Curved Glass Bumper Structure for Display Edge Deflection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming curved glass sheets for vehicle interiors are costly and prone to optical distortion and surface marking, limiting the use of glass in curved display applications.
Innovation Solution
A curved glass article is formed using a cold-bent process with a bumper piece and frame, where the bumper piece has a higher modulus than the adhesive, relocating the bending moment away from the display edge to reduce deflection and Mura defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If thermal forming is used to form curved glass sheets, then curved glass articles can be produced, but the process incurs high cost, optical distortion, and surface marking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high-temperature thermal forming to low-temperature cold bending (below glass transition temperature), thereby avoiding optical distortion and surface marking while achieving the desired curvature. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between achieving curvature and maintaining optical quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal field (heat-based forming) with a mechanical field (cold bending using bumper pieces and frames). By using mechanical force applied through strategically positioned bumper pieces with higher modulus than the adhesive, the glass is bent into curvature without thermal exposure, thus preserving optical quality.
2Shape
If thermal forming is used to form curved glass sheets, then curved glass articles can be produced, but the process is costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable or reusable bumper pieces made from materials with higher modulus than the adhesive (such as rigid adhesives, tapes, or temporary support structures). These bumper pieces are applied temporarily during the bending process and then removed, providing a low-cost alternative to expensive thermal forming equipment and processes.
3Shape
If the glass sheet is bent without a bumper piece, then the bending moment is applied directly to the display edge, but this causes deflection and Mura defects in the display region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or relocates the bending moment application point from the display edge to the bumper piece location. By positioning the bumper piece at specific locations away from the display region, the bending moment is applied at these external points rather than directly at the display edge, preventing deflection and Mura defects in the display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper piece acts as an intermediary element between the applied force and the glass sheet. It has a higher modulus than the adhesive, allowing it to bear the bending moment and transfer it to the glass sheet in a controlled manner that avoids direct stress concentration at the display edge, thereby preventing deflection and maintaining display uniformity.
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 process effectively reduces deflection in the display region, achieving at least 90% dark state uniformity and maintaining optical quality, while being cost-effective and avoiding high-temperature processes that degrade surface treatments.
Implementation Method 1
the bumper piece has a second modulus that is greater than the first modulus... the bumper piece is located between the edge of the display and the curvature
Implementation Method 2
The glass sheet is bent at a temperature less that a glass transition temperature of the glass sheet to form a curvature
Implementation Method 3
a frame bonded to the second surface of the glass sheet using an adhesive... the frame maintains the curvature of the glass sheet
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a curved glass article are disclosed. The article includes a glass sheet having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite to the first major surface. The second major surface defines a first curvature of the glass sheet. The article also includes a display bonded to the second major surface of the glass sheet using an optically clear adhesive. The display has a perimeter with a display edge proximal to the first curvature. The article also includes a bumper piece disposed at least along the display edge proximal to the first curvature and a frame bonded to the second surface of the glass sheet using an adhesive. The frame is disposed around the display and over the bumper piece. In the article, the adhesive has a first modulus and the bumper piece has a second modulus that is greater than the first modulus.