Watch Component Galvanic Growth via Controlled Support Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing watch components using micro-manufacturing techniques face challenges such as galvanic growth defects due to poor development of photosensitive resin, particularly when the configuration of the cavity is complex or made of fragile materials like silicon, leading to parasitic growth issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of controlled zones on the support to precisely expose the conductive metal layer, allowing for controlled galvanic growth by positioning the structure to minimize contact surface and using parylene layers to isolate cavities from the conductive metal, thereby avoiding parasitic growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the cavity configuration is complex or made of fragile materials like silicon, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but galvanic growth defects occur due to poor development of photosensitive resin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming controlled zones on the support before assembly, which precisely expose the conductive metal layer in advance. This preliminary preparation ensures that during subsequent galvanic growth, the photosensitive resin develops properly without defects, even when cavity configurations are complex or materials are fragile. The controlled zones are created before the structure is assembled to the support, allowing precise control of the exposure process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses controlled zones as intermediary elements between the support and the cavity structure. These controlled zones act as mediators that precisely control where the conductive metal layer is exposed, ensuring proper galvanic growth only in the intended areas. The controlled zones prevent unwanted galvanic growth by limiting the exposure of the photosensitive resin to specific, predetermined regions.
2Quantity of substance
If the area of exposed photosensitive resin is much larger than the area facing the cavity, then the galvanic growth is sufficient, but unwanted growth occurs under the structure over significant surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating controlled zones with precisely defined contours on the support. These controlled zones ensure that the conductive metal layer is exposed only in specific local areas that correspond to the cavity openings, rather than across the entire support surface. This localized exposure prevents parasitic galvanic growth under the structure while maintaining sufficient growth in the intended areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled zones are formed in advance on the support before assembly, precisely defining where the conductive metal layer will be exposed during galvanic growth. This preliminary action ensures that the exposed photosensitive resin area is optimized - large enough to provide sufficient galvanic growth material, but limited to areas that will not cause unwanted growth under the structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If the structure is made of fragile material such as silicon, then the microfabrication techniques can be used, but the structure is difficult to attach to axles and other components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining silicon structures with metallic elements. The silicon structure maintains its microfabrication precision and lightweight properties, while the metallic elements provide the necessary strength and attachment capability. The metallic elements are formed within or around the silicon structure through controlled galvanic growth, creating a composite component that leverages the advantages of both materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by adding metallic elements only in specific locations where strength and attachment capability are needed, rather than making the entire structure metallic. The silicon structure maintains its precise microfabricated geometry in areas where lightness and precision are critical, while metallic reinforcements are locally added to provide attachment points and structural strength where required.
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
This method ensures precise and controlled galvanic growth, reducing parasitic growth occurrences and maintaining manufacturing precision, even with complex structures and fragile materials.
Implementation Method 1
formation of said element by deposition of said material in said cavity by galvanic growth from the conductive metallic layer of the support
Implementation Method 2
exposure of the assembly in order to remove the photosensitive resin appearing at the bottom of the cavity so as to make the conductive layer appear
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(g)
Figure 2(a)~2(e)
Figure 3(a)~3(e)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a watch component comprising a structure (1) and an element (3) formed in or at the periphery of the structure in a material different from that of the structure. Said method comprises the fabrication of a structure (1) comprising a cavity (2) for receiving said element (3), the fabrication of a support (6) comprising at least one conductive metallic layer (8), the temporary assembly of the structure (1) and the support (6), the formation of said element (3) in said cavity (2) by galvanic growth from the conductive metallic layer (8) of the support (6), and the separation of the structure (1) from its support (6).The support fabrication step (6) includes, prior to the assembly step, the formation, on the face (6a) of the support (6) intended to be assembled to the structure (1), of a controlled area (22) arranged so that, during assembly, it aligns with the cavity (2) of the structure (1) and allows the conductive metal layer (8) to become visible in such a way as to form, with said cavity (2), a mold for forming said element (3). Furthermore, when the structure (1) comprises several levels (1a, 1b), the assembly step of the structure (1) onto its support (6) includes a positioning step of said structure (1) so that it is temporarily assembled to the support (6) by the level (1b) that occupies the smallest cross-sectional area.