Dual-Sided Gradational Timepiece Dial for Richer Pattern Expression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing timepiece dials lack diversity and aesthetic appeal, as patterns on mother-of-pearl sheets are limited to silk screen or photolithography, restricting design possibilities.

Innovation Solution

A timepiece dial comprising a translucent substrate with gradationally colored films on the front and back surfaces, using mother-of-pearl or polycarbonate, and a backing colored film to enhance design complexity and aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If patterns are printed on the back side of the mother-of-pearl sheet using conventional methods, then the timepiece dial can be manufactured, but the aesthetic appeal and design diversity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemanufacturabilityVSAvoiddesign diversity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from single-sided pattern printing to dual-sided gradational coloring. By applying coloring materials to both the front and back surfaces of the translucent substrate, the invention creates a three-dimensional color effect that penetrates through the material, enabling diverse aesthetic expressions while maintaining conventional manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of color application from uniform or single-sided printing to gradational dual-sided coloring. By controlling the concentration and distribution of coloring materials on both surfaces, the patent achieves varying color intensities and patterns, significantly expanding design possibilities while using standard manufacturing techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a translucent substrate with dual gradationally colored films is used, then aesthetic appeal and design diversity are enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign diversityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the coloring process into two independent segments: front surface coloring and back surface coloring. Each surface can be treated separately with its own coloring material and concentration, allowing for modular manufacturing that simplifies the overall process while achieving complex aesthetic effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The translucent substrate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables light transmission, and acts as a medium for dual-sided gradational coloring. By using a single substrate material that can accommodate both coloring operations, the invention reduces the need for multiple separate components and assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 gradational coloring on both surfaces of the translucent substrate allows for intricate and delicate designs, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the timepiece dial while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a translucent substrate; a front gradationally colored film formed on a front surface of the translucent substrate... and a back gradationally colored film formed on a back surface of the translucent substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTranslucency:

Data Source

PatentEP4488770B1Timepiece dial and timepiece
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP4488770B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4488770B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4488770B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A timepiece dial includes a translucent substrate, a front gradationally colored film formed on a front surface of the translucent substrate by gradationally coloring the front surface with a front surface coloring material, and a back gradationally colored film formed on a back surface of the translucent substrate by gradationally coloring the back surface with a back surface coloring material. Since the front gradationally colored film and the back gradationally colored film are formed through gradation-coloring in which the density of color, where coloring is performed, is changed, it is possible to provide a variety of highly aesthetic timepiece dials.