Vitrified Substrate Cavity for Diamond Embedding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing decorative objects with embedded diamonds in ceramic materials lack precision and reproducibility in positioning the diamonds within the decorative object.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a vitrified substrate with at least 40% silica, forming a cavity, depositing a decorative element, and applying a heat treatment above the substrate's glass transition or melting temperature to deform and attach the element, ensuring precise positioning and attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If heating is carried out above vitrification temperature to embed diamonds in ceramic, then the diamonds are attached in the ceramic, but precise positioning of the diamonds relative to the rest of the decorative object cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment of decorative elementVSAvoidpositioning of decorative element
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cavity is formed in the substrate before the decorative element is deposited into it. This preliminary formation of the cavity at room temperature allows for precise positioning of the decorative element, as the element is placed into a pre-defined space rather than being embedded during high-temperature heating. The cavity acts as a positional template that ensures reproducibility and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in the physical state of the substrate material through temperature control. At room temperature, the substrate maintains a rigid structure with a precisely formed cavity. During heating above the glass transition temperature, the substrate becomes soft and deformable, allowing the cavity to close and embed the decorative element. This parameter change enables both precise positioning (at low temperature) and secure attachment (at high temperature).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter 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

Enables precise and reproducible positioning of decorative elements, such as precious stones, within decorative objects, enhancing their integration and visual appeal.

Implementation Method 1

heating the substrate at least to a temperature above the glass transition temperature and/or the melting temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGlass transition:

Implementation Method 2

heating the substrate at least to a temperature above the glass transition temperature and/or the melting temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 3

so as to allow deformation of at least a portion of the opening portion to attach the decorative element in the cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 4

it is provided to heat the substrate to a temperature which allows softening of at least a part of the cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSoftening:

Data Source

PatentEP4449935A1Decorative enamel article and method for manufacturing same
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 RICHEMONT INTERNATIONAL SA
  • EP4449935A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4449935A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4449935A1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a decorative object, comprising the following steps: - obtaining a substrate (10), at least partially vitrified comprising at least 40% silica by weight, formed for example in enamel, having a glass transition temperature and/or a melting temperature, - forming in the substrate (10) a cavity comprising a part opening onto an external surface of the substrate (10), - depositing in the cavity a decorative element (20), such as a precious stone, - applying a heat treatment by heating the substrate (10) at least to a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature and/or the melting temperature, so as to allow a deformation of at least a portion of the opening part to attach the decorative element (20) in the cavity.