Ceramic Timepiece Component Machining With an Off-Center Laser Beam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing timepiece components face challenges in achieving high precision and reliability due to material sensitivity to magnetic fields and complexity in processing, especially with ceramics, which are difficult to machine and require complex laser machining, leading to issues like play problems and breakage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of an off-center laser beam to machine ceramic blocks with a hardness greater than 800 HV, forming a timepiece component with a flared tooth profile, utilizing laser machining phases with varying orientations to achieve precise and complex geometries, including a flared portion in the teeth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional mechanical cutting tools are used to machine metal timepiece components, then high precision can be obtained rapidly, but the metal material is sensitive to magnetic fields and requires complementary operations to increase hardness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cutting tools with laser machining technology. The laser beam acts as a non-contact cutting tool that vaporizes material through localized heating, eliminating mechanical contact between the tool and workpiece. This substitution resolves the contradiction by enabling high-precision machining of non-magnetic ceramic materials without the magnetic sensitivity issues inherent in metal machining
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from magnetic metal to non-magnetic ceramic, and simultaneously changes the machining method parameter from mechanical cutting to laser machining. This dual parameter change allows achieving both high precision and elimination of magnetic field sensitivity, as ceramics are inherently non-magnetic and laser machining can precisely machine hard ceramic materials
2Reliability
If very rigid amagnetic ceramic material is used to eliminate magnetic field sensitivity, then reliability is improved, but the manufacture necessitates complex laser machining that is slower and more difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing multiple laser machining operations in a specific sequence: first creating the basic component shape, then adding teeth, and finally creating flared portions. This staged approach simplifies the overall complex process by breaking it down into manageable preliminary steps, each with controlled complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamics by varying the laser beam orientation and machining parameters throughout the manufacturing process. The laser beam is oriented at different angles to create different geometric features (teeth, flared portions), and machining parameters are dynamically adjusted based on the specific feature being created, enabling precise control despite the inherent complexity of machining hard ceramics
3Strength
If conventional laser machining is used to create complex three-dimensional geometries, then material hardness is maintained, but it is not possible to machine teeth having certain complex shapes with high precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an additional dimension of control by orienting the laser beam at specific angles relative to the workpiece surface. By tilting the laser beam and controlling its path in three-dimensional space, the process can create complex flared tooth profiles and other intricate geometries that would be impossible with conventional straight-beam laser machining, while maintaining the hardness of the ceramic material throughout the process
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
Enables the reliable and robust manufacturing of timepiece components with optimized mechanical properties, minimizing friction and ensuring durability through precise machining of complex shapes without tool degradation, allowing for efficient production of customized designs.
Implementation Method 1
machining the blank using an off-center laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
The method of manufacturing a timepiece component includes: procuring a block to be machined; forming a timepiece component blank having a shape of revolution about a revolution axis (A); and machining the blank using an off-center laser beam the direction of which is not parallel to the revolution axis (A), does not cross the revolution axis (A) and is not tangential to the blank to be machined.