NFC Ring With Slit Band and Non-Conductive Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional NFC antenna designs are hindered by electrically conductive materials, particularly when integrated into a continuous loop band of a ring, preventing near field communication due to the formation of a continuous electrical loop.
Innovation Solution
A ring design featuring an NFC coil with a Z-fold configuration, housed within a non-conductive sleeve, is integrated into an electrically conductive band with a through slit to prevent continuous electrical contact, allowing for near field communication by maintaining spatial separation and using an adhesive for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an NFC antenna is surrounded by a continuous electrically conductive band, then the ring provides aesthetic appeal and structural integrity, but the NFC communication performance is significantly degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous electrically conductive band is segmented by introducing a through slit, dividing it into two separate conductive sections. This segmentation breaks the continuous electrical loop that interferes with NFC communication, allowing the NFC antenna to function properly while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of a continuous band when worn
Solution Approach 2:
A non-conductive spacer is introduced as an intermediary element between the NFC antenna and the electrically conductive band. This spacer provides electrical isolation, preventing the conductive band from interfering with the NFC antenna's electromagnetic field while still allowing the band to provide structural support and aesthetic appeal
2Reliability
If the NFC antenna is positioned within the bezel of the ring, then communication interference is prevented, but the band cannot be formed as a continuous loop
Solution Approach 1:
The band is segmented by introducing a through slit, allowing it to be formed as two separate conductive sections rather than a continuous loop. This segmentation enables the band to accommodate the NFC antenna within the bezel while preventing the formation of a continuous electrical loop that would interfere with NFC communication
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous loop structure is extracted or removed from the band design by introducing a through slit. This extraction of the continuous loop feature eliminates the source of NFC interference while maintaining the band's structural integrity and aesthetic appearance when worn
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
Enables effective communication between the NFC ring and an NFC-enabled device by breaking the continuous electrical loop, ensuring the NFC coil remains functional despite being surrounded by a conductive band, accommodating various sleeve sizes and providing structural support.
Implementation Method 1
NFC operates within a maximum range of about 4-10 cm and involves the modulation of a magnetic field between two devices
Data Source
AI summary
A near field communication (NFC) ring and method of making a ring capable of NFC, the method including the steps of: providing an electrically conductive band with two ends separated by a through slit, fitting an NFC coil having an NFC antenna and NFC chip against a sleeve that is smaller in circumference than the NFC coil and is not electrically conductive; and attaching the sleeve to the inside of the band, thereby forming an NFC enabled ring.