Injection-Molded Ceramic Watch Bezel Decoration Without Post-Engraving

Solution Overview

Problem

Ceramic or cermet watch components require a post-injection decoration step that is time-consuming and costly due to the need for precise engraving, which can take over an hour and results in additional manufacturing costs and a rough surface finish.

Innovation Solution

A method where the decoration is integrated into the injection process by machining a raised or hollow structure onto the mould impression using laser engraving or micro-milling, allowing the decoration to be formed simultaneously with the item, eliminating the need for a separate engraving step and achieving a smoother surface finish.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If post-injection laser ablation is used to create decoration, then precise engraving quality is achieved, but manufacturing time increases beyond an hour and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengraving precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The decoration structure is pre-formed on the mould impression surface through laser engraving or micro-milling, so that when the ceramic material is injected, the decoration is automatically formed during the injection process itself, eliminating the need for post-injection engraving operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The decoration formation process is merged with the injection process by integrating the decorated impression into the mould, allowing both the item and its decoration to be formed in a single injection operation rather than as separate sequential steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If post-injection laser ablation is used to create decoration, then precise engraving quality is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengraving precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The decoration structure is pre-formed on the mould impression surface through laser engraving or micro-milling, so that when the ceramic material is injected, the decoration is automatically formed during the injection process itself, eliminating the need for post-injection engraving operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The decoration formation process is merged with the injection process by integrating the decorated impression into the mould, allowing both the item and its decoration to be formed in a single injection operation rather than as separate sequential steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If post-injection laser ablation is used to create decoration, then decoration is formed, but surface finish becomes rough with laser marks requiring additional polishing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecoration formationVSAvoidpolishing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The decoration structure is pre-formed on the mould impression surface through laser engraving or micro-milling, so that when the ceramic material is injected, the decoration is automatically formed during the injection process itself, eliminating the need for post-injection engraving operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The decoration formation process is merged with the injection process by integrating the decorated impression into the mould, allowing both the item and its decoration to be formed in a single injection operation rather than as separate sequential steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Manufacturing precision

If post-injection decoration methods are used, then decoration is added to the item, but discontinuity appears between the decoration and the item

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecoration detailVSAvoidstructural continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The decoration formation process is merged with the injection process by integrating the decorated impression into the mould, allowing both the item and its decoration to be formed in a single injection operation rather than as separate sequential steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The decoration and the item body are formed from the same ceramic material through the injection process, ensuring homogeneous composition and seamless integration without the discontinuities that would result from adding separate decoration elements later

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

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

This method reduces manufacturing time and costs by integrating decoration into the injection process, producing a single-piece item with a shinier surface finish without the need for additional polishing and eliminates the discontinuity often seen in post-injection decoration methods.

Implementation Method 1

the raised and/or hollow structure on the impression is produced by laser engraving

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS20220332011A1Method for injecting a decorated item

Publication Date: 2022.10.20 COMADUR

AI summary

A method for machining by laser ablation or by micro-milling a raised and/or hollow structure on an impression of an injection mould. A method for manufacturing a ceramic or cermet item by injection using the injection mould to produce an item, and in particular a watch bezel, decorated directly during the injection.