Horological Component Segmentation for Daylight Aesthetics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phosphorescent decorations on horological components are aesthetically detrimental as they remain visible in daylight, compromising the appearance of high-end timepieces.
Innovation Solution
A horological component featuring a photoluminescent material for a phosphorescent appearance in the dark, combined with a metallic or variochromic material for a metallic appearance in light, arranged to conceal the photoluminescent effect during daylight exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If photoluminescent material is applied to horological components, then phosphorescent appearance in the dark is achieved, but aesthetic appearance in daylight deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The decoration is divided into two separate components: a first decoration component containing photoluminescent material and a second decoration component containing metallic or variochromic material. These components are arranged relative to each other on the substrate, allowing each to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the decoration serve different functions: the first decoration component provides phosphorescent properties in dark areas, while the second decoration component provides metallic appearance in light-exposed areas. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between phosphorescent visibility and aesthetic appearance.
2Reliability
If photoluminescent material is used for visibility in dark, then readability in dark is improved, but visual appeal in light is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The decoration is segmented into two functional components with distinct material compositions and visual properties, allowing the photoluminescent material to ensure readability in dark while the metallic material maintains visual appeal in light.
Solution Approach 2:
The second decoration component uses metallic or variochromic materials that change appearance under different lighting conditions, providing visual appeal in daylight while the first component ensures phosphorescent visibility in dark, thus resolving the contradiction between readability and aesthetic appeal.
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
Enhances the aesthetic appearance of the component during daylight by concealing the photoluminescent material while maintaining a phosphorescent effect in the dark, thereby improving the visual appeal of high-end timepieces.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first photoluminescent material intended to procure a phosphorescent appearance when the component is placed in the dark
Implementation Method 2
said second material being metallic and intended to procure a metallic appearance
Data Source
AI summary
A horological component including a substrate and at least one first decoration component including at least one first photoluminescent material configured to procure a phosphorescent appearance. The horological component includes a second decoration component including at least one second material, the second material being metallic and configured to procure a metallic appearance, or variochromic and configured to procure a color that varies under the effect of a stimulus, the first decoration component and the second decoration component being arranged relative to one another on the substrate to form a decoration having a metallic appearance or a color that varies under the effect of a stimulus when the horological component is exposed to light and a phosphorescent appearance when the horological component is in the dark. A timepiece can include such a horological component.