Oura's patent for a smart ring with a replaceable battery aims to solve battery degradation, potentially making wearables more durable and serviceable.
© Patent / USPTO / Gadgets & Wearables
Oura is poised to shake up the smart ring market with a new development aimed at tackling one of the biggest issues with these devices: battery degradation. According to a published patent, engineers have proposed a design with a replaceable battery, which could significantly extend the gadget's lifespan.
Currently, most smart rings are nearly impossible to repair, and battery wear over time renders the device useless. Oura's new concept places the battery in a separate module that can be easily removed and replaced without complex procedures.
Patent images suggest one part of the ring houses the battery. This segment is secured with magnets, ensuring a reliable fit, while electrical contact is made through built-in metal connections. This approach spares users from dealing with tiny connectors.
It's unclear when such a solution might appear in commercial products. Early leaks about the next-generation Oura Ring do not indicate the inclusion of a replaceable battery, but the idea itself could mark a major step forward for the entire wearable device category.
If implemented, this technology could transform how smart rings are used, making them more durable and serviceable compared to the current practice of replacing the entire device when the battery wears out.