Titanium Oxide Interference Layers for Multi-Color Decorative Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decorative methods for external parts in horology, jewellery, and fashion accessories either mask surface decorations or are expensive and limit decorative possibilities, such as thin-film vacuum deposition methods that uniformly color the parts.
Innovation Solution
A method involving anodization of a titanium substrate to form two interference layers of titanium oxide with different thicknesses and colors, allowing for the preservation of surface decorations and enabling multiple color options through machining and varying voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If varnish spraying is used to colour external parts, then colouring is achieved, but surface decorations such as sunray brushing are masked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different oxide layer thicknesses through selective anodization. Areas with thinner oxide layers preserve the underlying surface decorations (sunray brushing), while areas with thicker oxide layers provide coloration. This spatial variation in layer thickness allows simultaneous achievement of coloring and preservation of surface features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the oxide layer into multiple thickness zones: a first region with a first thickness range that preserves surface decorations, and a second region with a second thickness range that provides coloration. This segmentation allows different functional requirements to be met in different areas of the same component.
2Ease of manufacture
If thin-film vacuum deposition is used to colour external parts, then colouring is achieved, but decorative possibilities are limited and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the anodization process, specifically varying the anodization voltage and duration to control oxide layer thickness. By adjusting these parameters, a wide spectrum of colors can be achieved (from gold to blue to black) without requiring different deposition materials or complex vacuum processes, thereby maintaining low cost while maximizing decorative versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical vacuum deposition system with an electrochemical anodization process. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive vacuum equipment and material deposition, using instead a simple electrolytic cell with controlled electrical parameters to achieve the same coloring function with greater flexibility and lower cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single thick oxide layer is formed by anodization, then colouring is achieved, but surface decorations are masked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different oxide layer thicknesses through selective anodization. Areas with thinner oxide layers preserve the underlying surface decorations (sunray brushing), while areas with thicker oxide layers provide coloration. This spatial variation in layer thickness allows simultaneous achievement of coloring and preservation of surface features.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple anodization layers are formed with different voltages, then multiple colors and decorative possibilities are achieved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the anodization process, specifically varying the anodization voltage and duration to control oxide layer thickness. By adjusting these parameters, a wide spectrum of colors can be achieved (from gold to blue to black) without requiring different deposition materials or complex vacuum processes, thereby maintaining low cost while maximizing decorative versatility.
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
Preserves surface features while providing a wide range of colors and decorative possibilities without the drawbacks of existing methods, enhancing product appeal.
Implementation Method 1
forming a first interference layer of titanium oxide over the entire decorative face of a titanium substrate by anodising said decorative face at a voltage V1
Implementation Method 2
forming a first interference layer of titanium oxide over the entire decorative face of a titanium substrate by anodising said decorative face at a voltage V1
Implementation Method 3
forming a first interference layer of titanium oxide... forming a second interference layer of titanium oxide... each having a different thickness
Data Source
AI summary
A method for decorating an external part (10) for horology, jewellery or fashion accessories, including the steps of: forming a first interference (110) layer of titanium oxide over the entire decorative face (101) of a titanium substrate (100) by anodising the decorative face (101) at a voltage V1; machining a portion of the first interference layer (110) so as to form at least one opening (111) leading to a portion of the decorative face (101); and forming a second interference layer (120) of titanium oxide by anodising the portion at a voltage V2 lower than voltage V1.