Composite Dial Resolving Brittle Decorative Plate Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dials in electronic devices, such as timepieces, face challenges in balancing strength and aesthetics while allowing radio wave reception and withstanding external impacts, particularly when using materials other than metal.

Innovation Solution

A dial structure featuring a base member with carbon or glass fibers reinforced by plain weave and coated with epoxy resin, combined with a decorative member made of brittle materials like shellfish or precious stones, ensuring strength and design without compromising radio wave reception or durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a decorative member made of brittle material is used, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but strength and resistance to breakage deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appealVSAvoidresistance to breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The dial uses a composite structure combining a resin base member with a decorative member made of brittle material (mother-of-pearl, precious stone, or crystal). The base member provides mechanical strength and shock resistance, while the decorative member provides aesthetic appeal. This composite approach allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a metal dial is used, then strength is improved, but radio wave reception deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestrengthVSAvoidradio wave reception

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dial uses a resin base member instead of metal, changing the material parameter to be non-metallic and radio wave-transparent. This allows radio waves to pass through the dial to reach the receiver in the timepiece module, while the resin material still provides sufficient strength when combined with the decorative member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Shape

If a brittle material is used for the decorative plate, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but resistance to external impacts deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appealVSAvoidresistance to external impacts

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dial combines a resin base member with a decorative member made of brittle material. The resin base member absorbs external impacts and prevents them from reaching the brittle decorative member, while the decorative member provides aesthetic appeal. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between aesthetics and impact resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Shape

If the decorative plate is made thin for aesthetics, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but strength and resistance to deformation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appealVSAvoidresistance to deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The dial uses a composite structure where a thin decorative member (0.3-2.0 mm thick) is combined with a resin base member. The base member provides the necessary mechanical strength and supports the thin decorative member, allowing the decorative member to be made thin for aesthetic purposes without compromising overall strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS11906933B2Dial and timepiece

Publication Date: 2024.02.20 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

AI summary

A dial including a base member having a sheet shape containing reinforced fibers, and a decorative member provided on one surface of the base member containing a brittle material.