Watch Casing Trim Attachment via Decoy Insert Electroplating
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in attaching a trim to a watch casing element coated with a galvanically deposited metal layer is that drilling for the trim obstructs the hole during electroplating, leading to irregular edges and the need for additional machining, which is aesthetically unacceptable for high-end pieces.
Innovation Solution
A decoy insert, made of insulating material, is introduced into the hole to prevent galvanic deposition infiltration, allowing for precise perforation and subsequent leveling of the metal layer, ensuring clean edges and easy integration of the trim by gluing or other fastening methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electroplating is carried out after drilling the hole for the trim, then the hole becomes obstructed by the deposit, but additional machining is required which creates irregular edges that are aesthetically unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
A decoy element is introduced into the hole before electroplating to prevent the deposit from obstructing the hole. This preliminary action ensures that the electroplating process can proceed without blocking the trim access hole, eliminating the need for subsequent machining operations that would compromise edge quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoy element acts as an intermediary object during the electroplating process. It temporarily occupies the hole space, preventing metal deposit infiltration and obstruction, and is removed after plating to reveal a clean, unobstructed hole with straight edges.
2Ease of manufacture
If the hole is drilled before electroplating, then the trim can be incorporated, but the galvanic deposit obstructs the hole requiring additional machining
Solution Approach 1:
The decoy element is placed in the hole before electroplating to prevent deposit obstruction. This allows the process to proceed in one sequence without requiring additional machining operations afterward, improving productivity while maintaining ease of trim incorporation.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoy element is extracted (removed) after electroplating to reveal the clean hole. This extraction eliminates the need for additional machining operations, as the hole is already clear and ready for trim installation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the hole is drilled before electroplating, then the trim can be incorporated, but the deposit creates irregular edges that are aesthetically unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The decoy element is introduced before electroplating to prevent deposit infiltration into the hole. This preliminary protection ensures that the edges around the hole remain straight and clean, maintaining aesthetic quality while allowing easy trim incorporation.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoy serves as a protective intermediary during electroplating, preventing the metal deposit from creating irregular edges around the hole. After removal, the hole retains its original clean, straight edges suitable for high-end aesthetic requirements.
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 method ensures straight edges and aesthetically pleasing results by preventing galvanic deposition from obstructing the hole, allowing for efficient and precise attachment of trims to watch casing elements without additional machining, maintaining the integrity of the metal layer.
Implementation Method 1
a layer is galvanically deposited metal on said substrate
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The method involves providing a substrate (2), and providing a trimming part that is intended to be built-in the substrate. The substrate is partially perforated corresponding to dimensions of the trimming part. A bait (5) is introduced into a hole, where dimensions of the bait correspond to dimensions of the hole. A metal layer (3) is galvanically deposited on the substrate. The bait is withdrawn, and the trimming part is introduced into the substrate and fixed in the substrate by bonding.