Jaw Mechanism Modelling and Simulation

摘要

To quantitatively evaluate the dynamic changes to the texture of foods during chewing, a mechatronic device is required that could reproduce human chewing behaviour. To design such a device, the jaw mechanism needs to be firstly modelled and analysed through simulations. Following an investigation into the biological process of mastication, the muscles responsible for the chewing movements are represented by a set of linear actuators, and are placed between the mandible (or the end-effector) and the skull (or the ground) according to the biological structure and functionality, resulting in a spatial mechanism. The physical dimensions and properties of the mechanism are measured from a replica model skull. Simulations for motion and control have been conducted using the Matlab SimMechanics toolbox, and results have shown that the jaw mechanism is modelled properly, which enables the jaw movements to be reproduced.