Titanium Oxide Trim Part Coloring Without Masking Surface Topography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decoration methods for watch parts, jewelry, and fashion items, such as varnishing and vacuum-based thin-film deposition, uniformly color the components, limiting decoration possibilities and are costly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving anodizing a titanium substrate to form two interference layers of titanium oxide with different thicknesses and colors, preserving the decorative topography and allowing for multiple color variations through controlled material removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vacuum-based thin-film deposition methods are used to color trim pieces, then the coloring process is achieved, but the trim piece is colored uniformly which limits decoration possibilities and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the trim piece surface into multiple zones with different anodizing voltages applied to different segments. This allows each segment to develop distinct interference colors while maintaining the same base material, thereby achieving multi-color decoration without complex vacuum deposition equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different anodizing voltages to different regions of the trim piece surface. This creates spatial variation in oxide layer thickness and color properties, enabling localized color differentiation while using a simple electrochemical process instead of complex uniform deposition methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If varnish is sprayed to color watch parts, then coloring is achieved, but surface structuring decorations such as sunburst finishing are masked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical varnish spraying process with an electrochemical anodizing process. This substitution allows color to be generated through controlled oxide layer formation that preserves underlying surface topography, rather than applying a masking varnish layer that would obscure decorative features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes through controlled anodizing where different voltages produce different interference colors in the titanium oxide layer. This enables multi-color decoration while maintaining surface structure visibility, as the color arises from the oxide layer itself rather than from an opaque coating.
3Reliability
If vacuum-based thin-film deposition methods are used for coloring, then the process is achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple electrochemical anodizing process that uses inexpensive electrolyte solutions and standard power supplies, replacing expensive vacuum deposition equipment. The process achieves reliable coloring through controlled oxide formation that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly compared to vacuum methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves reliable multi-color decoration by changing the electrical parameter (voltage) during the anodizing process. By varying the applied voltage, different oxide layer thicknesses and colors are produced, providing a simple yet reliable method to control color output without expensive equipment.
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 decorative features while enabling rich, varied color patterns with ease, reducing costs by avoiding uniform coloring and complex implementation.
Implementation Method 1
formation of a first interference layer of titanium oxide on the whole of a decorative face of a titanium substrate, by anodizing said decorative face at a voltage V1
Implementation Method 2
formation of a first interference layer of titanium oxide... formation of a second interference layer of titanium oxide
Data Source
Figure 1~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for decorating a watch, jewelry or fashion item component (10), comprising the steps of: - forming a first interference layer (110) of titanium oxide on the whole of a decorative face (101) of a titanium substrate (100), by anodizing said 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), - forming a second interference layer (120) of titanium oxide by anodizing said portion at a voltage V2 lower than the voltage V1.