Interlocking Ring System with Modular Jackets and Center Rings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing jewelry ring systems fail to securely hold center rings in alignment without soldering, limiting interchangeability and requiring complex fastening methods, which restricts the ability to replace or combine ring components easily.

Innovation Solution

An interlocking ring system with interchangeable outer jackets and center rings, utilizing durable and formable materials with a unique locking shape that prevents rotation, allowing for perfect alignment and interchangeability without soldering, using straps to connect the jacket and center ring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If soldering is used to join jacket and center ring, then alignment is maintained, but interchangeability is lost and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovealignmentVSAvoidinterchangeability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ring system is divided into separate modular components (jacket and center ring) that can be independently manufactured and then interlocked without permanent joining methods. The jacket contains a locking structure that segments the connection mechanism, allowing the center ring to be secured while maintaining the ability to separate and replace components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The center ring is nested within the jacket structure, with the jacket's locking configuration containing the center ring in a precise geometric relationship. This nesting arrangement maintains alignment while allowing the inner component to be removed and replaced without affecting the outer structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If soldering is used to join jacket and center ring, then structural strength is improved, but repairability and reconfiguration ability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidrepairability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The locking configuration is pre-formed during manufacturing, creating a strong mechanical interlock that provides structural strength equivalent to soldering. This preliminary action of creating the interlocking geometry eliminates the need for subsequent soldering operations while maintaining structural integrity and enabling easy removal when repair or reconfiguration is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The chemical bonding mechanism of soldering is replaced with a mechanical interlocking system. The locking configuration creates a physical constraint that provides structural strength through mechanical means rather than metallurgical bonding, allowing for non-destructive separation and reassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional jacket ring designs are used, then gemstone setting is achieved, but center ring rotation is not prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegemstone settingVSAvoidanti-rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The locking configuration employs asymmetric geometric features including ledges, shoulders, and keyed structures that prevent rotational movement of the center ring within the jacket. This asymmetric design creates a unique orientation that must be maintained, preventing the center ring from rotating to incorrect angular positions while allowing straightforward manufacturing of the gemstone setting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable components are implemented, then versatility increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinterchangeabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking configuration serves multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the center ring to the jacket, prevents rotation, maintains alignment, and enables interchangeability. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each function, reducing overall device complexity while achieving high versatility through component interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9439482B2Interlocking ring system and device with interchangeable outer jackets and center rings called a TULIP

Publication Date: 2016.09.13 MURRAY TODD E

AI summary

A jewelry ring configuration having interchangeable elements and especially jewelry rings which have a decorative feature mounted on a center ring. This new device/process may be simply described as a device for an interlocking ring system and device with interchangeable outer jackets and center rings comprised with a center ring, ornate and decorative or smooth and with or without gemstones, the center ring in various mounting styles such as prong, bezel, pave etc.; and a jacket as an outer band, held together by one or more straps, the jacket being ornate and with or without gemstones and made of the same, complimentary or contrasting materials as the center ring wherein the interchangeable outer jackets and center rings provide an interchangeable, stylish combination of interlocking jackets and center rings.