Cold-Bent Glass Substrate for Vehicle Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for forming curved glass substrates for vehicle interiors are costly and prone to optical distortion and surface marking, limiting the use of durable and optically superior glass materials.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior system featuring a cold-bent glass substrate with a first radius of curvature of 20 mm or greater, where the glass is bent using air pressure without exceeding its softening point, and a display module is laminated to maintain the curvature, allowing for cost-effective and distortion-free curved glass applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If thermal forming is used to create curved glass substrates, then the glass can be shaped to the desired curvature, but the process results in optical distortion and surface marking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high (thermal forming) to low (cold bending), and changes the forming mechanism from thermal softening to mechanical flexing with adhesive bonding. This allows the glass to be curved without experiencing the optical distortion and surface marking that occur during thermal forming processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal field (heat-based forming) with a mechanical field (cold bending through adhesive bonding). The glass substrate is bonded to a curved support structure using adhesive, allowing mechanical shaping without thermal exposure that causes optical defects
2Shape
If thermal forming is used to create curved glass substrates, then the glass can be shaped to the desired curvature, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high (thermal forming) to low (cold bending), eliminating the need for expensive high-temperature equipment and energy consumption. The cold bending process using adhesive bonding to a curved support structure reduces manufacturing costs while achieving the same curved shape
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a curved support structure (form tool) that can be relatively simple and inexpensive compared to thermal forming equipment. The support structure serves its purpose during the bonding process and can be discarded or reused multiple times at low cost
3Weight of moving object
If glass substrates are made thinner to reduce weight, then the weight decreases, but the structural strength and durability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure by bonding the glass substrate to a curved support structure using adhesive. This composite system allows the use of thinner glass (reducing weight) while the adhesive bond and support structure provide the additional structural strength needed to compensate for the reduced glass thickness
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 enables the use of durable glass substrates with improved optical properties and surface quality, reducing manufacturing costs and eliminating the drawbacks of traditional thermal forming processes.
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... to a first radius of curvature as measured on the second major surface
Implementation Method 3
laminating a display module to the first major surface while maintaining the first radius of curvature in the glass substrate
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a vehicle interior system are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the system includes a base with a curved surface, and a display or touch panel disposed on the curved surface. The display includes a cold-bent glass substrate with a thickness of 1.5 mm or less and a first radius of curvature of 20 mm or greater, and a display module and/or touch panel attached to the glass substrate having a second radius of curvature that is within 10% of the first radius of curvature. Methods for forming such systems are also disclosed.