Watch Hand Micromachining for Fine Lacework Reproducibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing decorative components for timepieces and jewelry struggle to create fine laces or microstructures, are labor-intensive, and lack reproducibility, making it difficult to consistently achieve intricate designs across multiple pieces.
Innovation Solution
A micro-machining method using technologies like LIGA (Lithography, Galvanofomung, and Abformung) or DRIE (Deep Reactive Ion Etching) to create decorative patterns through the thickness of a component, allowing for precise and reproducible fine lace designs, which can be enhanced with luminescent substances for visibility in the dark.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional engraving or mechanical cutting methods are used to create decorative patterns, then the manufacturing process is simple, but it is not possible to create fine lacework or microstructures
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is divided into distinct sequential steps: applying photosensitive resin, UV irradiation through masks, electroforming, and resin removal. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently to achieve microstructure precision while maintaining overall process manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional mechanical 3D cutting to a 2D mask-based UV irradiation approach followed by electroforming. By using 2D masks to define patterns and building structures through electroforming, the process achieves superior microstructure precision that mechanical methods cannot attain
2Reliability
If manual decoration steps are performed, then flexibility in design is maintained, but reproducibility of the same design across multiple pieces is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses physical masks as templates that can be replicated and reused to create identical decorative patterns across multiple components. The mask-based UV irradiation process ensures consistent pattern transfer, achieving high design reproducibility while eliminating manual decoration variability
Solution Approach 2:
Manual decoration operations are replaced with an automated electroforming process controlled by UV irradiation through masks. This substitution eliminates manual intervention in the pattern creation step, ensuring consistent reproduction of designs across multiple pieces
3Ease of manufacture
If PVD and electroforming are used to create deep markings, then decorative elements can be created, but the process is complex and relatively slow
Solution Approach 1:
The photosensitive resin is applied and patterned using UV irradiation through masks before the electroforming step. This preliminary structuring of the resin template enables the electroforming process to proceed efficiently with precise pattern definition already in place, improving overall manufacturing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the pattern definition (via UV irradiation through masks) and the material deposition (via electroforming) into an integrated process sequence. This merging of pattern transfer and structure creation steps achieves both decorative quality and improved manufacturing efficiency compared to separate operations
4Manufacturing precision
If traditional methods are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but fine lacework and microstructures cannot be produced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameters of the manufacturing process by using UV irradiation through masks instead of mechanical cutting, and electroforming instead of traditional engraving. These parameter changes enable microstructure production while the optimized process sequence maintains reasonable manufacturing cycle time
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
Enables the production of finely detailed decorative patterns that are reproducible and visible in low light conditions, enhancing the aesthetic and security features of timepieces and jewelry by ensuring precise and consistent micro-machining of intricate designs.
Implementation Method 1
a photosensitive resin is applied to the base substrate, which is then illuminated through a mask representing a pattern
Implementation Method 2
Galvanic growth of the metal occurs in the open areas of the resin
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The process enables the production of a decorated component (1) for a watch or jewelry piece. This component, adorned with the decoration (3), could be, for example, a watch hand. To create this component, a base substrate is used, and micromachining is performed on or within the base substrate to obtain an upper portion (2) of the component, which is decorated. The decoration is applied through the thickness of the upper portion according to a programmed pattern. Subsequently, the upper portion is placed on a luminescent or colored substance (4) to produce the component.