Watch Trim Component Laser Ablation Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In watchmaking, achieving precise alignment of thin layers on exterior components like dials and bezels is challenging due to their complexity and the need for accurate alignment tolerances, especially when visible through a transparent substrate.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing method involving a transparent substrate with a base layer deposited on one portion and a secondary layer on another, where the base layer is ablated to create structured pockets, ensuring precise alignment and different surface states for enhanced decoration, using techniques like laser ablation and etching to achieve the desired shape and composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If thin layers are deposited on the substrate to create decorative elements, then the visual appearance and decoration quality are improved, but the alignment precision between multiple thin layers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate surface is pre-structured with relief patterns (polished areas and structured areas) before depositing the thin layers. This preliminary structuring creates physical guides that ensure precise alignment of subsequent layers without requiring complex alignment procedures during deposition
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the substrate surface are given different surface qualities (polished vs. structured) to serve different functions. The polished areas provide smooth backgrounds for certain layers while structured areas provide alignment references and depth for other layers, enabling precise positioning without uniform complexity across the entire surface
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple thin layers are deposited to create detailed decorations, then the decorative detail and visual appeal are improved, but the production complexity and difficulty of maintaining alignment tolerances worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is pre-prepared with relief structures (polished and structured areas) that serve as alignment templates. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during each layer deposition, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining tight alignment tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate surface is segmented into distinct zones (polished areas and structured areas with relief patterns). This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for specific decorative functions and makes the deposition process more manageable by providing clear spatial boundaries and alignment references for each layer
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 improves the precision and visual appeal of watch exterior components by ensuring accurate alignment and contrasting surface states, resulting in an attractive and precise decoration visible through the transparent substrate.
Implementation Method 1
the local ablation step of the base layer is carried out by laser beam
Implementation Method 2
deposition of a base layer deposited on a first portion of the inner face
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a casing component (10) of a watch or of a jewellery or jewelry item, comprising a substrate (11) made of a transparent material, said substrate (11) comprising an inner face (110) opposite an outer face (111), the casing component (10) comprising a base layer (12) deposited on a first portion of the inner face (110) and at least one secondary layer (13) deposited on the base layer (12) and on a second portion of the inner face (110), the first and second portions of the inner face (110) having different surface conditions from each other.