Releasable Ring with Frangible Connectors for Avulsion Injury Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rings pose a risk of avulsion injuries when caught on objects, and silicone ring bands, while safer, are uncomfortable, aesthetically unappealing, and require frequent replacement and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A metallic ring band composed of two semicircular segments joined by resilient but frangible connectors that separate when subjected to a predetermined amount of force, preventing avulsion injuries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional metallic ring band is used, then aesthetic appeal and comfort are maintained, but avulsion injury risk increases when the ring is caught on objects
Solution Approach 1:
The ring band is divided into two separate semicircular segments that can independently move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the ring to deform and release when caught on an object, preventing avulsion injuries while maintaining the appearance of a continuous band during normal wear
Solution Approach 2:
The connector's mechanical properties are designed to change under stress - remaining rigid during normal wear to maintain ring strength and appearance, but becoming frangible when subjected to excessive force, allowing the ring to break apart and release from the finger
2Object-affected harmful factors
If silicone ring bands are used, then avulsion injury risk is reduced, but comfort and aesthetic appeal deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ring band combines metallic segments with a frangible connector material that has different mechanical properties. The metallic segments provide aesthetic appeal and comfort similar to conventional rings, while the frangible connector ensures safety by breaking under excessive force
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the ring band have different properties - the semicircular segments are made of aesthetically pleasing material for comfort and appearance, while the connector is made of frangible material for safety, creating localized functional differentiation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If silicone ring bands are used, then avulsion injury risk is reduced, but durability and maintenance requirements worsen due to frequent replacement and cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible connector is designed as a sacrificial component that breaks under excessive force to save the finger, but can be easily replaced. The metallic segments remain durable and can be reused, reducing the need for complete ring replacement compared to silicone bands
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 ring band effectively prevents avulsion injuries by releasing from the finger when caught, while maintaining a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing design that does not require frequent replacement or cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
the connectors shear, allowing the two segments to freely separate
Implementation Method 2
resilient but frangible connectors that separate when subjected to a predetermined amount of force
Data Source
AI summary
A releasable ring includes an annulus formed of a pair of semicircular segments, each having a pair of opposing ends. A connector removably joins the opposing ends of a first segment with the opposing ends of the second segment to form a continuous ring band that is placed around a wearer's finger. When a predetermined amount of force is applied to the band, the two segments freely separate, thereby preventing avulsion injuries.