Finger Ring Adapter with Circumferential Spring for Compact Size Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing finger ring adjustment technologies require large internal cavities and lack fixed spring positions, leading to inefficiencies and reliability issues in automatic size adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A finger ring with an adapter device featuring arms that rotate between retracted and forward positions, driven by elongated elastic elements with fixed ends, ensuring compact structure and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional springs are used in the ring adjustment device, then the automatic adaptation function is achieved, but the internal cavity dimensions in the radial direction become large
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is reoriented from a radial arrangement to a circumferential arrangement. Instead of extending in the radial direction (perpendicular to the ring's circular path), the spring now extends along the circumferential direction (parallel to the ring's circular path). This dimensional change allows the spring to achieve its elastic function while occupying minimal radial space, thus solving the contradiction between automatic adaptation capability and compact radial dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional spring positioning is used, then the automatic adjustment is achieved, but the spring position becomes unstable and may move during use
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is divided into two distinct functional segments: a fixed end that is rigidly attached to the ring structure, and a free end that maintains contact with the arm without rigid attachment. This segmentation allows the spring to perform its elastic function while ensuring positional stability through the fixed end, preventing the entire spring from moving during use while still allowing the necessary arm movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-positioned and pre-tensioned within the circumferential groove before the ring is worn. The fixed end is secured in advance to establish a reliable reference point, and the spring is pre-loaded to exert the necessary force on the arm. This preliminary positioning and tensioning ensures that the spring maintains its functional position throughout use, preventing movement while enabling automatic adjustment.
3Reliability
If complex spring assembly methods are used, then the elastic function is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is designed as a thin, elongated elastic element that can be conveniently formed from wire or flat stock. This simple geometric form allows for easy manufacturing through common processes like wire bending or stamping, and simplifies assembly by enabling direct attachment at the fixed end and simple positioning at the free end, reducing both manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable elastic function.
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 a cost-effective and reliable automatic size adjustment mechanism that maintains the reliability and simplicity of manufacturing and use, with the elastic elements maintaining constant positions and ensuring smooth operation.
Implementation Method 1
elastic means radially interposed between said structure and said arm to push said arm to the forward position; said elastic means comprising at least one elongated elastic element
Data Source
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AI summary
A ring (1) defines a seat (3) for being worn on a finger and has an adapter device (10) capable of automatically adjusting the diameter of the seat (3); the adapter device (10) is provided with at least one arm (11) coupled to a structure (2) of the ring (1) so as to move between a retracted position and a forward position with respect to the centre of the seat (3); the arm (11) is pushed to the forward position by at least one elongated spring (22), which substantially extends in a circumferential ' direction and has a first end portion (23) fixed to either the structure (2) or the arm (11), and a second end portion (28), opposite to the first (23) and arranged resting against the other (2) of either the structure or the arm.