Photocurable Nail Composition for Inverse Curl Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remedies for ingrown fingernails and toenails, such as corrective devices and coating agents, cause discomfort and have limited effectiveness, often requiring polishing and taking a long time to show results, and may worsen the condition due to normal curl formation during curing.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising siloxane resin, acrylate-based compounds, and photoinitiators, specifically epoxy siloxane resin, urethane acrylate, and a combination of cationic and radical initiators, is applied to induce an inverse curl in the direction opposite to the ingrown nail's curvature, ensuring effective remedy without discomfort or separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a corrective device (elastic leaf spring) is attached to the toenail to remedy an ingrown toenail, then the ingrown toenail can be corrected into a normal toenail, but the user feels uncomfortable during daily life and walking, and it is difficult to wear shoes with the device inserted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffect of remedying ingrown toenailVSAvoidcomfortability during daily life and walking
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical corrective device (elastic leaf spring) with a chemical composition that induces inverse curl through photopolymerization. The composition contains siloxane resin, acrylate-based compound, and photoinitiator that, when applied and cured, generate an inverse curl force to correct the ingrown toenail without requiring a physical device to be worn continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The composition provides self-service by automatically generating the inverse curl effect when applied and cured, eliminating the need for continuous external mechanical correction. The cured composition maintains the inverse curl shape permanently, allowing the toenail to correct itself without ongoing device intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a coating agent containing nitrocellulose, acrylic resin, and other components is applied to the toenail to remedy ingrown toenails, then the surface of the toenail is softened and flexibility is provided, but the surface must be polished, the effect is secondary, and it takes a long time for the remedy to appear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoftening of toenail surface and providing flexibilityVSAvoidtime for the effect to appear
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the coating composition by incorporating siloxane resin with specific viscosity and curing characteristics. This modification enables the composition to generate inverse curl during photopolymerization curing, transforming the slow, secondary softening effect into an immediate, direct corrective action that appears quickly after application and curing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of relying on slow softening and natural curl formation, the patent applies the opposite approach by inducing inverse curl directly through the photopolymerization process. The composition is designed to curl in the opposite direction of the ingrown toenail's curvature, providing immediate corrective force rather than waiting for gradual natural correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If a coating agent is applied to remedy ingrown toenails, then the toenail surface is softened, but the surface separation occurs and the cured material separates from the toenail surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoftening of toenail surfaceVSAvoidadhesion of cured material to toenail surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite material system consisting of siloxane resin, acrylate-based compound, and photoinitiator. This composite formulation provides both the softening effect and strong adhesion to the toenail surface. The siloxane resin component specifically contributes to adhesion while the acrylate-based compound provides the photopolymerization curing that creates the inverse curl, ensuring the cured material remains bonded to the toenail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 generates a continuous, effective inverse curl that remedies ingrown nails without separate devices, maintaining convenience and preventing surface separation, while controlling heat and shrinkage, thus providing a practical and efficient solution.

Implementation Method 1

a composition for remedying an ingrown fingernail or toenail, which may be applied to the surface of the fingernail or toenail and cured to produce an effect of remedying

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP4389110B1Composition for remedying ingrown (TOE)nail
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 LEE MISOOK
  • EP4389110B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4389110B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4389110B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a composition for remedying an ingrown fingernail or toenail, comprising a siloxane resin, an acrylate compound, and a photoinitiator. If the composition of the present invention is used, an inverse curl is formed in the direction opposite to the curved direction of an ingrown fingernail or toenail by means of a simple method of applying and curing the composition on the ingrown fingernail or toenail, and thus the effect of remedying an ingrown fingernail or toenail can be provided. In addition, the present invention may provide a composition which is capable of preventing a cured material from being separated from the surface of a fingernail or toenail while maximizing the degree of curl thereof through optimal mixing of the composition, preventing residues from being appearing after curing, and controlling the heat caused by reaction heat so that the temperature thereof does not rise, and thus has the effect of remedying an ingrown fingernail or toenail and excellent use convenience.