Timepiece Functional Element Printing for Splash-Free Inertia Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying material to timepiece components to adjust inertia often cause splashes that contaminate the horological movement, leading to malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving precise application of a functional element using aerosol jet printing, high density inkjet, or other technologies, with controlled solution properties and deposition techniques to ensure targeted and splash-free application on non-planar surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If material is applied by spraying onto the balance to adjust inertia, then the inertia correction is achieved, but splashes occur that contaminate the horological movement and cause malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a receiving area with specific surface properties (surface energy, roughness, tension) as an intermediary between the material application process and the balance. This receiving area is designed to capture and retain the applied material while preventing it from spreading to contaminate the horological movement, thus solving the contamination problem while maintaining inertia correction precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies physical parameters of the receiving area surface (surface energy, surface roughness, surface tension) to control material behavior. By adjusting these parameters, the material is made to adhere specifically to the receiving area without splashing or spreading to surrounding components, eliminating contamination while achieving precise inertia correction
2Quantity of substance
If material is sprayed onto the balance to adjust inertia, then the inertia modification is achieved, but the material spreads and causes contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized receiving area with specific surface properties that are different from surrounding areas. This local quality difference ensures that material is deposited only where needed on the balance, achieving precise placement and controlling the quantity of material applied without unwanted spreading or contamination
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
Achieves precise and controlled deposition of functional elements on timepiece components, preventing contamination and enabling accurate regulation of the timepiece's rate by modifying inertia and unbalance without causing malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
the application sub-step comprises a phase of transforming the prepared solution into an aerosol when the printing technology uses an aerosol jet
Implementation Method 2
the deposition step comprises a sub-step of solidifying the material of the solution applied to the surface of the receiving area
Data Source
AI summary
A method that prints a functional element on a surface of a receiving area of a timepiece component of a timepiece contributing to regulating the rate of this timepiece includes preparing a solution containing a material constituting the functional element and depositing the prepared solution onto the surface of the receiving area. Specific properties of the solution are defined as a function of preparation criteria and include at least one structural modification feature of the timepiece component, at least one construction feature of the functional element on the receiving area, at least one structural feature of the material to be applied to the receiving area, and at least one feature of the receiving area of the component.