咀嚼時における咬筋の収縮を利用した 咬合力及び咬合回数測定デバイスの提案

In recent years, the role of masticatory function in extending a healthy lifespan has gained significant attention. Bite force and chewing frequency are important indicators for evaluating masticatory function, and there is a growing demand for the development of devices that can measure these parameters quantitatively and easily. This study proposes a new device using masseter muscle contraction during mastication to measure bite force and chewing frequency. The device utilizes a neckband that contacts the masseter muscles, measuring bite force using pressure and bending sensors in response to muscle contraction. Additionally, chewing frequency is estimated based on the contraction activity of the masseter muscles. Since a correlation between the hardness of the masticatory material and bite force has established, an evaluation experiment conducted using samples with different hardness levels. Experimental results demonstrate that bite force can estimated from masseter muscle contraction. Furthermore, the pressure sensor showed excellent accuracy when estimating the chewing frequency. Future improvements will focus on enhancing the device’s precision and expanding its applicability.