ASESSO HEALTH
Category
Consumer electronicsHealth & WellnessIot products
SERVICES
Industial design
Electrical design
Mechanical design
Firmware design
Software design
Prototyping
Manufacturing
2023-2024
THE CHALLENGE
Three out of four people suffer from teeth grinding or bruxism. Clenching or grinding the teeth at night overloads the joints and muscles of the face, which can lead to various problems that significantly impact daily life, such as jaw pain, headaches, sleep disturbances, and more. With proper treatment and self-care, it is possible to manage the symptoms and regain comfort in daily activities.
The Opportunity
The most reliable way to identify Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is by measuring teeth grinding or clenching during sleep when jaw movements are uncontrollable. The Asesso Health team, in collaboration with AJProTech, has designed a sensor module that accurately detects each shift, along with a custom-made splint tailored to each user’s unique dental structure. The splint is created using a specialized desktop program based on teeth photos and is printed from medical-grade materials by a doctor. Both the sensor module and the splint are stored in a dedicated case, ensuring greater convenience and ease of use.
What is TMJ disorder?
THE SOLUTION
Grinding Detection and Monitoring
To detect and monitor teeth grinding, ASESSO Health and AJProTech developed a compact sensor module that attaches to the chin overnight. Its small size ensures proximity to the mouth, enabling precise data collection. The module streams all data to a mobile app, allowing users to analyze grinding metrics each morning.
Sensor Module
Designed for continuous and accurate monitoring, the sensor module attaches securely to the chin, ensuring comfort while collecting essential data throughout the night.
Custom-Fitted Splint
To prevent teeth from touching, we developed a custom-fitted splint. The application analyzes all jaw features and enables 3D printing of a customized splint, ensuring an optimal size and fit.
Case
The sensor module and splint are stored in a compact, waterproof case that protects electrical components from moisture. The case also features a built-in battery for charging the module and a UV light disinfection system to keep the mouth guard clean and ready for use.
PRODUCT DESIGN
Leveraging our expertise in real-time feedback devices, we designed a solution that fuses modern aesthetics with precision engineering.
The sensor module is crafted from hypoallergenic materials, ensuring effortless wear and zero irritation during sleep. Its ultra-compact form factor allows for seamless integration without disruption.
The case is a study in efficiency and elegance—compact, durable, and effortlessly portable. Designed for real-world use, it fits comfortably in hand or pocket while housing both the sensor module and custom-fitted splint.
The AJProTech team focused on developing a solution not for a universal splint but for each user’s unique dental structure. We designed a desktop application that generates a 3D model of the splint using teeth photos taken from different angles with a phone. The application analyzes all the features of the customer’s jaw and allows 3D printing of a customized splint for an optimal size and fit.
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MECHANICAL DESIGN
We’re proud of the mechanical design behind this device. With two electronic components at its core, every detail had to be carefully considered—from form factor constraints to material choices. The result? A sleek, compact, and eco-friendly design that’s as stylish as it is hypoallergenic.
The ASESSO case features a modern, stylish design that is easy to hold, carry, and place on a nightstand.
It is waterproof and designed to prevent moisture from a wet splint from reaching the electrical components.
Magnets securely hold the sensor module in place, ensuring user comfort and precise sensor positioning for reliable charging.
A satisfying ‘click’ when the case closes, along with four rubber pins to prevent sliding and protect the plastic from scratches.
A built-in UV light disinfection system keeps the splint germ-free, and the blackout plastic cover.
hardware design
The sensor module is a small wearable device that is attached to the chin. Inside the module, a sensitive accelerometer detects jaw movements during teeth grinding and transmits this data to a mobile application via Bluetooth. Our team followed a proven approach to developing compact hardware: first, we created a larger PCB, assembled and tested it, and only after ensuring all components worked seamlessly did we scale it down. To optimize component placement within the limited space, we used CAD software and 3D-printed prototype enclosures in the lab, accelerating the design process without sacrificing performance.
The sensor module is powered by the nRF52 chip that supports Bluetooth Low Energy, ensuring compatibility with both iOS and Android smartphones. The BLE connection also enables over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates, keeping the sensor up to date.
FIRMWARE DESIGN
The Asesso Health device operates on a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) that efficiently manages essential functions, including data collection and Bluetooth communication. The firmware has been precisely optimized to extend operating time and enhance power efficiency.
One of the key advantages of the chin sensor is its ability to store data for up to 8 days without needing a connection to a smartphone. Once a connection is established, all stored data is automatically transmitted to the application. Additionally, data transmission only occurs when the chin sensor is placed in the case, which helps conserve battery life. Most of the time, the chin sensor remains in sleep mode to minimize battery usage, activating only when it detects movement to begin data collection.
All collected data is securely transmitted to a smartphone, where it is processed by an intuitive, user-friendly application that allows you to track your progress in real time. To ensure a stable and secure Bluetooth connection, we developed and used our own test application during the development process.
Software design
Along with developing the chin sensor and charging case, the Asesso Health team collaborated with the AJProTech team to create desktop software for designing customized splint. Using a mobile application, customers can take pictures of their teeth from different angles to generate a 3D scan of the lower jaw. This scan is then used in the desktop program to create a splint that perfectly fits the client’s jaw and prevents the teeth from touching. The custom-made splint can be 3D printed in just a few minutes and is ready for use.
Ensuring Safety and Quality
Designing any health & wellness device requires careful attention to detail, making it one of our highest priorities.
Medical-Grade Materials: Materials used are durable, sterilizable, and compatible with bodily fluids to ensure the device meets stringent regulatory standards.
UV Light Disinfection: The case is equipped with four powerful UV lights to keep the splint thoroughly clean. The light penetrates a couple of millimeters into the material, disinfecting not only the surface but also the interior of the splint.
Ventilation: Ventilation holes have been incorporated into the case to eliminate excess moisture and ensure optimal air circulation.
Mouthpiece Materials: After extensive material selection and testing, the splint guard has been designed to be gentle on teeth and gums while maintaining durability.
Extensive Testing: The device has undergone rigorous testing to ensure functionality in various use cases. For example, UV light timing has been calibrated to prevent potential eye damage, ensuring the lights activate only when the splint guard is correctly positioned.
HOW IT WORKS
We assured that the device is easy-to-use for customers. So user experience can be described in a few steps.
production
Our team created a well-designed prototype, allowing us to transition from the prototyping phase to production with minimal changes. With the support of our Taiwanese facility, we successfully produced 500 units in the initial production run. Injection molding technology was used to ensure the creation of high-quality devices. Production tests, PCB assembly, and jig checking were conducted with careful attention to every detail.
IMPACT
- After a quick and successful development process, the ASESSO Health team completed a pilot run of 1,000 units.
- ASESSO Health attracted significant investments for this project, and hundreds of customers are already using the dental device.
- The mobile app is available on the App Store and Google Play for all mobile users.
- ASESSO Health has attracted new investments and is scaling up production to manufacture more devices.
William Cliff
