Soft Smart Ring With Magnetic Break-Away Fit and Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart ring technologies face challenges such as the need for removal for charging, poor fit, limited interactivity, and restricted functionality, while also experiencing high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The development of a smart ring with a body made of flexible material, featuring a first and second part removably connected via magnetic break-away portions, and incorporating various components like batteries, charging units, processors, sensors, and output devices, while utilizing additive manufacturing and advanced manufacturing techniques to customize the ring to individual finger dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If smart ring components are integrated into a single rigid structure, then functionality is improved, but fit and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The smart ring body is divided into multiple segments including a first body part, a second body part, and at least one break-away portion. These segments are connected through magnetic break-away portions that allow relative movement between segments, enabling the ring to adapt to finger contours while maintaining functional components integrated within the segmented structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The break-away portions are designed to move relative to the first and second body parts, transforming the rigid structure into a dynamic one. This relative movement capability allows the ring to flex and conform to the finger's shape and size, improving fit and comfort while preserving all smart ring functionalities.
2Ease of operation
If break-away portions are made removable through movement, then ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection between body parts is replaced with magnetic attraction forces. The break-away portions and body parts contain magnetic materials or magnets that create attractive forces to hold the segments together during normal wear, providing sufficient structural integrity. When assembly or disassembly is needed, the magnetic connection can be easily overcome by pulling the segments apart, enabling simple operation without compromising strength during use.
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
This solution enables improved charging methods, enhanced fit and interactivity, increased functionality, and reduced energy consumption, resulting in a more user-friendly and efficient smart ring experience.
Implementation Method 1
coupling the pair of magnetic break-away portions to one or more of the first body part and the second body part, such that the pair of magnetic break-away portions couple the second part of the body to the first part of the body
Data Source
AI summary
A smart ring includes a body. The body includes a first part including at least a part of a sensor unit. The body also can include a second part including at least a part of an output unit and removably connected to the first part of the body. The body can further include a first pair of removable portions. The first pair of removable portions can include a first removable portion connected to the first part of the body. The first pair of removable portions also can include a second removable portion connected to the second part of the body. The first removable portion can be removable from the body. The second removable portion can be removable from the body. Other embodiments are disclosed.