Curable Nail Composition Using Penetrating Agents for Strength and Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nail hardening compositions either embrittle the nail plate, fail to improve flexibility, or require frequent application, and are not effective for brittle or damaged nails, while also potentially causing damage during removal and application.
Innovation Solution
A curable composition comprising a polymerizable material, a penetrating agent, and a curing agent that penetrates the nail plate to provide a balanced increase in strength, toughness, and flexibility without embrittlement, and can be applied less frequently, with the ability to repair and reinforce damaged areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If polymerizable surface coatings are applied to thicken and strengthen the nail plate, then strength and durability are improved, but flexibility is lost and embrittlement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the hardening composition by using alternative cross-linking agents (such as glyceryl monothioglycolate, cysteamine, or thioglycolic acid) that provide different cross-linking mechanisms compared to traditional methylene glycol. These alternative agents achieve nail plate hardening while maintaining flexibility by creating a balanced cross-link density that prevents excessive embrittlement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite treatment system that combines multiple active ingredients working synergistically: cross-linking agents for strength, plasticizers for flexibility, and conditioning agents for overall nail health. This composite approach allows the nail plate to achieve both strength and flexibility simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between hardening and embrittlement.
2Strength
If methylene glycol is used to cross-link and harden the nail plate surface, then scratch and indentation resistance are improved, but flexibility is reduced and over-hardening leads to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the cross-linking parameters by controlling the concentration and reactivity of cross-linking agents. By using agents like glyceryl monothioglycolate at controlled concentrations (0.1-5%), the patent achieves sufficient surface hardness while preventing excessive cross-linking that would cause brittleness. The patent also controls reaction conditions (pH, temperature, application time) to optimize the balance between hardness and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent promotes continuous, moderate cross-linking action through multiple light applications rather than single intense treatments. This continuous low-level cross-linking allows the nail plate to gradually build strength while maintaining flexibility, preventing the sudden over-hardening that leads to breakage.
3Force
If natural oils are applied to plasticize and increase flexibility of rigid nail plates, then toughness is improved, but strength and surface hardness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of plasticizers (for flexibility) and cross-linking agents (for strength) into a single composition. By combining ingredients like glyceryl monothioglycolate with plasticizers (such as panthenol, biotin, or natural oils), the patent achieves both increased flexibility and maintained strength simultaneously, eliminating the need to choose between these opposing properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional ingredients to different regions or depths of the nail plate. Cross-linking agents primarily affect the surface layers to provide hardness and scratch resistance, while plasticizers penetrate deeper to provide flexibility and toughness. This localized functional distribution allows the nail plate to exhibit both strength and flexibility in appropriate regions.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If frequent application of nail treatments is performed to maintain strength, then durability is improved, but time consumption and potential damage from repeated application increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary penetration enhancement to prepare the nail plate for deeper and more sustained ingredient penetration. By applying penetration enhancers (such as propylene glycol, ethanol, or natural oil blends) before the active treatment ingredients, the patent ensures that strength-building components penetrate deeply and provide long-lasting effects, reducing the frequency of required applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent formulations are designed to provide continuous therapeutic action over extended periods. The controlled-release properties of the composition allow active ingredients to remain effective in the nail plate for weeks rather than days, reducing application frequency from weekly to monthly while maintaining durability benefits.
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 composition effectively strengthens and durably reinforces nail plates, preventing damage and promoting healthy nail growth without the need for frequent application, while maintaining natural appearance and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a polymerizable material forming a polymer within the depth of the nail by cure using a catalyst as curing agent
Implementation Method 2
penetrating agent present in an amount ranging from 1% to 40%
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a curable nail strengthening composition comprising a polymerizable material, at least one penetrating agent, and at least one curing agent. The strengthening composition penetrates the nail and is cured within the nail plate without cross-linking the nail proteins. Methods for strengthening and repairing nails are also disclosed.