Occlusive bite force measurement utilizing flexible force sensor array fabricated with low-cost multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC)

Abstract

This study proposes a novel method to measure the distribution of occlusive force on the crown using a flexible force sensor array. The basic principle of the developed flexible force sensor array was based on the strong piezoelectrical property of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC) in the sensor. The high mechanical strength and low-cost MLCCs make it ideal for large forces measuring applications. Measured results indicate that single MLCC force sensor can afford a large force loading of up to 1.1 GPa for a sensor with the cross section area of 0.64 mm <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> . Experimental results also indicate that the uses of MLCCs as the force sensors have several advantages including high force sensitivity, nice repeatability, high strength, big measuring range and small hysteresis behavior. A 3 times 3 MLCC force sensor array fabricated in a polyimide-based flexible circuit film (FCCL) is used to measure the corresponding force distribution in a simulated horse teeth mold fabricated with a rapid-prototyping process. The measured results indicate the MLCC force sensor array has a potential to be an ideal component for bite force measurement.