Cold-Bent Curved Glass Mounting to Prevent Frame Delamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming curved glass substrates for vehicle interiors are costly, prone to optical distortion, and surface marking, and do not meet the mechanical performance requirements for safety and durability.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior component comprising a frame with openings, a cold-bent glass substrate, and a first adhesive that prevents delamination by filling the openings and engaging with a retaining feature, allowing for cost-effective and durable curved glass substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If thermal forming is used to form curved glass substrates, then curved glass can be produced, but high cost, optical distortion, and surface marking occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high-temperature thermal forming to room temperature cold forming. The glass substrate is formed at temperatures below its transition point, avoiding thermal distortion and surface marking while maintaining the ability to achieve the desired curved shape through mechanical force application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal field (heat-based forming) with a mechanical field (force-based cold forming). By applying mechanical force directly to the glass substrate at room temperature, the process eliminates thermal-related defects such as optical distortion and surface marking that occur in traditional thermal forming
2Shape
If thermal forming is used to form curved glass substrates, then curved glass can be produced, but high cost is incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high-temperature thermal forming to room temperature cold forming, which eliminates energy costs associated with heating and reduces equipment requirements, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to produce curved glass substrates
3Strength
If adhesive is applied to the back surface of the glass substrate, then the glass can be attached to the frame, but delamination occurs under impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adhesive application into two distinct zones: a first adhesive zone on the front surface of the glass substrate that engages with frame openings to prevent delamination, and a second adhesive zone on the back surface that provides structural attachment. This segmentation allows each adhesive zone to perform its specific function optimally
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different adhesive properties to different locations on the glass substrate. The first adhesive on the front surface is specifically positioned within frame openings to provide delamination resistance, while the second adhesive on the back surface provides structural bonding, creating local quality variations that optimize overall attachment performance
4Weight of moving object
If glass is made thinner to reduce weight, then weight is reduced, but mechanical performance and safety fail to meet industry standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure by bonding glass substrate to a frame through a multi-zone adhesive system. This composite construction allows the use of thinner glass while maintaining mechanical performance and safety, as the frame-adhesive assembly provides additional structural support and meets industry impact standards
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 solution enables the production of curved glass substrates that are cost-effective, free from optical distortion and surface marking, and meet industry-standard safety and durability requirements.
Implementation Method 1
providing a first adhesive in contact with the second major surface and at least partially within the one or more openings, where the first adhesive holds the second major surface in conformance with the support surface, and the first adhesive and opening act in concert to prevent delamination of the glass substrate from the frame
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a vehicle interior component and methods of forming the same are disclosed. The vehicle interior component includes a frame with a support surface and having an opening formed in the support surface. A glass substrate is provided that includes a first major surface, a second major surface facing the support surface, and a minor surface between the first and second major surfaces and defining a thickness of the glass substrate. An adhesive at least partially fills the opening and adheres the glass substrate to the frame. The adhesive in the opening acts to secure the glass substrate and adhesive to the frame.