Pressure and contact sensor system for measuring dental occlusion
US4856993A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 2, 1987 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 2, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01L1/205
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A contact sensor for detecting points on a grid where the sensor is being contacted on opposing sides by teeth surfaces or other contacting points. The sensor is especially useful for measuring dental occlusion. The contact sensor includes two sets of parallel electrodes which are each formed on a thin, flexible supporting sheet. The electrodes are separated by a thin, pressure-sensitive resistive coating such as molydenum disulphide. Two such electrode structures are oriented at approximately right angles to create a grid where the intersecting electrodes cross separated by the resistive coatings. Several arrangements of resistive coating over electrodes as disclosed. In the absence of an external force, the material between the electrodes sets provides a high resistance between intersecting electrodes. The resistance between electrode intersections changes as pressure on opposite sides of the intersection changes. The sensor output is dynamic in that the resistance will vary as external pressure is repeatedly applied and removed. The sensor may be made extremely thin and can provide high resolution capable of distinguishing between contact points separated by 0.050 inches or less…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.