Colored Sapphire Watch Glass With Partial-Depth Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coloring sapphire watch glasses require complex studies for each color change, are not compatible with certain colors, cannot achieve partial or combined colorings, and do not ensure sufficient transparency, mechanical strength, or quality of color rendering.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the introduction of a coloring chemical element on the surface of a transparent substrate, followed by heat treatment, to create a zone of modified chemical composition that extends only partially through the thickness of the glass, maintaining transparency and mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sapphire is colored by synthesizing it with coloring agents, then the glass is colored in the mass, but the process requires complex studies for each color change and cannot achieve partial or combined colorings
Solution Approach 1:
The coloring is segmented into a localized zone rather than being distributed throughout the entire volume. The coloring agent is introduced only in a portion of the sapphire thickness, creating a concentrated colored region that enables partial coloring and multiple color combinations without requiring complete re-synthesis for each color variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the coloring agent in a specific zone within the sapphire structure. This localized concentration allows different regions of the sapphire to have different optical properties, enabling partial coloring and combined colors while simplifying the manufacturing process.
2Shape
If the entire volume of sapphire is colored, then the color is uniform, but the transparency and mechanical strength are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of coloring the entire volume of sapphire, the patent applies partial action by introducing the coloring agent only in a portion of the thickness. This partial coloring achieves the desired visual effect while preserving the transparency and mechanical strength of the uncolored portions of the sapphire.
Solution Approach 2:
The coloring is applied locally in a specific zone rather than uniformly throughout the entire volume. This localized approach creates the appearance of uniform color in the colored region while maintaining the structural integrity and transparency of the overall sapphire component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a coloring layer is applied on the surface, then partial coloring is achieved, but the color homogeneity and quality rendering are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coloring agent is nested within the sapphire crystal structure itself rather than being applied as a separate surface layer. This nesting approach integrates the color uniformly at the molecular level within the colored zone, achieving superior color homogeneity and quality rendering while maintaining partial coloring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where the coloring agent is integrated within the sapphire matrix in a localized zone. This composite approach at the micro-level ensures uniform color distribution and high-quality rendering while allowing for partial coloring of the overall component.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex coloring processes are used, then color quality is improved, but the manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coloring agent is introduced during the crystal growth phase or in a preliminary treatment step before final manufacturing operations. This preliminary action integrates the coloring process into an existing manufacturing step, achieving high color quality without adding significant manufacturing time or cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The coloring process is merged with the crystal growth or heat treatment process rather than being a separate operation. This combination achieves high-quality color homogeneity while maintaining manufacturing efficiency, as the coloring occurs simultaneously with other necessary manufacturing 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
Achieves predictable, repeatable, and high-quality coloration with homogeneous or heterogeneous distribution, compatible with timepiece requirements, allowing for mass production without degrading mechanical properties.
Implementation Method 1
introduction of at least one coloring chemical element by at least one exterior or interior surface of said initial substrate... heat treatment of said substrate resulting from the introduction step
Data Source
AI summary
A transparent timepiece component, in particular a watch glass, has a substantially planar or curved interior surface, and has mainly a transparent material colored by a zone of modified chemical composition within the component through an introduction of at least one coloring chemical element of the transparent material, this zone of modified chemical composition extending in one part only of the total thickness of the timepiece component.