Adjustable Ring Radial Sectors Finger Size Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ring designs fail to adapt to changes in finger size without compromising aesthetics or comfort, as traditional methods alter the ring's appearance and do not allow for subsequent size adjustments, and adjustment devices with tabs can be uncomfortable and aesthetically poor.
Innovation Solution
A ring with angular sectors made of elastomer or precious metal that can move radially to adjust the inner diameter, using guides and elastic means to expand or contract, maintaining a consistent aesthetic and providing comfort by adapting to finger size changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If jeweller's working operations are used to modify the inner diameter of the ring, then the ring size is adjusted to fit the finger, but the aesthetics of the ring deteriorates due to material removal or heating and beating
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is divided into multiple angular sectors that can move independently relative to each other. These sectors are connected by guides that allow radial movement, enabling the ring to change its inner diameter by expanding or contracting the sectors without any permanent modification to the ring's structure or aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where angular sectors can move radially along guides. This dynamic configuration allows the ring to adapt its inner diameter to fit different finger sizes while maintaining its original aesthetic appearance, as the sectors return to their initial positions when not in use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If jeweller's working operations are performed multiple times to adapt to subsequent finger size changes, then the ring continues to fit, but the aesthetic quality decays further with each operation
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic sector mechanism allows unlimited adjustments to finger size changes without any permanent modification to the ring. The sectors can expand and contract repeatedly as needed, eliminating the need for repeated jeweller's operations that would further degrade the ring's appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring becomes self-adjusting through the elastic means that automatically move the sectors to the appropriate configuration based on the finger size. This eliminates the need for external jeweller's intervention for each size change, allowing the ring to serve itself in adapting to finger variations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tabs with torsion springs are used to adjust the ring size, then the ring can adapt to finger size changes, but the tabs project from the annular structure giving a low quality appearance when the ring is not worn
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using external tabs that project from the ring, the adjustment mechanism is segmented into angular sectors that are integrated into the ring's structure. These sectors move radially along guides and can be fully concealed within the ring's profile when not in use, maintaining a high-quality appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The angular sectors are nested within the ring's overall structure, moving along guides that are integrated into the ring body. When the ring is not being adjusted, the sectors are concealed within the ring's profile, similar to how nested dolls store within each other, eliminating the protruding appearance of external tabs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If tabs are used to adjust ring size, then the inner diameter can be modified, but the tabs may not perfectly lay on the annular structure causing the ring to space out from the finger and worsen aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is divided into multiple angular sectors that move along integrated guides, ensuring precise alignment through the guide structure itself rather than relying on tab-to-annular-structure contact. This segmented approach with integrated guides eliminates misalignment issues.
Solution Approach 2:
Guides act as intermediary elements between the angular sectors and the ring structure, providing precise alignment and movement paths for the sectors. These guides ensure that the sectors move exactly where needed without misalignment, eliminating the spacing-out problem associated with tab-based systems.
5Reliability
If tabs exert pressure on the finger to maintain ring position, then the ring stays fixed, but the ring gives a low comfort sensation
Solution Approach 1:
The ring provides dynamic adaptation to the finger's shape through moving angular sectors that conform to the finger's contours. This dynamic conformation provides secure fixation through geometry rather than pressure, significantly improving comfort while maintaining reliability.
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 ring effectively adjusts to varying finger sizes while maintaining high aesthetic quality and comfort, with angular sectors fully concealing in the expanded configuration to preserve the ring's original appearance and providing extended contact surface for comfort.
Implementation Method 1
elastic means adapted to vary the configuration of the ring by moving the angular sectors along the sliding axes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a ring including at least one crown; and angular sectors disposed circumferentially contiguous and substantially inside the crown and configured to be translated along substantially radial sliding axes defining a contracted configuration in which the angular sectors are mutually in contact so that the ring defines an inner diameter of minimum value; and at least one expanded configuration in which the angular sectors are spaced apart so that the inner diameter of the ring has a value greater than the minimum value.