Composite Watch Component Assembly With Thermoplastic Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manufacturing processes for watch components, such as watch cases, do not optimize strength, aesthetics, and require significant post-processing, limiting design flexibility and recyclability.

Innovation Solution

A method involving composite parts with thermoplastic resins and reinforcements, bonded by an intermediate thermoplastic layer, allowing for faster, flexible production with improved aesthetics and ergonomics, reduced post-processing, and enhanced recyclability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional manufacturing processes are used for watch components, then structural strength is maintained, but design flexibility and aesthetics are limited and post-processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidpost-processing requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The watch component is divided into multiple composite parts, each with specific reinforcement patterns and matrix materials optimized for different functional requirements. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each part's mechanical properties and aesthetic characteristics before assembly, reducing the need for post-processing while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite materials consisting of reinforcement (fibers, fabrics, or particles) embedded in a polymer matrix for each component part. This enables tailored mechanical properties, color, and texture to be integrated directly into the manufacturing process, eliminating the need for subsequent machining and polishing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If composite materials are used for watch components, then design freedom and aesthetics are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic choicesVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement patterns, color distributions, and structural features are pre-planned and pre-positioned within the composite parts before final assembly. This preliminary arrangement of aesthetic and functional elements simplifies the overall manufacturing process by eliminating complex post-assembly operations for achieving desired appearances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functions (structural strength, aesthetic appearance, color, texture) are merged into single integrated composite parts. This consolidation reduces the number of separate manufacturing operations and assembly steps required, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the sophistication of the final product.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple composite parts are assembled together, then design flexibility and recyclability are improved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverecyclabilityVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The watch component is segmented into multiple independently manufacturable composite parts that can be produced separately using optimized reinforcement patterns and materials. This segmentation enables each part to be manufactured with minimal post-processing and facilitates easier recycling by allowing selective replacement or regeneration of individual parts rather than the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates the creation of watch components with varied colors, textures, and ergonomic designs, while reducing machining and polishing needs, and enabling easier recycling.

Implementation Method 1

to fix the first composite part onto the second composite part by polymerizing an interface between the first composite part and the second composite part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

the interface is heated at least locally in order to bond the first composite part and the second composite part together

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal activation: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4258063B1Assembly of a composite watch component

Publication Date: 2026.03.11 RICHEMONT INTERNATIONAL SA

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AI summary

Method for manufacturing a watch or jewelry component (1) comprising the following steps: - to take a first composite part (1a) with a first reinforcement and a first matrix comprising a first thermoplastic resin, - to take a second composite part (10, 11) with a second reinforcement and a second matrix comprising a second thermoplastic resin, - to fix the first composite part (1a) onto the second composite part (10, 11) with an intermediate layer comprising a third thermoplastic resin, so as to form the watch or jewelry component (1).