Cover Window Two-Step Etching for Fluoride-Free Glass Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of cover windows for flexible displays faces challenges in maintaining strength due to weight and thickness reduction, exacerbated by the formation of insoluble fluoride during etching with fluorine-based compounds, which hinders complete removal of micro-defects.
Innovation Solution
A two-step etching process using a fluorine-based acidic solution followed by a basic solution, accompanied by cleaning with acidic and basic solutions, effectively removes insoluble fluoride and micro-defects, enhancing the strength of the cover window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the cover window thickness is reduced to achieve weight reduction and flexibility, then the flexibility and weight are improved, but the strength and impact resistance are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface properties of the glass through chemical etching processes. By controlling the etching depth and surface roughness parameters, the glass maintains sufficient strength even at reduced thickness, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and strength maintenance.
2Manufacturing precision
If the surface of the cover window is etched with a fluorine-based compound solution to remove micro-defects, then the surface quality is improved, but insoluble fluoride is generated on the glass surface which prevents complete etching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the etching process into multiple sequential steps using different solutions. First, a fluorine-based compound removes micro-defects, then subsequent cleaning solutions remove the generated insoluble fluoride. This segmentation allows each step to address specific aspects of surface quality without leaving harmful residues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful insoluble fluoride byproduct into a removable intermediate layer. The fluoride generation is anticipated and managed by introducing subsequent cleaning steps that specifically target and remove this byproduct, transforming a harmful effect into a controllable process intermediate.
3Strength
If multiple etching and cleaning steps are added to improve surface quality and remove insoluble fluoride, then the surface quality and strength are improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated process steps. The etching and cleaning operations are combined in a sequential workflow where each solution serves both etching and cleaning functions simultaneously, reducing the need for separate dedicated steps and simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
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 improves the impact resistance and strength of the cover window by reducing surface roughness and completely removing micro-defects, resulting in improved durability against external shocks.
Implementation Method 1
etching an entire surface of the panel glass with a first etching solution including a fluorine-based compound
Implementation Method 2
etching the entire surface of the panel glass with a second etching solution different from the first etching solution
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a cover window includes: cutting mother glass into panel glass; chamfering the panel glass; etching an entire surface of the panel glass with a first etching solution including a fluorine-based compound; etching the entire surface of the panel glass with a second etching solution different from the first etching solution; and cleaning the panel glass with a basic cleaning solution.