Structure of self-locking corrector

Abstract

The utility model discloses a structure of a self-locking corrector, which comprises a corrector body, a base, a combination surface, a wire groove, a fixing groove, a cover member, a positioning groove, an elastic assembly and a movable positioning member. The structure further comprises a smooth layer combined between the positioning groove and the movable positioning member. After the base is fixed on the tooth surface by the combination surface of the corrector body, the doctor can adjust the arch wire in the wire groove by pulling open the cover member to make the movable positioning member sink into the fixing groove, displace in the positioning groove, and be fixed at the other end of the positioning groove by the elastic assembly. The smooth layer makes the movement of the cover member and the movable positioning member more smooth, avoiding the operation difficulty and patient discomfort caused by the traditional wear, tolerance deviation or foreign matter accumulation.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention provides a structure for a self-locking orthotic device with lubrication function, which can improve friction during the opening and closing of the sliding cover and enhance clinical operation efficiency and patient comfort. [Background Technology]

[0002] In the field of orthodontics, self-ligating braces have gradually replaced traditional ligature braces to improve the efficiency and stability of archwire installation. These self-ligating devices typically have a sliding cover mechanism, allowing dentists to directly insert or remove the archwire through simple opening and closing actions, without the need for rubber bands or metal ligatures. This shortens treatment time and reduces the risk of tooth decay caused by difficulty in cleaning during orthodontic treatment.

[0003] Current self-ligating orthodontic appliances typically employ a metal elastic design for their sliding cover mechanism, utilizing components such as guide rails, latches, hinges, or fasteners to open and close the cover along a specific path. While the mechanism design is becoming increasingly sophisticated, its small size and exposure to the harsh environment of the oral cavity still present several technical bottlenecks. For example, poor structural design tolerance control can lead to misalignment, jamming, or inability to slide smoothly between the cover and the body. Furthermore, wear and deformation of the cover after long-term use can increase opening and closing resistance, even causing it to fail. Moreover, the need for the cover to function as both a positioning and sliding mechanism presents a challenge in balancing positioning rigidity and sliding smoothness; otherwise, abnormal cover closure may occur. Additionally, food debris or calculus often remaining in the oral cavity can easily become trapped between the cover and the guide rail, further exacerbating sliding difficulties or causing obstruction.

[0004] The above-mentioned self-ligating orthodontic appliances have the following problems and deficiencies that need to be improved during use:

[0005] First, dentists often need to spend a lot of time and effort to open or close the sliding cover during clinical operations, and sometimes even need to use special tools to complete the task, which seriously affects the efficiency of adjustment.

[0006] Secondly, the sudden force applied during the sliding cover opening and closing process may cause discomfort to the patient.

[0007] Third, excessive stress can increase the potential risks to the braces and teeth, affecting the quality of treatment and patient acceptance.

[0008] How to solve the aforementioned problems and shortcomings of conventional methods is the direction that the applicant of this utility model and related manufacturers in this industry urgently want to study and improve. [Utility Model Content]

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned deficiencies, the applicant of this utility model collected relevant information, conducted multiple evaluations and considerations, and, based on years of experience accumulated in this industry, through continuous trial and modification, designed the structure of this self-locking orthotic device with lubrication function, which can improve the friction problem in the opening and closing process of the sliding cover and improve clinical operation efficiency and patient comfort.

[0010] The main purpose of this invention is to effectively reduce the frictional resistance between the cover and the movable positioning part by using the design of the smooth layer, and to avoid the phenomenon of the sliding cover getting stuck due to structural wear, food residue accumulation or tolerance deviation, thereby improving the smoothness and stability of the opening and closing of the corrector.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the structure of this utility model includes: an orthodontic body comprising a base, a mating surface, a wire groove, a fixing groove, a cover, a positioning groove, an elastic component, and a movable positioning component, and having at least one smooth layer mated between the positioning groove and the movable positioning component; the mating surface is formed on the bottom surface of the base for mating with the tooth surface, the wire groove is formed on the base, the fixing groove is formed on one side of the wire groove, the cover is movably disposed on the fixing groove to expose or cover the wire groove, the positioning groove is disposed on the side of the cover adjacent to the fixing groove, the elastic component is disposed in the fixing groove, and the movable positioning component is movably disposed in the positioning groove by being pushed by the cover and the elastic component.

