Two-Material Watch Case Plating for Uniform Surface Finish
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently forming plating films on specific materials while minimizing thickness deviations and irregularities, particularly in complex shapes, which affect the appearance and functionality of case devices like wristwatches.
Innovation Solution
A two-color molding process is employed, using a non-plating-targeted material for the inner case and a plating-targeted material for the outer case, with a plating film applied only to the outer case, reducing thickness deviations and irregularities, and minimizing the use of noble metals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a plating film is formed on the entire case including inner case and outer case, then the appearance is improved, but the thickness deviation and irregularities increase due to complex shape
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into two separate cases: an inner case made of non-plating-targeted material and an outer case made of plating-targeted material. The plating film is applied only to the outer case, segmenting the plating process from the complex overall structure and achieving uniform thickness without irregularities.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials are assigned to different parts of the case structure. The outer case uses plating-targeted material specifically where plating is needed, while the inner case uses non-plating-targeted material. This local differentiation enables precise plating control on the appearance portion.
2Manufacturing precision
If plating is applied to all surfaces, then the appearance is enhanced, but the use of noble metals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plating process is extracted and applied only to the outer case rather than the entire case assembly. This selective application reduces noble metal consumption by limiting plating to only the visible appearance portion while maintaining aesthetic enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
Plating is applied locally only to the outer case material that is visible from outside, rather than uniformly across all surfaces. This localized plating approach enhances appearance quality where needed while minimizing noble metal usage on non-visible portions.
3Manufacturing precision
If masking is used to protect non-plating areas, then the plating precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The case is segmented into inner and outer cases made of different materials. This segmentation eliminates the need for masking by inherently defining which areas should be plated (outer case) and which should not (inner case), thereby improving manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The differentiation between plating and non-plating areas is performed preliminarily through material selection and case design rather than through masking during the plating process. This preliminary action streamlines manufacturing by eliminating masking steps.
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
This approach enhances the appearance and reduces the need for masking, allowing precise plating only on necessary portions, thereby improving the aesthetic and functional properties of case devices.
Implementation Method 1
a plating film formed on an appearance portion visible from outside on a surface of the outer case
Implementation Method 2
a plating film formed on an appearance portion visible from outside on a surface of the outer case
Data Source
AI summary
A case device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: an inner case; an outer case; a plating film formed on an appearance portion visible from outside on a surface of the outer case; and a cover member, wherein the outer case is made of a second material that is a plating-targeted material on which the plating film is formable, the inner case is made of a first material that is a non-plating-targeted material on which the plating film is less easily formed than the second material, and the inner case is covered with the outer case and the cover member.