Chamfered Glass Window Edges for Thinness and Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in manufacturing windows for electronic devices is to create a window that is both thin and strong, while also overcoming structural vulnerabilities associated with slimness.

Innovation Solution

A method of manufacturing a window using laser light, which involves laser cutting a base glass into a preliminary window, irradiating a point spaced apart from the edge with lower-energy laser light, and then performing wet etching to create a window with a flat portion and an edge portion having improved strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the window is made thinner to achieve slimness, then the weight and thickness are reduced, but the structural strength and vulnerability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethicknessVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a chamfered edge portion at the boundary of the window, where the thickness gradually decreases from the main body to the edge. This localized structural modification concentrates strength enhancement at the critical edge region without increasing the overall thickness of the window, thus resolving the contradiction between thinness and structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs curvature by forming a chamfered edge with a specific curvature radius that is greater than half of the window thickness. This curved edge structure distributes stress more effectively compared to sharp edges, enhancing structural strength while maintaining the thin profile of the window.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional laser cutting is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the edge strength and precision are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidedge precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the laser cutting process into two distinct stages: a rough cutting stage using first laser light to create the preliminary window shape, and a precision edge processing stage using second laser light to form the chamfered edge portion. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, achieving both manufacturing efficiency and edge precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by first performing rough cutting to establish the basic window shape and size, then subsequently applying the second laser light to precisely form the chamfered edge portion. This preliminary rough cutting step prepares the workpiece for the final precision edge processing, ensuring both efficiency and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If the window edge is made sharp for precision, then the dimensional accuracy is improved, but the edge strength and resistance to breakage are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveedge dimensional accuracyVSAvoidedge strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by forming a chamfered edge with a controlled curvature radius that is greater than half of the window thickness. This curved geometry provides precise dimensional control while simultaneously distributing mechanical stress, preventing stress concentration at sharp edges, and enhancing edge strength and breakage resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 results in a window with a chamfer-shaped edge that exhibits enhanced strength and economic efficiency in the manufacturing process, while maintaining a thin and lightweight profile.

Implementation Method 1

laser cutting a base glass into a preliminary window using first laser light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

irradiating, with second laser light, a point spaced apart from an edge of the preliminary window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 3

providing a window including a flat portion and an edge portion by wet etching the preliminary window irradiated with the second laser light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical etching:

Data Source

PatentUS20250042799A1Method of manufacturing window and window manufactured by the same

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A method of manufacturing a window and a window manufactured by the same are provided. A method of manufacturing a window includes laser cutting a base glass into a preliminary window using first laser light, irradiating, with second laser light, a point spaced apart from an edge of the preliminary window at a first distance, and providing a window including a flat portion and an edge portion by wet etching the preliminary window irradiated with the second laser light. A method of manufacturing a window having a chamfer shape at the edge portion is facilitated.