Timepiece Case Plating Structure for Concealed Non-Plating Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
The translucent frame body in existing decorative rings has regions not covered with a plating layer, leading to a deterioration in appearance properties due to visible recognition.
Innovation Solution
A case device comprising an inner case made of a non-plating-targeted material and an outer case made of a plating-targeted material, with a plating film formed on the outer case's visible surface, and covered by a cover member to enhance appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a translucent frame body is used with only partial plating coverage, then material cost is reduced, but appearance property deteriorates due to visible non-plating regions
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into two distinct materials: a translucent frame body (first material) and an opaque cover member (second material). This segmentation allows the plating film to be applied only to the cover member, achieving both cost reduction and appearance improvement by hiding the non-plating region.
Solution Approach 2:
The opaque cover member acts as an intermediary that covers the translucent frame body. This intermediary element prevents the non-plating region from being visible, thereby resolving the appearance problem while allowing selective plating application.
2Manufacturing precision
If a plating film is applied to the entire case surface, then appearance property is improved, but material cost increases due to excessive noble metal usage
Solution Approach 1:
The plating film is applied locally only to the cover member portion that is visible and requires aesthetic appearance, rather than applying it to the entire case surface. This local quality approach optimizes noble metal usage by concentrating it only where needed for appearance purposes.
3Device complexity
If the translucent frame body is left exposed without covering, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but appearance property deteriorates due to visible non-plating material
Solution Approach 1:
The case is segmented into an inner translucent frame body and an outer opaque cover member. This segmentation adds a structural element that improves appearance by hiding the non-plating region, while the modular design keeps manufacturing complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The case uses composite construction with two different materials: a translucent frame body material and an opaque cover member material. This composite approach allows each material to serve its specific function while achieving the overall appearance goal.
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
Improves appearance properties by ensuring the plating film is only applied to the desired areas, reducing visible recognition of the non-plating material and minimizing the use of noble metals.
Implementation Method 1
a plating film formed on an appearance portion visible from outside on a surface of the outer case
Implementation Method 2
the outer case is made of a second material that is a plating-targeted material on which the plating film is formable
Data Source
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AI summary
A case device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: an inner case; an outer case; a plating film formed on an appearance portion visible from outside on a surface of the outer case; and a cover member, wherein the outer case is made of a second material that is a plating-targeted material on which the plating film is formable, the inner case is made of a first material that is a non-plating-targeted material on which the plating film is less easily formed than the second material, and the inner case is covered with the outer case and the cover member.