Elefont Ring

Project Overview

The Elefont Ring is a functional writing aid developed through iterative 3D design and physical testing. The project began by evaluating existing ring-style aids, which revealed common limitations in comfort and adaptability.

Driven by curiosity rather than personal need, this work reflects self-directed learning and repeated prototyping. With no formal engineering background, I focused on how small geometric changes influence usability once a design leaves CAD and enters the hand.

Design Focus

This project explored the balance between digital precision and human comfort:

• Adaptability: Making the aid adapt to the user, not the other way around.

• Geometry: Testing how thickness and angles affect long-term ergonomics.

• Materials: Determining where geometry ends and material choice (TPU) begins.

The Accessory Ecosystem

To extend the system’s lifespan, I developed three supplemental tools printed in rigid PLA:

• The Shoe: A maintenance tool that reshapes overstretched rings through passive compression.

• Modular Mount: A storage solution for high-volume environments like classrooms.

• Ear-Ring Holder: A compact, playful reshaper and storage slot for four rings.

Material Breakthrough

Transitioning from rigid plastics to flexible TPU was the turning point. This allowed the ring to adapt naturally to different finger sizes and grip strengths. This shift transformed the Elefont Ring from a stiff prototype into a truly inclusive, adaptive system. 

Reflection & Tools

Key Lesson: Ergonomic design cannot be validated on a screen alone; physical "failures" were essential to this design's success.

• CAD: Plasticity | 3D Printing: Prusa Core One | Slicing: PrusaSlicer

Disclaimer & Safety

• Not a Medical Device: The Elefont Ring is an experimental ergonomic prototype.

• Regulatory Status: It has not been evaluated, approved, or endorsed by any medical or regulatory body such as Health Canada or the FDA.

• Purpose: It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or manage any medical condition.

• User is the Manufacturer: By downloading these files, the user acknowledges they are the manufacturer of the physical object and assume all responsibility for material selection, print settings, and safety testing.

• Consult a Professional: Users should consult with a healthcare professional to determine if this tool is appropriate for their specific ergonomic needs.

• For full safety information, disclaimers, and terms of use, visit: www.tryspire3d.com/disclaimer-and-terms-of-use 

Evolution of the Design