Metallic Inlay in Ceramic Watch Bezel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Watch bezels made partially of synthetic sapphire obscure metallic decorations due to transparency and lack of color contrast, making them difficult to read and visually unappealing.
Innovation Solution
A method involving forming a zirconia-based ceramic body, etching recesses, depositing thin electrically conductive layers, and galvanically filling these recesses with metallic materials to create a visually appealing and wear-resistant inlaid decoration, which can be applied to various timepiece components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a synthetic sapphire bezel is used to protect the deposit, then mechanical resistance is improved, but visual quality deteriorates due to lack of color contrast and faded transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions: the bezel maintains sapphire transparency for mechanical protection, while the recess areas contain metallic deposits with distinct optical properties. This creates local contrast between the transparent bezel and metallic inlays, resolving the contradiction between protection and visual quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines synthetic sapphire with metallic materials (gold, silver, copper, platinum, palladium, or their alloys) in a composite structure. The sapphire provides mechanical resistance while the metallic deposits provide visual contrast and aesthetic quality, achieving both protection and visual appeal simultaneously.
2Reliability
If the deposit is completely covered with sapphire, then mechanical protection is improved, but color contrast and readability of decoration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bezel is segmented into two functional zones: the main bezel body made of transparent sapphire for protection, and recessed areas containing metallic deposits for visual display. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimensional solution by creating recesses in the bezel surface, forming a three-dimensional structure where metallic materials are embedded at different depths. This dimensional change enables both mechanical protection from the bezel body and visual contrast from the embedded metallic elements, improving readability without sacrificing protection.
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 visual quality by eliminating transparency limitations and maintaining mechanical resistance, allowing for complex designs with improved contrast and durability.
Implementation Method 1
step c) is achieved by auto-catalytic plating or by vapour phase deposition
Implementation Method 2
step c) is achieved by auto-catalytic plating or by vapour phase deposition
Implementation Method 3
step d) is achieved by vapour phase deposition
Implementation Method 4
step e) depositing galvanically a metallic material or its alloy from the second conductive layer so as to completely fill said at least one recess
Implementation Method 5
step a) is achieved by sintering
Implementation Method 6
step b) is performed by laser
Implementation Method 7
The invention may also be applied to all or part of a piece of jewelry or even be applied to tableware
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an inlaid ceramic decoration (10) including a ceramic body (11) that has at least one recess (12) forming the pattern for a decoration (13). According to the invention, said at least one recess is entirely filled by first and second electrically conductive layers (14, 15) of approximately 50 nm and a metallic galvanic plating (16) so as to form a ceramic element (10) inlaid with at least one metallic decoration (13) with improved visual rendering.The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing the inlaid ceramic element.The invention concerns the field of decorated ceramic parts.