Watch Case Cladding Diffraction Gratings via Laser-Ablated Base Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing decorative diffraction gratings on watch components face challenges in achieving repeatable manufacturing with tight tolerances and are limited to metallic materials, lacking versatility in material choice.
Innovation Solution
A method involving laser ablation of an opaque base layer on a transparent substrate to form diffraction gratings, followed by optional etching and secondary layer deposition, ensuring precise control of manufacturing tolerances and allowing use of various materials like sapphire or glass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If diffraction gratings are produced directly on metallic substrates using conventional methods, then decorative effects are achieved, but manufacturing precision and repeatability are difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the structure into three distinct segments: a transparent substrate (sapphire, glass, or ceramic), an opaque base layer deposited on the substrate, and the diffraction grating formed within the base layer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the substrate provides mechanical strength and material versatility, the base layer enables precise diffraction grating formation through laser ablation, and the grating itself creates the decorative effect. By separating the grating formation from the substrate, manufacturing precision is significantly improved while allowing diverse substrate materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The opaque base layer acts as an intermediary between the transparent substrate and the diffraction grating. This intermediate layer serves multiple functions: it provides a suitable medium for laser ablation to create precise diffraction gratings, it enhances the contrast and visibility of the grating pattern, and it protects the substrate from direct laser exposure. The base layer mediates the interaction between the laser energy and the substrate, enabling precise grating formation without compromising substrate integrity or limiting material choices.
2Reliability
If high energy levels are used to ablate the substrate directly, then diffraction gratings can be formed, but manufacturing repeatability and tolerance control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by concentrating the laser ablation action specifically within the opaque base layer rather than the substrate. The base layer has locally optimized properties - it is opaque to laser radiation, has appropriate ablation characteristics, and provides confined interaction volume. This localized ablation within the base layer produces clean, precise diffraction gratings with consistent dimensions and spacing, significantly improving manufacturing repeatability and tolerance control while reducing the overall energy requirements compared to substrate ablation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional decorating methods are used on metallic materials, then diffraction effects are achieved, but material choice is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves universality by making the transparent substrate the common platform for all diffraction grating decorations, regardless of the final application. The same substrate-grating structure can be used for watches, jewelry, fashion accessories, and other decorative items. The opaque base layer and laser ablation process provide a universal manufacturing approach that works consistently across different transparent substrate materials (sapphire, glass, ceramic), enabling broad material choice while maintaining precise tolerance control through the standardized base layer deposition and ablation process.
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 repeatable production of decorative diffraction gratings with high precision and versatility in material choice, enhancing visual appeal through varied and dynamic color effects.
Implementation Method 1
localized ablation of the base layer by laser machining, so as to form at least one pocket whose bottom is formed by the substrate and has a diffraction grating
Implementation Method 2
These phenomena are generated by means of diffraction gratings made on the cladding component
Data Source
Figure 1~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a component of a watch case (10), a fashion item or a jewelry item, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - deposition of an opaque base layer (12) on all or part of the surface of an inner face (110) of a substrate (11) made of a transparent material, - localized ablation of the base layer (12) by laser machining, so as to form at least one pocket (14) the bottom of which has a diffraction grating (15).