Composite Jewelry Block Assembly Without Binders or Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing composite materials in jewelry and watchmaking often require the addition of organic or metallic binders and involve plastic deformation, leading to issues like micropores, microcracks, and limited control over the assembly process.

Innovation Solution

A method for assembling composite blocks using gold, silver, or platinum alloys by inserting solid regions into hollow regions of other parts, without binders or plastic deformation, through techniques like sintering and welding, ensuring precise shape complementarity and avoiding geometric deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional bonding methods with binders are used, then assembly is achieved, but micropores and microcracks are formed reducing density and integrity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegrity of composite blockVSAvoiddensity of composite block
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the binder from the composite material system entirely. By using direct metallic bonding between pure metal parts without any organic or ceramic binders, the method removes the source of micropores and microcracks that normally form during binder decomposition, thereby achieving high density and integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical bonding system (using binders to hold parts together) with a metallurgical bonding system (direct metallic bonding through diffusion and atomic attraction). This substitution eliminates the need for binders and their associated degradation issues, achieving seamless integration of metal parts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If plastic deformation assembly is used, then parts are joined, but geometric deformation occurs affecting precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidgeometric precision of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the bonding parameters from mechanical deformation-based joining to thermal-energy-based metallurgical bonding. By controlling temperature and time parameters during heating, the parts are joined through diffusion and atomic attraction without plastic deformation, preserving geometric precision while achieving strong bonds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical deformation system (stretching and compressing parts to join them) with a thermal-field system (using heat to enable diffusion bonding). This substitution allows parts to be joined in their original geometric configuration without distortion, maintaining manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If binder addition is used, then assembly is facilitated, but organic material contamination occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidorganic contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes organic binders from the manufacturing process entirely. By using direct metallic bonding between pure metal parts, the method eliminates organic contamination at its source, achieving clean composite materials suitable for high-precision applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses homogeneous metallic materials throughout the composite structure without introducing heterogeneous organic binders. This homogeneity ensures consistent material properties and eliminates contamination from organic decomposition, achieving pure metal-to-metal bonding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional lamination is used, then multi-layer structures are formed, but control over assembly process is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-material patternsVSAvoidcontrol over assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary actions by precisely machining and preparing the bonding surfaces of each metal part before assembly. By pre-configuring the parts with exact geometries and clean surfaces, the method enables precise control over the final assembly process and achieves high manufacturing precision in multi-material structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enhances the density and integrity of the composite block, reducing micropores and microcracks, while allowing for precise control over the assembly process and enabling the creation of multi-material patterns with varied colors.

Implementation Method 1

the solid region(s) inserted into at least one hollow region at least partly filling said at least one hollow region by complementarity of shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape complementarity:

Implementation Method 2

the assembly being carried out, without stretching the parts, according to a technique chosen from among chasing (hot or cold), sintering of powdered powder without binder, and welding (without adding material)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSintering: Sintering

Implementation Method 3

the assembly being carried out, without stretching the parts, according to a technique chosen from among chasing (hot or cold), sintering of powdered powder without binder, and welding (without adding material)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 4

a) forming at least one of the parts having at least one hollow region, advantageously by removing at least one region of material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMaterial removal:

Data Source

PatentEP4623749A1Method for manufacturing a composite block used for manufacturing a piece of jewellery or watch
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 RICHEMONT INTERNATIONAL SA
  • EP4623749A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4623749A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4623749A1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

Method for manufacturing a composite block (20) made of a gold, silver, or platinum alloy, the composite block being formed by assembling at least two parts (1, 2) made of different metallic materials chosen from said alloys, at least one of the at least two parts having at least one hollow region (5), and at least one other of the at least two parts having at least one solid region (6). This composite block is used for the manufacture of a jewelry or watchmaking item (30).The method comprises the following steps: a) forming at least one of the at least two parts having the hollow region(s), b) assembling the at least two parts, by inserting the solid region(s) of the at least one other of the at least two parts into the hollow region(s) of the at least one of said at least two parts, the solid region(s) inserted into the hollow region(s) at least partially filling said hollow region(s) by shape complementarity, the assembly being carried out, without stretching the at least two parts, according to a technique chosen from among chasing, sintering of pulverulent powder without binder, and welding, c) obtaining a composite block.