Multicolour Watch Component Assembly Through Random Color Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manufacturing processes for watches result in similar and less differentiated products due to fixed composition batches, limiting product diversity.

Innovation Solution

A method for assembling watch components with random selection and assembly in prescribed order, using color recognition, memorization, and robotic manipulation to create a diverse population of multicolored watches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fixed composition batches are used for manufacturing watches, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but product diversity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidproduct diversity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic selection process where components are randomly chosen from available color variants during assembly, rather than using fixed pre-determined compositions. This dynamic approach allows the same base components to produce diverse final products, resolving the contradiction between efficient batch manufacturing and product diversity by introducing variability at the component selection stage while maintaining structured assembly processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If similar components in same color are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but product differentiation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidproduct differentiation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different color characteristics to specific component positions within the watch assembly. Rather than requiring all components to be uniformly different, the system allows selective color variation at specific locations (case, dial, hands, bracelet), maintaining manufacturing simplicity for each component type while achieving overall product differentiation through strategic color placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite color configurations by combining multiple color variants across different component types. Each watch becomes a composite assembly of components with potentially different colors, where the overall product differentiation emerges from the combination of individual component color choices rather than from fundamentally different component designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If random selection of components is implemented, then product diversity is improved, but manufacturing complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct diversityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual random selection with an automated computer-controlled system that randomly selects component colors and coordinates the assembly process. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated systems introduces randomness and diversity while actually reducing overall manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need for human decision-making and coordination at each assembly stage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If color variants are increased for components, then product diversity is improved, but inventory complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct diversityVSAvoidinventory complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes each color variant of a component universally applicable to multiple product configurations. Rather than creating unique components for each possible color combination, the same colored component can be used in various assemblies with different other components, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining the ability to produce diverse final products through flexible mixing and matching of standardized color variants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2674819B1Watch with multicolour components

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 ETA SA MFG HORLOGERE SUISSE

Figure 1~3

AI summary

The method involves providing different elementary components (5) in different colors. A random sampling of each elementary component is performed until a complete assembly is obtained, so that colors of the elementary components are different. A random sampling of a component is performed among population of variants of color, and a color taken for the component is memorized. Random sampling of another component is performed among population of variants of color, and another color taken for the latter component is memorized. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for assembling a clockwork assembly (2) a method for assembling a watch (3) a watch.