A self-locking bracket unlocking tool

By designing a self-locking bracket unlocking tool, the problem of difficulty in operating existing tools in narrow oral cavity spaces is solved, realizing convenient and safe bracket opening and closing and multi-functional operation, reducing the risk of damage and cost.

CN224584883UActive Publication Date: 2026-08-04DONGGUAN BINHAI BAY CENT HOSPITAL
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
DONGGUAN BINHAI BAY CENT HOSPITAL
Filing Date
2025-09-03
Publication Date
2026-08-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing probe tools are difficult to operate effectively in the narrow oral cavity when opening and closing passive self-ligating brackets, which can easily damage the bracket locking device and pose a risk of accidentally injuring the patient's gums.

Method used

A self-locking tray unlocking tool was designed, which adopts an operating rod and connecting rod structure, with the working plate extending at an angle and equipped with an arc-shaped plate to adapt to the oral cavity space. It is detachable and made of stainless steel in one piece, and has multiple functions.

Benefits of technology

It improves the ease of operation and safety in confined oral spaces, reduces the risk of tool damage and accidental injury, enhances the stability and versatility of the tool, and reduces costs.

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Abstract

The application discloses a self-locking bracket unlocking tool, relates to the technical field of oral orthodontics, and comprises an operating rod, the two ends of the operating rod are connected with axially extending connecting rods, the end of one connecting rod is fixed with a working sheet, the working sheet extends in the axial direction of the operating rod and is inclined, the end of the other connecting rod is fixed with an arc-shaped sheet, and the arc opening of the arc-shaped sheet faces away from the connecting rod. The application has the advantages of simple structure, convenient and fast operation, difficulty in damage, strong clinical practicability, and suitability for any passive self-locking bracket, and does not need to frequently replace different instruments in work, and work efficiency is improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of orthodontic technology, and in particular to a self-ligating bracket unlocking tool. Background Technology

[0002] In clinical orthodontic treatment, passive self-ligating brackets are increasingly used. They offer several advantages: low friction between the bracket grooves and archwires, reduced groove resistance, allowing for easier and faster tooth movement and shorter treatment time. Furthermore, the reduced force generated by the self-ligating brackets minimizes stress during archwire changes, resulting in greater patient comfort.

[0003] Because self-ligating brackets are small, precisely manufactured, and have tight fit between components, doctors currently use ordinary probes to open and close them by pressing the locking cap. The working end of the existing probes is relatively sharp, making it difficult to apply force when pressing the locking cap in the narrow oral cavity. This can easily damage the locking mechanism of the bracket during the opening and closing process. Utility Model Content

[0004] To reduce the difficulty of using tools, this application provides a self-locking bracket unlocking tool.

[0005] This application provides a self-locking bracket unlocking tool, which adopts the following technical solution: A self-locking bracket unlocking tool includes an operating rod, both ends of which are connected to axially extending connecting rods. A working piece is fixed to the end of one of the connecting rods, and the working piece extends obliquely along the axial direction of the operating rod. An arc-shaped piece is fixed to the end of the other connecting rod, and the arc opening of the arc-shaped piece faces away from the connecting rod.

[0006] With the above technical solution, when opening and closing the self-ligating bracket, the working piece can fit the structure of the self-ligating bracket more closely, making it easier for doctors to apply force in the narrow oral cavity space. This avoids the problems caused by the thin working tip of the existing probe, such as difficulty in applying force, damage to the bracket locking device, and accidental injury to the patient's gums, thus improving the convenience and safety of the operation. The arc-shaped structure can press the archwire into the slot, making it easy for the locking piece to close.

[0007] Optionally, the arc-shaped piece has a crescent-shaped structure, and the two ends of the arc opening of the arc-shaped piece form spikes.

[0008] The above technical solution, as a crescent-shaped working structure, can press the archwire into the groove to facilitate the closing of the locking plate, and can also remove excess adhesive; it can also be used as a tool to adjust the position of the bracket during the bonding process, thus achieving multi-functionality.

[0009] Optionally, the connecting rod and the operating rod are integrally formed.

[0010] The above technical solution utilizes a one-piece stainless steel molding process, similar to that used in the production of conventional medical devices. This process is easy to manufacture, reduces costs, and enhances the overall strength and stability of the tool. It also prevents the connection between the connecting rod and the operating rod from loosening or falling off during frequent use, extending the tool's service life and ensuring a stable force state when opening and closing the self-locking bracket, thus guaranteeing smooth operation.

[0011] Optionally, the end of the operating lever is provided with an axially extending connecting groove, one end of the connecting rod is axially fixed with a plug rod, and a locking member for fixing the plug rod is provided between the connecting rod and the operating lever.

