Wearable Ring Outer Cover Mechanical Locking via Side Cover Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable ring devices face issues with securing the outer cover to the inner cover, leading to unintentional movement or detachment when exposed to external forces, due to inadequate manufacturing techniques that require manual alignment and post-manufacturing polishing, and fail to efficiently support different covers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a manufacturing process where the outer cover is slid around the inner cover, with side covers that deform to engage mechanical locking features, and the use of binding agents like UV glue or heat-activated film to secure the outer cover to the inner cover, increasing friction through texture modifications such as laser engraving or sandblasting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual alignment and post-manufacturing polishing techniques are used to secure the outer cover to the inner cover, then the wearable ring device can be manufactured, but the outer cover becomes loose or moves unintentionally when exposed to external forces, reducing device lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cover structure into distinct segments: an outer cover, an inner cover, and a binding agent layer between them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the outer cover for aesthetics and protection, the inner cover for structural support, and the binding agent for secure attachment - while solving the reliability issue of loose covers without requiring complex manual alignment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical assembly processes (manual alignment and polishing) with a chemical bonding solution using UV-curing adhesive or heat-activated film. This substitution eliminates the need for tedious manual operations while providing superior bond strength and reliability, directly addressing the contradiction between ease of manufacture and outer cover stability
2Reliability
If the outer cover is securely locked to the inner cover to prevent unintentional movement, then device durability is enhanced, but the ability to easily replace outer covers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic bonding solutions that can transition between bonded and unbonded states. UV-curing adhesive remains uncured during assembly, allowing easy cover placement, then cures upon UV exposure to provide secure locking. Similarly, heat-activated film bonds only when exposed to specific temperatures. This dynamic behavior enables both strong attachment for durability and simple replacement when needed, resolving the contradiction between security and replaceability
3Reliability
If binding agents like UV glue or heat-activated film are used to secure the outer cover, then friction is increased and movement is reduced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the binding agent material itself. The adhesive or heat-activated film simultaneously provides: (1) bonding between outer and inner covers, (2) friction enhancement through texture modifications like laser engraving or sandblasting, and (3) aesthetic surface treatment. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate manufacturing steps for each function, reducing overall process complexity while maintaining high attachment strength
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 effectively reduces unintentional movement and allows for easy replacement of outer covers, enhancing the durability and usability of wearable ring devices by securely locking the outer cover to the inner cover, even under external forces.
Implementation Method 1
the use of binding agents like UV glue or heat-activated film to secure the outer cover to the inner cover
Implementation Method 2
texture modifications such as laser engraving or sandblasting
Implementation Method 3
texture modifications such as laser engraving or sandblasting
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for manufacturing a wearable ring device are described. An outer cover may be placed around a ring assembly, including a printed circuit board (PCB) coupled to an inner cover, producing a first slot between the outer cover and the inner cover on a first lateral side of the wearable ring device and a second slot between the between the outer cover and the inner cover on a second lateral side of the wearable ring device. Additionally, a first and second side cover may be inserted into the first and second slots, respectively, where the insertion causes the first and second side covers to mechanically deform. In such cases, the mechanical deformation may cause the first and second side covers to engage one or more locking mechanisms of the inner cover, the outer cover, or both, to secure the inner cover to the outer cover.