Elastic Ring Setting for Decorative Elements in Brittle Substrates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for setting decorative elements, such as gemstones, on non-deformable materials like ceramics or brittle metals are inadequate due to the lack of plastic deformation capacity, leading to unreliable adhesive bonding and incompatibility with materials like ceramics and silicon, which are increasingly used in timepieces.

Innovation Solution

A setting comprising an elastic ring with a compressible opening that can be inserted into a hollow in a support, allowing for plastic deformation to secure decorative elements, utilizing materials like gold or amorphous metal alloys for ductility and reversible deformation, and incorporating oblique surfaces and interlocking features for enhanced mechanical anchoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If adhesive bonding is used to set decorative elements on non-deformable materials, then the setting can be applied to brittle substrates like ceramics and silicon, but the retention reliability is insufficient and long-term durability cannot be guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with non-deformable materialsVSAvoidretention reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The setting combines a ductile metal body (for plastic deformation and mechanical retention) with an elastic ring material (for mechanical anchoring in brittle substrates). This composite structure enables both reliable stone setting through plastic deformation and secure anchoring in non-deformable supports like ceramics and silicon, while maintaining 100% mechanical retention without adhesive bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic ring undergoes parameter changes through elastic deformation during insertion into the hollow of the support. The ring is compressed to fit into the hollow, then springs back to its original shape, creating friction forces and mechanical anchoring that secure the setting to the brittle substrate while maintaining retention reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional plastic deformation setting method is used, then reliable mechanical retention of decorative elements is achieved, but the method is limited to ductile metal supports and cannot be applied to brittle materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical retentionVSAvoidcompatibility with support materials

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If intermediate material filling with hot forming processes is used, then setting can be achieved on non-deformable supports, but thermal stresses are induced and specific tools are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with non-deformable supportsVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces thermal forming processes (casting, thermoforming, hot press fit) with a purely mechanical insertion process. The elastic ring is compressed mechanically and inserted into the hollow of the support, then springs back to secure the setting. This eliminates thermal stresses and the need for specific hot forming tools, simplifying the process while maintaining compatibility with brittle substrates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If adhesive bonding is used, then setting can be applied to various materials, but the bonded areas are exposed to external environment making long-term adhesion difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial compatibilityVSAvoidenvironmental exposure to bonded areas

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces adhesive bonding with a purely mechanical retention system. The setting body retains the decorative element through plastic deformation (100% mechanical retention), while the elastic ring provides anchoring through elastic deformation and friction forces. This eliminates adhesive bonding entirely, so there are no bonded areas exposed to environmental factors like humidity, sweat, UV, and air pollution, ensuring long-term durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution provides reliable mechanical retention of decorative elements without thermal stress, suitable for both deformable and non-deformable materials, including brittle substrates, ensuring long-term durability and compatibility with complex geometries like blind holes in watch cases.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic ring including an opening for compressing the ring to press it into a hollow in a support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the prongs are folded down by plastic deformation so as to hold said aesthetic element inside the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11064777B2Decorative element made by a setting technique

Publication Date: 2021.07.20 OMEGA SA

AI summary

A setting including an open elastic ring carrying elements for setting a decorative element, the setting being arranged to be placed in a radially compressed state inside a hollow provided in a substrate of an article to be decorated.