Transparent Watch Component Coating With Structured Layer Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing external part components for watches and fashion/jewelry items face challenges in achieving accurate alignment tolerances and visual quality of thin layers, particularly in decorations visible through transparent substrates.

Innovation Solution

A manufacturing method involving polishing, localized removal, and deposition of layers with different surface conditions and compositions to create structured and through openings, ensuring precise alignment and attractive visual effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If thin layers are deposited on a transparent substrate to create decorations, then the visual appeal of the external part component is improved, but the alignment precision between multiple thin layers becomes difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual appeal of decorationVSAvoidalignment precision of thin layers

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by creating structurations (micro-reliefs) on the substrate surface before depositing the thin layers. These pre-formed structurations serve as precise alignment references that guide the deposition process, ensuring that subsequent layers align accurately with the underlying features. This pre-preparation of the substrate surface eliminates alignment issues that would otherwise occur during layer deposition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by creating distinct surface zones with different properties: some areas have structurations (micro-reliefs) while others remain flat. The thin layers are deposited selectively on these different surface conditions, with each zone receiving treatment appropriate to its local requirements. This localized differentiation enables precise alignment in structured areas while maintaining simplicity in flat areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If multiple thin layers are deposited to create complex decorations, then the decorative detail and visual complexity are improved, but the difficulty of maintaining alignment tolerances increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecorative detail complexityVSAvoidalignment tolerance compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the substrate surface into distinct zones with different surface characteristics (structured areas vs. flat areas). Each zone can independently accommodate different decorative elements and thin layer configurations. This segmentation allows complex decorations to be built up in structured areas while maintaining alignment through the pre-formed micro-reliefs, without compromising the entire surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the surface topography parameter across different zones of the substrate. By creating areas with different roughness, height, and geometric features before deposition, the patent establishes multiple reference planes that guide the deposition of thin layers. This parameter differentiation ensures that each layer aligns correctly with the underlying structure, maintaining precision even as decorative complexity increases.

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

Enhances the visual appeal and alignment precision of decorative elements by creating contrasting surface conditions and through openings, improving the overall quality of the decoration.

Implementation Method 1

said removal being carried out by a laser beam so as to form at least one pocket leading onto a second portion of the upper face of the substrate and so as to structure said second portion of the upper face of the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

deposition of a base layer over all or part of the surface of an upper face of the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical vapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS20260110987A1External part component of a watch or of a fashion or jewellery item and method for manufacturing such an external part component

Publication Date: 2026.04.23 COMADUR

AI summary

An external part component (10) of a watch, of a fashion item or of a jewellery item, including a substrate (11) made of a transparent material, the substrate (11) including an upper face (110) opposite to a lower face (111), the external part component (10) including a base layer (12) deposited over a first portion (1101) of the upper face (110) and at least one secondary layer (13) deposited over the base layer (12) and over a second portion (1102) of the upper face (110), the first and second portions (1101, 1102) of the upper face (110) having different surface conditions.