Multifunctional periodontal probe

Abstract

A multifunctional periodontal probe relates to the field of oral treatment equipment and comprises a shell, a handle, a metal wire and a printing module, the shell is provided with an outlet; the metal wire is mounted on the handle, and the handle is slidably connected with the shell in a preset direction; the printing module is provided with a plurality of shaping channels, any two shaping channels are different in shape, each shaping channel is used for allowing a metal wire to penetrate through and adjusting the shape of the metal wire, and the printing module is installed on the shell; and the handle is used for driving the metal wire to selectively pass through one of the plurality of shaping channels and enabling the deformed metal wire to extend out of the outlet. The shape of the probe can be adjusted according to requirements before use, so that the probe with the corresponding angle is obtained, the use is convenient and fast, the use cost is low, and the clinical treatment efficiency is improved; and moreover, probes with corresponding shapes can be obtained according to different conditions, the adaptability is good, and tissues can be effectively prevented from being damaged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of dental treatment equipment, and more specifically, to a multifunctional periodontal probe. Background Technology Periodontal probes are an important method for clinical examination of periodontitis, mainly used to measure periodontal pocket depth and attachment level, which are currently the clinical basis for evaluating the degree of periodontal disease and judging its changes. Most dental equipment is equipped with a foot pedal controller, mainly used to control the system to switch measurement states. However, the foot pedal needs frequent cleaning, is relatively bulky, and wired ones require cable connection, while wireless ones require frequent charging. Currently, most periodontal probes on the market are made of stainless steel and consist of three parts: a handle, a neck, and a working end, all of which are single-ended. The working end is a tapered cylinder or flat shape, bent at a fixed angle, and has millimeter grid lines or graduations indicated by different colors.

[0002] The inventors discovered in their research that existing periodontal probes have at least the following drawbacks: The bending angle of the working end is fixed, making it impossible to select probes with different angles as needed, which is inconvenient to use and costly. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objectives of this invention include, for example, providing a multifunctional periodontal probe that can be pre-adjusted according to requirements before use to obtain a probe at a corresponding angle, making it convenient to use, low in cost, and improving clinical treatment efficiency; furthermore, it can obtain probes of corresponding shapes for different situations, has good adaptability, and can effectively prevent tissue damage.

[0004] The embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as follows: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a multifunctional periodontal probe, comprising: The device comprises a housing, a handle, a metal wire, and a printing module; the housing has an outlet; the metal wire is mounted on the handle, and the handle is slidably connected to the housing in a preset direction; the printing module has multiple shaping channels, any two of which have different shapes, and each shaping channel is used for the metal wire to pass through and adjust its shape; the printing module is mounted on the housing. The handle is used to selectively guide the metal wire through one of the plurality of shaping channels and to extend the deformed metal wire out of the outlet.

[0005] In an optional embodiment, the printing module is movably connected to the housing such that one of the plurality of shaping channels on the printing module is located on the movement path of the metal wire.

[0006] In an alternative embodiment, the printing module is rotatably connected to the housing to adjust the position of the shaping channel relative to the wire.

