Fluid-Pressure Bite Force Measurement with Polynomial Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for measuring bite force are inaccurate, expensive, and lack user-friendliness and cost-effectiveness, often requiring complex calibration and single-patient use, failing to provide reliable and practical solutions for dental occlusion analysis.
Innovation Solution
A bite force measuring system comprising a mouthpiece with a fluid-filled compressible cavity and a fluid-pressure-sensing device, interfaced with a control unit that uses polynomial equation coefficients for accurate bite force calculation, allowing for calibration and repeated use without sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mechanical gauges are used to measure bite force, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical gauges with a fluid-pressure-sensing device that uses fluid pressure transmission through a compressible cavity to measure bite force. This substitution of mechanical measurement with fluid-pressure-based measurement resolves the contradiction by providing accurate measurements without requiring complex mechanical gauge mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a fluid-filled compressible cavity that transmits bite force through fluid pressure to the sensing device. This pneumatic/hydraulic mechanism allows accurate measurement of bite force while maintaining a relatively simple device structure, as the fluid pressure system naturally amplifies and transmits the force information.
2Measurement precision
If resistive or piezoelectric sensor equipped mouthpieces are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a fluid-pressure-sensing device with a compressible cavity filled with fluid, which is a more cost-effective alternative to expensive resistive or piezoelectric sensors. The fluid pressure transmission mechanism provides accurate measurements while using simpler, less expensive components that can be manufactured at lower cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a functional copy of the measurement capability using fluid pressure transmission rather than direct electrical sensing. The fluid cavity acts as an intermediary that copies and transmits the mechanical bite force information to the pressure sensor, achieving accurate measurement through a different, more economical physical principle.
3Measurement precision
If fluid filled compressible cavities with long flex tubing are used, then bite force measurement is enabled, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluid-filled compressible cavity directly with the pressure sensing device, eliminating the need for separate long flex tubing connections. This integration of the cavity and sensor into a unified structure resolves the contradiction by maintaining bite force measurement capability while dramatically reducing connection complexity and improving ease of use.
4Measurement precision
If disposable sensing mouthpieces are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a reusable mouthpiece with a fluid-filled compressible cavity and pressure sensing device that can be used across multiple patients and measurements. This universal design eliminates the need for disposable mouthpieces while maintaining measurement accuracy, thereby significantly reducing operational costs through repeated use.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the mouthpiece after single use, the patent enables recovery and repeated use of the same mouthpiece through proper cleaning and maintenance protocols. The robust fluid-filled cavity and pressure sensor are designed to withstand multiple uses, allowing the system to recover and reuse the expensive components rather than replacing them after each measurement.
5Measurement precision
If complex calibration procedures are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-calibrating system where the fluid-pressure-sensing device automatically establishes calibration through the inherent physical properties of the fluid-filled cavity. The system performs self-validation and adjustment without requiring complex external calibration equipment or extensive human intervention, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while greatly simplifying the calibration process for the user.
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
The system provides accurate, cost-effective, and user-friendly bite force measurements, improving dental occlusion analysis with reduced operational costs and enhanced repeatability.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid-filled compressible cavity; a fluid-pressure-sensing device for measuring a pressure of a fluid contained in the fluid-filled compressible cavity
Data Source
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AI summary
A bite force measuring system comprising a mouthpiece interfaced to a control unit. The mouthpiece comprises memory for storing calibration parameters. The mouthpiece comprises a fluid-filled compressible cavity, and a fluid- pressure-sensing device for measuring a pressure of a fluid contained in the fluid- filled compressible cavity. The mouthpiece comprises a communication interface for transmitting the calibration parameters and the measured pressure to the control unit. The control unit comprises a communication interface for receiving the calibration parameters and the measured pressure from the mouthpiece. The control unit comprises a processing unit for calculating a bite force corresponding to the measured pressure. The calibration parameters and the measured pressure are used calculating the bite force corresponding to the measured pressure. The calibration parameters may consist of coefficients of a polynomial equation for calculating the bite force by applying the polynomial equation to the measured pressure. A calibration method is also disclosed.