Watch Dial Reassembly Using Hot-Formed Amorphous Metal Inlays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch dial decoration methods face issues such as material leakage due to imperfect mask contact, waste generation, and difficulty in producing complex geometric shapes, especially when decorating expensive watch dials, which often require handwork.
Innovation Solution
A method for integrating decorative elements directly into the dial body, using amorphous or partially amorphous metals to fill gaps between broken dial pieces, forming a monolithic component through hot shaping and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mask is used to decorate the mechanical part, then the decorative elements are directly made and fixed to the mechanical part in the same step, but the mask may not be in close contact with the surface causing material leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the mask from the process entirely. Instead of using a mask to define the decorative elements, the process directly forms these elements on the mechanical part surface through controlled material deposition and selective removal, eliminating mask contact precision issues while maintaining direct in-situ decoration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a temporary protective layer as an intermediary between the deposition process and the mechanical part surface. This layer allows controlled material deposition in specific areas without requiring mask contact, and is subsequently removed to reveal the decorative elements, thereby solving both the efficiency and precision contradictions
2Productivity
If a mask is used to decorate the mechanical part, then the decorative elements are directly made and fixed to the mechanical part in the same step, but filling material may leak onto the surface requiring disposal of expensive parts
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the mask and using controlled direct deposition followed by selective material removal, the invention eliminates the leakage problem entirely. The decorative elements are formed only in intended areas through precise control of the deposition and etching processes, ensuring no material leaks onto the surface and preserving expensive parts
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary protective layer serves as an intermediary that prevents material leakage during deposition. It confines the filling material to specific areas where decorative elements should form, and is later removed to reveal clean, leak-free decorative patterns, thereby maintaining high part yield rates
3Shape
If complex geometric shapes are used to decorate the dial, then unique decorative patterns are achieved, but production requires very expensive handwork
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual handwork with an automated process combining controlled material deposition and selective chemical or mechanical removal. This allows complex geometric shapes to be formed precisely and repeatably through programmed processes rather than skilled artisan manipulation, dramatically reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining high decorative complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses controlled changes in material properties and process parameters to enable automated formation of complex shapes. By controlling deposition thickness, removal rate, and pattern definition through parameters rather than manual techniques, the process achieves high decorative complexity at low cost through automation
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
Produces a durable, unique decorative pattern on watch dials without material leakage, reducing waste and eliminating the need for handwork in complex shape production.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature at least above its glass transition temperature Tg and then cooled so as to give this metal an amorphous structure
Implementation Method 2
a) obtaining a preform made from an amorphous metal or a partially amorphous metal; b) placing said preform in a mold between said at least two broken pieces; c) heating said mold to a temperature at least above the glass transition temperature Tg of said amorphous or partially amorphous metal and applying a pressure to said preform so as to fill the gaps visible between said at least two broken pieces
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a watch component comprising the following steps: - obtaining a watch component (1); - breaking the watch component (1) into several pieces (10); - placing the pieces (10) on a support (2) and creating a desired pattern to be reassembled, the pattern having gaps (1) between the different pieces (10) of the watch component (1); - transferring the support (2) into a mold suitable for hot forming and placing a preform (3) on the pieces (10) of the watch component; - heating the whole to a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the preform (3) and applying a force to the preform to fill the gaps (11) and obtain a reassembled watch component (1'); - cooling the whole below the glass transition temperature of the preform (3) to form the reassembled watch component (1');- retrieve the reassembled watch component (1') and machine it to the desired dimensions.;