Curved Cover Window Glass Etching for Thin Display Impact Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display device cover windows are vulnerable to impacts and require enhanced strength due to increased finger contact and thinner designs, which complicates manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing method involving laser irradiation to form grooves and change physical properties on glass, followed by primary and secondary chemical etching to create a glass with a constant curvature, increasing impact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the cover window is made thinner to reduce device thickness, then the display device becomes thinner, but the cover window becomes more difficult to handle and less resistant to impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the side surfaces of the cover window glass, transforming flat surfaces into curved ones. This curvature modifies the stress distribution during impact, preventing stress concentration at sharp edges and significantly improving impact resistance while maintaining thin thickness (30-100 μm). The curved side surfaces are formed through chemical etching processes that create a rounded profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the glass surface through laser irradiation and chemical etching. Laser irradiation modifies the glass structure and creates grooves, while subsequent chemical etching processes alter the surface morphology to create curved side surfaces. These parameter changes enhance the glass's mechanical properties and impact resistance without increasing thickness.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional manufacturing processes are used for thin glass, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the glass is vulnerable to breakage during handling and final use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary actions to the glass before final assembly: laser irradiation is performed first to modify the glass structure and create grooves, followed by chemical etching to form curved side surfaces. These preliminary treatments strengthen the glass and create features that prevent breakage during subsequent handling and installation, while maintaining process integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical cutting and shaping methods with laser irradiation and chemical etching processes. This substitution allows for precise control of the glass morphology, creates stress-free curved surfaces, and eliminates mechanical stresses that would compromise the thin glass's integrity, thereby improving reliability without significantly complicating the manufacturing flow.
3Ease of operation
If the cover window surface is made more frequent contact with fingers for touch panel integration, then the user interface becomes more intuitive, but the cover window requires stronger strength to withstand wear and impact
Solution Approach 1:
The curved side surfaces created through chemical etching reduce stress concentration points that would otherwise be vulnerable to finger contact and impact. The rounded profile distributes mechanical stresses from touch operations and accidental drops across a broader area, enhancing the cover window's durability while maintaining the thin design necessary for modern touch panel integration.
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 produces a glass cover window with improved impact resistance and handling capabilities, as demonstrated by increased strength against side impacts and consistent curvature.
Implementation Method 1
removing the resins along a laser irradiation line by irradiating a laser on the laminate
Implementation Method 2
separating the laminate into a plurality of laminates by performing primary etching using an etching liquid composition
Data Source
AI summary
A manufacturing method of a display device includes: forming a laminate by laminating resins on first and second side surfaces of a glass; removing the resins along a laser irradiation line by irradiating a laser on the laminate; separating the laminate into a plurality of laminates by performing primary etching using an etching liquid composition; vertically stacking the plurality of laminates; and performing secondary chemical etching on a structure formed by stacking the plurality of laminates.