Decorative Object Refractive Index Matching for Floating Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decorative objects, such as watch crystals, fail to create an aesthetically appealing and mysterious optical effect by hiding the structural elements while showcasing movable elements within a fluid-filled cavity, as the visibility of the structural components detracts from the intended effect.
Innovation Solution
A decorative object with a closed cavity containing a transparent liquid of matching refractive index, featuring movable decorative elements mounted on ball joint pivot systems made of transparent materials, allowing for rotation and translation while being invisible due to the liquid's refractive index matching that of the structural components, and optionally using selective laser etching for precise manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If structural elements (pivot systems, base glass) are made visible to support decorative elements, then mechanical support and stability are improved, but aesthetic quality deteriorates due to visibility of structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies refractive index matching between the liquid medium and structural elements (pivot systems and base glass). By selecting a liquid whose refractive index is substantially equal to that of the structural elements, these components become optically invisible, allowing decorative elements to appear as if floating freely while maintaining mechanical support functionality.
2Manufacturing precision
If decorative elements are fixed rigidly to base glass, then positioning precision is improved, but aesthetic quality deteriorates due to loss of random movement effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static rigid mounting into a dynamic pivot system that allows decorative elements to move randomly. The pivot system provides mechanical attachment while enabling rotational and translational movements, creating the desired aesthetic effect of elements floating and moving freely in the liquid medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the rigid connection into separate functional components: a base glass, pivot systems with multiple degrees of freedom, and decorative elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the base glass provides support, the pivots enable movement, and the decorative elements display aesthetically.
3Strength
If pivot systems are made opaque for structural integrity, then mechanical strength is improved, but aesthetic quality deteriorates due to visibility of support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the pivot systems optically invisible by matching their refractive index to that of the surrounding liquid medium. This allows the pivot systems to maintain their mechanical function while becoming invisible to the eye, eliminating the compromise between structural integrity and aesthetic quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter (refractive index) of the pivot systems to match the liquid medium. By adjusting this physical parameter, the pivot systems transition from being visible to invisible, resolving the contradiction between needing strong structural support and maintaining aesthetic quality.
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 object achieves an aesthetically pleasing and mysterious optical effect with the elements appearing to float and move randomly, enhancing the visual appeal by concealing the support structures, suitable for jewelry or timepieces.
Implementation Method 1
The cavity is filled with a transparent liquid whose refractive index is equal to that of the decorative structure or sufficiently close to that of said structure so that said structure, its base and its pivot systems are substantially invisible
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a decorative object (1) comprising an internal cavity (10) defined at least in part by at least one transparent wall (3) and a decorative structure (100) integrated within the internal cavity (10). The decorative structure (100) comprises a base glass (5) on which at least one element (8) is mounted for rotation and/or translation, the element (8) being supported by a pivot system (6) made of a material that is at least partially transparent, preferably fully transparent and colorless, and having essentially the same refractive index as the base glass (5). A liquid (7) fills the internal cavity (10), and the refractive index of the liquid is equal to that of the base glass (5) or differs from that of the base glass by no more than 10%.