Watch Dial Element Support for Machining and Electroplating
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method for machining and surface treatment of watch dial elements, such as appliques and counter frames, requires numerous manual manipulations with tweezers, leading to inefficiencies and a high risk of scratches, and results in significant waste of galvanic material due to the conventional bouclard's complete coverage in alloy after electroplating.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a support with a rigid substrate and conductive track that allows for both machining operations like faceting and diamond dressing, followed by electroplating, with the support configured for efficient handling and reduced manual handling, using a tool to separate and store the treated elements, thereby minimizing tweezers' use and galvanic bath usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the conventional bouclard is used for electroplating operations, then the appliques can be treated, but the entire structure is covered with alloy causing significant waste of galvanic material
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple isolated conductive zones, each corresponding to a specific applique position. The conductive track is divided into separate segments that can be independently activated, allowing electroplating to occur only at the required locations rather than covering the entire bouclard structure, thus reducing galvanic material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements local quality by providing conductive properties only at specific locations where appliques are positioned. The conductive track is designed to conduct electricity only at the precise points needed for electroplating, while the rest of the support structure remains non-conductive or isolated, ensuring galvanic material is deposited only where required.
2Reliability
If numerous manual manipulations with tweezers are used for positioning and removing appliques, then the process can be completed, but the risk of scratches increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple operations into a single integrated support structure. Appliques are positioned once on the support, which then serves for both machining operations and electroplating operations. This eliminates the need to transfer appliques between different fixtures using tweezers, reducing both scratch risk and manual manipulation time, thereby improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to automatically hold and position appliques during the entire process sequence. The conductive track and support geometry provide self-aligning features that reduce the need for precise manual positioning with tweezers, allowing the system to maintain proper positioning throughout machining and electroplating operations without extensive manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the aluminum disc is used for machining operations, then the appliques can be machined, but it is not suitable for electroplating operations requiring a different support
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: it serves as a fixture for machining operations (replacing the aluminum disc) and simultaneously as a conductive substrate for electroplating operations (replacing the conventional bouclard). The support incorporates conductive tracks and isolation features that enable it to function in both machining and electroplating contexts without requiring separate fixtures, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity through integration.
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
Significantly reduces manual manipulations, minimizes the risk of scratches, and achieves substantial savings in galvanic material usage by allowing efficient machining and electroplating operations on the same support, with the treated elements being easily detachable and storable without additional handling.
Implementation Method 1
surface treatment operations by electroplating carried out on the blanks of elements mounted on the support and machined according to step b
Data Source
Figure 1~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The method involves positioning blanks of elements on a support (10) that is configured such that machining operations and surface treatment operations are performed on the blanks mounted on the support, where the support is in form of a disk. The machining operations are performed on surfaces of the blanks of the elements by units cooperating with the blanks mounted on the support. The surface treatment operations are performed on the blanks of the elements mounted on support by electroplating.