[0007] In an optional embodiment, the printing module is provided with multiple positioning surfaces, which are used to fit against the housing when the corresponding shaping channel is located on the movement path of the metal wire; The printing module is also slidably connected to the housing so that the positioning surface leaves the housing before the printing module is rotated to adjust the position of the shaping channel, and that the corresponding positioning surface fits into the housing after the printing module is rotated.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, one of the printing module and the housing is provided with a slide rail, and the other is provided with a slider. The slider is slidably connected to the slide rail, and the slider and the slide rail cooperate to restrict the printing module from sliding away from the housing.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the multifunctional periodontal probe further includes a resilient pin that is connected to both the impression module and the housing.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the multifunctional periodontal probe further includes a heating mechanism mounted on the housing and located on the side of the impression module away from the outlet, the heating mechanism being used to heat the metal wire.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the heating mechanism includes a heating coil and a switch, both of which are mounted on the housing. The heating coil is provided with a heating channel for the metal wire to pass through. The switch is electrically connected to the heating coil and is used to turn the heating coil on or off.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the handle is provided with scale lines.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, a damping structure is provided between the handle and the housing.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention include, for example: In summary, the multifunctional periodontal probe provided in this embodiment features multiple shaping channels on the impression module, with any two channels having different shapes. When a wire is needed, the wire is first aligned with one of the shaping channels as required. Force is applied to the handle, causing it to pull the wire closer to the impression module and into the corresponding shaping channel. Under the constraint of the shaping channel, the wire's tip forms a shape substantially similar to the channel, creating a corresponding working end. This working end extends from the outlet, allowing for appropriate treatment procedures within the oral cavity. Before treatment, the wire can be pre-aligned from the corresponding shaping channel to form the desired working end, offering flexibility, reducing the need for frequent probe replacements, and lowering operating costs. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first-view view of the multifunctional periodontal probe of this embodiment; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a partially enlarged structure in the image; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second perspective of the multifunctional periodontal probe of this embodiment; Figure 4 This is a first-view cross-sectional schematic diagram of the multifunctional periodontal probe of this embodiment; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram from a second perspective of the multifunctional periodontal probe of this embodiment; Figure 6 This is a third-view cross-sectional schematic diagram of the multifunctional periodontal probe of this embodiment; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the handle and the metal wire working together in this embodiment; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the multifunctional periodontal probe of this embodiment (showing three different shapes of working ends).

[0017] icon: 001-Preset direction; 100-Housing; 110-Assembly through hole; 120-Assembly groove; 121-Outlet; 130-Short shaft; 200-Handle; 210-Scale line; 300-Metal wire; 400-Printing module; 410-Triangular face; 420-Positioning face; 430-Shaping channel; 440-Slide rail; 500-Elastic pin; 600-Heating mechanism; 610-Heating coil; 620-Switch; 700-Elastic steel ball. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0019] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0020] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0021] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of this invention is usually placed, they are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0022] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0024] In the existing technology, the working end of the periodontal probe has a fixed angle and shape, which limits its application range. When it is necessary to replace the probe with a working end of a different shape and angle according to the requirements, the entire periodontal probe needs to be replaced, which is costly.

[0025] In view of this, the designers have provided a multifunctional periodontal probe that can adjust the shape and angle of the working end of the probe body as needed, adapt to different scenarios, has a wide range of applications, and low operating costs.

[0026] Please refer to Figures 1-7 This embodiment provides a multifunctional periodontal probe, including: The device comprises a housing 100, a handle 200, a metal wire 300, and a printing module 400. The housing 100 has an outlet 121. The metal wire 300 is mounted on the handle 200, and the handle 200 is slidably connected to the housing 100 in a preset direction 001. The printing module 400 has multiple shaping channels 430, any two shaping channels 430 having different shapes. Each shaping channel 430 is used for the metal wire 300 to pass through and for adjusting the shape of the metal wire 300. The printing module 400 is mounted on the housing 100. The handle 200 is used to selectively drive the metal wire 300 through one of the multiple shaping channels 430, and to extend the deformed metal wire 300 out of the outlet 121.

[0027] As described above, the multifunctional periodontal probe provided in this embodiment is used as follows: When the wire 300 is needed, first align the wire 300 with one of the multiple shaping channels 430 as required. Apply force to the handle 200, causing the handle 200 to move the wire 300 closer to the impression module 400 and into the corresponding shaping channel 430. Under the constraint of the shaping channel 430, the tip of the wire 300 forms a shape that is basically the same as the shape of the shaping channel 430, thus forming a working end of the corresponding shape. After the working end extends from the outlet 121, it can be used for corresponding treatment procedures in the oral cavity. During the treatment process, the wire 300 can be extended from the corresponding shaping channel 430 to form a working end of the corresponding shape as required. It is flexible in use, has a wide range of applications, does not require frequent replacement of periodontal probes, and has low operating costs.

[0028] The following embodiments illustrate the details of the multifunctional periodontal probe of this application by way of example.

