Occlusal Pressure Sensor with Shape Transfer Layer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occlusal pressure measuring devices struggle to precisely identify the positional relation between occlusal pressure measurements and the tooth row, leading to difficulties in practical treatment applications, and require complex procedures such as creating dental models for accurate data capture.
Innovation Solution
An occlusal pressure measuring device with a laminate sensor structure, including a pressure-sensitive layer, a charge transfer layer formed by organic transistors, and a shape transfer layer that deforms and retains shape, allowing for precise positional matching of occlusal pressure data with the tooth row, using a system that converts shape information into electrical signals for processing and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sheet-shaped sensor with electrical resistance variation is used to measure occlusal pressure, then real-time occlusal pressure distribution can be captured, but it becomes difficult to identify which part of the tooth row has caused the occlusal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure-sensitive layer that measures occlusal pressure with the shape transfer layer that captures tooth row geometry into a single integrated sensor sheet. This merging allows simultaneous acquisition of both pressure distribution data and corresponding tooth position information, eliminating the need for separate marking procedures or visual alignment processes used in conventional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The shape transfer layer creates a physical copy or impression of the tooth row surface geometry when the patient bites down. This copied shape information is then processed to generate a three-dimensional tooth row model that corresponds spatially to the pressure measurement data, enabling precise identification of which tooth caused which pressure reading
2Loss of information
If marking material is applied onto the tooth row and transferred to the sensor, then the positional relation between tooth row and occlusal pressure can be captured visually, but the precision is insufficient and the procedure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical marking system with an automated optical scanning system. Instead of using marking materials that require manual application and visual comparison, a three-dimensional shape measuring device optically scans the shape transfer layer to automatically generate digital tooth row models, eliminating manual procedures and enhancing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The shape transfer layer serves as an intermediary that physically captures tooth row geometry and preserves it in a form that can be digitally scanned and processed. This intermediary layer bridges the gap between the mechanical pressure measurement and the digital three-dimensional modeling, enabling automated position identification without direct contact marking of the teeth
3Loss of information
If a dental model is made by impression material before measuring occlusal pressure, then the position of tooth row can be identified, but the procedures become complicated and cause troubles to practitioners and patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the impression-taking step with the pressure measurement step into a single simultaneous action. The sensor sheet with its shape transfer layer serves both as the measurement device and as the impression material, eliminating the need for separate impression procedures, model fabrication, and then sensor placement that characterize conventional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor sheet achieves multi-functionality by simultaneously performing pressure measurement, shape capture, and position identification. This single device replaces multiple separate tools and procedures including impression material, dental models, and separate pressure sensors, greatly simplifying the overall workflow for both practitioners and patients
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 easy and precise capture of the positional relation between occlusal pressure measurements and the tooth row, simplifying procedures and improving data accuracy for treatment purposes.
Implementation Method 1
a thin-film pattern in which an electrical resistance varies in accordance with the force applied by the tooth row
Implementation Method 2
a shape transfer layer which is deformed by the occlusal pressure and retains the deformation even when the occlusal pressure is removed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides an occlusal pressure measuring device which makes it possible to capture the positional relation between measurement results of the occlusal pressure and the tooth row more easily and more precisely. The occlusal pressure measuring device 1 comprises: a sensor portion 10 capable of measuring occlusal pressure; and a body 20 which transmits information obtained from the sensor portion, wherein the sensor portion is a laminate of a plurality of layers; at least one of the plurality of layers is a pressure sensitive layer capable of detecting occlusal pressure; and at least one outermost layer of the sensor portion is a shape transfer layer which can be deformed by the occlusal pressure and can retain the deformation even when the occlusal pressure is removed.