J-Shaped Pincer Nail Correction Tool Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pincer nail correction tools face challenges such as interference with toe skin, limited insertion depth, and inability to handle various degrees of curvature, leading to potential nail cracking and difficulty in correcting infected or severely curved nails.

Innovation Solution

A pincer nail correction tool with a substantially rectangular abutting portion and a narrower engaging portion, featuring a J-shaped cross-section and notched distal end, which disperses pressure widely and ensures a sufficient adhesion area, allowing for safe correction of pincer nails of varying curvatures and those infected with ringworm fungi.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the correction tool is inserted deeply into the nail to ensure sufficient bonding area, then the adhesion area is improved, but the tool structure interferes with the toe skin

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding areaVSAvoidskin interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The correction tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a wide abutting portion for pressure distribution on the nail surface, a narrow engaging portion for deep insertion into the nail groove, and a connecting portion linking them. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally without compromising other areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the tool have different width characteristics tailored to their specific functions: the abutting portion is wide to distribute pressure and prevent skin interference, while the engaging portion is narrow to insert deeply into the nail groove. This local differentiation of geometric properties solves the contradiction between deep insertion and skin protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the bonding area is increased to prevent nail cracking, then the nail strength is improved, but the tool cannot be inserted deeply enough

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenail strengthVSAvoidinsertion depth
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tool transitions from a uniform one-dimensional structure to a two-dimensional configuration with varying width along its length. The abutting portion extends wider in the surface direction to provide large bonding area, while the engaging portion narrows to achieve deep insertion, effectively utilizing dimensional variation to resolve the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If a single correction tool design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but it cannot correct pincer nails of various degrees of curvature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool design simplicityVSAvoidcurvature acceptance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The correction tool incorporates a flexible connecting portion that can adapt its shape dynamically. This flexibility allows the rigid abutting and engaging portions to accommodate different curvature degrees of pincer nails while maintaining structural integrity, providing versatility without requiring multiple rigid tool designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2221029B1Pincer nail correction tool
Publication Date: 2016.04.06 BIGBANG CO LTD
  • EP2221029B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~2
  • EP2221029B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(i)
  • EP2221029B1 patent drawingFigure 4(a)~4(e)

AI summary

A pincer nail correction tool for remedying a pincer nail of a toe as the nail grows by bonding a necessary part separated from the body to the pincer nail. The tool comprises a flat operating portion (1) gripped before the necessary part is bonded and rotated in the direction in which the pincer nail is remedied, a thin-sheet abutting portion (2) extending from the flat surface on one side of the operating portion (1) and projecting straight toward the distal end, a thin-sheet engaging portion (3) narrower than the abutting portion (2) in the surface direction and extending from the surface on the other side of the operating portion (1) substantially parallel with the abutting portion (2), and a bottom (4) extending from one end face of the operating portion (1) toward the distal end and connecting the abutting portion (2) with the engaging portion (3) to form a J-shaped cross-section. The projection length of the abutting portion (2) is longer than that of the engaging portion (3).