Ceramic Timepiece Dial With Segmented Casing For Slim Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ceramic timepieces are typically bulky and heavy due to their brittle nature, making it challenging to reduce their thickness without compromising physical strength or aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A ceramic timepiece dial with a slim profile is manufactured using a casing with a first groove for the glass and provisions for an adapter to secure the back plate, along with projections for the strap, achieved through a method involving mixing ceramic particles with binders, pressing, drying, and sintering, followed by machining to define specific dimensions and features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If ceramic material is used to manufacture timepiece, then aesthetic appeal and luxury appearance are improved, but thickness and weight increase making the timepiece bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The casing is divided into multiple functional zones with different thicknesses: a thinner central portion (4-4.5mm) for aesthetic appeal and a thicker peripheral portion (6-7mm) for structural strength. This segmentation allows the timepiece to achieve both slim profile and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the ceramic casing are assigned different thicknesses based on functional requirements. The central area maintains minimal thickness for luxury appearance while the peripheral area increases thickness to provide structural support and resistance to impacts.
2Strength
If ceramic material is used to manufacture timepiece, then scratch-free surface and seamless structure are achieved, but the material becomes brittle and prone to breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The timepiece employs a composite structure combining ceramic material (for scratch resistance and aesthetics) with metal components (for structural strength and shock absorption). The metal movement mechanism and reinforcement elements compensate for the brittleness of ceramic, creating a hybrid system that leverages the advantages of both materials.
3Length of moving object
If thickness of ceramic timepiece is reduced to achieve slim profile, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but physical strength and durability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The casing is divided into multiple functional zones with different thicknesses: a thinner central portion (4-4.5mm) for aesthetic appeal and a thicker peripheral portion (6-7mm) for structural strength. This segmentation allows the timepiece to achieve both slim profile and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The casing features curved and tapered transitions between different thickness regions, with the peripheral portion flaring outward to provide structural reinforcement. This geometric design allows gradual thickness variation that maintains structural integrity while achieving a slim overall profile.
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 method allows for a ceramic timepiece with a thickness reduced from 7.5 mm to 4-4.5 mm, maintaining strength and aesthetic appeal while accommodating the movement and strap securely.
Implementation Method 1
The formable ceramic substances are then dried by application of controlled heat. The dried green part of the ceramic substance is sintered, to melt the one or more binders and form the casing.
Implementation Method 2
The dried green part of the ceramic substance is sintered, to melt the one or more binders and form the casing.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a case assembly for a ceramic timepiece. The case assembly is configured to accommodate a movement which includes a first groove, defining an inner periphery of a first side of the casing. The first groove accommodates a glass of the timepiece, within a thickness of the casing. Further one or more provisions are provided in a second side of the casing, where each of the one or more provisions is configured to receive an adapter. Each of the adapter receives a fastening member, for securing a back plate of the timepiece within the height of the casing. A dial including a pair of projections extending outwardly from two opposing portions of an outer periphery of the casing is provided to receive a strap of the timepiece. The configuration of the dial helps in reducing the thickness of the timepiece.