Cherry Blossom Pink Decorative Coating via Segmented Carbonitride and Gold Alloy Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current decorative members cannot achieve a cherry blossom pink color and lack sufficient scratch resistance, particularly for applications like watch bands where durability is essential.
Innovation Solution
A decorative member is created by layering a carbonitride undercoat layer composed of Ti and Nb or Ta on a base, followed by a thin Au alloy finishing layer, which provides the desired color and enhanced scratch resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional decorative coatings are formed on metal bases, then decorative appearance is achieved, but scratch resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The decorative coating is divided into multiple functional layers: a hard undercoat layer (Ti, Zr, or Hf carbonitride) providing scratch resistance, and a top decorative layer (Au alloy or Pd alloy) providing the cherry blossom pink color. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between durability and color accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material structures combining different metals and compounds. The undercoat layer uses carbonitride compounds of hard metals (Ti, Zr, Hf) mixed with Nb and Ta for enhanced hardness, while the top layer uses Au-Cu-Pd or Au-Ag-Pd alloys. This composite approach achieves both high scratch resistance and precise color rendering.
2Strength
If hard carbonitride layers are used for scratch resistance, then durability is improved, but the ability to achieve cherry blossom pink color is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coating is segmented into an undercoat layer for hardness and a top layer for color. The undercoat uses Ti, Zr, or Hf carbonitride with Nb/Ta for scratch resistance, while the top layer uses Au-Cu-Pd or Au-Ag-Pd alloys specifically formulated to achieve cherry blossom pink color through controlled composition and thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls specific parameters including the composition ratios (Au:Cu:Pd or Au:Ag:Pd), layer thicknesses (undercoat 0.5-5.0μm, top layer 0.05-2.0μm), and deposition conditions to achieve the precise cherry blossom pink color while maintaining scratch resistance. By adjusting these parameters, the manufacturing process becomes more precise and reproducible.
3Reliability
If multi-layer structures are implemented to achieve both hardness and color, then scratch resistance and color accuracy are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coating structure is segmented into two main layers with clear functional differentiation, simplifying the design logic despite the multi-material composition. The undercoat layer handles mechanical protection while the top layer handles aesthetics, making the manufacturing process more systematic and controllable.
Solution Approach 2:
By establishing specific parameter ranges for composition and thickness, the invention creates standardized manufacturing parameters that reduce process complexity. The undercoat layer thickness of 0.5-5.0μm and top layer thickness of 0.05-2.0μm, along with defined alloy compositions, provide clear manufacturing guidelines that simplify the overall 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
The decorative member achieves a cherry blossom pink appearance while offering excellent scratch resistance and corrosion protection, suitable for use in items like watch bands.
Implementation Method 1
a decorative member comprising a base and a decorative coating formed on the base
Implementation Method 2
the finishing layer is a Au alloy layer composed of an alloy containing Au, a metal having a silver color, and Cu
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a decorative member having a cherry blossom pink color. A cherry blossom pink decorative member of the present invention includes a base and a decorative coating formed on the base, wherein the decorative coating is formed by layering an undercoat layer and a finishing layer from the base side, the undercoat layer is a carbonitride layer composed of a carbonitride of a metal containing Ti and at least one selected from Nb and Ta, and the finishing layer is a Au alloy layer composed of an alloy containing Au, a metal having a silver color, and Cu.