Silicon Watch Escape Gear with Varying Layer Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional watch components made from silicon substrates face a trade-off between weight reduction and strength, as decorative features like small holes can weaken the component, and there is a need for enhanced decorativeness without compromising structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A watch component featuring a silicon substrate with a light reflecting layer comprising a first silicon oxide layer, a silicon layer, and a second silicon oxide layer, where the thickness of the silicon layer varies between regions to create distinct colors and patterns, enhancing decorativeness without compromising strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If small holes are formed on the silicon substrate to create decorative surface, then decorativeness is improved, but strength of the component reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by forming a light reflecting layer with varying silicon layer thickness (50-140 nm) that creates different colors (blue, green, red) through optical interference. This achieves decorative effects without compromising structural integrity, as the substrate remains intact without holes or convexities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by controlling the thickness of the silicon layer within specific ranges (50-80 nm for first region, 80-140 nm for second region) to produce different colors. This parameter control enables decorative differentiation while maintaining uniform substrate strength.
2Shape
If uniform thickness silicon layer is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but decorativeness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different silicon layer thicknesses (first region: 50-80 nm, second region: 80-140 nm) to produce different colors in specific areas. This enables localized decorative effects while maintaining a relatively simple three-layer structure overall.
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 solution allows for improved decorativeness and color differentiation in watch components while maintaining structural integrity, offering a durable and aesthetically appealing design for mechanical watches with see-through structures.
Implementation Method 1
a light reflecting layer including a first silicon oxide layer, a silicon layer, and a second silicon oxide layer that are stacked, in this order, at the substrate... the thickness of the silicon layer in the first region and a thickness of the silicon layer in the second region are different from each other
Data Source
AI summary
For example, an escape gear portion as a watch component includes a substrate containing silicon as a main component, and a light reflecting layer including a first silicon oxide layer, a silicon layer, and a second silicon oxide layer that are stacked, in this order, at the substrate, wherein, when the light reflecting layer is viewed in plan view, the light reflecting layer includes a first region and a second region, and a thickness of the silicon layer in the first region is different from a thickness of the silicon layer in the second region.