Silicon Watch Spring Strength via Oxidation Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Silicon-based horological components, such as watch springs, face issues with low mechanical strength due to the deep reactive ion etching method, which creates sharp edges and flatness defects, and existing reinforcement methods are costly or require bulky equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple thermal oxidation and deoxidation steps to remove a predetermined thickness of silicon, improving mechanical strength by reducing surface defects and enhancing the component's durability without the need for additional costly annealing or final silicon oxide coatings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) is used to machine silicon components, then the components can be manufactured with precise shapes, but the mechanical strength decreases due to sharp edges and scalloping defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal oxidation to transform the surface condition of silicon components. By controlling oxidation parameters (temperature, time, atmosphere), the method removes sharp edges and scalloping defects created by DRIE, thereby improving mechanical strength while preserving the precisely shaped geometry manufactured by etching
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal oxidation treatment is performed as a preliminary step before final assembly or use of the silicon component. This preliminary action eliminates surface defects that would otherwise compromise mechanical strength during subsequent handling, assembly, or operation
2Strength
If a thick silicon oxide coating is applied to reinforce silicon components, then the mechanical strength increases, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thermal oxidation, a self-service process where silicon atoms on the component surface react with oxygen to form silicon oxide in situ. This eliminates the need for external coating materials and complex coating equipment, reducing manufacturing cost while providing the desired surface reinforcement and defect removal
3Strength
If multiple oxidation-deoxidation steps are performed to increase mechanical strength, then the strength improves, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple oxidation-deoxidation cycles in sequence, where each cycle further improves mechanical strength by removing additional surface defects. The continuous repetition of this useful action achieves progressive strengthening without requiring fundamentally different process steps, maintaining relative process simplicity
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
Significantly increases the mechanical strength of silicon-based horological components, reducing the risk of fatigue failure and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal oxidation phase followed by a deoxidation phase
Implementation Method 2
a thermal oxidation phase followed by a deoxidation phase
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a horological component according to which a silicon-based piece having the desired shape of the horological component is produced and the piece is subjected to a thermal oxidation and deoxidation treatment to remove a predetermined thickness of silicon in order to increase the mechanical strength of the piece. This method is characterized in that the thermal oxidation and deoxidation treatment is carried out in several steps, each step including a thermal oxidation phase followed by a deoxidation phase.