Segmented Prism Ring with Tensioned Spring for Flexible Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional jewelry, such as rings and bracelets, often require resizing or have unsightly openings to fit comfortably, compromising appearance and customer experience, as they lack flexible structures that maintain a solid and rigid appearance.
Innovation Solution
A decorative ring structure composed of linked trapezoidal prisms with a tensioned core spring, allowing the prisms to flex and expand to fit a finger or wrist while returning to a circular shape, featuring a secure interlocking mechanism with barbs and prongs for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a fixed structure ring is used, then the ring has a solid and rigid appearance, but it must be sized and may not fit comfortably
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is divided into multiple individual elements (links) that can move relative to each other. Each element is a separate component with prongs that interlock with adjacent elements, allowing the ring to flex and adapt to different finger sizes while maintaining its structural integrity and solid appearance when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring structure transitions from a static fixed form to a dynamic flexible form. The elements are connected in a manner that permits relative motion between them, enabling the ring to expand for insertion and then spring back to a rigid circular shape when closed, providing both adaptability and structural stability.
2Ease of operation
If an oversized bracelet is used to slip over the hand, then it can be put on easily, but the appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bracelet is constructed from multiple individual elements that can flex and expand. This segmentation allows the bracelet to temporarily open up or expand to facilitate easy insertion over the hand, while the interlocking mechanism ensures it returns to a continuous circular appearance when closed, eliminating the need for oversized dimensions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid bracelet structure is used, then it maintains shape, but it must be made considerably oversized to fit the hand
Solution Approach 1:
The bracelet structure incorporates dynamic elements that permit relative motion between links. This allows the bracelet to flex and conform to the hand's actual cross-section at insertion, then spring back to a stable rigid circular shape when closed, eliminating the need to manufacture it considerably oversized while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracelet's physical parameters (shape, size, flexibility) change dynamically during insertion. The structure transitions from a flexible expanded state that conforms to the hand to a rigid circular state when closed, allowing the bracelet to maintain structural stability without being manufactured at an excessively large size.
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
Provides a flexible yet solid and aesthetically pleasing jewelry option that fits various sizes without the need for resizing, maintaining a continuous circular appearance and secure fit.
Implementation Method 1
A tensioned core spring is disposed within the passage, and provides an inward force that serves to keep the prisms pressed together into a rigid, circular arrangement when the band is unstressed
Implementation Method 2
Upon the application of an external force, the freedom of relative motion between the prisms, together with the elasticity of the core spring, permits the ring structure to flex to fit on a wearer's finger or wrist
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a flexible ring structure made of loosely-linked prisms, which together define an interior channel. A tensioned spring runs through the length of the channel. The ring, which gives the appearance of a solid and rigid circular structure, can be compressed so as to conform to the cross-section of the finger or hand, and springs back to a circular shape when released. The invention makes it possible to wear an Eternity Ring or a bracelet of smaller diameter than could otherwise be put on the wrist.