[0029] Please refer to Figures 1-7In this embodiment, the optional multifunctional periodontal probe includes a housing 100, a handle 200, a wire 300, an impression module 400, two elastic pins 500, a heating mechanism 600, and two elastic steel balls 700. The handle 200 is slidably connected to the housing 100 in a preset direction 001. The wire 300 is mounted at one end of the handle 200 and can slide relative to the housing 100 along with the handle 200. The impression module 400 and the heating mechanism 600 are both mounted on the housing 100. The heating mechanism 600 is located between the impression module 400 and the handle 200. The wire 300 can pass through the heating mechanism 600, which heats the wire 300, increasing its temperature and enhancing its deformation capacity. The deformed wire 300 can extend out of the housing 100 under the action of the handle 200, thereby performing relevant oral treatment procedures. Two elastic pins 500 are simultaneously connected to the housing 100 and the printing module 400, improving the stability of the connection between the housing 100 and the printing module 400. Two elastic steel balls 700 are simultaneously connected to the handle 200 and the housing 100, providing a certain amount of damping to prevent the handle 200 from sliding too much, which is beneficial for controlling the position of the wire 300.

[0030] In this embodiment, optionally, the housing 100 is provided with a communicating assembly through hole 110 and an assembly groove 120. The housing 100 has a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The side of the assembly groove 120 away from the assembly through hole 110 extends to the first end, and the side of the assembly groove 120 located at the first end is configured as an outlet 121. The end of the assembly through hole 110 away from the assembly groove 120 extends to the second end. The assembly through hole 110 can be a rectangular through hole. The assembly groove 120 can be a rectangular groove. Specifically, the assembly groove 120 has a groove bottom wall and two opposite groove side walls. The two groove side walls are respectively connected to opposite sides of the groove bottom wall, and the two groove side walls are arranged oppositely at intervals. Each groove side wall is provided with a short shaft 130, and the two short shafts 130 on the two groove side walls are coaxially arranged.

[0031] In this embodiment, optionally, the handle 200 can be a rectangular strip. The handle 200 passes through the mounting through hole 110 and is slidably connected to the mounting through hole 110 in a preset direction 001. The cross-sectional shape of the handle 200 basically matches the cross-sectional shape of the mounting through hole 110, making it less prone to wobbling when sliding. The preset direction 001 is consistent with the axial extension direction of the mounting through hole 110. Two elastic steel balls 700 are respectively disposed on both sides of the handle 200, each being clamped between the handle 200 and the housing 100. The elastic steel balls 700 can be embedded within the handle 200 and can abut against the inner wall of the housing 100. The elastic steel balls 700 provide damping for the housing 100 and the handle 200, providing strong feedback to the user when sliding the handle 200, facilitating control of the sliding distance and speed of the handle 200, and preventing the metal wire 300 from excessively protruding from the outlet 121 of the housing 100.

[0032] Optionally, at least one side of the handle 200 is provided with a scale line 210. By observing the scale line 210, it is easy to know the current sliding distance of the handle 200 relative to the housing 100, so that the operation is precise and reliable.

[0033] It should be understood that scale lines 210 can be provided on multiple sides of the handle 200, so that the user can observe the scale lines 210 from different angles, which facilitates operation.

[0034] In this embodiment, optionally, the metal wire 300 may be, but is not limited to, a nickel-titanium alloy wire. The front end of the metal wire 300 may be a pointed tip, and in use, the front end of the metal wire 300 may extend from the outlet 121. The rear end of the metal wire 300 may be fixed to the handle 200.

[0035] Please refer to Figures 1-2In this embodiment, optionally, the printing module 400 is generally configured as a triangular prism structure. The printing module 400 has two opposing triangular faces 410 and three rectangular faces connected end to end in sequence. The two triangular faces 410 of the printing module 400 are rotatably connected to two short axes 130 respectively. Furthermore, each triangular face 410 is provided with three slides 440, and each slide 440 can have a locking hole. One end of each of the three slides 440 extends towards the three vertices of the triangle, and the other ends of the three slides 440 converge together. Each slide 440 is perpendicular to a corresponding rectangular face. The short axis 130 can slide within one of the three slides 440 as needed, and the short axis 130 can also rotate relative to the slide 440. Meanwhile, each rectangular face can be called a positioning surface 420, and the positioning surface 420 is generally planar. Each positioning surface 420 is provided with at least one shaping channel 430. The shaping channel 430 is a groove, which can be processed into different shapes by slotting, facilitating manufacturing. For example, in this embodiment, there is one shaping channel 430 on each positioning surface 420. The two ends of the shaping channel 430 are located on both sides of the width direction of the rectangular surface, and the width direction of the rectangular surface is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the two triangular surfaces 410. The three shaping channels 430 on the three positioning surfaces 420 have different shapes.

