Living Hinge Sizing Ring for Accurate Finger Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ring sizing methods for recloseable rings inaccurately measure the base of the finger or toe, leading to a loose fit, as they size based on the knuckle rather than the base, resulting in an improper fit.
Innovation Solution
A sizing ring or kit featuring a polymer-based, arcuate member with a living hinge, allowing it to pivot between open and closed positions, ensuring a precise fit around the appendage without sliding over its length, and including multiple rings for different sizes with secure connectors to form a circular inner surface corresponding to specific ring sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional ring sizing gauges are used to size rings to the knuckle, then the sizing process is simple and standardized, but the fit becomes loose and improper for recloseable rings
Solution Approach 1:
The sizing ring is designed with a living hinge that allows it to dynamically adjust between an open state for easy application and a closed state for precise measurement. This dynamic capability enables the ring to adapt to the base of the finger while maintaining measurement accuracy, resolving the contradiction between ease of use and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sizing ring is divided into two separable shank portions connected by a living hinge, allowing the ring to be opened for application and closed for measurement. This segmentation enables the ring to function both as an easy-to-apply tool and as an accurate measurement device, addressing the technical contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If the sizing ring is designed to slide over the knuckle, then it can be easily applied, but it cannot accurately measure the base of the finger where recloseable rings should fit
Solution Approach 1:
The living hinge enables the sizing ring to dynamically transition from an open configuration for easy application over the knuckle to a closed configuration that accurately measures the base of the finger. This dynamic adaptability allows the ring to serve both ease of operation and measurement precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sizing ring changes its geometric parameters (open/closed state) to adapt to different measurement requirements. In the open state, it facilitates easy application; in the closed state, it provides accurate base measurement. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece polymer member is used for the sizing ring, then manufacturing is efficient and cost-effective, but the ring must be designed to be both openable and closable
Solution Approach 1:
The sizing ring merges the functions of an opening mechanism and a closing measurement mechanism into a single one-piece polymer structure. The living hinge integrates both the opening and closing functions, allowing efficient manufacturing while achieving the required functionality without complex assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-piece polymer structure uses parameter changes in the material properties and geometric configuration to achieve both openable and closable functionality. The living hinge design allows the ring to transition between states while maintaining a simple, efficient manufacturing process, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and structural complexity.
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 solution provides an accurate and comfortable fit for recloseable rings by measuring the base of the appendage, eliminating the need for sliding over the knuckle, thus ensuring a secure and precise ring size measurement.
Implementation Method 1
forming a segment of reduced cross sectional area along the generally arcuate member to form a living hinge therein
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a sizing ring adapted to accurately fit an individual for a recloseable ring. The method includes: providing a generally arcuate member and having first and second ends; forming a segment of reduced cross sectional area along the generally arcuate member to form a living hinge therein and to define first and second shank portions; and configuring the first and second ends to form a connector such that the sizing ring is a one piece polymer member configured for movement between an open position, in which the sizing ring is adapted to be positioned over a portion of an appendage without sliding over a length of the appendage, and a closed position, in which the sizing ring is adapted to form a band around the appendage and has an inner surface that is generally circular to correspond to an associated ring size.