Inverted V Under-Nail Support for Healthy Growth
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nail lengthening techniques, such as acrylic and gel nails, damage the natural nail by interacting directly with the nail plate and hyponychium, leading to weakening, pain, and increased vulnerability to disease, while under-nail support systems often cause damage to the sensitive hyponychium and fail to effectively support the lateral and leading edges of the nail.
Innovation Solution
An inverted 'V' shaped flexible plastic under-nail support that avoids the hyponychium and directly supports the nail's lateral and leading edges, allowing for easy application and removal, and can be used with existing technologies like acrylics to promote nail growth and beauty without damaging the nail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If acrylic or gel nail technology is used to lengthen nails, then nail length and aesthetic appearance are improved, but the natural nail plate and hyponychium are damaged and weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a silicone-based intermediary material that bonds to the natural nail without requiring damage to the nail plate. This intermediary layer allows artificial nail extensions to be attached while protecting the natural nail structure, resolving the contradiction between achieving nail length and maintaining nail strength
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the nail enhancement system into distinct functional layers: the natural nail plate, the silicone bonding layer, and the artificial nail extension. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the integrity of the natural nail
2Reliability
If filing and buffing is performed on the nail plate to prepare for acrylic application, then adhesion of artificial nails is improved, but the nail plate is weakened and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The silicone-based bonding material serves as an intermediary that provides strong adhesion to the natural nail without requiring the nail plate to be filed or buffed. This eliminates the need for mechanical preparation that weakens the nail while maintaining reliable bonding
3Ease of repair
If chemical soaks are used to remove artificial nails, then removal is achieved, but the nail condition is worsened and further damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable silicone bonding layer that can be easily removed without chemical soaks. The silicone material allows for simple mechanical removal that does not damage the natural nail plate, eliminating the need for harsh chemical removers
4Strength
If under-nail support systems are used to support the nail, then nail strength is improved, but the hyponychium is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies support material with specific local qualities - the silicone bonding layer provides strength and support precisely where needed on the nail plate surface without extending into or damaging the hyponychium area, thus maintaining nail strength while protecting the sensitive underlying tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible under-nail support device and method to apply the same that promotes long healthy fingernail growth by providing nail strength and support without any interaction or damage to the nail plate (upper nail) or the hyponychium (thickened epidermis under the nail). The device has an indention, with a preferred embodiment of an inverted V that is positioned under the fingernail and around the hyponychium. Its lateral sides are bonded to at least the nails' lateral undersides to provide extra strength to the nail. The bonded device is then clipped and filed to the natural nails length. The method includes healthy easy device removal and support replacement. As the nail grows, the process of attaching and removing supports is repeated and over time results in strong, long, healthy, aesthetically pleasing nails. For immediate nail lengthening, the device may be used as scaffolding with other technologies mitigating their respective health hazards.