Subcutaneous Body Modification Device with Polymeric Tissue Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing body modification devices are not stable when implanted and tend to migrate under the skin due to lack of effective retention and stabilization mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A body modification device featuring a subcutaneously configured post base with a polymeric member and retainer posts that allow dermal growth for stabilization, along with a retention member for securing the device, providing stability and preventing migration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If prior art body modification devices are implanted, then the device can be attached to the skin, but the device is not stable and tends to migrate under the skin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoiddevice position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a post base for subcutaneous placement, retainer posts for skin penetration and attachment retention, and a retention member for securing the retainer posts. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the post base providing stable subcutaneous anchoring and the retainer posts providing skin-level retention, thereby preventing migration and improving overall device stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer posts are designed with preliminary retention features that engage with the skin before final attachment is made. The retention member is pre-configured to secure the retainer posts in place, creating a stable foundation before any jewelry or attachments are attached. This preliminary action ensures the device is firmly anchored to the skin and cannot migrate during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If retainer posts are used to protrude from skin, then attachments can be received, but the device lacks secure retention mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment compatibilityVSAvoidretention security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer posts are designed with universal threading that can accept various types of attachments including jewels, cameras, and other devices. The threaded structure provides a standardized interface that accommodates multiple attachment types while maintaining secure retention through the threaded engagement, eliminating the need for multiple different retention mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention member acts as an intermediary between the retainer posts and the skin. It secures the retainer posts in place while allowing the threaded portions to engage with various attachments. This intermediary component provides both retention security for the posts and adaptability for different attachment types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If polymeric member with holes is used, then derma can grow for stabilization, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice permanenceVSAvoidpost base structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The post base incorporates a polymeric member with integrated holes that allow dermal tissue to grow through. This porous structure facilitates biological integration and anchoring of the device to the skin, increasing permanence. The holes are strategically positioned to encourage tissue ingrowth without compromising the structural integrity of the post base.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The device combines rigid and flexible polymeric materials in the post base structure. The rigid portions provide structural support and positioning, while the flexible polymeric member with holes provides biological integration capabilities. This composite approach achieves both permanence through tissue growth and manageable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 achieves enhanced stability and prevents migration by allowing dermal growth through the polymeric member and using a retention member to secure the retainer posts, ensuring a more permanent and secure attachment of attachments like jewels or cameras to the skin.

Implementation Method 1

The polymeric member contains holes for allowing the derma to grow within for further stabilizing the body modification device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDermal growth:

Implementation Method 2

the post base comprises a retention member for retaining the one or more retainer posts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical retention: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

the post base comprises a polymeric member for stabilizing the body modification device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymer flexibility:

Data Source

PatentUS8117866B2Body modification devices

Publication Date: 2012.02.21 CROCKETT DEREK S

AI summary

A body modification device including a post base, wherein the post base is configured to be disposed subcutaneously, and one or more retainer posts coupled to the post base for receiving at least one attachment.