Electronic Dental Torque Wrench With Shaft Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque wrenches for dental implantology lack precise and accurate torque application, with manual indication methods being cumbersome and imprecise.
Innovation Solution
An electronic dental torque wrench equipped with force-sensitive resistors, particularly strain gauges, to measure torque electronically, providing digital feedback and documentation, and a ratchet mechanism for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual indication methods are used for torque measurement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical indication methods with electronic force-sensitive resistors (strain gauges) to measure torque. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic sensing systems directly improves measurement precision while the integrated design keeps the overall device complexity manageable.
2Measurement precision
If electronic force sensors are integrated into the shaft, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor is integrated directly into the shaft structure, merging the sensing function with the mechanical component. This integration approach improves measurement precision by eliminating separate sensing mechanisms while avoiding excessive device complexity through unified design.
3Measurement precision
If force-sensitive resistors are arranged on sensor surfaces perpendicular to tightening direction, then the measurement precision improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force-sensitive resistors are selectively arranged on specific sensor surfaces of the shaft that are perpendicular to the tightening direction. This localized arrangement optimizes force sensing accuracy at critical locations while minimizing overall manufacturing complexity by limiting sensor placement to essential areas.
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 torque control and digital documentation, facilitating easier and more accurate dental implant installations with reduced mechanical complexity and improved durability.
Implementation Method 1
the shaft comprises a force sensor comprising one or more force-sensitive resistors and configured to sense the force on the shaft generated upon rotation of the shaft around the rotation axis in a tightening direction
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic dental torque wrench is described, including a head with a receiving opening defining a rotation axis and configured to receive a screwing instrument, a shaft defining a shaft axis and configured for applying a torque to the head, wherein the receiving opening is configured to engage with the screwing instrument upon rotation of the shaft around the rotation axis in a tightening direction, wherein the shaft includes a force sensor including one or more force-sensitive resistors and configured to sense the force on the shaft generated upon rotation of the shaft around the rotation axis in a tightening direction, wherein the one or more force-sensitive resistors are arranged at one or more sensor surfaces which are substantially perpendicular to the tightening direction.