3D-Printed Timepiece Waterproof Joint for Damage-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing waterproof joints in timepiece components are prone to damage during assembly, require precise machining, and are limited in shape variability, often resulting in inadequate long-term stability and water resistance.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using additive manufacturing, specifically 3D printing, to produce bespoke waterproof joints directly on timepiece components, allowing for complex shapes and materials that ensure durability and improved water resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional injection moulding or extrusion is used to produce waterproof joints, then the joints can be manufactured with standard processes, but the joints are delicate and require precise machining with strict tolerance criteria
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the waterproof joint production directly with the timepiece component manufacturing process. The joint is produced integrally with the component using the same additive manufacturing process, eliminating separate machining and assembly operations. This combines what were previously separate manufacturing steps into a single integrated process.
Solution Approach 2:
The additive manufacturing process inherently produces joints with the required precision and surface finish without requiring additional machining operations. The process self-regulates to achieve the necessary dimensional accuracy and surface quality, making the joint production self-sufficient without external intervention for precision enhancement.
2Reliability
If driving operations are used to assemble waterproof joints, then the joints can be installed on rigid components, but there is a risk of injuring the joint during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The joint and component are produced as a single integrated structure through additive manufacturing, eliminating the assembly operation that causes mechanical damage. The joint is not a separate part requiring driving operations but an integral feature of the component itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The additive manufacturing process acts as an intermediary that creates the joint directly on the component without requiring mechanical assembly. This intermediate manufacturing step replaces the harmful driving operation with a controlled material deposition process.
3Ease of manufacture
If bonding is used to make timepiece components integral with waterproof joints, then assembly is simplified, but long-term stability is poor due to adhesive limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The joint and component are merged into a single integrated structure through additive manufacturing, eliminating the need for adhesives or bonding operations. The joint is grown directly from the component material, creating an intrinsic bond rather than relying on external bonding agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint structure is created by depositing material layer by layer to replicate the desired joint geometry directly on the component. This copying process through additive manufacturing creates an exact replica of the intended joint structure without requiring separate bonding operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional moulding and turning processes are used, then standard manufacturing methods are applied, but the range of achievable shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The additive manufacturing process fundamentally changes the manufacturing parameters from subtractive (turning, machining) to additive (material deposition). This parameter change enables the creation of complex geometries and unconventional shapes that were previously impossible with conventional processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface sealing to three-dimensional volumetric joint structures. Additive manufacturing allows joints with complex spatial configurations and internal geometries that extend into the third dimension, providing superior adaptability for diverse sealing requirements.
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
This approach eliminates the need for precise machining and reduces the risk of joint damage during assembly, enabling the production of complex shapes and ensuring long-term stability and enhanced water resistance of the timepiece components.
Implementation Method 1
a first raised portion made of said at least one first material is grown by additive manufacturing on at least one side of said base
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a composite timepiece component, wherein, in a first step, a base and a first material are provided; in a second step, the base is positioned on an additive manufacturing device; in a third step, a first raised portion made of the first material is grown by additive manufacturing on one side of the base; in a fourth step, the development of the first raised portion is verified, the third and fourth steps are repeated iteratively until the first raised portion is seen and verified to have developed beyond a setpoint value, and additive manufacturing is stopped when this development exceeds this setpoint value; optionally, a second raised portion made of a second material is grown by additive manufacturing on one side of the base and/or on the first raised portion.