Rotatable Biting Prosthesis Ring for Compulsive Onychophagia

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for nail-biting habits, such as those described in EP2358232-A1, WO201329137-A1, and US20060219251-A1, are inadequate in providing effective alternatives for individuals seeking to quit nail-biting, particularly those with compulsive onychophagia, as they do not adequately address the need for a substitute behavior.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a ring with biting prostheses, a central piece, a rotatable piece, an open box, and a lid, allowing the prostheses to be rotated into position for substitution during nail-biting, with optional additional components like a C-shaped second portion for securing the assembly, all made of plastic material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing nail-biting solutions (prepregs, protective devices) are used, then nail protection is provided, but they fail to provide an effective substitute behavior for compulsive biting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstitute behavior provisionVSAvoideffectiveness for compulsive onychophagia
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary object (the biting prosthesis on the rotatable ring) that mediates between the compulsive biting urge and the need for nail protection. Instead of merely blocking the biting action, the intermediary prosthesis provides a designated target for the biting behavior, allowing the habit to be redirected toward a safe alternative while still satisfying the psychological need to bite.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple biting prostheses are provided on a rotatable ring, then variety and engagement are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprosthesis selection varietyVSAvoidrotatable mechanism with multiple pieces
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The biting prosthesis system is segmented into multiple discrete prostheses arranged on a ring, each potentially with different characteristics. This segmentation allows the user to select different prostheses for different occasions or preferences, providing variety without requiring a completely different device for each variation. The rotatable ring serves as a simple organizational structure that holds these segmented components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple biting prostheses are merged onto a single rotatable ring structure, combining what would otherwise be separate items into one integrated device. This merging reduces the number of separate components the user must manage while still providing the benefits of having multiple options available. The ring acts as a unifying structure that consolidates the prostheses into a single operable unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4574105A1Device for nail-biting habits
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 SRL ONYKO
  • EP4574105A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4574105A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4574105A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for nail-biting habits is proposed. The device comprises a first portion formed by different mountable pieces, including a ring (10) with biting protheses (11); a central piece (12) with a protrusion to receive the ring (10); a rotatable piece (13) to engage with the protrusion of the central piece (12) to rotate the ring (10) with biting protheses (11); an open box (14) having an opening on a side thereof, the open box (14) being configured to receive the central piece (12) with the ring (10) and the rotatable piece (13) mounted thereon; and a lid (15) with a central hole to close the open box (14). A given biting prothesis of the biting protheses (11) is arranged to exit through the opening of the open box (14) when the rotatable piece (13) is rotated, such that the biting prothesis (11) can substitute a nail-biting habit.