Atomic Layer Deposition Protective Coating for Watch Substrates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decorative layers on watch components and fashion items are not watertight or airtight, leading to corrosion and tarnishing due to environmental sensitivity, and traditional protective coatings like zapon or lacquer affect the visual appearance and dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving thin atomic layer deposition to apply a protective coating directly on the substrate, which can also serve as a decorative layer, providing protection against environmental attacks while maintaining the appearance of the component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective layer of zapon or lacquer is applied to protect the substrate and decorative thin films against environmental aggressions, then the substrate is protected from corrosion and tarnishing, but the visual appearance and dimensions of the trim components are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an atomic thin-film protective coating directly onto the substrate, creating a nanometric barrier that is invisible to the naked eye. This thin film approach protects against environmental aggressions without affecting the visual appearance or dimensions of the trim component, resolving the contradiction between protection and aesthetics
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the scale parameter of the protective coating from micrometer/thick (zapon or lacquer) to nanometer/thin (atomic layer deposition), transforming the protective layer from a visible, dimension-affecting coating to an invisible, dimension-preserving barrier that maintains both protection and aesthetic quality
2Shape
If decorative thin films are deposited onto the substrate to create decorations, then the visual appearance is enhanced, but the substrate remains sensitive to environmental conditions leading to corrosion and tarnishing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protective function from the decorative function by applying a separate atomic thin-film protective coating onto the substrate before decorative thin films. This creates a layered structure where the protective layer shields the substrate and decorative films from environmental aggressions while allowing the decorative layers to maintain their visual appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The protective atomic thin-film coating is applied in advance (before decorative thin films) to create a protective barrier on the substrate. This preliminary protective action ensures that subsequent decorative layers are deposited on a protected surface, preventing environmental damage to both the substrate and decorative elements
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
The method effectively protects the substrate from corrosion and tarnishing with a thin, compliant, and decorative protective coating that is imperceptible or enhances the appearance, ensuring the substrate remains visually intact and functional.
Implementation Method 1
a deposition step by implementing an atomic thin-film deposition method of a protective coating directly onto the entire surface of a substrate
Implementation Method 2
a step of depositing a decorative coating by vacuum deposition method on all or part of the protective coating
Implementation Method 3
a decorative layer, by electroplating, on the conductive base layer
Implementation Method 4
the protective coating application step is carried out in such a way as to deposit at least a thin layer giving the substrate a predetermined interference color
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for making a component of a watch case (10), a fashion item or a jewelry item, comprising a deposition step by implementing an atomic thin film deposition method of a protective coating (20) directly on the entire surface of a substrate (30).