College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
General Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in General Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 3
College of Engineering
Department - Author 3
Biomedical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 3
BS in Biomedical Engineering
Date
6-2023
Primary Advisor
Karla Carichner, College of Engineering, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department
Additional Advisors
Vladimir Prodanov, College of Engineering, Electrical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
This paper aims to summarize the design process for a biofeedback bruxism device, covering the necessary background research, engineering requirements, design process, prototyping, manufacturing, and testing for the device. The purpose of this project was to design an engineering solution for the treatment of bruxism. This entails both measuring and significantly reducing clenching and grinding during sleep, as many current solutions may reduce symptoms of the disorder, but do not treat bruxism itself. Engineering requirements included biocompatibility, size and weight, electrical safety, and easy of use and comfort. Many design options were proposed, and a Pugh Matrix was used to help choose the best design, given customer and engineering requirements. The selected conceptual design includes a pressure sensor embedded in a custom mouthguard that communicates using radiofrequency (RF) to a haptic feedback module in a headset to alert the user when they are clenching. This feedback device activates above a bite force threshold–effectively treating bruxism with classical conditioning, pairing a haptic response with the action of unclenching. The design went through several rounds of prototyping to make circuit alterations and manufacturing changes, while attempting to verify the device efficacy. A final proof-of-concept product was presented to the sponsor, including two functional circuits that are able to 1) sense pressure using a pressure sensor embedded in silicone, 2) send a signal using an RF transmitter to a receiver connected to the haptic circuit, and 3) trigger the haptic response module to vibrate, with a minimal response lag time between force being applied and response triggering. The result of this project produced a proof of concept circuit for both the sensing and responding circuits. A final conceptual design is proposed for the ideal circuits and mouthguard design, including manufacturing and testing plans. Next steps are outlined to aid in the continuation of this project in future years.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/genengsp/14