Diffraction Grating Watch Components on Transparent Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of diffraction grating decorations on watch and jewelry components requires tight manufacturing tolerances and is limited to metal materials, making it challenging to achieve repeatability and versatility in material selection.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the deposition of an opaque base layer on a transparent substrate, followed by localized laser ablation to create diffraction gratings, allowing for the use of any transparent material like sapphire or glass, and enabling precise control of manufacturing tolerances with reduced energy levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If diffraction gratings are produced directly on metal substrates using conventional methods, then the diffraction effect is achieved, but manufacturing tolerances are difficult to control and repeatability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the diffraction grating formation from the substrate by introducing an intermediate layer. The grating is formed on this intermediate layer rather than directly on the substrate, allowing independent optimization of grating fabrication and substrate selection. This segmentation enables better control of manufacturing tolerances and improves repeatability.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate layer is introduced between the substrate and the diffraction grating. This intermediate layer serves as a mediator that facilitates the formation of the diffraction grating with controlled tolerances while being compatible with various substrate materials. The intermediate layer absorbs the constraints of grating fabrication and protects the substrate from direct processing variations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If diffraction gratings are produced on metal materials only, then the manufacturing process is established, but material selection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate layer enables the diffraction grating structure to be universally applied to multiple substrate materials including transparent materials like glass and sapphire, not limited to metals. This universal approach allows the same manufacturing process to work across different material types, enhancing versatility while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure consisting of the substrate, intermediate layer, and diffraction grating. This composite approach allows combination of materials with different properties, enabling use of transparent substrates that would be incompatible with conventional metal-only diffraction grating processes, thus diversifying material options.
3Reliability
If high energy levels are used for laser ablation on the substrate, then the diffraction grating can be formed, but manufacturing repeatability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter of the layer being ablated from substrate material to intermediate layer material. This parameter change allows the ablation process to occur at lower energy levels while still achieving the desired diffraction grating formation, thereby improving repeatability and reducing the harshness of the manufacturing process.
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 allows for the production of diffraction grating decorations on various transparent materials with improved repeatability and control over manufacturing tolerances, enhancing the visual appeal and durability of the components while diversifying the material options.
Implementation Method 1
localised ablation of the base layer by laser machining
Implementation Method 2
ablation of the base layer by laser machining, so as to form at least one pocket
Implementation Method 3
generate diffraction phenomena of the light and thus have a colour that may vary according to the orientation of the direction of observation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing an external component of a watch, of a fashion item or of a jewellery item, wherein the external component includes depositing an opaque base layer on all or part of the surface of an inner face of a substrate made of a transparent material, localised ablation of the base layer by laser machining, so as to form at least one pocket the bottom of which has a diffraction grating.