Decorative Component Laser Hairline Patterning on Small Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to create a fine hairline pattern on small components like inner and outer links of a wristwatch band, which is essential for achieving a desired decorative design.
Innovation Solution
A method involving sequential laser irradiation of a target region to draw decorative patterns composed of multiple lines, with varying directions and spacings, to mimic a hairline pattern, allowing for the creation of a pattern that feels like a real hairline on small components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If hairline processing is performed on small components using traditional methods (brush scratching), then a hairline pattern can be formed, but the manufacturing process becomes complex requiring masking, cleaning, and peeling steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical brush scratching method with laser processing. The laser beam sequentially draws decorative patterns composed of multiple lines on the component surface, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and associated masking/cleaning operations. This substitution maintains the hairline pattern quality while dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing parameters by using laser energy instead of mechanical force. By controlling laser power, scanning speed, and pattern parameters (line spacing, direction, overlap), the system achieves hairline patterns on small components without the process complexity of traditional mechanical methods. The decorative patterns are formed by depositing material or modifying the surface through controlled laser irradiation.
2Ease of manufacture
If laser processing with large radius curves is used on small components, then processing is simplified, but fine hairline streaks cannot be created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laser processing into multiple decorative patterns, where each pattern consists of multiple lines. By drawing several overlapping patterns with slightly different orientations (varying the scanning direction by small angles), the system creates fine hairline streaks on small components. This segmentation approach maintains processing simplicity while achieving the required pattern fineness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by sequentially drawing multiple decorative patterns in a systematic sequence. Each pattern is drawn with specific parameters, and the patterns are overlaid in a repeating manner to build up the hairline texture. This periodic drawing process ensures fine streak formation while keeping the manufacturing approach simple and automated.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple decorative patterns are drawn in overlaid manner with varying directions, then a realistic hairline pattern is achieved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by drawing a limited number of decorative patterns (typically 2-5 patterns) rather than requiring excessive numbers. Each pattern contributes to the overall hairline effect, and the optimal number is determined by balancing pattern realism with processing efficiency. This approach achieves satisfactory hairline patterns without excessive processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-planning the decorative pattern parameters before processing. The scanning directions, line spacing, and overlap amounts are determined in advance based on the desired hairline effect. This preliminary setup allows the actual laser processing to proceed efficiently without real-time adjustments, reducing total processing time while maintaining pattern quality.
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
This method effectively reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for masking, cleaning, and peeling processes, while achieving a pattern that closely resembles a hairline texture on small components like wristwatch band links.
Implementation Method 1
a method for manufacturing a component provided with a decoration by laser light
Implementation Method 2
sequentially irradiating a target region in a surface of the component with laser light so as to draw decorative patterns
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for manufacturing a component provided with a decoration by laser light. The method includes sequentially irradiating a target region in a surface of the component with laser light so as to draw decorative patterns in an overlaid manner, each decorative pattern being composed of a plurality of lines.