High-Entropy Alloy Timepiece Component Strength Ductility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Timepiece components, particularly mainsprings, face a challenge in simultaneously achieving high mechanical strength and high ductility, as existing materials rarely offer both properties effectively.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece component made from a high-entropy alloy with between 4 and 13 main alloying elements, each concentrated between 1 and 55 at.%, which includes specific formulations like Fe80-xMnxCo10Cr10, Fe50Mn30Co10Cr10, and others, along with interstitial and structural hardening elements, to enhance mechanical strength and ductility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional materials are used for timepiece components, then manufacturing is simpler, but mechanical strength and ductility cannot be simultaneously achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs high-entropy alloys as composite materials consisting of multiple principal elements (5-13 elements) in comparable concentrations (1-55 at.% each). This composite approach creates a single-phase solid solution that simultaneously achieves high mechanical strength and high ductility, resolving the contradiction between strength and material simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of alloy composition by using multiple principal elements in high concentrations (1-55 at.% each) rather than traditional low-concentration alloying. This parameter change enables the formation of a stable single-phase solid solution with enhanced mechanical properties, achieving both high strength and ductility.
2Reliability
If high-entropy alloy with multiple elements is used, then mechanical strength and ductility are improved, but alloy design and manufacturing become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameters to ensure each of the 5-13 elements is present at 1-55 at.%, creating a balanced composition that promotes single-phase solid solution formation. This parameter optimization ensures high ductility while maintaining manufacturability through controlled casting and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves homogeneity by creating a single-phase solid solution where multiple elements are uniformly distributed at atomic levels. This homogeneous structure, maintained through controlled cooling and processing, ensures consistent mechanical properties including high ductility, while simplifying manufacturing by avoiding multi-phase complexity.
3Strength
If traditional alloying approach is used, then manufacturing is easier, but cannot achieve both high strength and high ductility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite high-entropy alloying with 5-13 principal elements in high concentrations (1-55 at.% each) to achieve superior mechanical strength. This composite approach contrasts with traditional single or dual-element alloys, enabling simultaneous high strength and ductility through multi-element synergistic effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the alloying parameters by increasing both the number of elements (5-13) and their concentrations (1-55 at.% each), creating a high-entropy system that forms a stable single-phase solid solution. This parameter transformation enables unprecedented mechanical strength while maintaining ductility.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a timepiece component containing a high-entropy alloy, the high-entropy alloy containing between 4 and 13 main alloying elements forming a single solid solution, the high-entropy alloy having a concentration of each main alloying element comprised between 1 and 55 at. %.