Xiaomi Smart Ring patent describes the ability to automatically adjust the ring size using an elastic component

Fitness trackers are primarily available as wearables that look like wristwatches, but ‘smart rings’ are becoming increasingly popular, including products from Ora, Ultrahuman and Samsung. Unlike smartwatches, which include an adjustable strap, smart rings must be purchased in a specific size option that fits the wearer. However, the size of a person’s ring may change over time for various reasons, rendering their existing smart ring unusable. As per the details of the patent document, Xiaomi may be working on a solution to this problem.

Xiaomi Smart Ring patent points to automatic size adjustment feature

According to a patent document spotted by 91mobiles on the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) website, Xiaomi is developing a ring-shaped wearable device that is equipped with 5G, Wi-Fi, NFC, and ultra-wideband connectivity. As a host of sensors, a touch panel, processor and audio components. This indicates that this is a smart ring that can be used for health tracking.

Photo Credit: 91Mobiles

Unlike other smart rings available today, the ring described in Xiaomi’s patent has a unique ability that allows it to automatically adjust its size to fit the user’s finger. To enable the wearable to change its shape, the document discusses the use of two components – an inner ring and an outer ring.

While the outer ring may resemble a regular smart ring, the document states that the inner ring is made of an elastic material that works in conjunction with a spring mechanism. A portion of the inner ring will protrude from the inner ring, allowing it to “adjust” its shape.

It is currently unclear whether such a smart ring from Xiaomi could be produced in a single size option that adjusts to any ring size, or whether a few different size options would be required to achieve automatic size adjustment. No. According to the publication, the patent also describes the use of the ring for additional features such as controlling connected devices.

Despite the obvious benefits of a wearable device described in Xiaomi’s patent, it’s worth noting that there’s no guarantee that the company will eventually introduce a smart ring based on the technology described in the document.