducers mounted on a grip portion of a dental instrument... configured to measure force applied thereto
Implementation Method 2
determine, based upon the sensor force measurement data and the zeroed force data, a load force that is independent of grasp force
Implementation Method 3
provide a visual and/or audible indication that a proper grasp has been achieved
Implementation Method 4
provide a visual and/or audible indication that a proper grasp has been achieved
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A training system includes a tool connected to a control module. The tool includes a tip and a grip having two or more force sensing transducers configured to enable determination of sensor force measurement data. The control module receives the sensor force measurement data. The control module includes a storage device configured to store zeroed force data, and a data processing unit including a processor and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to obtain the sensor force measurement data and the zeroed force data; determine, based upon the sensor force measurement data and the zeroed force data, a load force magnitude that is independent of grasp forces; determine whether the load force is within a set range; and, provide a corresponding indication where the load force is within the set range and/or where the load force is outside of the set range.