Ceramic Watch Bezel Color Gradient via Segmented Pressing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing ceramic watch components with color gradients are complex and prone to significant sintering shrinkage, leading to separation issues and non-uniform color distribution.

Innovation Solution

A uniaxial pressing process involving a hoof with compartments to mix ceramic materials of different colors in varying weight ratios, forming a gradient, followed by sintering to create a monobloc ceramic article with a continuous color gradient.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple injection processes are used to create different colors, then color variety is improved, but shrinkage differences cause separation at junctions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor varietyVSAvoidjunction uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The ceramic material is divided into multiple color segments, each with controlled shrinkage characteristics. By segmenting the material composition and controlling the shrinkage rate of each segment, the patent prevents separation at junctions while maintaining color variety throughout the ceramic article.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the shrinkage rate parameter by adjusting the composition and volume of each ceramic material segment. By controlling the shrinkage rate to be within a specific range (0.2-0.5 mm/mm) for each color segment, the patent ensures uniform junctions while achieving diverse color effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If green body impregnation with metal solution is used, then color uniformity is improved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor uniformityVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates pigments directly into the ceramic material formulation before molding, rather than applying colors after the green body is formed. This preliminary action ensures uniform color distribution throughout the material while simplifying the overall manufacturing process and eliminating the need for separate impregnation steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If isostatic pressing is used to create color gradients, then color gradient uniformity is improved, but production time increases and industrial scalability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor gradient uniformityVSAvoidproduction volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex isostatic pressing system with a simpler uniaxial pressing process. By using uniaxial pressing with controlled shrinkage rates and a sabot mold system, the patent achieves uniform color gradients while significantly reducing production time and increasing scalability for high-volume manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the pressing method from isostatic to uniaxial pressing and controls the shrinkage rate parameter within a specific range (0.2-0.5 mm/mm). This parameter change enables the use of simpler equipment and faster production cycles while maintaining color gradient uniformity, thereby increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical assembly of decorative elements is used, then design flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the decorative color elements directly into the main ceramic body during the molding process, rather than assembling them separately. This integration eliminates the need for separate decorative elements and assembly operations, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining design flexibility through the sabot mold system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 process effectively produces ceramic articles with uniform color gradients, avoiding the separation issues and complexity associated with traditional methods, while allowing for aesthetic customization of watch components.

Implementation Method 1

removing the sabot and uniaxially pressing the mixed materials to form a green body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

sintering the brown body to form a blank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSintering: Sintering

Data Source

PatentEP4538031A1Ceramic article with color gradient and method of making the same

Publication Date: 2025.04.16 OMEGA SA

Figure 1~3b
Figure 4a~4d

AI summary

The invention relates to a ceramic article with a color gradient, and in particular a bezel (1) of a watch part, made by an injection process of at least two ceramic materials (2,3) of distinct colors, the ceramic materials being mixed in different weight ratios to create several mixed materials forming a color gradient.