Light-Curing Nail Brace Kit for Reproducible Nail Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for correcting misgrown toenails or fingernails, such as surgery and non-surgical braces, are either painful or cause tissue irritations, and the multi-layer polymer system described in WO 2011/039243 A1 is not reproducible.
Innovation Solution
A nail correction kit comprising a primer with hydroxyethylene methacrylate and phosphate dimethacrylate, a photopolymerizable nail brace with bisphenol A (di) methacrylate and urethane dimethacrylate, and optionally metallic spring braces, which are applied using a light-curing process to correct nail curvature without causing mechanical irritations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgery is used to remove the complete nail, then the nail correction is achieved, but the treatment is painful and often does not result in proper nail correction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces surgical removal with a mechanical correction system consisting of a brace and photopolymer material. The brace applies controlled mechanical force to gradually correct the nail curvature while the photopolymer material provides adhesive bonding and structural support, eliminating the need for painful surgical intervention while achieving reliable correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes photopolymerization as a parameter change mechanism. The photopolymer material transitions from a liquid or soft state to a rigid cured state upon exposure to light, enabling the brace to maintain its shape and apply consistent correction forces throughout the treatment period without requiring surgical removal.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a non-surgical nail correction brace is used, then the treatment is painless, but tissue irritations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a photopolymer material as an intermediary layer between the brace and the nail/tissue. This material provides a comfortable interface that reduces direct contact and mechanical irritation while still transmitting the necessary correction forces. The photopolymer acts as a buffer that protects the tissue from the rigid brace structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The photopolymer material's physical properties can be adjusted through composition and curing parameters to optimize both mechanical performance and biocompatibility. By controlling the degree of curing, flexibility, and surface properties, the material provides gentle tissue contact while maintaining the structural integrity needed for effective brace function.
3Reliability
If a multi-layer polymer system is used to develop correction forces, then mechanical correction is achieved, but the system is not reproducible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the correction system into separate, independent components: a brace element and a photopolymer material. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and optimized independently, improving reproducibility. The brace can be produced using standard manufacturing processes while the photopolymer is applied separately, making the overall system easier to replicate consistently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses photopolymerization as a controllable parameter change that enables consistent reproduction. By controlling light exposure parameters, composition ratios, and curing conditions, the photopolymer material can be reliably reproduced with consistent mechanical properties. This parameter-based control provides greater reproducibility compared to complex multi-layer polymer systems that require precise control of multiple material interfaces.
4Reliability
If traditional nail correction methods are used, then the nail curvature is addressed, but the adhesion of the correction material to the nail is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the adhesion parameters of the photopolymer material through careful selection of monomer composition, filler content, and curing conditions. By adjusting these parameters, the material achieves strong bonding to the nail surface while maintaining the mechanical properties needed for effective correction. The photopolymerization process itself provides strong chemical bonding upon curing.
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 kit provides effective and reproducible nail correction with improved adhesion to the nail, reducing tissue irritations and allowing for adjustable mechanical properties, while optionally addressing nail fungus with antimycotics.
Implementation Method 1
at least one composition for making a light-curing nail brace
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a kit for performing a nail correction method for a human or animal toenail or fingernail.