[0012] The above technical solution facilitates the disassembly and assembly of the connecting rod and the operating rod, making it convenient to replace or repair the connecting rod when needed. At the same time, it allows for the quick replacement of different specifications of arc-shaped plates or working plates according to different doctors' operating habits or the needs of different models of self-locking brackets, thereby improving the versatility and flexibility of the tool.

[0013] Optionally, the locking element includes a hook and loop fastener, which includes a textured surface and a hook surface, and the textured surface and hook surface are respectively fixed to the bottom of the connecting groove and the end of the plug rod.

[0014] The above technical solution makes fixing the connector rod and the operating rod more convenient, secure, and repeatable. When installing or removing the connector rod, doctors can simply press and pull to fix or separate it, without the need for other complex tools, greatly improving the ease of operation and effectively preventing the connector rod from loosening or falling off during use.

[0015] Optionally, the end of the operating lever has a conical structure.

[0016] Through the above technical solutions, the conical structure can better adapt to the narrow space inside the oral cavity and improve the operating comfort of the tool.

[0017] Optionally, a protective cap matching the end of the operating rod is fixed on the connecting rod, and a water-stop edge is surrounded around the outer edge of the protective cap.

[0018] Through the above technical solution, the protective cap can play a protective role after the connecting rod and the operating rod are connected, preventing the connection part from being contaminated or damaged by the outside world. At the same time, the water-stop edge can effectively block the liquid in the mouth from entering the connection part, maintain the stability of the connection, and further improve the reliability and service life of the tool.

[0019] Optionally, a positioning block is fixed inside the protective cap, and a positioning groove is provided at the end of the operating rod for the positioning block to be inserted.

[0020] The above technical solution ensures the precise positioning of the connecting rod and the operating rod during installation, preventing the connecting rod from shifting or tilting, ensuring the normal use of the tool, and also helps to improve the stability and reliability of the connection, preventing rotation during use.

[0021] Optionally, an angle is formed between the working piece and the connecting rod, and the angle is set to 110°-115°. With the above technical solution, this angle is perfectly suited to the angle formed between the hand holding the tool and the tooth surface, making it convenient and smooth to operate when opening the locking plate.

[0022] In summary, this application has the following beneficial effects: 1. When opening and closing the self-ligating bracket, the working piece can fit the structure of the self-ligating bracket more closely, making it easier for doctors to apply force in the narrow oral cavity space and improving the convenience of operation; 2. This working piece is suitable for any passive self-locking bracket, eliminating the need for frequent changes of different instruments during operation and improving work efficiency; 3. Achieve multi-functionality with a single tool, enabling multiple operations such as opening the lock plate, removing adhesive, pressing the bow wire, and closing the lock plate; 4. It has a simple structure, is easy to operate, is not easily damaged, and has strong clinical applicability. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Example 1; Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of Example 2; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of Example 2; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the connecting rod in Example 2; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of Example 2.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Operating lever; 2. Connecting rod; 3. Working plate; 4. Arc-shaped plate; 5. Textured surface layer; 6. Hook surface layer; 7. Protective cap; 8. Water-stop edge; 9. Positioning block; 10. Positioning groove; 11. Connecting groove; 12. Insertion rod. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Example 1 Reference Figure 1A self-locking tray unlocking tool includes an operating rod 1, with axially extending connecting rods 2 connected to both ends of the operating rod 1. The connecting rods 2 and the operating rod 1 are integrally formed, enhancing the overall strength and stability of the tool and preventing the connection between the connecting rods and the operating rod from loosening or falling off during frequent use. This extends the tool's service life and ensures a stable force state when opening and closing the self-locking tray, guaranteeing smooth operation. A working plate 3 is fixed to the end of one of the connecting rods 2. The working plate 3 has a shovel-shaped structure, forming a rake-like structure with the tool body. The working plate 3 can be directly inserted into the unlocking groove of the self-locking tray.

[0027] The working plate 3 extends obliquely along the axis of the operating lever 1. Specifically, the working plate 3 forms an angle with the connecting rod 2, with an angle range of 110°-115°, preferably 110°. This angle setting perfectly adapts to the angle formed by the hand holding the tool and the tooth surface, making operation convenient and smooth when opening the locking plate. This working plate is suitable for any passive self-locking bracket, eliminating the need for frequent changes of different instruments during operation and greatly improving work efficiency.

[0028] Another connecting rod 2 has an arc-shaped piece 4 fixed to its end. The arc-shaped piece 4 has a crescent-shaped structure with two ends forming an arc, the arc facing away from the connecting rod 2. As a crescent-shaped structure, the arc-shaped piece 4 can press the archwire into the groove, facilitating the locking plate to close, while the pointed part can remove excess adhesive. At the same time, the arc-shaped piece 4 can also be used as a tool to adjust the position of the bracket during the bonding process, achieving multi-functionality.

[0029] This utility model has a simple structure, is made of stainless steel in one piece, which is used in the production of conventional medical devices. It is easy to manufacture, reduces costs, is easy to operate, is not easily damaged, and has strong clinical applicability.

