Amorphous Alloy Base for Invisible Stone Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current invisible crimping techniques for jewelry and decorative pieces face limitations such as restricted stone shapes and dimensions, risk of scratching or cracking, and aesthetic issues due to the need for manual intervention and electrochemical processes, which compromise the nobility and quality of the final product.

Innovation Solution

An industrial manufacturing process using a partially amorphous alloy as a single base to attach stones edge-to-edge or by their yoke/crown, forming a hook-like structure for secure fixation without mechanical deformation, allowing for diverse shapes and improved precision while maintaining aesthetic quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional invisible crimping methods (milling, casting, clipping, screwing) are used, then stones can be set, but the natures, geometries and dimensions of stones are limited and scratches/cracks occur during operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestone shape and dimension varietyVSAvoidscratches and cracks on stones

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical crimping systems (milling, clipping, screwing) with a chemical bonding system using adhesive composition. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact that causes scratches and cracks, while allowing stones of any shape, size, or orientation to be bonded without restriction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the bonding mechanism from mechanical (physical contact and deformation) to chemical (adhesive bonding). This parameter change allows for greater versatility in stone properties while eliminating the harmful mechanical effects of traditional crimping methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If manual intervention by a crimper is used during crimping operation, then stones can be set, but the risk of loss, scratching, cracking or chipping of stones is permanent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual stone setting capabilityVSAvoidstone integrity during setting

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an automated adhesive dispensing and bonding system that applies the adhesive composition and bonds stones without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates human error and the associated risks of stone damage, while maintaining ease of manufacture through automated processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If galvanic means are used for invisible crimping, then stones can be attached, but the deposition of conductive layer disturbs aesthetic effect and requires declaration of coating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindustrial manufacturing capabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance and nobility of stones

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the galvanic (electrochemical) process with a chemical adhesive bonding system. This substitution eliminates the need for conductive layer deposition, preserving the natural aesthetic appearance and nobility of precious stones while maintaining industrial manufacturing capability through automated adhesive application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of repair

If traditional crimping methods are used, then stones can be fixed, but repairs during stone change cause scratches on adjoining stones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestone replacement capabilityVSAvoidscratches on adjoining stones during repair

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive bonding system allows for easy stone replacement by simply removing the adhesive bond without mechanical tools that could scratch adjacent stones. This maintains ease of repair while eliminating the harmful effect of scratches on adjoining stones during repair operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method enables a homogeneous, high-quality stone mounting with improved precision and reduced costs, minimizing mechanical stress on stones and avoiding the need for manual crimping, thus enhancing the aesthetic and gemological quality of the final product.

Implementation Method 1

a single base made of a first material making it possible to attach all the stones relative to each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2796065B1Invisible set decoration element

Publication Date: 2016.01.13 OMEGA SA

Figure 1~5
Figure 6~9
Figure 10~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a decorative piece (1, 3, 5) comprising several stones (2) and a device (7, 7') for attaching the stones (2) to one another. The attachment device (7, 7') comprises a single base (9, 9') made of a first material, allowing all the stones (2) to be attached to one another by one of their faces. The layers (6) of stones (2) are mounted edge to edge so that said single base is concealed. The first material is characterized in that it is an alloy that is at least partially amorphous. The invention also relates to the method for manufacturing such a piece (1, 3, 5). The invention is relevant to the field of jewelry, watchmaking, or related articles.