Hybrid Ring Design: Rigid Outer and Flexible Inner Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional metal and carbon fiber rings pose a risk of injury due to their strength, and existing alternatives like silicone rings lack the aesthetic appeal of rigid materials, making them unsuitable for all users.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid ring design featuring a rigid outer annular body made from materials like gold, titanium, or carbon fiber, combined with a flexible inner annular body formed through injection molding, which provides a comfort fit and a weak point to prevent injury if caught.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional metal or carbon fiber rings are used, then aesthetic appeal and durability are improved, but risk of injury increases due to inherent strength
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is divided into two distinct segments: an outer rigid annular body providing strength and aesthetics, and an inner flexible annular body providing safety. The inner body is designed to deform or break away under excessive force, while the outer body maintains structural integrity for appearance purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring combines two different materials with contrasting properties: a rigid material (metal or carbon fiber) for the outer body and a flexible material (silicone or similar polymer) for the inner body. This composite structure allows the ring to simultaneously achieve aesthetic appeal from the rigid outer layer and injury prevention from the flexible inner layer.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If silicone rings are used, then injury risk is reduced, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates compared to rigid materials
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is divided into two distinct segments: an outer rigid annular body providing strength and aesthetics, and an inner flexible annular body providing safety. The inner body is designed to deform or break away under excessive force, while the outer body maintains structural integrity for appearance purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the ring have different properties tailored to their specific functions. The outer surface is made rigid and aesthetically pleasing for visual appeal, while the inner surface is made flexible for comfort and safety. Each material is placed where it provides the most benefit.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a hybrid ring with rigid outer body and flexible inner body is used, then aesthetic appeal and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two separate components (rigid outer body and flexible inner body) are merged into a single integrated ring structure where the inner body is positioned within the outer body. They work together as one unit, with the inner body conforming to the inner surface of the outer body, creating a unified aesthetic and functional design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid ring structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the outer rigid body provides aesthetic appeal and structural durability, while the inner flexible body provides comfort, safety, and injury prevention. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single ring design rather than requiring separate accessories.
Data Source
AI summary
A ring for wearing by a user may include a rigid outer annular body and a flexible inner annular body. The outer annular body may be a rigid material, and the inner annular body may be flexible and formed from an injection molded process. The outer annular body may be attached to the inner annular body. The inner annular body may be machined to curve from longitudinal ends of the inner annular body to an inner surface after the inner annular body is joined to the outer annular body in order to provide a comfort fit. The inner annular body may be molded with the comfort fit curvature. The outer annular body may have at least one strain relief recess in an inner surface thereof, and the inner annular body may fill the at least one strain relief recess.