Laminating Apparatus for Curved Display Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laminating apparatuses struggle to achieve uniform bonding between a window and a panel with curved surfaces while preventing air layers from forming between them, which can lead to defects in flexible display devices.
Innovation Solution
A laminating apparatus featuring a first jig to fix the window and a second jig with a convex pressure pad and depressed portions, along with stoppers and panel supports, ensures uniform bonding by applying pressure and controlling the contact area between the window and panel, preventing air layers by spacing the ends of the window and panel apart during the bonding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional laminating apparatus is used to bond a window with curved surfaces to a panel, then the bonding process can be completed, but uniform bonding is difficult to achieve and air layers may form between the window and panel
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure pad is designed with different surface characteristics: a convex portion corresponding to the curved surface of the window for uniform pressure distribution, and depressed portions (recesses) at specific locations to prevent air layer formation. This local differentiation of the pressure pad surface allows simultaneous achievement of bonding uniformity and air layer prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The stoppers are positioned in advance to maintain a specific gap between the window and panel at their ends before bonding begins. This preliminary positioning prevents air from being trapped at the edges during the bonding process, ensuring reliable bonding without air layer formation
2Reliability
If pressure is applied uniformly across the entire bonding surface, then air layers may be trapped, but non-uniform pressure may cause uneven bonding
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure pad features a convex portion that contacts the curved window surface to provide uniform pressure distribution for bonding, while simultaneously having depressed portions (recesses) at strategic locations where air layers are likely to form. This local differentiation allows the pressure pad to achieve both uniform bonding and air layer prevention in different regions
Solution Approach 2:
The depressed portions in the pressure pad are strategically designed to correspond with locations where air layers would naturally form during bonding. By creating controlled recesses in these areas, the design converts the potential harm of air layer formation into a beneficial feature where air can be naturally evacuated, thus preventing defects
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 solution provides consistent and defect-free bonding between the window and panel, ensuring a uniform adhesive layer and preventing air layer formation, thus enhancing the reliability of flexible display devices.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure pad facing the first jig, wherein the pressure pad includes a top surface, which is convex toward the first jig
Data Source
AI summary
A laminating apparatus and method of fabricating a display device are provided. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the laminating apparatus includes a first jig, which is configured to fix a window having curved surfaces, and a second jig, which includes a pressure pad facing the first jig. The pressure pad includes a top surface, which is convex toward the first jig, and depressed portions, which are inwardly depressed from side surfaces, respectively.