Bezel for Non-Ductile Substrates via Metallization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for crimping precious or semi-precious stones on non-ductile materials like glass, ceramics, or silicon substrates are ineffective, as these materials are difficult to machine and prone to irreversible damage.
Innovation Solution
A process for producing a bezel with deformable metal claws integrated into a non-ductile substrate, involving metallization, formation of a belt and claws using techniques such as deep etching, thermocompression, or photolithography, allowing for the secure seating and crimping of stones without adhesive bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional crimping methods are used on non-ductile substrates, then the substrate can be processed, but the substrate is damaged irreversibly
Solution Approach 1:
A metallic layer is deposited on the non-ductile substrate surface to serve as an intermediary medium. This metallic layer enables conventional crimping operations to be performed without directly contacting and damaging the fragile non-ductile substrate. The metallic layer absorbs the mechanical stress of crimping while providing a ductile surface for claw formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface properties of the non-ductile substrate are changed by depositing a metallic layer, transforming the surface from fragile and non-ductile to ductile and crimpable. This parameter change allows the substrate to undergo crimping operations that would otherwise be impossible without damage.
2Strength
If non-ductile materials like glass, ceramics, or silicon are used for substrates, then aesthetic and mechanical properties are improved, but machining and crimping become extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic layer acts as a mediator between the non-ductile substrate and the crimping process. It provides a ductile surface that can be easily machined and crimped, while the underlying non-ductile substrate maintains its superior mechanical and aesthetic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution creates a composite structure combining the non-ductile substrate (glass, ceramic, or silicon) with a ductile metallic layer. This composite enables both the aesthetic and mechanical advantages of non-ductile materials and the manufacturability of ductile materials.
3Device complexity
If adhesive bonding is used instead of crimping, then crimping complexity is reduced, but the aesthetic and traditional quality of stone setting is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic layer enables traditional crimping techniques to be used on non-ductile substrates, preserving the aesthetic quality and craftsmanship of stone setting while avoiding the need for adhesive bonding. The metallic surface provides the necessary ductility for claw formation and stone securing.
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 the secure and durable crimping of stones on non-ductile substrates, such as silicon or ceramic, without damaging the substrate, facilitating the creation of complex and aesthetically versatile jewelry and watchmaking pieces.
Implementation Method 1
Metallization of at least a portion of the surface of said substrate on which the kitten is to be formed
Implementation Method 2
by processes of deep etching of silicon wafers
Implementation Method 3
Realization of the claws by depositing metal wires on the surface portion of the substrate previously metallized
Data Source
Figure 1a~2d
Figure 3a~4f
Figure 5a~5d
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for making a setting (1) for setting an object (O) on a surface of a non-ductile substrate (2), said setting (1) comprising a belt (11) forming a support seat for said object (O) and a plurality of deformable claws (12) distributed around the periphery of the belt (11) and having a length such that at least one free end of each claw can be folded against the object once the latter is situated in the belt, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - Metallization of at least a portion of the surface of said substrate on which the setting is to be formed; - Making the belt of the setting in the portion of the substrate surface previously metallized;- Production of the claws by depositing the metal wires (4) on the portion of the surface of the substrate previously metallized at the periphery of the belt. The invention also relates to a setting method and a watch or jewelry piece comprising a non-ductile substrate (2) and a setting chat (1) of an object (O) arranged on a surface of said substrate obtained according to the method of the invention;