3D Element Printing on Timepiece Dials
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of three-dimensional elements on timepiece components, such as dials, is complex and labor-intensive, with existing methods requiring numerous operations and specialized tooling, limiting scalability and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a control unit and printing device to generate and construct superimposed layers of particles on a timepiece component, using inks with particles that are fixed through airflow or radiation, allowing for the rapid and automated creation of three-dimensional elements with a thickness greater than 100 microns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional methods are used to produce three-dimensional elements on timepiece components, then the elements can be created with decorative functionality, but the production process becomes complex and labor-intensive requiring numerous operations and specialized tooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tooling and manual operations with a digital printing system that uses software-controlled deposition of material layers. The control unit generates control commands from a reference digital graphical representation to automatically guide the printing device, eliminating the need for specialized mechanical tooling while maintaining production of three-dimensional decorative elements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameters of the production process by transitioning from subtractive or formative mechanical methods to additive digital printing. The printing device deposits material layer by layer with precise control over layer thickness and material distribution, fundamentally altering how three-dimensional elements are manufactured on timepiece components
2Productivity
If traditional methods are used to produce three-dimensional elements on timepiece components, then the elements can be created, but the placement and production operations are tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The printing device operates continuously to deposit material layers without the interruptions inherent in traditional methods. The control unit processes the reference digital graphical representation and generates control commands that guide the printing device through continuous layer-by-layer construction, eliminating idle time between operations and enabling uninterrupted production of three-dimensional elements
Solution Approach 2:
The system is self-guiding through automated control where the control unit independently generates control commands based on the reference digital graphical representation. The printing device automatically positions and deposits material without manual intervention for placement operations, making the process self-service and eliminating tedious manual placement time
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional methods are used to produce three-dimensional elements on timepiece components, then the elements can be created with desired thickness, but the number of operations required is high and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The three-dimensional element is constructed through segmentation into multiple thin layers that are deposited sequentially. The printing device divides the final element into discrete layers, each controlled by individual control commands, allowing precise thickness control through accumulation of controlled layer thicknesses while simplifying each individual deposition operation
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 approach simplifies the production of three-dimensional elements on timepiece components, reducing operational complexity and enabling large-scale, cost-effective, and automated manufacturing while achieving high-resolution, visually distinct three-dimensional features.
Implementation Method 1
The ink comprises a fluid carrying said at least one particle, the fluid being chosen from among a solvent, a viscoelastic polymer, an oil, water and/or an aqueous solution
Implementation Method 2
the fixing phase provides for exposing the layer of at least one particle to an airflow, in particular a hot airflow and/or to light radiation, in particular ultraviolet (UV) radiation or infrared radiation
Implementation Method 3
the fixing phase provides for exposing the layer of at least one particle to an airflow, in particular a hot airflow and/or to light radiation, in particular ultraviolet (UV) radiation or infrared radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a three-dimensional element on a timepiece component, in particular on a dial, that includes generating, by means of a control unit, at least one control instruction for a printing device for reproducing a reference digital graphical representation relating to said three-dimensional element, and constructing, by means of the printing device, at least two substantially superimposed or superimposed layers each having at least one particle which is printed on the timepiece component and which forms the three-dimensional element.