Transparent Display Dial UV Cold Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transparent display dials for portable objects like wristwatches cannot be given a decorative finish using mechanical methods without risking damage to the transparent window, limiting their aesthetic appearance and readability of digital information.
Innovation Solution
A method involving cold printing assisted by ultraviolet radiation is used to simultaneously create a decorative pattern and an anti-reflective filter on a transparent display dial, allowing for a decorative surface while maintaining transparency and enabling visualization of a digital display device underneath.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If mechanical finishing methods are used on a transparent dial to create decorative patterns, then the dial gains aesthetic appearance, but the transparent window area risks being scratched or damaged, compromising readability
Solution Approach 1:
The dial surface is divided into distinct zones: a transparent window area that remains untouched and retains full transparency for display readability, and a decorative area that receives the embossed pattern. This segmentation allows mechanical finishing to be applied selectively only where aesthetic enhancement is desired, without compromising the functional transparent area.
Solution Approach 2:
Different surface properties are applied to different regions of the dial. The transparent window area maintains its original smooth, transparent quality for optimal readability, while the decorative area receives an embossed finish for aesthetic appeal. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by giving each area the quality it needs for its specific function.
2Shape
If the entire dial surface is given a decorative finish, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but transparency of the window area is lost, making digital display unreadable
Solution Approach 1:
The dial surface is segmented into a decorative zone and a transparent window zone. The embossed decorative pattern is applied only to the non-transparent area, while the window area remains clear to allow light transmission and ensure readability of the digital display beneath.
Solution Approach 2:
The dial exhibits local quality variation: the decorative area has an embossed surface structure for aesthetic effect, while the window area maintains a smooth, transparent surface for optimal light transmission and display visibility. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between decoration and transparency.
3Illumination intensity
If anti-reflective coating is applied to the transparent window, then readability is improved, but the decorative finish on other areas is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dial surface is segmented into functional zones with different treatments: the transparent window area receives anti-reflective coating to enhance readability, while the decorative area receives embossed finishing for aesthetic appeal. This segmentation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously in their respective areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different surface treatments are applied locally to different areas: anti-reflective coating is applied to the window area to reduce reflections and improve readability, while the decorative area maintains its embossed finish for aesthetic effect. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between readability enhancement and decorative finish preservation.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate manufacturing steps are used to apply decoration and anti-reflective coating, then each feature can be optimized, but manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process merges multiple operations into a single integrated step: the embossed decorative pattern and the anti-reflective coating are applied simultaneously in one manufacturing operation. This eliminates the need for separate processing steps, reducing manufacturing complexity and time while maintaining the precision of both features through the unified process design.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process achieves multi-functionality by performing both decorative embossing and anti-reflective coating application in a single operation. This universal process handles multiple functions (aesthetic finishing and optical optimization) simultaneously, reducing overall process complexity while maintaining the quality of each individual feature.
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
Enables the creation of transparent display dials with decorative surfaces and anti-reflective filters, ensuring readability and aesthetic appeal without compromising transparency, with the process being efficient, precise, and applicable to various materials.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid polymer composition is deposited on the surface of the transparent display dial facing the user and then cured by exposure to ultraviolet radiation
Data Source
Figure 1~3D
Figure 4A~4D
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a transparent display dial (1) for a portable object, this method comprising the following steps: - making a mold (20) with a first embossed pattern for printing a design (6) on at least a first part of the surface of the transparent display dial (1), and with a second embossed pattern for printing an anti-reflective filter (14) on a second part of the surface of the transparent display dial (1); - depositing a layer (18) of a mixture of a monomer and a crosslinking agent sensitive to ultraviolet radiation onto the dial; - applying the mold (20) onto the layer of the mixture (18) of monomer and crosslinking agent; - solidifying the layer of the mixture (18) of monomer and crosslinking agent by photopolymerization under ultraviolet irradiation through the mold (20), and - after exposure to light, removing the mold (20). The invention also relates to a transparent display dial (1) obtained by the method of the invention.