Watch Component Laser Texturing for Hand-Crafted Decorative Patterns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch component manufacturing methods using laser decoration result in mechanical impressions that do not adequately approximate a hand-created texture due to the use of straight-line patterns.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the sequential irradiation of laser light on a watch component's decorative region to create decorative patterns with lines arranged at random intervals between 80% to 200% of the laser spot diameter, including curved portions, to form grooves with constant width and random intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If straight-line patterns are used for laser decoration, then the manufacturing process is simple and efficient, but the decorative texture appears mechanical and does not approximate hand-created texture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the laser decoration lines by introducing curved portions at regular intervals along the otherwise straight lines. This modifies the purely linear pattern to include arc-shaped segments with specific radii and curvature directions, creating a more natural, hand-crafted appearance while maintaining the overall efficiency of the laser processing approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces variation in line properties by alternating the curvature direction (convex/concave) at different segments of the decorative pattern. This local variation in geometric quality creates visual complexity and natural appearance without requiring complete redesign of the entire pattern, thus balancing manufacturing simplicity with aesthetic quality
2Productivity
If laser light is irradiated to form decorative patterns, then the decorative region is created efficiently, but the pattern lacks the randomness and complexity of hand-created textures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous laser line into discrete portions by introducing curved sections at regular intervals. This segmentation transforms a simple continuous straight line into a complex pattern composed of multiple line segments with varying curvature, approximating the random complexity of hand-created textures while maintaining laser processing efficiency through systematic repetition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action by repeating the curved portion pattern at fixed intervals along the decorative lines. This periodic introduction of curvature creates a rhythmical variation that mimics natural hand-crafting patterns, achieving complexity through systematic repetition rather than random generation, thus maintaining manufacturing efficiency
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 approach allows for the formation of grooves that closely approximate a hand-created texture, enhancing the decorative appearance by creating a more complex and delicate pattern with improved fineness and color tone variation.
Implementation Method 1
sequentially irradiating the decorative region with laser light to draw, in a superimposed manner, a plurality of decorative patterns constituted by a plurality of lines
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a watch component according to the present disclosure is a method of manufacturing a watch component that includes a decorative region at a front surface thereof. The method includes sequentially irradiating the decorative region with laser light to draw, in a superimposed manner, a plurality of decorative patterns constituted by a plurality of lines. At least one of the decorative patterns is constituted by the plurality of lines arranged at intervals in a range of 80% to 200% of a spot diameter of the laser light, at least one of the plurality of lines including a curved portion.