[0036] During assembly, the printing module 400 is installed in the assembly groove 120. The two triangular faces 410 on the printing module 400 are respectively abutted against the two groove sidewalls, and each short shaft 130 is inserted into the corresponding slide rail 440. For ease of description, the three positioning surfaces 420 are referred to as the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface. When the printing module 400 is in the position where the first surface contacts the bottom wall of the groove, the two are in surface contact. The short shaft 130 is located at the position away from the first surface of the slide rail 440 perpendicular to the first surface. At this time, the printing module 400 cannot rotate relative to the housing 100, the position of the printing module 400 is stable, and the shaping channel 430 on the first surface is located on the sliding path of the metal wire 300. The opening of the shaping channel 430 is closed by the bottom wall of the groove, and the metal wire 300 can pass smoothly through the corresponding shaping channel 430, so that the front end of the metal wire 300 forms the corresponding angle and shape. Before adjusting the shape of the metal wire 300, when it is necessary to change the shaping channel 430, first apply force to the printing module 400 to make it slide away from the bottom wall of the tank. At this time, the short shaft 130 slides towards the converging position in the corresponding sliding area. When the short shaft 130 slides to the converging position, the first surface has a gap with the bottom wall of the tank, and this gap allows the printing module 400 to rotate around the axis of the short shaft 130, so that the second or third surface rotates to face the bottom wall of the tank. Then apply force to the printing module 400 to make it slide towards the bottom wall of the tank, and finally complete the switching of the shaping channel 430.

[0037] It should be understood that the short shaft 130 can also be referred to as a slider. In other embodiments, the slider can be disposed on the triangular face 410 of the printing module 400, and correspondingly, the slide rail 440 can be disposed on the sidewall of the mounting groove 120.

[0038] Furthermore, the two elastic pins 500 can be fixed to the two side walls of the slot respectively. When the printing module 400 is in the position where the positioning surface 420 contacts the bottom wall of the slot, the elastic pins 500 are just inserted into the corresponding locking holes, which can further improve the positional stability of the printing module 400 relative to the housing 100. When it is necessary to rotate the printing module 400, force is applied to the printing module 400 to overcome the elastic force of the elastic pins 500, so that the elastic pins 500 can generate a certain elastic deformation and disengage from the locking holes.

[0039] In other embodiments, optionally, the printing module 400 can also be slidably connected to the housing 100 to adjust the position of the shaping channel 430 relative to the metal wire 300, thereby achieving the switching of the shaping channel 430.

[0040] In other embodiments, optionally, the shaping channels 430 on the printing module 400 are not limited to three.

[0041] Please refer to Figures 1-6 In this embodiment, optionally, the heating mechanism 600 includes a heating coil 610 and a switch 620. Both the heating coil 610 and the switch 620 are mounted on the housing 100. The heating coil 610 is provided with a heating channel for the metal wire 300 to pass through. The switch 620 is electrically connected to the heating coil 610 and is used to turn the heating coil 610 on or off. It should be understood that the heating coil 610 can be connected to a power source through a wire. When the switch 620 is turned on, the heating coil 610 is energized, and a high-frequency magnetic field is formed in the heating channel formed by the heating coil 610. This causes the metal wire 300 passing through the heating channel to be induced to heat up by the magnetic field. The metal wire 300 softens after being heated and can undergo corresponding deformation when passing through the shaping channel 430. After the metal wire 300 deforms and leaves the shaping channel 430, it cools and solidifies at room temperature.

[0042] That is, the heating mechanism 600 can heat the metal wire 300 using the principle of electromagnetic induction. Obviously, in other embodiments, the heating mechanism 600 can also be configured with other structures.

