Laser-Cut Ceramic Timepiece Cam With Ultra-Smooth Functional Flanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cam-type horological components face challenges in achieving a rigid, low-roughness functional flank with precise orientation, suitable thickness, and mass production compatibility, as existing methods are complex and unsuited to certain geometries or materials.
Innovation Solution
A cam-type horological component made of ceramic or cermet with a hardness greater than or equal to 600 HV, manufactured using laser-cutting with multiple laser beams or femtosecond lasers to achieve a thickness of at least 200 microns and a roughness of less than 50 nm, combined with polishing and tribofinishing for optimal surface finish.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing machining methods are used to create a functional flank, then the component can be manufactured, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical machining methods with laser-based manufacturing processes. The laser creates the functional flank through non-contact ablation, eliminating complex mechanical tooling and multi-step machining operations while achieving superior precision and surface quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental manufacturing parameter from mechanical cutting forces to laser energy parameters (power, pulse duration, wavelength). This allows precise control of the material removal process and surface characteristics through optical parameter optimization rather than mechanical tool geometry.
2Area of stationary object
If the component thickness is increased to provide sufficient flank surface area, then the functionality is improved, but the coordination with other functionality criteria becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The laser manufacturing process enables the creation of three-dimensional functional flanks with complex geometries that would be difficult to achieve with traditional machining. The laser can precisely remove material in multiple dimensions, allowing thick components with intricately shaped flanks to be manufactured as integrated units rather than assembled from multiple parts.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional machining methods are used, then manufacturing is possible, but the process is incompatible with high-rate mass production
Solution Approach 1:
The substitution of mechanical machining with laser processing enables high-speed manufacturing. Laser beams can be rapidly scanned and focused, allowing much faster material removal rates compared to mechanical cutting tools. The process is easily automated and integrated into high-volume production lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser manufacturing process enables continuous operation without the tool changes, setup adjustments, and intermediate steps required in traditional machining. The laser beam can continuously process multiple components in sequence or simultaneously process multiple features on a single component, maintaining high productivity throughout the manufacturing cycle.
4Manufacturing precision
If existing methods are used to create the functional flank, then manufacturing is possible, but the surface roughness and orientation precision are not optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The laser process inherently produces superior surface finishes with roughness values below 50 nm without requiring additional polishing or finishing operations. The precise control of laser parameters allows direct creation of the final surface geometry with exact orientation, eliminating the need for multiple sequential machining and finishing steps.
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 enables the production of horological components with optimal hardness, thickness, and surface finish, ensuring efficient functionality and compatibility with mass production, without compromising on any parameter, thus addressing the limitations of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
a step of laser-cutting of a thick strip of ceramic or of cermet with a hardness greater than or equal to 600 HV, by the combination of two different laser beams within a liquid jet or by a femtosecond laser cutting
Data Source
AI summary
The cam-type timepiece component (1) has at least one portion of substantially planar shape, having a material hardness greater than or equal to 600 HV, the portion having a thickness greater than or equal to 200 microns, or even greater than or equal to 350 microns, or even greater than or equal to 400 microns, and at least one functional flank (3) which is substantially perpendicular to a main surface (2) of the portion and has a roughness Ra of less than or equal to 50 nm.