TiCN-Coated Stainless Steel Timepiece Substrate for Scratch Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metal materials used in timepiece exterior components, such as titanium and stainless steel, have low hardness, leading to surface scratches and degradation of aesthetic appearance over time, and the use of platinum, palladium, and indium is limited due to high cost and inadequate brightness.
Innovation Solution
A decorative article with a substrate of Ti and stainless steel, featuring a TiCN first coat with a C content ratio of 2.0-19 wt% and N content ratio of 0.5-10 wt%, and a stainless steel second coat, applied using vapor phase film forming methods like ion plating and sputtering, to enhance hardness and maintain aesthetic appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If titanium or stainless steel is used for timepiece exterior components, then the material is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, but the surface is easily scratched and aesthetic appearance degrades over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a multi-layer composite coating structure consisting of a TiCN first coat and a stainless steel second coat. The TiCN layer provides high hardness and scratch resistance, while the stainless steel layer maintains aesthetic appearance. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties - the hard TiCN prevents scratching while the stainless steel layer preserves visual appeal over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the combined C and N content ratio in the TiCN first coat to be equal to or more than 2.0 wt% and less than or equal to 19 wt%. This parameter control ensures the TiCN layer achieves maximum hardness and wear resistance while maintaining adhesion and aesthetic properties. By precisely controlling compositional parameters, the coating delivers both scratch resistance and long-term aesthetic durability.
2Illumination intensity
If platinum, palladium, or indium is used as the second coat, then the aesthetic appearance and brightness are enhanced, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive precious metals (platinum, palladium, indium) with stainless steel for the second coat. While stainless steel is less expensive, the multi-layer structure ensures long-lasting performance through the protective TiCN first coat. This substitution dramatically reduces material cost while maintaining aesthetic appearance through the coordinated design of both layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of TiCN first coat and stainless steel second coat creates a cost-effective alternative to precious metal coatings. The TiCN layer protects the stainless steel from degradation, allowing the affordable stainless steel to deliver sustained aesthetic performance comparable to expensive precious metals, thereby resolving the cost-brightness contradiction.
3Quantity of substance
If titanium is used as the second coat, then the cost is reduced, but the brightness and aesthetic appeal are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines TiCN first coat with stainless steel second coat to achieve both cost reduction and brightness enhancement. The stainless steel layer inherently provides higher brightness and aesthetic appeal compared to titanium, while the TiCN protective layer ensures durability. This composite approach simultaneously achieves low cost and high brightness, resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
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
The solution provides superior hardness and aesthetic appeal, minimizing scratches and maintaining a moderate brightness at a reasonable price, allowing for extended use without significant degradation.
Implementation Method 1
applied using vapor phase film forming methods like ion plating and sputtering
Implementation Method 2
applied using vapor phase film forming methods like ion plating and sputtering
Data Source
AI summary
A decorative article comprises a substrate being primarily composed of at least any of Ti and stainless steel in at least part of a surface vicinity thereof; a first coat being formed on the substrate and being primarily composed of TiCN; a second coat being formed on a side of the first coat opposite a side facing the substrate and being composed of stainless steel; wherein a combined C content ratio and N content ratio in the first coat is equal to or more than 2.0 wt % and less than or equal to 19 wt %.