[0043] Please refer to Figures 1-8The multifunctional periodontal probe provided in this embodiment allows the handle 200 to be withdrawn first, and one end of the metal wire 300 to be fixed to the handle 200. Then, the handle 200, along with the metal wire 300, extends into the housing 100. The metal wire 300 can pass through the heating channel. Before using the probe, the position of the impression module 400 relative to the housing 100 is adjusted according to the usage requirements, so that the corresponding shaped shaping channel 430 is in the sliding path of the metal wire 300. The groove of the shaping channel 430 is closed by the bottom wall of the groove, and the impression module 400 and the housing 100 are secured by the elastic pin 500. Then, force is applied to the handle 200, which drives the metal wire 300 to pass through the heating mechanism 600. After the heating mechanism 600 is activated, a portion of the metal wire 300 is heated to the set temperature. The heated metal wire 300 is then inserted into the shaping channel 430, and the metal wire 300 slides along the extension direction of the shaping channel 430, thereby forming the corresponding curved shape. The deformed part of the metal wire 300 leaves the housing 100 from the outlet 121, and is shaped after cooling at room temperature, thus obtaining a working end of the corresponding shape, which is flexible in use and can improve the treatment effect.

[0044] It should be understood that after the metal wire 300 is used, force is applied to the metal wire 300, and the rear end of the metal wire 300 can be disengaged from the handle 200, so that it can be pulled out from the outlet 121. Then, the handle 200 is removed from the housing 100, and a new metal wire 300 can be installed on the handle 200. Only the metal wire 300 needs to be replaced to obtain working ends of different shapes, and the cost of use is low.

[0045] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A multifunctional periodontal probe, characterized in that, include: The device comprises a housing (100), a handle (200), a metal wire (300), and a printing module (400); the housing (100) has an outlet (121); the metal wire (300) is mounted on the handle (200), and the handle (200) and the housing (100) are slidably connected in a preset direction (001); the printing module (400) has multiple shaping channels (430), any two shaping channels (430) have different shapes, and each shaping channel (430) is used for the metal wire (300) to pass through and adjust the shape of the metal wire (300); the printing module (400) is mounted on the housing (100). The handle (200) is used to selectively drive the wire (300) through one of the plurality of shaping channels (430) and cause the deformed wire (300) to extend out of the outlet (121).

2. The multifunctional periodontal probe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The printing module (400) is movably connected to the housing (100) so that one of the multiple shaping channels (430) on the printing module (400) is located on the movement path of the metal wire (300).

3. The multifunctional periodontal probe according to claim 2, characterized in that: The printing module (400) is rotatably connected to the housing (100) to adjust the position of the shaping channel (430) relative to the wire (300).

4. The multifunctional periodontal probe according to claim 3, characterized in that: The printing module (400) is provided with a plurality of positioning surfaces (420), which are used to fit against the housing (100) when the corresponding shaping channel (430) is located on the movement path of the metal wire (300); The printing module (400) is also slidably connected to the housing (100) so that the positioning surface (420) leaves the housing (100) before the printing module (400) is rotated to adjust the position of the shaping channel (430), and the corresponding positioning surface (420) is attached to the housing (100) after the printing module (400) is rotated.

5. The multifunctional periodontal probe according to claim 4, characterized in that: One of the printing module (400) and the housing (100) is provided with a slide rail (440), and the other is provided with a slider. The slider is slidably connected to the slide rail (440), and the slider and the slide rail (440) cooperate to restrict the printing module (400) from sliding away from the housing (100).

6. The multifunctional periodontal probe according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that: The multifunctional periodontal probe also includes a flexible pin (500), which is connected to both the impression module (400) and the housing (100).

7. The multifunctional periodontal probe according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The multifunctional periodontal probe also includes a heating mechanism (600), which is mounted on the housing (100) and located on the side of the imprint module (400) away from the outlet (121). The heating mechanism (600) is used to heat the metal wire (300).

8. The multifunctional periodontal probe according to claim 7, characterized in that: The heating mechanism (600) includes a heating coil (610) and a switch (620). The heating coil (610) and the switch (620) are both mounted on the housing (100). The heating coil (610) is provided with a heating channel for the metal wire (300) to pass through. The switch (620) is electrically connected to the heating coil (610) and is used to turn the heating coil (610) on or off.

9. The multifunctional periodontal probe according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The handle (200) is provided with scale lines (210).

10. The multifunctional periodontal probe according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: A damping structure is provided between the handle (200) and the housing (100).

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