Transparent Watch Component Layer Structuring for Precise Decoration Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods face challenges in achieving precise alignment of thin layers with respect to structures on external components of watches and fashion/jewelry items, particularly due to complex decoration patterns and alignment tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing method involving localized ablation and engraving of inner and outer layers on transparent substrates to create structured pockets and patterns, ensuring precise alignment and enhancing decorative effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a thin layer is deposited on the surface of a substrate to create decorations, then the decorative appearance is improved, but the alignment tolerance between the thin layer and structures on the substrate becomes difficult to respect
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary actions by creating the structural elements (protrusions, recesses, pockets) in the substrate before depositing the thin decorative layer. This ensures that the alignment features are already in place to guide and constrain the thin layer during subsequent processing, thereby achieving precise alignment without requiring complex post-alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediary alignment features (protrusions, recesses, and pockets) that act as mediators between the substrate structures and the thin decorative layer. These intermediaries provide mechanical constraints and guidance, ensuring that the thin layer is deposited and processed with precise alignment to the underlying structures.
2Shape
If complex decoration patterns are created by combining structures and thin layers, then the decorative complexity is improved, but the manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the decoration creation process into distinct stages: first creating the structural elements (protrusions, recesses, pockets) in the substrate, then depositing the thin decorative layer, and finally performing localized ablation or engraving. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, reducing overall manufacturing difficulty while achieving complex decorative patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
By performing the creation of structural elements as a preliminary action before depositing the thin layer, the invention simplifies subsequent processing steps. The pre-formed structures serve as built-in guides and constraints, making the deposition and final finishing operations easier to control and less difficult to manufacture.
3Manufacturing precision
If localized ablation is performed to create pocket openings and structure the inner face, then the alignment precision is improved, but the manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into the localized ablation step: creating pocket openings, structuring the inner face of the substrate, and establishing alignment features for the thin layer. By combining these functions into a single integrated process, the invention achieves high alignment precision without proportionally increasing the number of separate manufacturing steps.
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
The method ensures precise alignment and rich, attractive decorative appearances with enhanced visual depth and contrast, improving the quality and precision of external components.
Implementation Method 1
The step of localised ablation of the inner layer is performed by laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing an external component of a watch, of a fashion item or of a jewellery item, including depositing an inner layer on all or part of the surface of an inner face of a substrate made of a transparent material, localised ablation of the inner layer, so as to conserve a part of the inner layer on a first portion of the inner face f the substrate, the ablation being performed so as to form at least one pocket opening onto a second portion of the inner face of the substrate and so as to structure the second portion of the inner fa of the substrate, treating the surface of the inner layer and of the second portion of the inner face of the substrate.