[0030] Example 1: The implementation principle of a self-locking bracket unlocking tool is as follows: When opening an orthodontic bracket, use the end with the working piece 3 to place the shovel-shaped working piece 3 into the groove of the passive self-ligating bracket. Gently pull it in the direction the latch opens. The latch opens smoothly and steadily without damaging the locking mechanism of the self-ligating bracket, and without causing the latch to get stuck in the guide groove due to uneven opening force, effectively protecting the locking mechanism of the self-ligating bracket. When removing excess adhesive from the tooth surface and closing the bracket latch, use the end with the curved piece 4 to easily remove excess adhesive from the tooth surface, or press down on the archwire to easily close the latch.

[0031] Example 2 The difference between Example 2 and Example 1 is that the connecting rod 2 and the operating rod 1 are detachably connected.

[0032] Reference Figure 2 The end of the operating lever 1 is provided with an axially extending connecting groove 11, and the end of the connecting rod 2 is welded with an axially extending plug rod 12. The plug rod 12 has a cylindrical structure and is used to insert into the connecting groove 11. A locking element for fixing the plug rod 12 is provided between the connecting rod 2 and the operating lever 1.

[0033] Reference Figure 3 The locking element includes Velcro, which comprises a textured surface layer 5 and a hook surface layer 6. The textured surface layer 5 and the hook surface layer 6 are respectively fixed to the bottom of the connecting groove 11 and the end of the insertion rod 12. When the hook surface layer 6 contacts the textured surface layer 5 under pressure, the end of the hook-shaped protrusion of the hook surface layer 6 is at least partially embedded in the fibrous ring structure of the textured surface layer 5, forming a reversible mechanical interlocking connection. In other embodiments, the locking element may also use magnets, i.e., a detachable connection is formed by magnetic attraction.

[0034] Reference Figure 4 , 5 The end of the operating lever 1 is conical, and a protective cap 7 matching the end of the operating lever 1 is fixed on the connecting rod 2. A water-stop edge 8 surrounds the outer edge of the protective cap 7.

[0035] After the connecting rod 2 is connected to the operating rod 1, the protective cap 7 can fit snugly against the end of the operating rod 1 to prevent the connection from being contaminated or damaged by the outside. During oral surgery, there is a lot of liquid in the mouth, and the water-stopping edge 8 can effectively prevent this liquid from flowing to the connection and the operating rod 1, maintaining the stability of the connection.

[0036] A positioning block 9 is fixed to the side of the protective cap 7 near the operating lever 1, and a positioning groove 10 is provided at the end of the operating lever 1 for the positioning block 9 to be inserted. When installing the protective cap 7, the positioning block 9 can be accurately inserted into the positioning groove 10, ensuring the positioning of the connecting rod 2 and the operating lever 1 during installation and preventing rotation during use.

[0037] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A self-ligating bracket de-ligation tool characterized by: The device includes an operating lever (1), both ends of which are connected to axially extending connecting rods (2). One end of the connecting rod (2) is fixed with a working piece (3), which extends obliquely along the axial direction of the operating lever (1). The other end of the connecting rod (2) is fixed with an arc-shaped piece (4), the arc of which faces away from the connecting rod (2).

2. The tool of claim 1, wherein: The arc-shaped piece (4) has a crescent-shaped structure, and the two ends of the arc opening of the arc-shaped piece (4) form spikes.

3. The tool of claim 1, wherein: The connecting rod (2) and the operating rod (1) are integrally formed.

4. The tool of claim 1, wherein: The end of the operating lever (1) is provided with an axially extending connecting groove (11), and one end of the connecting rod (2) is axially fixed with a plug rod (12). A locking element for fixing the plug rod (12) is provided between the connecting rod (2) and the operating lever (1).

5. The self-ligating bracket de-ligation tool of claim 4, wherein: The locking element includes a hook and loop fastener, which includes a textured surface (5) and a hook surface (6). The textured surface (5) and the hook surface (6) are respectively fixed to the bottom of the connecting groove (11) and the end of the plug rod (12).

6. The self-locking bracket unlocking tool according to claim 4, characterized in that: The end of the operating lever (1) has a conical structure.

7. The self-ligating bracket de-ligation tool of claim 6, wherein: A protective cap (7) matching the end of the operating rod (1) is fixed on the connecting rod (2), and a water-stop edge (8) is surrounded around the outer edge of the protective cap (7).

8. The self-ligating bracket de-ligation tool of claim 7, wherein: The protective cap (7) has a positioning block (9) fixed inside, and the end of the operating rod (1) has a positioning groove (10) for the positioning block (9) to be inserted.

9. The tool of claim 1, wherein: The working piece (3) and the connecting rod (2) form a bend angle, which is set to 110°-115°.