Horology Composite Component with Ceramic Inserts and Transparent Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for creating composite components in horology and jewelry fail to effectively utilize the unique properties of individual elements, particularly optical properties, leading to suboptimal display enhancements such as reflective or structured surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the fabrication of composite components by bonding a base made of a hard material with ceramic or sapphire inserts, followed by machining, alignment, and coating with transparent treatment materials to enhance optical properties and create reflective or structured surfaces, while concealing machining chips and allowing for decorative elements and markings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a composite structure with assembled elements is used, then the component can incorporate different materials with unique properties, but the optical properties of each element are not effectively utilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial property utilizationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-machining through-bores in the ceramic structures before assembly. This allows inserts to be precisely positioned and secured in the final assembly operation, enabling complex multi-material composite structures to be manufactured efficiently without requiring complex post-assembly machining operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the composite component into distinct functional elements: a base structure, ceramic structures with through-bores, and inserts with specific optical properties. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized and manufactured separately using appropriate processes for each material, then assembled into a unified component that leverages the unique properties of each segment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Illumination intensity

If decorative elements and markings are added to enhance display, then the aesthetic appeal is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay enhancementVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into unified components: the ceramic structures serve both structural and decorative purposes, while the transparent treatment layers simultaneously protect the surfaces and enhance optical properties. Decorative elements are integrated into the assembly process rather than added as separate post-processing steps, reducing overall process complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing transparent treatment layers selectively on specific surfaces that require enhanced optical properties or protection. Different surfaces receive different treatments based on their specific functional requirements, optimizing display enhancement where needed while maintaining simplicity in areas where it is not required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If through-bores are machined in ceramic structures, then inserts can be precisely positioned, but machining chips are generated that require concealment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsert positioning accuracyVSAvoidmachining chips

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of visible machining chips into a benefit by applying transparent treatment layers that encapsulate and conceal the chips. The same machining process that creates precision positioning features also generates chips, but the subsequent coating operation serves dual purposes: protecting the precise positioning while hiding the chips from view, thus converting a defect into an acceptable feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 method effectively leverages the properties of different materials to create enhanced reflective or structured surfaces, improving the aesthetic and functional aspects of horological and jewelry components, such as watch dials and jewelry pieces.

Implementation Method 1

coating with transparent treatment materials to enhance optical properties and create reflective or structured surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical Vapour Deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS11625007B2Composite component for horology or jewellery with a ceramic structure and inserts

Publication Date: 2023.04.11 OMEGA SA

AI summary

A method for fabricating a composite component for horology or jewellery including making a base from a first material, with a first visible apparent surface, and a first support surface; a structure from a second ceramic, or sapphire or at least partially amorphous material, with a second apparent surface and a second support surface, including a through bore machined over the entire thickness thereof; at least one insert made of a third material, for each through bore, and arranged to fit together in a complementary manner with this through bore; bonding this base and each structure to each other, with each first support surface and each second complementary support surface bearing against one another; securing each insert with its respective through bore.