This technology features a skull model with maxilla and mandible mounted on a base. A pair of robotic arms on either side of the skull rotates the mandible, while a linear movement unit at the bottom adjusts its height. Each robotic arm consists of three actuators, allowing the mandible to move forward, backward, side-to-side, and vertically.
Conventional articulators are limited to simple opening and closing motions and cannot precisely replicate human temporomandibular joint movement. This makes it difficult to verify occlusion or simulate realistic chewing motions when fabricating dental prosthetics.
In this technology, a first actuator fixed to the side base rotates a connecting member, while second and third actuators at the end rotate a fixing bar coupled through the mandible to create complex rotational movements, with a curved groove in the base guiding the path. A linear motor independently handles vertical linear movement, and a load cell measures pressure between the maxilla and mandible in real-time, stopping operation if a set limit is exceeded. It is controlled via a momentary switch and wireless controller. The articulation method uses a facebow with magnetic balls to separately capture the static position of the maxilla and dynamic movement of the mandible for prosthetic fabrication. Applicable to dental lab fabrication, dental school occlusion training, and implant/orthodontic chewing tests, it allows for pre-verification of occlusal interference and chewing pressure by replicating patient-specific jaw movements.
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