NFC Ring Outer Surface Antenna Mounting for Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NFC rings are uncomfortable to wear due to edge design, experience unstable communication beyond 3 cm, lack data encryption, and have complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A wearable NFC ring with a flat inner surface, an outer annular groove for the transponder antenna, and a protective layer or cover, using various antenna designs and materials like ceramic, precious metals, and flexible PCB substrates, ensuring stable communication and data security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transponder antenna and microchip are mounted in an inner recess with edges extending toward the finger, then the NFC communication capability is achieved, but the ring becomes uncomfortable to wear due to edges resting on the finger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional mounting location by placing the transponder antenna and microchip on the outer surface of the ring rather than in an inner recess. This inversion eliminates the edges that cause discomfort while maintaining NFC communication capability, as the components are positioned away from the finger-contacting inner surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional inner surface mounting to a three-dimensional outer surface mounting. By utilizing the outer surface dimension, the design accommodates the NFC components without creating edge protrusions that extend toward the finger, thus resolving the comfort issue while preserving functionality.
2Reliability
If the ring antenna is positioned on the inner surface, then the NFC communication is achieved, but the communication becomes unstable when distance exceeds 3 cm due to insufficient electromagnetic field capture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the antenna from inner surface to outer surface mounting. This parameter change optimizes the electromagnetic field capture by positioning the antenna where it can more effectively interact with the reader's field, thereby extending stable communication distance beyond 3 cm.
3Reliability
If the transponder antenna and microchip are mounted on the inner surface of the ring, then the NFC functionality is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the mounting surface from inner to outer, which simplifies the manufacturing process. Outer surface mounting allows for more straightforward component placement and assembly, reducing manufacturing complexity and improving reliability compared to inner surface mounting.
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 new design provides comfortable wear, stable NFC communication beyond 3 cm, data encryption, and a cost-effective, reliable manufacturing process, optimizing data transmission and cosmetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
Near field communication (NFC) can be used for one- and two-way communication between two devices when held in close proximity to one another
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a wearable ring (10) for wearing on a user's finger, the wearable ring (10) comprising an annular base ring (11) having a flat cylindric inner surface (12), a near field communication transponder (5) having a microchip (19) and an antenna (6) mounted on the outer surface (13) of the annular base ring (11), and an outer annular protection means (15; 17) covering the transponder antenna (6) and microchip (19).