A wearable passive force sensor powered by an active interrogator intended for intra-splint use for the detection and recording of bruxism

Abstract

A wearable bite force sensing system prototype made up of a passive force sensor and an active interrogator/reader is described. The system is aimed at bite sensing using a wireless link between the passive sensor to be located in the mouth and the external interrogator that can record the evolution of detected force. The interrogator generates a magnetic field that energizes the passive sensor which is also used as the information transmission carrier. The passive force sensor does not need a battery to operate it because it can extract the energy it needs to operate from the carrier field generated by the interrogator. Occlusal force quantification can be used for the detection of bruxing episodes and registration. The small size of the components used (smd) and its further size reduction if they are integrated would allow an implant the size of a tooth.