[0012] When the user uses this invention as a self-ligating orthodontic appliance, after the base of the appliance body is fixed to the tooth surface using the mating surface, if the dentist needs to adjust the archwire in the guide rail, simply open the cover piece to allow the movable positioning element to sink into the fixed groove, allowing the movable positioning element to move within the positioning groove. An elastic component then fixes the movable positioning element to the other end of the positioning groove. Furthermore, the smooth layer design makes the movement of the cover piece and the movable positioning element smoother, avoiding the operational difficulties and patient discomfort caused by traditional methods due to wear, tolerance deviations, or foreign matter accumulation. The smooth layer used is not limited to a specific composition, but it should be biocompatible and able to maintain stable adhesion during long-term oral use without producing toxic or irritating reactions.

[0013] By employing the aforementioned technologies, the problems of sliding cover jamming, high switching resistance, and unstable operation that exist in conventional self-locking orthotics can be overcome, achieving the practical advancements and advantages mentioned above. [Attached Image Description]

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the third preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. Symbol Explanation The orthodontic appliance itself...100 Base...1 Interlocking surfaces...11 Wire groove...12 Fixed slot...13 Cover parts...2 Positioning slot...21 Opening...211 Groove section...22 Elastic components...3 Containment space...31 Active positioning component...4 Smoothing layer...5 Storage components...6 Supplements...61 Extraction of parts...7

Detailed Implementation Methods

[0015] To achieve the above objectives and effects, the technical means and structure adopted by this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the preferred embodiment of this utility model, so as to facilitate a complete understanding.

[0016] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The figure shown is a perspective view and exploded view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. It can be clearly seen from the figure that the present invention includes:

[0017] One orthodontic appliance body 100, comprising:

[0018] One base 1;

[0019] A mating surface 11 is formed on the bottom surface of the base 1 for mating to the tooth surface;

[0020] A wire groove 12 is formed on the base 1;

[0021] A fixing groove 13 is formed on one side of the wire groove 12;

[0022] A cover 2 is movably mounted on the fixing groove 13 to expose or cover the wire groove 12;

[0023] A positioning groove 21 is provided on the side of the cover 2 adjacent to the fixing groove 13;

[0024] An elastic component 3 is disposed within the fixing groove 13;

[0025] A movable positioning member 4 is movably disposed within the positioning groove 21 by being pushed by the cover member 2 and the elastic component 3; and

[0026] At least one smoothing layer 5 is bonded between the positioning groove 21 and the movable positioning member 4 to reduce the movement resistance of the cover member 2.

[0027] The smoothing layer 5 is bonded to the surface of the movable positioning member 4, the surface of the positioning groove 21, or the surfaces of the movable positioning member 4 and the positioning groove 21. The smoothing layer 5 is a fluoropolymer, edible oil, silicone oil lubricant, or polychloroparaxylene (Parylene C). The orthodontic body 100 is similar to a general self-ligating orthodontic appliance, having a bonding surface 11 for applying adhesive to fix the base 1 to the tooth surface, a wire groove 12 with linear slots extending through both sides of the base 1 for setting the archwire, a columnar accommodating space for setting the elastic component 3 and the movable positioning member 4, a cover 2 for the user to push to selectively expose or cover the wire groove 12, a positioning groove 21 for fixing the cover 2 in an open or closed position by positioning the movable positioning member 4, an elastic component 3 for elastically fixing the movable positioning member 4 in the positioning groove 21, and a spherical movable positioning member 4 that can roll on the positioning groove 21. However, the corresponding forms of the above-mentioned components are merely examples of preferred embodiments. Any form with the same function falls within the scope of this utility model and is not limited to the examples above.

[0028] The structure of this technology can be understood from the above description. Based on the corresponding fit of this structure, this utility model has a lubrication function, which can improve the friction problem in the opening and closing process of the sliding cover, and improve the efficiency of clinical operation and patient comfort. A detailed explanation will be given below.

[0029] Please refer to the following at the same time. Figures 1 to 3 The figure shown is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. As can be clearly seen from the figure when the above components are assembled, the orthodontic body 100 of this embodiment has the function of a general self-locking orthodontic device. Its function will not be described in detail. It is worth mentioning the design of the smoothing layer 5. In this embodiment, the smoothing layer 5 is surface treated before the orthodontic body 100 leaves the factory by means of molding insert, injection coating, thin film attachment, or vapor deposition.

[0030] Regarding the molded insert, the smoothing layer 5 can be made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which has the characteristics of an extremely low coefficient of friction of about 0.05, high inertness, and high temperature resistance. However, due to its poor adhesion, softness, and difficulty in bonding with the substrate, it can be molded or machined into a block structure that can be embedded in the cover part 2 to reduce friction and improve lubrication when the movable positioning part 4 comes into contact.

