Watch Component Adhesion via Wet-Dry Plating Material Match
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch components with a toning layer formed by vacuum vapor deposition after a protective film is formed by wet plating suffer from low adhesion between the protective film and the toning layer, leading to peeling issues during assembly, maintenance, or tool contact.
Innovation Solution
A watch component comprising a base material with a protective film formed by wet plating and a decorative film formed by dry plating, where the decorative film is a multilayer film with a first layer in contact with the protective film, and the main material of the first layer is the same as the protective film, enhancing adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a toning layer is formed by vacuum vapor deposition after the protective film is formed by wet plating, then the appearance texture equivalent to noble metal material is achieved, but the adhesion between the protective film and the toning layer is low causing peeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the first layer from oxide film to the same material as the protective film (e.g., nickel), which fundamentally alters the adhesion mechanism from weak physical adhesion to strong metallurgical bonding, thereby resolving the peeling issue while maintaining the decorative appearance function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite film structure where the first layer uses the same material as the protective film to ensure strong adhesion, while subsequent layers use different materials to achieve the desired decorative appearance, combining the benefits of both strong bonding and aesthetic functionality
2Reliability
If a protective film is formed by wet plating on brass base material, then rust protection is achieved, but the surface becomes deactivated making oxide film adhesion poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the same material as the protective film (e.g., nickel) as an intermediary layer between the protective film and the oxide/decorative layers, creating a metallurgical bond that overcomes the surface deactivation issue while maintaining the protective function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the first layer have the same material composition as the protective film, creating homogeneous material interfaces that promote strong adhesion through metallurgical bonding, thereby resolving the adhesion problem caused by surface deactivation
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
The enhanced adhesion between the protective film and the decorative film prevents peeling, ensuring durability and reliability of the watch component, while maintaining low production costs due to high mass productivity of the wet plating process.
Implementation Method 1
a protective film formed on a surface of the base material by wet plating
Implementation Method 2
a decorative film formed on a surface of the protective film by dry plating
Data Source
AI summary
A watch component includes a base material, a protective film formed on a surface of the base material by wet plating, and a decorative film formed on a surface of the protective film by dry plating, wherein the decorative film is a multilayer film in which a plurality of layers including a first layer in contact with the protective film are stacked, and a main material constituting the first layer is the same as a main material constituting the protective film.