Flexible Ring With Spring-Loaded Rocker Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rings are often stuck on the finger due to swelling or shrinking, requiring cutting or other difficult removal methods, and lack flexibility to accommodate changes in finger size.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting ring design featuring a crown portion, a rocker arm assembly with springs, and a belly band portion that allows the ring to expand and contract, ensuring easy donning and removal without becoming stuck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ring is made with a fixed diameter to fit a specific finger size, then the ring provides a secure fit for that size, but it becomes stuck when the finger swells or shrinks
Solution Approach 1:
The ring incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism with a movable cradle that can change the ring's internal diameter. The cradle is biased by a spring to maintain a secure fit, but can be moved radially outward to increase the diameter when finger swelling occurs, and radially inward to tighten the fit when the finger shrinks. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining a secure fixed fit and adapting to size changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring's internal diameter parameter is made variable through the adjustable cradle mechanism. The spring-loaded cradle allows the diameter to change between a smaller secure-fit position and a larger swollen-finger position. This parameter change capability enables the ring to maintain reliability across different finger sizes without becoming stuck.
2Ease of operation
If a ring is made larger to accommodate swollen fingers, then it can be removed easily, but it becomes too loose for normal finger sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable cradle mechanism allows the ring to dynamically change its internal diameter based on finger size. When the finger is swollen, the cradle moves outward to create a larger diameter for easy removal. When the finger returns to normal size, the spring biases the cradle inward to create a secure, snug fit. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between ease of removal and secure fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded cradle automatically adjusts the ring's diameter in response to finger size changes without requiring manual intervention. The spring mechanism self-regulates to maintain optimal fit, allowing the ring to serve itself in adjusting between secure fit and easy removal conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible ring mechanism is added to allow size adjustment, then the ring can accommodate finger size changes, but the device becomes complicated and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is segmented into distinct functional components: a fixed outer band, a movable cradle, and a spring mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard jewelry-making techniques, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while providing the needed size adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle is designed as a thin, flexible component that can move radially within the ring's band. This flexible design allows size adjustment without requiring complex mechanical systems, as the thin cradle can be easily manipulated by spring force and finger pressure, simplifying both the mechanism and manufacturing process.
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 provides a comfortable, secure fit that adjusts to changes in finger size, preventing sticking and allowing for easy removal, while also accommodating finger movement and swelling.
Implementation Method 1
An arcuate spring having an effective second diameter smaller than the first diameter, being secured to the inside circumferential surface within the channel and having left and right inwardly extending portions; wherein the arcuate spring is adapted to resiliently expand as a wearer places his/her finger within the ring
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable ring id provided, the ring including a crown portion; a belly band portion; a pair of arcuate rocker arms, each rocker arm having a first end rotatably connectable to the crown portion and a second end receivable in the belly band portion such that the second ends and the belly band can travel relative to one another; and one or more springs positioned relative to the rocker arms to provide resiliency to travel of the rocker arms relative to the belly band. Travel of the rocker arms relative to the belly band together with rotation of the rocker arms about a pivot axis of the crown portion allows the ring to resiliently expand and contract.