Ceramic Watch Bezel with Metallic Surface for Wireless Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating wireless communication systems into metal watch elements, such as bezels, leads to electromagnetic interference, preventing effective communication while compromising the metallic visual appearance.
Innovation Solution
An external element made from insulating ceramic material with a surface layer obtained through carburization or nitridation processes, providing a metallic visual appearance without interfering with wireless communication systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a metal material is used for the external element (bezel), then the metallic visual appearance is achieved, but electromagnetic interference prevents wireless communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining an insulating ceramic base material with a metallic surface layer. The ceramic body provides electrical insulation to enable wireless communication, while the metallic surface layer (applied through carburization, nitridation, or PVD/CVD processes) provides the desired metallic visual appearance. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by separating the aesthetic function (metallic appearance) from the electromagnetic function (insulation).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating only the surface of the ceramic external element with metallic characteristics. The bulk material remains insulating ceramic to ensure wireless communication functionality, while the surface layer (through carburization, nitridation, or PVD/CVD) provides localized metallic appearance. This localized treatment resolves the contradiction by applying different properties to different regions of the same component.
2Reliability
If a non-metallic material is used for the external element, then wireless communication is enabled, but the metallic visual appearance is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials where the base material is insulating ceramic (enabling wireless communication) and the surface layer provides metallic appearance through carburization, nitridation, or PVD/CVD processes. This composite approach allows the component to simultaneously achieve both wireless communication functionality and metallic aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies color changes by modifying the surface appearance of the ceramic material to resemble metal. Through carburization, nitridation, or PVD/CVD coating processes, the surface acquires metallic luster and color characteristics, transforming the visual appearance from typical ceramic to metallic-like while maintaining the underlying insulating properties.
3Shape
If a thick metallic layer is applied to achieve metallic appearance, then visual appearance is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a thin metallic surface layer that provides visual appearance without significant electromagnetic interference. The surface treatment (carburization, nitridation, or PVD/CVD) produces a layer with metallic appearance but controlled thickness that does not substantially block electromagnetic waves, unlike thick metallic coatings would.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the thickness and electrical properties of the surface layer. The metallic surface layer is designed with specific thickness parameters and electrical resistance characteristics (through carburization, nitridation, or PVD/CVD processes) that provide metallic appearance while maintaining electromagnetic wave penetration, thus changing the electrical parameters to reduce harmful interference.
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 allows for seamless integration of wireless communication systems in timepieces without affecting their aesthetic appearance, ensuring reliable communication and mechanical durability.
Implementation Method 1
said layer being obtained by carburization, nitridation or a combination of these two processes
Implementation Method 2
said layer being obtained by carburization, nitridation or a combination of these two processes
Data Source
AI summary
An external element of a timepiece or a piece of jewelry includes a body made of an insulating ceramic material, the body including a housing, a wireless communication system disposed in the housing, and at least one part of a surface of the external element includes a layer of metallic visual appearance, the layer being obtained by carburization, nitridation, or a combination of carburization, nitridation.