Openable Finger Ring with Hinged Arcuate Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with arthritis or inflamed knuckles face difficulty in putting on or removing traditional finger rings due to swelling, which makes the affected knuckle 3-4 sizes larger than the finger, rendering standard rings impossible to don or remove.
Innovation Solution
An openable finger ring system featuring a first-arcuate member, a second-arcuate member hingedly coupled via a hinge, and a fastener with a S-shaped grooved channel and bar, allowing the ring to open and close for easy accommodation around the finger, utilizing a releasable locking mechanism to facilitate donning and doffing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional closed ring is used, then the ring maintains structural integrity and continuous surface, but it cannot be put on or removed when the knuckle is inflamed
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is divided into two separate arcuate members (first arcuate member and second arcuate member) that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the ring to be opened into a C-shape for easy donning and doffing, while still maintaining structural integrity when closed through the fastening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring transitions from a static closed circular structure to a dynamic structure that can open and close. The hinge connection and fastening mechanism enable the ring to change its configuration between closed (wearing) state and open (donning/doffing) state, providing adaptability to swollen knuckles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ring is made openable with hinge and fastener, then it can accommodate swollen knuckles, but the structural integrity and seamless appearance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism uses a nested structure where the male fastener (protrusion) fits into the female fastener (recess). When engaged, the protrusion nests within the recess, creating a secure connection that maintains structural integrity while allowing the ring to open and close.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate members are designed with curved geometries that match the natural shape of fingers and knuckles. The curved surfaces and rounded transitions in the hinge and fastening areas ensure a seamless appearance when closed, accommodating swollen knuckles while maintaining aesthetic continuity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ring is made openable with hinge and fastener, then it can accommodate swollen knuckles, but the seamless continuous surface may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge and fastening mechanisms are designed to be localized to specific areas of the ring, minimizing their visual impact. The components are positioned and shaped to blend with the overall design, creating local adjustments that do not disrupt the global seamless appearance of the ring when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate members feature smooth curved surfaces throughout, including at the hinge and fastening areas. The rounded geometries and continuous curves ensure that no sharp edges or abrupt transitions are visible, maintaining a seamless continuous surface appearance when the ring is closed and worn.
Data Source
AI summary
An openable finger ring system includes a ring configured to be worn around a finger of a user. The ring comprises a first-arcuate member, a second-arcuate member, a hinge, and a fastener in functional combination. The first-arcuate member and the second-arcuate member may be hingedly coupled via the hinge creating a continuous circular the ring for encircling the finger of the user when secured for use. The openable finger ring system provides a ring which accommodates removal and donning of rings on inflamed fingers.