Transparent Watch Cover Components With Laser-Structured Decorative Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to maintain precise alignment tolerances of thin layers relative to substrate textures in watch components, fashion articles, and jewelry, complicating production due to the complexity of decorative elements.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing process involving localized removal and deposition of inner and outer layers on transparent substrates, followed by surface treatments like ablation and etching, ensures precise alignment and structuring of these layers to achieve decorative patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a thin layer is deposited on the surface of a substrate with textures, then decorative designs are created, but alignment tolerances between the thin layer and textures become difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating the texture structure on the substrate before depositing the thin decorative layer. This ensures that the texture is already in place and serves as a reference for maintaining alignment tolerances during the subsequent layer deposition process, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving precise alignment and managing production complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a intermediate layer or reference structure that facilitates the alignment between the substrate texture and the deposited thin layer. This intermediary element helps maintain precise alignment tolerances while simplifying the overall production process by providing a clear reference framework
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple layers are deposited to create decorative elements, then visual depth and complexity are enhanced, but manufacturing precision and alignment become more difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the decorative structure into multiple distinct layers, each with specific functions. The first layer provides the base texture while subsequent thin layers add decorative elements. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently and simplifies alignment control by treating each layer as a separate manufacturing step with defined reference points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by preparing the base layer and texture structure before adding subsequent decorative layers. This sequential preparation ensures that each layer is deposited on a properly prepared surface, maintaining alignment precision while making the overall manufacturing process more manageable through staged production
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 process enhances the precision and quality of decorative elements by ensuring accurate alignment and visibility of layers, creating a visually rich and attractive appearance with depth effects.
Implementation Method 1
The localized ablation step of the inner layer is performed by laser beam
Implementation Method 2
deposition of an inner layer on all or part of the surface of an inner face of a substrate
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a component for the casing (10) of a watch, a fashion item or a jewelry item, comprising the following steps: - deposition of an inner layer (12) on all or part of the surface of an inner face (110) of a substrate (11) made of a transparent material, - localized ablation of the inner layer (12), so as to retain a part of said inner layer (12) on a first portion of the inner face (110) of the substrate (11), said ablation being carried out so as to form at least one pocket (14) opening onto a second portion of the inner face (110) of the substrate (11) and so as to structure said second portion of the inner face (110) of the substrate (11), - surface treatment of the inner layer (12) and of the second portion of the inner face (110) of the substrate (11).