Backlit Plique-à-Jour Enamel Decoration for Durable Luminescence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plique-à-jour enamel techniques are limited by deformation and separation of metal partitions, require substrates for support, are difficult to apply on non-planar shapes, and result in fragile, non-reproducible, and costly unique pieces, hindering mass production and luminescent effects in timepieces.
Innovation Solution
A method involving inner deposition of enamel and luminescent material, followed by machining to create a backlit plique-à-jour decoration, allowing for thick layers and luminescence, with polymerization at low temperatures and simultaneous grinding/polishing to achieve durable and luminescent items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plique-à-jour technique with metal partitions is used, then light filtering effect is achieved, but metal partitions deform or separate during firing, limiting production reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the metal partition element from the plique-à-jour structure, replacing it with a substrate that has openwork or through-decorations. This extraction eliminates the problem of metal partition deformation and separation during firing, while preserving the light filtering effect through the enamel layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure consisting of a substrate (such as ceramic or metal) with openwork or through-decorations, combined with multiple layers of enamel. This composite approach replaces the traditional metal partition system with a more stable configuration that maintains structural integrity during high-temperature firing processes.
2Productivity
If conventional hand deposition method is used, then enamel layers are applied, but dozens of thin layers are required, making the enamel fragile and increasing production time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the deposition parameters by applying thicker enamel layers in fewer coats compared to conventional hand deposition methods. This parameter change reduces the total number of layers from dozens to a manageable few, while the resulting enamel is less brittle and more durable, significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate is prepared in advance with openwork or through-decorations created before enamel deposition. This preliminary action allows for more efficient enamel application and reduces the need for multiple thin layers, as the pre-formed substrate structure provides better support and light transmission properties.
3Adaptability or versatility
If substrates are used during deposition and firing, then enamel containment is ensured, but operation on non-planar shapes becomes very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying enamel from the front side of the substrate, the invention deposits enamel from the rear side through the openwork or through-decorations. This inverted approach allows for easier manufacturing on non-planar shapes, as the substrate structure itself guides the enamel deposition and containment without requiring additional support substrates.
4Productivity
If conventional plique-à-jour technique is used, then unique pieces are produced, but mass production is prevented due to lack of repeatability and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the manufacturing process into distinct, repeatable stages: substrate preparation with openwork or through-decorations, enamel deposition from the rear side, firing, and finishing. This segmentation enables standardized production procedures that can be repeated consistently, allowing for mass production while maintaining quality and reducing costs.
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
Enables large-scale production of plique-à-jour enamel items with enhanced strength and luminescent effects, suitable for stressed components like bezels, at reduced costs, with improved mechanical and chemical resistance.
Implementation Method 1
Polymerisation of the luminescent material and of the protective layer during the deposition steps takes place at very low temperatures, typically around 80° C., which do not damage the enamel.
Implementation Method 2
Depositing, from the inner face, one or more layers of enamel within the non-through decoration and firing the enamel after each layer has been deposited
Implementation Method 3
Machining, preferably by grinding, the outer face to reveal the enamel and thus produce the item with the through-decoration. Preferably, the through-decoration is then polished.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing an item (1) comprising a through-decoration (2) forming a so-called backlit plique-à-jour enamel, the method including obtaining a blank (5); removing part of the blank (5) from the inner face (5b) of the blank (5) to produce a decoration (2a) that does not pass through to the outer face (5a); depositing, from the inner face (5b), one or more layers of enamel (3) within the non-through decoration (2a); depositing, from the inner face (5b), a layer of luminescent material (4) on the enamel (3); depositing a protective layer (6) on the layer of luminescent material (4); and machining the outer face (5a) to reveal the enamel. Also, the related item.