Elastomer Patchwork Assembly for Sharp-Contour Watch Strap Decoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for decorating elastomer parts, such as watch straps, result in unclear contours due to ink penetration during polymerization, leading to a lack of clarity in the final design.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing process involving a patchwork of sheet elements made of elastomer, where pairs of adjoining elements with common contour segments are linked by elastomer continuity, allowing for sharp color divisions and increased abrasion resistance, and are assembled on a support made of elastomer for enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If ink is deposited onto partially cross-linked elastomer material during final polymerization, then the ink penetrates the surface transforming it into an elastomer decoration, but the resulting decorations have indistinct edges and poor contour sharpness
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer material is divided into multiple colored sheet elements arranged in a patchwork pattern, where each sheet element maintains its distinct color and shape. This segmentation prevents ink diffusion issues by using discrete colored pieces rather than penetrating ink into a continuous material, thereby achieving sharp contours and clear design definition.
2Reliability
If ink is used to create colored patterns on elastomer, then decoration is achieved, but the design is susceptible to erosion and fading over time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure where multiple colored elastomer sheet elements are assembled and bonded together to form a patchwork. Each sheet element is made of elastomeric material with color distributed throughout its thickness, creating a durable composite decoration that resists erosion and fading, as the color is integral to the material rather than a surface coating.
3Shape
If solid color elastomer parts are placed in heating medium with blowing agent, then gas release creates texture, but the method does not achieve sharp color separations or defined contours
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on gas release in solid elastomer to create texture and color variation, the invention segments the elastomer into multiple pre-formed colored sheet elements. These segmented elements are then assembled in a patchwork pattern, allowing for precise color separations and sharp contours while still achieving textured surfaces through the assembly process itself.
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 solution achieves sharper, more defined outlines for colored decorations and increases the abrasion resistance of the design, ensuring the pattern remains visible even under significant wear.
Implementation Method 1
These sheet elements are joined at their edges during vulcanization
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a manufactured part comprising at least one layer (6). This layer (6) comprises an assembly of sheet elements (9, 10, 11) at least partially made of elastomer, extending mutually without overlap and forming a patchwork by counting pairs of adjacent sheet elements that have a common contour segment (13) and are linked to each other at their common contour segment (13) by a continuity of the elastomer between them, through this common contour segment (13), and within the patchwork. The invention also relates to a watch strap strand comprising the manufactured part. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the manufactured part.