Adhesive Areolar Device for Inverted Nipple Eversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for treating inverted nipples often cause discomfort, skin irritation, and require multiple procedures, maintenance, and are not user-friendly, failing to effectively maintain the everted state.

Innovation Solution

A single-unit, ultralight device with a self-adhesive backing that applies a gentle, focused nudge to the areola to ever the nipple, made of cost-effective materials for disposable use, eliminating the need for suction, vacuum, or multiple parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If suction or vacuum devices are used to evert inverted nipples, then the nipple can be protracted, but skin irritation and discomfort occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenipple eversion effectivenessVSAvoidskin irritation and discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical suction/vacuum system with a chemical adhesive system. The adhesive layer chemically bonds to the areola tissue through molecular adhesion forces, eliminating the need for mechanical suction components while achieving reliable nipple eversion. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining effectiveness without the harmful skin irritation caused by suction devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive layer acts as an intermediary between the device and the areola tissue. Instead of direct mechanical suction acting on the nipple, the adhesive mediates the force transmission through the areola, distributing the load and preventing concentrated stress points that cause skin irritation and discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple parts or procedures are used to treat inverted nipples, then the treatment can be effective, but the device complexity and maintenance increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenipple eversion effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of parts and procedures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated device: the backing layer, adhesive layer, and release liner are combined into one cohesive structure. This eliminates the need for multiple separate parts and assembly procedures, reducing device complexity while maintaining the reliability of nipple eversion through the integrated adhesive system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed for self-application and self-maintenance. The adhesive layer self-bonds to the areola tissue without requiring additional tools or procedures, and the disposable nature of the device eliminates complex sterilization and maintenance routines, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring effective treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If strong manipulation or pressure is applied to the areola to evert the nipple, then the nipple orientation can be changed, but discomfort and tissue damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenipple orientation controlVSAvoiddiscomfort and tissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of force application from high-magnitude mechanical pressure to low-magnitude chemical adhesion. The adhesive layer creates bonding forces at the molecular level, allowing gentle manipulation of the areola tissue to achieve nipple eversion without the discomfort and tissue damage associated with strong mechanical pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of manufacture

If reusable devices are used for nipple eversion, then cost is reduced, but sterilization and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidsterilization and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable adhesive device that is inexpensive to manufacture and use. The low cost of the adhesive layer and backing materials allows single-use implementation, eliminating the need for sterilization and maintenance infrastructure while maintaining cost-effectiveness through efficient resource utilization and reduced healthcare system burdens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device provides a comfortable, secure, and concealable solution that minimizes discomfort and maintenance, effectively maintaining the everted state with improved ease of use and reduced physical manipulation.

Implementation Method 1

The device includes a lower layer or adhesive layer adhered to the lower surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS10271996B2Device for an eversion assist of inverted nipples

Publication Date: 2019.04.30 HUFNAGEL ZORKA

AI summary

The invention is a single-unit areolar device of ultralight construction with an adhesive back that relies on no additional parts or components to effectively manipulate nipple orientation for eversion assist. The device builds upon the interplay between the adhesive-back flat base with the areola tissue to create a gentle, focused nudge to evert assist and maintain protraction of inverted nipples. The ultralight single-unit device is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, easily concealed beneath clothing, and remains securely in place while active or asleep. The disposable attributes of the cost effective materials utilized lend further advantage to the device.