Ceramic Timepiece Bezel Fixation via Deformable Polymer Interlayer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ceramic elements used in timepieces face challenges in secure fixation due to difficulties in ensuring effective attachment to other parts, as existing methods lack robustness and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A member comprising a ceramic element with a deformable intermediate part made of polymer or metal, featuring a cooperation device with oblique rectilinear and parallel grooves for improved adjustment, and hooking means with increased surface roughness to prevent relative displacement, allowing secure fitting to a metal body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ceramic elements are used for their mechanical and chemical resistance, then reliability is improved, but fixation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical and chemical resistanceVSAvoidfixation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A deformable intermediate part is introduced between the ceramic element and the watch case body. This intermediate part serves as a mediator that enables secure fixation of the ceramic element while allowing for adjustment and accommodation of dimensional variations, thus resolving the fixation difficulty without compromising the mechanical and chemical resistance properties of the ceramic material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate part is designed to be deformable, allowing changes in its physical parameters (shape, volume) during the fixation process. This deformability enables the intermediate part to adapt to the ceramic element and the watch case body, ensuring reliable fixation while maintaining the integrity of the ceramic component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a deformable intermediate part is used for attachment, then fixation reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into distinct functional components: the ceramic element, the deformable intermediate part, and the watch case body. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while simplifying the overall design and manufacturing process compared to integrated solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The deformable intermediate part acts as a simple intermediary component that bridges the ceramic element and the watch case body. Despite adding a component, the overall complexity is managed through the simplicity and versatility of this intermediate part, which handles multiple functions including fixation, adjustment, and compensation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If hooking means with increased surface roughness are used, then resistance to relative displacement is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to relative displacementVSAvoidsurface roughness control

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The surface roughness increase is applied locally at specific hooking means locations rather than uniformly across the entire intermediate part. This localized treatment allows for optimized mechanical interlocking at critical points while maintaining manufacturing feasibility and controlling overall surface quality requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The hooking means with increased surface roughness are pre-formed during the manufacturing of the intermediate part. This preliminary action ensures that the roughness features are integrated into the component design from the outset, allowing for controlled manufacturing processes and reducing the need for post-processing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution enables reliable and stable attachment of ceramic elements to timepiece components, enhancing mechanical and chemical resistance while preventing relative displacement, thus addressing the fixation challenges in existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

cooperation device (7) comprising a deformable intermediate part (2) making it possible to block the adjustment by driving in between the ceramic element (3) and the body (5)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

The recesses (14) can comprise an arithmetic average roughness (Ra) between 0.2 and 3 μm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2615507B1Keramic external part of a timepiece

Publication Date: 2017.03.08 COMADUR

AI summary

The unit (1) has a ceramic element (3) adjusted against a body (5), and an engagement device (7) including a deformable intermediate part (2) to block adjustment between the ceramic element and the body. The device includes a fixing unit between the intermediate part and the ceramic element to decrease relative displacement between the intermediate part and the element. The fixing unit comprises recesses formed on the element to locally increase roughness. The recesses form a series of parallel rectilinear grooves that cross with another series of parallel rectilinear grooves. The body is made of metal. The intermediate part is made of polymer or metal.