Multi-Plate Cover Window Molding Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for manufacturing stereoscopic cover windows are inefficient, as they can only produce a single cover window per mold, limiting the number that can be manufactured within a predetermined processing time, especially in mass production scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A cover window manufacturing apparatus comprising multiple fixed and moving plates, molds, and a driver, where the moving plates are layered and connected to apply simultaneous molding pressure to multiple molds in a heating furnace, allowing for the production of a larger number of cover windows in a shorter time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional single-mold manufacturing method is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but productivity is low due to single cover window production per cycle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of cover windows manufactured per processing timeVSAvoidstructure of manufacturing apparatus
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing apparatus is segmented into multiple independent mold units, each capable of forming a cover window. Multiple fixed plates and moving plates are arranged in layers, with each layer containing multiple molds. This segmentation allows simultaneous manufacturing of multiple cover windows while maintaining modular simplicity in each individual mold unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple mold units are merged into a single integrated apparatus structure. The fixed plates and moving plates are connected through connection members to form a unified system that can be actuated together by a single driver, enabling simultaneous pressing operation of all molds while maintaining structural coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If multiple molds are arranged in layered structure, then mass production capability is improved, but apparatus structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass production outputVSAvoidlayered plate and mold arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mold arrangement transitions from a single-plane configuration to a multi-layered three-dimensional structure. Fixed plates and moving plates are stacked in layers with multiple molds on each plate, utilizing the vertical dimension to increase production capacity without significantly increasing the horizontal footprint of the apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Each mold unit in the layered structure follows a standardized design with corresponding fixed plate and moving plate assemblies. This universal modular design allows any mold unit to perform the same function, enabling easy replication and maintenance while simplifying the overall control system through repeated identical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If multiple moving plates are connected integrally, then simultaneous pressing of multiple molds is achieved, but force distribution control becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous molding capacityVSAvoidpressing force uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing force application is segmented into multiple independent moving plates, each equipped with its own driver or shared driver connection. This segmentation allows independent control or proportional distribution of pressing forces to each mold unit, ensuring uniform force distribution across all molds even though the plates are connected through connection members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This approach enables the mass production of cover windows by allowing multiple molds to be pressed simultaneously, significantly reducing processing time and increasing output.

Implementation Method 1

heating the flat glass by operating the heating furnace

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

moving the plurality of moving plates toward the plurality of fixed plates, respectively, to apply a molding pressure to the plurality of molds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS10179747B2Apparatus and method for manufacturing cover window
Publication Date: 2019.01.15 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US10179747B2 patent drawing
  • US10179747B2 patent drawing
  • US10179747B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cover window manufacturing apparatus includes a plurality of fixed plates, a plurality of moving plates, a plurality of molds and a driver. The plurality of fixed plates is layered and spaced apart at a distance from each other. The plurality of moving plates is layered, spaced apart at a distance from each other and respectively disposed under the plurality of fixed plates. A plurality of connection members integrally connects the plurality of moving plates with each other. The plurality of molds is respectively provided on the plurality of moving plates, and inner spaces for molding the cover window are respectively defined in the plurality of molds. The driver is coupled to one of the plurality of moving plates, and is configured to move the plurality of moving plates towards the plurality of fixed plates such that the plurality of molds are pressed to the plurality of fixed plates.