Rigidized Ornamental Mesh for Secure Stone Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The flexibility of traditional Milanese mesh makes it difficult to permanently affix ornamental stones, as the movement of the mesh causes the stones to loosen and separate from their settings during normal use.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a metallic film and heating to rigidize the mesh, followed by drilling settings and forming prongs around the stones to securely attach them, eliminating flexibility and ensuring the stones remain in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mesh is made flexible for normal use, then the mesh can be worn and moved, but the ornamental stones become loose and displaced
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh is segmented into two distinct states: a flexible state for normal wear and a rigid state for stone setting. The patent applies this by treating different portions of the mesh differently - some areas remain flexible while others are rigidized through metallic film application and heating, allowing the mesh to serve both functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the mesh is changed from flexible to rigid through parameter modification. The patent applies metallic film to specific areas and uses heating to alter the mechanical properties of those portions, transforming them from a flexible state to a rigid state that can permanently hold stones while other portions remain flexible for wear.
2Reliability
If the mesh is rigidized to hold stones permanently, then the stones remain secure, but the mesh loses its flexibility and wearability
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the mesh are given different properties - some areas are rigidized with metallic film for stone setting, while other areas remain flexible for wear. This local differentiation allows the mesh to simultaneously provide permanent stone attachment and maintain wearability in other regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh is divided into functional segments: rigidized zones for ornamentation and flexible zones for wear. The patent implements this by selectively applying metallic film and heat treatment to specific areas, creating distinct functional regions within the same mesh structure.
3Reliability
If metallic film is applied and heating is used to rigidize the mesh, then the stones can be permanently affixed, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh is rigidized with metallic film and heat treatment before the stones are set. This preliminary action of rigidizing the mesh structure first simplifies the subsequent stone setting process, as the rigid surface provides stable drilling and setting conditions, rather than attempting to set stones in flexible mesh.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the mesh (applying metallic film, heating) to transform it from flexible to rigid. This parameter change enables the use of conventional drilling and setting equipment on the mesh, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the added rigidization step.
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 rigidized mesh effectively prevents ornamental stones from becoming displaced, allowing for permanent and aesthetically pleasing attachment, while maintaining the mesh's structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
heating the mesh structure so as to form a rigid mesh structure
Implementation Method 2
the metallic film is in the form of a liquid paste and the step of applying the liquid paste includes brushing the paste on the mesh structure using a brush; the heating step includes passing the mesh structure through a furnace so as to form a thin metallic layer over the mesh structure
Data Source
AI summary
A mesh structure to which is mounted one or more ornamental stones. The mesh structure includes a series of chain links that are inter-woven. A thin metallic film in the form of a solder layer is hardened onto the surface of the mesh structure so as to make the mesh structure rigid. One or more settings are drilled into the rigid mesh structure, and a stone is disposed in each of the settings that are provided. A series of prongs are formed about the periphery of each of the so-disposed stones by up-setting the mesh.