[0031] For injection molding, the smoothing layer 5 can be made of polyfluoroalkoxy resin (PFA) or fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP). PFA is a copolymer modified version of PTFE, which can be melt-processed (easier to process than PTFE) and also has extremely high lubricity and inertness. FEP has similar properties to PFA, but has a lower melting point, can be thermoplasticized, and is transparent, making it suitable for films and coating layers. Therefore, both can be directly injection molded onto the surface of the positioning groove 21 and / or the movable positioning part 4.

[0032] Regarding film application, the smoothing layer 5 can also be PFA or FEP, and an ultra-thin lubricating film can be formed on the surface of the positioning groove 21 and / or the movable positioning member 4 by film lamination or hot pressing.

[0033] Regarding vapor deposition, the smoothing layer 5 can be made of poly(p-xylene) chloride (Parylene C), which is characterized by high purity, excellent moisture resistance and dielectric properties, and is available in food-grade and implantable versions (such as USP Class VI). It is commonly used for surface treatment of medical devices. Therefore, as long as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is used in a vacuum environment, it can be attached to the surface of the positioning groove 21 and / or the movable positioning element 4 in a controllable thickness manner. This method can provide permanent dry lubrication effect and biocompatibility, and has the best effect.

[0034] In this way, when the user opens or closes the cover 2, the design of the smooth layer 5 greatly reduces the friction between the cover 2 and the movable positioning part 4, making their movement smoother. This avoids the operational difficulties and patient discomfort caused by traditional wear, tolerance deviations or foreign matter accumulation. In addition, the components used in the smooth layer 5 are all biocompatible and can maintain stable adhesion without producing toxic or irritating reactions during long-term oral use.

[0035] Please refer to the following at the same time. Figure 4The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. As can be clearly seen from the diagram, the main difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment is that the smoothing layer 5 is designed to be replenishable. Therefore, a storage member 6 is provided within the orthodontic body 100 to store replenishment material 61 of the smoothing layer 5, and a suction member 7 is provided on one side of the storage member 6 to output the replenishment material 61 from the storage member 6 when compressed. Specifically, a receiving space 31 can be provided inside the elastic component 3. The storage member 6 is disposed on the fixing groove 13 and located within the receiving space 31, so that the suction member 7 is compressed by the movable positioning member 4 when the cover member 2 moves, outputting the replenishment material 61 onto the surface of the movable positioning member 4, thus forming the smoothing layer 5. The storage component 6 can be a capsule or film package containing the supplement 61, such as a micro medical-grade silicone capsule, PTFE soft capsule, or PU film capsule, which is pressure-resistant, has a certain elasticity, is not easy to break, and can release in small amounts. The supplement 61 can be polyethylene glycol (PEG) or low-viscosity silicone oil. Such supplement 61 is a short-term oral contact lubricant with good safety for small-amount release. The extraction component 7 is the micropore, conduit, or guide on the storage component 6. In this embodiment, the guide on the top of the storage component 6 is used as an example.

[0036] In actual use, whenever the user opens or closes the cover 2, the cover 2 will briefly press down on the movable positioning member 4. The movable positioning member 4 will briefly compress the storage member 6, squeezing out a very small amount of replenishment 61. The replenishment 61 can then be guided along the suction member 7 to the sliding contact surface. This design is mechanically triggered, requiring no additional energy or a separate pressurization mechanism. The replenishment can be completed automatically by the movement of the movable positioning member 4 itself. Furthermore, since the amount released in each action is controlled by the outlet diameter and pressure distance of the storage member 6, the amount released each time is fixed and precisely controlled. Moreover, since the storage member 6 stores a certain amount of replenishment 61, it only needs to be replenished periodically, resulting in high stability in use.

[0037] Please refer to the following at the same time. Figure 5 and Figure 6The figure shown is an exploded view and a schematic diagram of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention. As can be clearly seen from the figure, the main difference between this embodiment and the above embodiments is that the positions of the storage component 6 and the retrieval component 7 are changed. With the detachable design of the positioning groove 21, the potential for consumables and modularization is enhanced. Specifically, the cover component 2 has a groove 22, the positioning groove 21 is disposed in the groove 22, and the storage component 6 is disposed between the groove 22 and the positioning groove 21, so that the retrieval component 7 is disposed in the positioning groove 21. When the cover component 2 moves, it is squeezed by the movable positioning component 4, and the supplement 61 is output on the surface of the positioning groove 21, forming the smooth layer 5. The groove 22 is integrally formed on the cover 2, and the outer side of the positioning groove 21 matches the groove so that the positioning groove 21 can be fixedly set in the groove 22, or a locking groove, locking tenon or other fixing structure can be designed to improve the fitting accuracy and stability of the positioning groove 21 and the groove 22. The storage component 6 is changed to a sheet type, such as oil-containing foam or polyethylene glycol (PEG) gel sheet. The suction component 7 can be a micro-permeable hole below the positioning groove 21, or a conduit or groove on the positioning groove 21, to control the flow of lubricant, guide it only to the sliding surface and prevent it from overflowing to non-contact parts.

