Watch Dial Appliqué Electroplating for Precise Thick Brackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing decorative appliqués on watch dials are costly due to the need for precise positioning and multiple stages of gluing and masking, especially for thicker appliqués.
Innovation Solution
A method involving surface preparation, application of a protective layer, machining recesses for appliqués, electroplating to form them, and subsequent polishing, using materials like copper, gold, and silver alloys, with resin-based protective layers and laser engraving for precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional gluing and masking methods are used to mount appliqués on the dial, then the appliqués can be positioned on the dial surface, but the manufacturing cost increases due to the precision of positioning required and the multi-stage process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating recesses in the dial surface before depositing the decorative material. These recesses are prepared in advance to receive the electroplated material, ensuring precise positioning without requiring complex masking or gluing operations during the deposition process. The attachment points are also created beforehand to secure the appliqués in their final positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical gluing and masking system with an electroplating system. Instead of using adhesives and physical masks to position and deposit material, the invention uses electroplating to directly deposit metal material into the pre-prepared recesses, achieving both positioning and material deposition in a single integrated process that reduces manufacturing complexity and cost.
2Shape
If the thickness of the appliqués is increased to enhance aesthetic appeal, then the visual impact is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to the greater precision required for positioning and mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares recesses of specific depths corresponding to the desired appliqué thickness before deposition. This preliminary action allows thick appliqués to be manufactured with the same ease as thin ones, since the recess structure provides inherent positioning support that eliminates the need for expensive precision mounting operations regardless of the final thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The electroplating process replaces mechanical mounting operations that become increasingly difficult and expensive with greater thickness. The electroplating method can deposit material of any thickness directly into the recesses without requiring proportional increases in positioning precision or mounting complexity, thereby decoupling thickness from manufacturing cost.
3Shape
If multiple stages of gluing, masking, and stamping are used to create decorative patterns, then the decorative quality is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate operations (masking, positioning, and material deposition) into a single electroplating operation. The recesses serve both as masks and as positioning structures, while the electroplating process simultaneously deposits the decorative material and forms the appliqué, eliminating the need for separate gluing and stamping stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate masking and gluing steps from the traditional multi-stage process. By using recesses that directly receive the electroplated material, the invention removes the need for separate masking layers and adhesive applications, simplifying the overall process while maintaining decorative 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
Enables cost-effective and structurally precise manufacturing of decorative appliqués on watch dials with improved adhesion and aesthetic appeal, utilizing machining and electroplating techniques for efficient production.
Implementation Method 1
fill said at least one recess by electroplating from the dial with a material to form the appliqués
Data Source
Figure 1~10
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing appliqués on a dial for a watch part.