Nail Correction Device with Spring Wire Hook and Adhesive Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nail correction devices face challenges such as complex application, potential for injury, imprecise force adjustment, and limited effectiveness in treating ingrown nails, particularly due to the need for skilled application and inability to apply force under the nail edge.
Innovation Solution
A nail correction device featuring a hook made of spring-hard wire connected to an adhesive element that can be glued onto the nail, allowing for precise application of force under the nail edge, with adjustable curvature and material cross-sections to influence the restoring force, and incorporating manipulation aids for easier handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one-piece wire clip (Fraser brace) is used to lift the nail edge using restoring force, then the device structure is simple, but the application requires great skill and precision, and the risk of injury in the narrow or inflamed nail fold is considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into three main parts: an adhesive element for attachment to the nail plate, a force introduction element made of spring-hard wire for applying restoring force, and a manipulation aid for easy handling. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing the skill required for application while maintaining device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive element acts as an intermediary between the force introduction element and the nail plate. It provides a secure attachment point without requiring direct manipulation in the narrow or inflamed nail fold area, thereby reducing the risk of injury while maintaining effective force application.
2Reliability
If adhesive braces are pressed onto the painful nail to achieve sufficient fixation, then the brace is securely fixed, but the application is associated with considerable pain for the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive element is pre-applied to the nail plate before the force introduction element is attached. This preliminary action allows the adhesive to set and provide secure fixation without requiring additional pressing force on the painful nail area during the actual application of the corrective force.
3Force
If the force introduction element has a large cross-section to provide sufficient restoring force, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the device cannot reach under the edge of the nail where it is most needed
Solution Approach 1:
The force introduction element is designed with varying cross-sections along its length. The end portion that reaches under the nail edge has a smaller cross-section to access the critical area, while the middle portion has a larger cross-section to provide sufficient restoring force. This local variation in geometry allows the device to simultaneously reach the target area and deliver adequate force.
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
Enables quick, effective, and targeted treatment of ingrown nails with reduced pain and improved precision, suitable for both medical and cosmetic use, while being easy to apply and adjust, even for severely deformed nails.
Implementation Method 1
a force introduction element (1) made of spring-hard wire, in particular in the form of a hook (5)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
The device has a hook-shaped force application unit (1) mounted under an edge (3a) of a toe nail (4) and connected fixedly with an adhesion unit (2) that is fixed to a surface of the toe nail, where the adhesion unit is made from plastic. The force application unit has a spring stiffness wire, and a handle is connected with the adhesion unit. Two pivots (6a, 6b) are arranged on an upper side of the adhesion unit, where a bending moment is transferred to the toe nail by resetting forces and/or traction forces of the force application unit.