Timepiece Dial Segmentation for Deep Surface Decoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepiece dials face challenges in forming surface decorations with deep unevenness and polishing due to integrated indices, which restrict design freedom and hinder polishing processes.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece dial configuration featuring a first substrate with protruding indices and a second substrate with through holes for index insertion, allowing for separate formation of surface decorations with deep unevenness and facilitated polishing, using materials like metals, ceramics, or plastics, and bonding methods such as adhesives or caulking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the index and surface decoration are formed on the same substrate, then the structure is simple, but the surface decoration depth is limited and polishing is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dial is divided into a first substrate (base dial) and a second substrate (decoration layer). The second substrate is separated from the first substrate, allowing the surface decoration to be formed independently without being restricted by the thickness of the plate material. This segmentation enables deep unevenness to be formed on the second substrate while maintaining structural integrity through overlapping and bonding.
2Reliability
If the index protrudes from the substrate surface, then the index is integrated and less likely to fall off, but polishing work is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The dial is segmented into a first substrate with protruding indices and a second substrate without indices. The second substrate is separated from the first substrate, providing a flat surface that is easy to polish. The indices remain integrated with the first substrate, maintaining their reliability and resistance to falling off.
Solution Approach 2:
The indices are extracted from the second substrate and placed only on the first substrate. This extraction allows the second substrate to have a smooth, flat surface that facilitates polishing work, while the indices remain securely attached to the first substrate where they are needed for functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If a thin plate material is used for press molding, then processability is improved, but the height of unevenness is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The dial is divided into a first substrate made by press molding with a thin plate material (maintaining good processability) and a second substrate that can be formed with deep unevenness. The second substrate is separated from the first substrate, allowing it to achieve greater unevenness height without being constrained by the thickness limitations of the press-molded thin plate material.
4Shape
If surface decoration with deep unevenness is formed, then three-dimensional appearance is improved, but polishing work becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dial is segmented into two substrates: the first substrate with indices and the second substrate with surface decoration. The second substrate is separated from the first substrate, providing a flat, index-free surface that is easy to polish. Meanwhile, the second substrate can still achieve deep unevenness for three-dimensional appearance, and the polished second substrate is then bonded to the first substrate.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a timepiece dial and a timepiece capable of forming a surface decoration due to unevenness on a substrate and to facilitate polishing work on a substrate surface. A timepiece dial includes a first substrate on which an index protrudes from a first main surface, and a second substrate overlapped on the first main surface. A through hole through which the index is inserted and exposed is formed in the second substrate. A surface decoration having unevenness is formed on the second substrate.