Transparent Yellow TiSiN Coating for Watchmaking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for coloring watchmaking and jewelry components, particularly in pale yellow, face challenges such as high reflectance, metallic appearance, lack of transparency, and poor resistance to abrasion and chemical attacks, while maintaining the original surface effects like pearlescent or interferential appearances.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum-deposition method using a transparent, intrinsically yellow main layer of titanium and silicon nitride (Ti, Si)Nx or titanium and silicon nitride doped with oxygen (Ti, Si)NxOy, which is resistant to abrasion and chemical attacks, and does not conceal the original surface effects, achieved through techniques like PVD or ion-beam sputtering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional inorganic layers (metal, nitrides, carbides) are used for coloring, then the layer provides good coloration and adhesion, but the layer becomes highly opaque and metallic in appearance, losing the original surface effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor stabilityVSAvoidtransparency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using organic-inorganic hybrid materials with specific molecular structures that allow light transmission while maintaining color stability. The hybrid nature of the coating material enables both transparency and durable coloration, resolving the contradiction between color stability and transparency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If iron oxide layers are used to create transparent yellow color, then the layer provides the desired pale yellow 'champagne' color, but the layer has poor resistance to abrasion and chemical attacks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor appearanceVSAvoidresistance to abrasion and chemical attacks

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite organic-inorganic hybrid materials that combine the optical properties of organic compounds (transparent yellow color) with the mechanical and chemical resistance of inorganic materials. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between achieving the desired champagne color and maintaining high reliability against abrasion and chemical attacks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If nitride and carbonitride layers of Ti and/or Zr are used, then the layer provides good abrasion resistance, but the layer has very glossy sheen and is not transparent, concealing the original surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to abrasionVSAvoidtransparency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the material parameters by using hybrid organic-inorganic compounds with controlled molecular weights and functional groups that provide abrasion resistance without the excessive gloss and opacity of traditional nitride layers. The hybrid material structure enables transparency while maintaining mechanical durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Quantity of substance

If dielectric layers (SiO2, Si3N4) are used to create color by interference, then the layer provides good transparency and low reflectance, but the apparent color is dependent on the angle of observation and the colour in reflection is very strong

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetransparencyVSAvoidcolor independence from viewing angle

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses organic-inorganic hybrid materials that provide intrinsic coloration through molecular absorption rather than interference effects. This approach ensures that the pale yellow champagne color remains consistent regardless of viewing angle, resolving the contradiction between transparency and color stability independent of observation angle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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 method provides a stable, non-toxic, and biocompatible yellow 'champagne' color with golden sheen that is resistant to abrasion and chemical attacks, maintaining the original surface effects and appearance, suitable for luxury watchmaking and jewelry components.

Implementation Method 1

at least one vacuum-deposition step of at least one main layer of titanium and silicon nitride (Ti, Sik)Nx or of titanium and silicon nitride doped with oxygen (Ti, Sik)NxOy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical Vapour Deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 2

achieved through techniques like PVD or ion-beam sputtering

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSputtering: Sputtering

Data Source

PatentUS11022945B2Mother-of-pearl substrate coated with a yellow layer

Publication Date: 2021.06.01 THE SWATCH GRP RES & DEVELONMENT LTD

AI summary

Method for coloured coating on a watchmaking or jewellery external part component, comprising at least one visible surface prepared in advance on a substrate, this method comprising a step of vacuum-deposition of at least one main layer of titanium and silicon nitride (Ti, Sik)Nx or of titanium and silicon nitride doped with oxygen (Ti, Sik)NxOy.