[0038] In actual use, whenever the user opens or closes the cover 2, the elastic component 3 pushes the positioning groove 21 upward through the movable positioning component 4. This stress is a downward pressure relative to the storage component 6, and this downward pressure releases a small amount of supplement 61, which then flows to the surface of the positioning groove 21 via the suction component 7. This design takes advantage of the independent replaceability of the positioning groove 21 and the storage component 6 of the lubrication layer 5. Doctors can replace them during routine examinations, extending the life of the device. Furthermore, the storage component 6 and the positioning groove 21 can be designed as small consumables, possessing commercial value for replacement parts in the future and potential for the development of medical consumable models. Modularization can also reduce manufacturing costs. In addition, the storage component 6 and the lubrication layer 5 are confined to a controllable area and released only within the internal space of the cover 2, avoiding diffusion in the oral cavity and improving safety.

[0039] Please refer to the following at the same time. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The figure shown is an exploded view and a schematic diagram of the implementation of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. As can be clearly seen from the figure, the main difference between this embodiment and the above embodiments is that the design of the suction member is eliminated, and an opening 211 is provided on the positioning groove 21, so that the storage member 6 can be exposed in the opening 211. At this time, the supplement 61 can be a PTFE sheet or a silicone film, and the supplement 61 maintains a fixed shape through curing, and its own outer contour is equivalent to the storage member 6. In this way, when the movable positioning member 4 moves in the positioning groove 21, it will contact the storage member 6 and attach a small amount of supplement 61. It also has the advantages of consumables, modularity and safety of use.

[0040] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Therefore, any simple modifications and equivalent structural changes made based on the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings should also be included in the patent scope of the present utility model and are hereby stated.

Claims

1. The structure of a self-ligating orthodontic device, characterized in that... It includes: An orthodontic appliance body, comprising: A base; A mating surface is formed on the bottom surface of the base for mating to the tooth surface; A wire channel is formed on the base; A fixing groove is formed on one side of the wire groove; A cover is movably mounted on the fixing groove to expose or cover the wire groove; A positioning groove is provided on the side of the cover body adjacent to the fixing groove; An elastic component is disposed within the fixing groove; A movable positioning element is movably disposed within the positioning groove by being pushed by the cover element and the elastic component; and At least one smoothing layer is incorporated between the positioning groove and the movable positioning element to reduce the movement resistance of the cover element.

2. The structure of the self-ligating orthodontic device as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The smoothing layer is bonded to the surface of the movable positioning element, the surface of the positioning groove, or the surface of the movable positioning element and the positioning groove.

3. The structure of the self-ligating orthodontic device as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The smoothing layer is a fluoropolymer, edible oil, silicone oil lubricant, or polychloro-p-xylene.

4. The structure of the self-ligating orthodontic device as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The corrector body has a storage device for storing the supplement of the smoothing layer.

5. The structure of the self-ligating orthodontic device as described in claim 4, characterized in that... The storage unit has a suction member on one side, which outputs the supplement from the storage unit when it is squeezed.

6. The structure of the self-ligating orthodontic device as described in claim 5, characterized in that... The elastic component has a receiving space inside, and the storage component is disposed on the fixing groove and located in the receiving space.

7. The structure of the self-ligating orthodontic device as described in claim 6, characterized in that... The suction member is squeezed by the movable positioning member when the cover member moves, and the supplement is output on the surface of the movable positioning member to form the smooth layer.

8. The structure of the self-ligating orthodontic device as described in claim 5, characterized in that... The cover has a recessed portion, the positioning groove is disposed in the recessed portion, and the storage component is disposed between the recessed portion and the positioning groove.

9. The structure of the self-ligating orthodontic device as described in claim 8, characterized in that... The suction element is located in the positioning groove so that when the cover moves, it is squeezed by the movable positioning element and outputs the supplement on the surface of the positioning groove, forming the smooth layer.

10. The structure of the self-ligating orthodontic device as described in claim 4, characterized in that... The cover has a recessed portion, the positioning groove is disposed in the recessed portion, the storage component is disposed between the recessed portion and the positioning groove, and the positioning groove has an opening for exposing the storage component.

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