Finger Saver

A Medical Wound Device

A device to protect the ends of fingers from contact or pressure, while retaining functionality.

A breathable and water-permeable environment created by a rigid frame which sits upon the distal phalanx (above the first joint of the finger). No matter where the wearer moves their finger, they cannot make contact with a surface. As a result the finger is protected from contact and pressure. However, force can still be applied through the rigid frame, allowing the wearer to pick things up and manipulate objects.

Two functions/markets:

Medical - for injuries such as burns, cuts, abrasions, or injured fingernails - a tool to avoid uncomfortable or painful stimulation while healing.
Beauty industry - to protect painted nails from smudging while they dry while allowing functionality.

Visual representation:

Image one (left, credit to thingverse) shows a voronoi ball to demonstrate the rigid frame structure.

Manufacturing:

3D printed two halves - inexpensive methods which use inexpensive materials - PDLA (poly lactic acid). This material is also accepted well by the body, ensuring no toxicity. The two halves are joined by a hinge (constructed by the user when unpacked to be used).

Features:

Hinge mechanism so that the frame can be placed on the finger with ease
Rubber seal where the finger enters the frame - which creates friction so that the frame does not move around the finger tip. This also provides ‘give’ when applying force making pressure around the area of contact more comfortable.
Large internal volume, so that whatever way the finger bends, it cannot come into contact with a surface
Structure: voronoi - for strength and reduces the volume of materials needed, which makes it cheaper
The perforated structure also allows the finger to ‘breathe’ as it has airflow access (very important for wounds, as presently gauze is used which has low breathability causing longer healing time). Also important for ‘setting’ nail varnish.
The perforated structure also allows water to pass over the area, which is important for practicality. The wound dries naturally and the material does not absorb water (gauze does). Nail varnish is not affected by water (and in some cases makes it set faster)
A slightly flattened side of the frame where the ‘pad’ of the finger would be, which has a rubber markings for better grip when grasping an object.

The beauty market is very fast on innovation at present and the demand for novelty is strong, so an item like this may get a lot of attention because it is unusual. Novelty also allows an item to go ‘viral’ faster on social media, which can create low-cost, fast-peaking marketing. The items can be ordered in packs of 5 by beauty suppliers who specialise in wholesale.

Medically, this best suits long-term injury - such as pulled-off nails which take several weeks to heal before sensitivity is reduced, and the wound becomes stable (the area can bind to materials in contact as regrowth occurs). Suppliers can create awareness of the product in the target market (medical institutions and bodies) and carry out the marketing and sales. This is important because these companies already have connections and understanding of the market as it is their speciality. This means orders can come in, and be manufactured as needed (with backlog for adaptability).

There is a short pitch deck elaborating the business plan, which won an award and a small grant.