Applique Packaging with Segmented Bores
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacture of small timepiece display components, such as appliques and hands, is challenging due to their small size and fragility, making them difficult to handle without scratching, and there is a risk of loss during manufacturing and cleaning processes, especially when made of precious metals.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system that includes trays with bores for receiving and holding appliques, allowing for precise positioning and storage throughout the manufacturing process, combined with an automated production means featuring machining and surface treatment units, ensuring minimal handling and maintaining the components' quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional handling methods are used for small timepiece components, then components can be manipulated freely, but components are difficult to handle without scratching and at risk of loss
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system segments the handling process by providing individual designated locations (bores and housings) for each applique. This segmentation prevents components from moving freely and reduces the risk of scratching or loss during handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging system acts as an intermediary between the machining units and the appliques. The bores and housings provide a controlled interface that securely holds components during transfer and positioning, eliminating direct manual handling and reducing scratching risks.
2Productivity
If manual handling is used throughout the manufacturing process, then flexibility in positioning is maintained, but handling time increases and quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system performs preliminary positioning actions by providing pre-configured bores and housings at specific locations. Appliques are positioned in these predetermined locations during machining operations, eliminating the need for repeated manual positioning and adjustments, thereby maintaining precision while improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated packaging structure. The bores and housings provide automated positioning and securing mechanisms that maintain manufacturing precision without requiring manual intervention, thus improving both productivity and quality consistency.
3Quantity of substance
If components are stored loosely during manufacturing, then storage capacity is maximized, but components are at risk of loss among chips or in treatment baths
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system uses a nested structure where bores receive the feet of multiple appliques and adjacent housings contain the applique bodies. This nesting arrangement allows compact storage of multiple components in a structured manner, maximizing storage capacity while preventing loss through secure containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging structure provides flexible yet secure containment through its tray design with integrated bores and housings. This structure adapts to hold components securely during various manufacturing operations including cleaning baths, preventing loss while maintaining organized storage.
4Measurement precision
If multiple handling operations are performed, then positioning adjustments can be made, but handling time increases and scratching risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system establishes preliminary precise positioning through its fixed bore and housing structure. Appliques are positioned correctly during initial loading and remain in those positions throughout subsequent machining operations, eliminating the need for multiple positioning adjustments and reducing total handling time while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging for timepiece appliques with a foot and body, including at least one tray provided for the reception, holding, storage and transport of appliques of the same height, including bores for receiving the feet at a constant pitch, adjacent to housings for housing the applique bodies resting on an upper tray surface as opposed to a lower tray surface, each tray including position indexing device, and at least one vertically extending mounting spacer, arranged to cooperate in abutment with a lower surface of another such tray, or a lower spacer surface of a spacer of the packaging, each mounting spacer extending, from the upper tray surface, over a height greater than that of the applique bodies.