Iron-Based Oxide Film Watch Component Color Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch components face challenges in achieving both durability and decorative properties, as oxidized films provide long-term tone retention but are limited to single colors, while paint films suffer from unevenness, shear droop, and aging discoloration.
Innovation Solution
A watch component with an oxide film formed by oxidizing a base material containing iron as the main component, with an average film thickness of 70 nm to 145 nm and a variation in film thickness of equal to or less than 35%, allowing for unique decorative properties by combining various colors with a gray main color.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If an oxidized film is formed on a watch component, then long term tone retention is achieved, but multiple colors cannot be developed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the average film thickness of the oxidized film within 70 nm to 145 nm and limiting the variation in film thickness to 35% or less. By adjusting these physical parameters of the oxide film, the invention achieves both long-term tone retention and enhanced color variety through interference effects, resolving the contradiction between durability and color versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a paint film is formed by painting process, then various color tones can be created, but unevenness and discoloration occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical painting process with a chemical oxidation process. Instead of applying paint mechanically, the invention forms an oxidized film through chemical reaction on the base material surface. This substitution eliminates the defects of paint films (unevenness, shear droop, discoloration) while achieving color variety through controlled oxidation and interference effects, thus resolving the contradiction between color variety and uniformity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the oxide film thickness is increased to enhance color effect, then decorative properties improve, but film thickness uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by optimizing the film thickness parameter within a specific range (70 nm to 145 nm average thickness with 35% or less variation). This precise parameter control ensures that the oxide film is thick enough to produce visible interference colors for decorative effects, while maintaining sufficient uniformity to avoid excessive variation. The invention identifies and controls the critical parameter range that balances both decorative properties and manufacturing precision.
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 provides watch components with both durable and aesthetically appealing properties, preventing aging deterioration and unevenness, while allowing for a range of colors to enhance decorative appeal.
Implementation Method 1
an oxide film formed by oxidizing a base material containing iron as a main component
Data Source
AI summary
A watch component having an oxide film formed by oxidizing a base material containing iron as a main component, an average film thickness of the oxide film is from 70 nm to 145 nm, and a variation in film thickness of the oxide film is equal to or less than 35%.