Curved Cover Glass Assembly for Vehicle Interior Display Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for forming curved glass substrates for vehicle interiors are costly and prone to optical distortion and surface marking, limiting the use of durable and optically superior glass materials.
Innovation Solution
A method involving cold-bending of glass substrates using air pressure differentials to achieve curved shapes without exceeding the glass's softening point, allowing for the integration of curved glass substrates with display modules and improved optical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If thermal forming is used to create curved glass substrates, then the glass can be shaped to desired curvatures, but the process causes optical distortion and surface marking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high-temperature thermal forming to room-temperature cold bending. By applying mechanical force at low temperatures, the glass is bent into curved shapes without experiencing the thermal effects that cause optical distortion and surface marking, thus maintaining optical quality while achieving the desired shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal field (heat-based forming) with a mechanical field (force-based bending). Instead of using thermal energy to soften and reshape the glass, mechanical force is applied to bend the glass at room temperature, eliminating thermal damage while achieving curvature.
2Shape
If thermal forming is used to create curved glass substrates, then the glass can be shaped, but the cost of the process is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high-temperature thermal forming to room-temperature cold bending. This parameter change eliminates the need for expensive heating equipment, energy consumption, and complex thermal process control, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing costs while still achieving curved glass substrates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex thermal processing system with a simpler mechanical bending system. By eliminating thermal fields, expensive furnaces, and energy-intensive processes, the manufacturing cost is reduced while the curving capability is maintained through mechanical force application.
3Shape
If high-temperature processes are used to form curved glass, then the glass can be shaped, but coatings are damaged and surface quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high-temperature processing to room-temperature cold bending. This prevents thermal damage to coatings and glass surfaces, as the glass remains in its solid, stable state throughout the forming process, avoiding softening, melting, or coating degradation that occurs at high temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces thermal processing with mechanical bending at room temperature. This substitution eliminates the harmful thermal effects that damage coatings and surface quality, as the mechanical process occurs below the glass softening point, preserving the integrity of the glass structure and any applied coatings.
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 cost-effective production of curved glass substrates with enhanced durability and optical performance, reducing the need for high-temperature processes that can damage coatings and improve surface quality.
Implementation Method 1
cold-bending of glass substrates using air pressure differentials to achieve curved shapes
Implementation Method 2
cold-bending of glass substrates using air pressure differentials to achieve curved shapes without exceeding the glass's softening point
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a vehicle interior system are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the system includes a base with a curved surface, and a display or touch panel disposed on the curved surface. The display includes a cold-bent glass substrate with a thickness of 1.5 mm or less and a first radius of curvature of 20 mm or greater, and a display module and/or touch panel attached to the glass substrate having a second radius of curvature that is within 10% of the first radius of curvature. Methods for forming such systems are also disclosed.