Cold-Bent Curved Cover Glass Assembly for Optical Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming curved glass substrates in vehicle interiors are costly and prone to optical distortion and surface marking, limiting the use of glass in durable and optically performing displays and touch panels.
Innovation Solution
A cold-bending process using air pressure to form thin, flexible glass substrates with controlled curvature, allowing for efficient attachment of display modules and coatings, while maintaining optical properties and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If thermal forming is used to create curved glass substrates, then the glass can be formed into curved shapes, but the process results in high cost, optical distortion, and surface marking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high (thermal forming) to low (cold bending), forming glass at or near room temperature. This parameter change eliminates thermal-induced optical distortion and surface marking while achieving the desired curved shape through mechanical bending forces applied to the glass substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal system (heating and annealing processes) with a mechanical system (cold bending through applied force). By using mechanical bending instead of thermal forming, the process avoids the harmful effects of heat on glass optics while still achieving permanent curvature through controlled mechanical deformation.
2Shape
If thermal forming is used to create curved glass substrates, then the glass can be formed into curved shapes, but the process incurs high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high (thermal forming requiring furnaces and energy-intensive processes) to low (cold bending at room temperature). This parameter change dramatically reduces equipment requirements, energy consumption, and process complexity, thereby lowering manufacturing cost while still achieving the desired curved shape.
3Weight of moving object
If glass is made thinner to reduce weight and improve flexibility, then the glass becomes more manageable, but it may compromise strength and durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary strengthening treatments to the glass substrate before bending, such as chemical strengthening or surface compression. This preliminary action enhances the glass strength and durability before it is bent into shape, ensuring that even thin glass panels maintain sufficient mechanical strength and resistance to damage throughout their service life.
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 cold-bending process enables cost-effective production of curved glass substrates with improved optical and surface properties, suitable for vehicle interiors, enhancing user experience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
cold-bending a glass substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface to a first radius of curvature
Implementation Method 2
cold-bending a glass substrate... while maintaining the first radius of curvature in the glass substrate
Implementation Method 3
a display module attached to the second major surface of the curved glass substrate
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of a cover glass assembly are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the assembly includes a first cold-formed curved cover glass substrate comprising a first major surface and a second major surface opposing the first major surface, a second curved cover glass substrate comprising a first major surface and a second major surface opposing the first major surface and an adhesive layer disposed between the second major surface of the first cold-formed curved cover glass substrate and the second curved cover glass substrate.