Dental Force Sensor Layout for Accurate Tooth Load Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental appliances often fail to apply the intended force to teeth due to interactions and deformation, leading to suboptimal tooth movement and potential orthodontic issues.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising model teeth with integrated force sensors and strain gauges to measure translational and rotational forces applied by dental appliances, allowing for precise determination and calibration of forces for improved treatment planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If force sensors with strain gauges are integrated into model teeth to measure forces, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strain gauge is integrally formed on the surface of the post, merging the sensing element with the structural component. This integration eliminates separate mounting hardware and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The post serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the model tooth and simultaneously acts as the sensing element through the integrally formed strain gauge. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed in the force measurement system.
2Manufacturing precision
If strain gauges are integrally formed on the post surface, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The strain gauge is formed by depositing conductive material and selectively removing portions, changing the manufacturing process from mechanical assembly to material deposition and removal. This approach achieves precise positioning through controlled material placement rather than mechanical alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The post combines a nonconductive base material with conductive material layers to create the strain gauge structure. This composite approach integrates the structural and sensing functions in a single manufactured component.
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
Enhances the accuracy and efficiency of dental treatment plans by accurately measuring and predicting tooth movements, reducing iterations and time required for achieving desired dental anatomy.
Implementation Method 1
at least one strain gauge integrally formed on a surface of the post between the first end and the second end. The at least one strain gauge is configured to generate a signal in response to a deflection of the post.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques are described for determining at least one of a translational force or a rotational force applied by a dental appliance to a tooth or teeth of a patient. A system includes model teeth configured to represent a portion of a dental arch and receive a dental appliance, a post extending from a first end coupled to a respective tooth to a second end coupled to a base, at least one strain gauge integrally formed on a surface of the post between the first end and the second end, and processor communicatively coupled to the at least one strain gauge and configured to determine at least one of a translational force or a rotational force applied by the dental appliance to the respective tooth.