Cover Window Molding via Local Glass Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current molding methods for cover windows in display devices fail to effectively form curved surfaces with optimal surface roughness and consistent height, leading to suboptimal performance and durability.
Innovation Solution
A molding method involving local heating of a glass substrate's peripheral portion to 610° C. to 670° C., followed by a multi-step pressing process with varying load increments and annealing, to form a cover window with outwardly convex curved surfaces and improved surface roughness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional molding methods are used for cover windows, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the surface roughness and height consistency are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The glass substrate is pre-heated to a specific temperature range (610-670°C) before the pressing operation. This preliminary heating action softens the glass material, making it more formable and enabling better surface finish and height consistency during the subsequent pressing step, while maintaining a manageable overall process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a multi-stage pressing process with varying load increments rather than a single constant load. The pressing load is applied in stages: first stage with initial load, second stage with increased load, and third stage with maximum load. This parameter variation in the pressing force optimizes the forming quality and surface roughness without requiring overly complex equipment
2Manufacturing precision
If the glass substrate is heated to high temperature for molding, then the formability and surface quality improve, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating is applied locally to the glass substrate rather than uniformly heating the entire assembly. The glass substrate is heated to the specific temperature range of 610-670°C which is sufficient to achieve the desired formability and surface quality for the curved edges, while avoiding excessive energy consumption that would result from higher temperature heating
3Manufacturing precision
If a single-stage pressing process is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the height consistency and surface roughness are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing process is segmented into multiple stages with progressively increasing load increments. The first pressing step applies an initial load, the second pressing step increases the load to a higher level, and the third pressing step applies the maximum load. This segmentation of the pressing operation achieves consistent height and good surface roughness by controlling the deformation progression, while the staged approach is efficiently managed within the overall molding cycle
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 cover window with consistent height and enhanced surface roughness, effectively forming curved edges that enhance the display device's performance and durability.
Implementation Method 1
in the locally heating the glass substrate, an induction coil may be used
Implementation Method 2
annealing and cooling the cover window
Data Source
AI summary
A molding method for a cover window includes: locally heating a peripheral portion of a glass substrate around a central portion of the glass substrate to a temperature of about 610° C. to about 670° C., forming a cover window by pressing the glass substrate, and annealing and cooling the cover window. Accordingly, a cover window in which each of edges has an outwardly convex curved surface through a glass substrate may be formed. In addition, the surface roughness of a cover window formed through a glass substrate may be improved.