Technik

A few month ago I read something about a smart ring. The discussion back then revolved around "disposable tech". I commeted this post and pointed out that an interesting question came up in another linked article. This question was about what happens when such a smart ring needs to be removed surgically, as it contains a battery and a surgeon doesn't know where to cut the ring during an emergency, especially when time matters.

My quote back then was:

This is a very good question from the comments of the ifixit article. It would have been smart, if that “cut here” feature would have been included into the concept. It would have underlined that this indeed is a smart device.

"Another thing about rings in general: some injuries can cause your finger to inflame. Then the ring acts as a tourniquet, cutting off blood flow. If the EMT or doctor can’t cut off the ring, they have to amputate the finger. This came up a lot when people were making rings out of titanium or carbon fiber or other high-strength materials. Here you have a ring with a lithium battery and no “cut here” marks. Does anyone really want to risk an un-extinguishable fire in an ambulance with oxygen cylinder nearby? mikedesimone - 22 hours ago"

"Agreed. At least have lines on the ring, where one can cut without causing further issue. A Smart ring is going too far, in the tech world, because of it’s repairabillity status. Jri-creator - 12 hours ago"

And that is - I believe - one other issue (besides the issues mentioned in the article) that comes with wearables, at least rings, that cannot be removed when, for example, your finger is swollen and thus your blood circualtion is interrupted. A normal ring would have been cut by a surgeon. But when there is a possibility that the battery of such ring could be cut accidentally, a surgeon would rather amputate your finger instead of risking a lithium fire in the operating room.