Timepiece Micromechanical Component in High-Interstitial Austenitic Steel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Timepiece movement components made from traditional martensitic steels are sensitive to magnetic fields and corrosion, limiting their suitability for high-wear applications, while corrosion-resistant steels lack the necessary hardness for such use.
Innovation Solution
A micromechanical component formed from high-interstitial austenitic steel with nitrogen and/or carbon, providing a hardness range of 500-900 HV and resistance to magnetic fields and corrosion, eliminating the need for hardening treatments or shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If martensitic steels (steel 15P or steel 20AP) are used for timepiece components, then mechanical properties and hardness are improved, but sensitivity to magnetic fields and corrosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the steel by increasing interstitial elements (carbon and nitrogen) from typical levels (0.03-0.08% C, 0.01-0.05% N) to high levels (0.15-1.2% total interstitials), while maintaining austenitic phase stability through controlled gamma-forming elements. This parameter change transforms the material properties to achieve both high hardness and resistance to magnetic fields and corrosion simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite-like austenitic steel structure by combining high concentrations of interstitial elements (carbon and nitrogen) with gamma-forming elements (nickel, manganese, copper) and stabilizing elements (chromium, molybdenum). This composite composition achieves a unique microstructure that provides both mechanical strength and environmental resistance without the drawbacks of traditional martensitic steels
2Object-affected harmful factors
If resulfurized steel 316L is used for timepiece components, then ease of machining and resistance to magnetic fields/corrosion are improved, but hardness is reduced to around 350 HV
Solution Approach 1:
The invention dramatically increases the interstitial element content from typical austenitic steel levels (0.03-0.08% C, 0.01-0.05% N) to high levels (0.15-1.2% total interstitials). This parameter change enables the austenitic steel to achieve hardness between 500-900 HV while maintaining the austenitic phase structure that provides resistance to magnetic fields and corrosion
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces local quality variations through controlled distribution of interstitial elements and alloying elements within the austenitic matrix. The high interstitial content creates localized strengthening effects while the overall austenitic structure maintains corrosion and magnetic field resistance, achieving different properties in different aspects of the same material
3Strength
If traditional steels are used for high-wear applications, then mechanical strength is improved, but additional hardening treatments and magnetic shielding are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single material: the high-interstitial austenitic steel simultaneously provides mechanical strength, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and magnetic field resistance. This eliminates the need for separate hardening treatments (carburizing, nitriding) and magnetic shielding treatments that would otherwise be required, simplifying the overall device structure and manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The material serves itself by inherently possessing all required properties through its composition. The high interstitial austenitic steel automatically provides wear resistance through its hardness, corrosion resistance through its austenitic structure, and magnetic field resistance through its non-magnetic properties, without requiring external treatments or additional protective components
Data Source
AI summary
A micromechanical component for a timepiece movement including a metal body formed using a single material. The single material is of high-interstitial austenitic steel type including at least one non-metal as the interstitial atom in a proportion between 0.15% and 1.2% with respect to total mass of the material.