Watch Component Marking With Etched Cavities and Bonding Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to mark or decorate watch movement components without compromising their precise geometry and functionality, as traditional methods often alter the components or are difficult to implement on small, functional parts.
Innovation Solution
A method involving surface etching to form cavities, followed by depositing a metallic layer and a distinct material layer within these cavities, using techniques like deep ionic reactive etching and physical vapor deposition, to create visible patterns without impacting the component's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional marking or decoration methods are used on watch movement components, then the component can be marked or decorated, but the precise geometry and functionality of the component are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The marking process is segmented into distinct steps: etching cavities first, then depositing material only within those cavities. This segmentation allows the functional surfaces to remain untouched while enabling decoration in non-functional areas, thus resolving the contradiction between marking capability and geometry precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different treatments to different parts of the component: cavities are etched and filled with decorative material, while the functional surfaces maintain their original precise geometry. This local differentiation enables marking without compromising the precision required for functional operation.
2Loss of information
If traditional marking methods are used on small watch movement components, then marking can be achieved, but the functionality of the component deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from surface-level marking to three-dimensional cavity filling. By etching cavities and filling them with contrasting material, the marking becomes visually distinct while the functional surfaces remain intact, preserving both identification capability and functional reliability.
3Illumination intensity
If decorative material is deposited on the surface of watch movement components, then visual attraction is improved, but the precise geometry required for functionality is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The cavities are etched beforehand before depositing the decorative material. This preliminary action creates defined boundaries that confine the material deposition to non-functional areas, ensuring that the visual effect is achieved without altering the precise geometry required for functional operation.
4Measurement precision
If the surface of watch movement components is etched and filled with material, then high contrast and readability are achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a metallic bonding layer as an intermediary between the etched cavity and the decorative material. This intermediary layer ensures proper adhesion of the decorative material while maintaining a clean, controlled manufacturing process that achieves high readability without excessive complexity.
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 allows for attractive visual markings or decorations on watch movement components without compromising their functional performance, achieving high contrast and readability even on small surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
Etching said surface of the watch component or a blank of the watch component to form at least one cavity
Implementation Method 2
depositing a metallic layer and a distinct material layer within these cavities, using techniques like deep ionic reactive etching and physical vapor deposition
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 1e~1g
Figure 2
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a watch component (1) comprising at least one portion including a surface (11), in particular a top surface, characterized in that it comprises at least the following steps: - Engraving (E3) said surface (11) of the watch component (1) or of a blank (1a) of the watch component (1) to form at least one cavity (7); - Depositing (E7) a metallic or metallic alloy layer (22) on said surface (11), both in the at least one cavity (7) and outside the at least one cavity (7); - Depositing a material (E4) on said metallic or metallic alloy layer (22), at least within the at least one cavity (7), to form a layer of material (8), this material being different from the metal or metallic alloy of said metallic or metallic alloy layer (22), this metallic or metallic alloy layer (22) forming an adhesion layer of said layer of material (8).