Haptic Dental Simulator with Custom Instrument Grips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental simulators lack realism in simulating periodontal procedures, particularly in terms of tactile sensation, two-handed interaction, and finger support, which are crucial for effective training of dental and hygiene students.
Innovation Solution
A haptic-based simulator system that uses custom grips for real dental instruments, two haptic devices for simultaneous interaction, and a finger support mechanism to provide a more realistic experience, replicating the tactile properties and movements involved in periodontal procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional dental simulators are used, then basic dental procedures can be practiced, but tactile sensation realism is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A haptic device acts as an intermediary between the user and the virtual dental environment, providing realistic tactile feedback through force rendering. The haptic device stylus mediates the interaction by simulating the tactile properties of dental instruments, allowing users to feel resistance, texture, and force during periodontal procedures without requiring complex physical simulation of all dental tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If single haptic device is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but two-handed interaction is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves two-handed interaction by assigning different functional roles to two haptic devices. One device simulates the active dental instrument while the other simulates the passive mirror or second instrument. This multi-functional approach allows each device to be specialized for its role while collectively providing comprehensive two-handed periodontal procedure simulation.
3Reliability
If haptic device stylus is used, then interaction is simplified, but real dental instrument tactile properties are not replicated
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic device stylus is configured to replicate the tactile properties of real dental instruments through force feedback rendering. The system creates a virtual copy of the dental instrument's interaction characteristics, including resistance, stiffness, and surface texture, allowing users to experience realistic tactile sensations without handling actual dental tools during simulation.
4Reliability
If finger support is not simulated, then system complexity is reduced, but intraoral fulcrum realism is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A finger support mechanism acts as an intermediary that provides realistic fulcrum support during intraoral procedures. The mechanism simulates the support structure that would normally be provided by the patient's oral tissues, allowing users to experience authentic fulcrum sensations and proper instrumentation technique without requiring a complete physical replica of the human mouth.
Data Source
AI summary
Existing haptic-based simulation systems struggle to replicate a realistic experience for dental and dental hygiene students and clinicians. A realistic haptic-based simulator to train periodontal procedures. Realism is accomplished through three distinguished features: (1) a custom grip to attach dental instruments to the haptic device, which enhances the grip experience since learners feel the tactile properties of the instruments (rather than the haptic device stylus), (2) two haptic devices are utilized to simulate haptic feedback with both the dental instrument (dominant hand) and the mirror instrument (non-dominant hand), and (3) a finger support mechanism using parallel manipulation is used for the intraoral fulcrum during probing. The Haptic dental simulator system comprises software and hardware subsystems. The software subsystem comprises of two Graphical User Interface (GUI) windows: the configuration window where an instructor defines periodontal exercises for learners to practice with and a simulation window where periodontal exercises are displayed for learners to interact with. The hardware subsystem includes two haptic devices with grips having the real instruments, and the finger support device.