Watch Component Pre-Detachment Structure for Clean Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing watch components from micromachinable materials face challenges in precisely controlling the release of components without damage, particularly due to unpredictable brittle rupture of material bridges and the need for additional space for torsional detachment, which affects both functionality and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of pre-detachment zones with controlled mechanical stress, such as trenches or aligned openings, in the fasteners to facilitate precise and controlled breakage of the fasteners, allowing for secure attachment and clean release of watch components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If material bridges with tapered sections are used to facilitate component release, then component detachment is enabled, but the breakage location cannot be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-creating a detachment zone with reduced material thickness before the actual release operation. This zone is formed during manufacturing with specific geometric features (tapered sections, reduced thickness areas) that pre-determine where the break will occur, enabling precise control over the breakage location while facilitating easy component release.
2Ease of operation
If torsional force is used to detach the component from the plate, then component release is achieved, but additional space is required around the part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar torsional detachment to three-dimensional detachment by creating a detachment zone with varying thickness through the plate depth. The detachment zone extends through a significant portion of the plate thickness (e.g., 70-90%), allowing the component to detach perpendicular to the plate surface rather than requiring lateral movement in the plane of the plate, thus eliminating the need for additional space around the part.
3Strength
If material bridges are used to secure the component to the plate, then secure attachment is achieved, but unpredictable brittle rupture occurs during release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a detachment zone with locally modified material properties - specifically reduced thickness or weakened structure - at a specific location within the material bridge. This localized modification creates a predictable weak point that will fail first during release, ensuring controlled and predictable detachment while maintaining strong attachment elsewhere in the material bridge during normal operation.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~6
Figure 7A~7B
AI summary
Watch component (1) made of micro-machinable material, characterized in that it is obtained from a manufacturing process comprising the following steps: • to equip (S1) with a plate (2) made of a micro-machinable material; • to form (S2) the watch component (1) with at least one attachment (3) for retaining it to the rest of the plate (2), by engraving the plate (2); • to create (S3), along a desired break line (L) of the attachment, a pre-detachment zone (4) comprising at least one opening (5) obtained by engraving in the thickness of the plate (2).