Curved Window Cover Layers for Impact Hardness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display device windows with curved surfaces face reliability issues due to vulnerability to external impacts, as existing technologies do not adequately enhance the durability of these curved surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A window design featuring a base substrate with both planar and curved portions, incorporating a front cover layer and a bending cover layer made of inorganic materials, along with an anti-reflection layer and functional layers such as anti-fingerprint or antistatic layers, to increase the hardness of the curved portions and prevent cracks from impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a curved surface window is used to meet design requirements, then the aesthetic and functional performance is improved, but the durability and resistance to external impacts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple cover layers with different properties (front cover layer, flat cover layer, bending cover layer, lower cover layer) to create a multi-layer composite structure. Each layer contributes different characteristics, with inorganic material layers providing enhanced hardness and durability specifically to the curved portions while maintaining the overall curved shape and aesthetic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different cover layers to different regions of the window. Specifically, the bending cover layer and lower cover layer are applied to curved portions with enhanced hardness (sum of hardness ≥ 8 GPa), while the flat cover layer covers planar portions. This localized enhancement provides impact resistance where needed without compromising the overall curved design.
2Reliability
If the hardness of curved portions is increased to prevent cracks from impacts, then the durability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the protective cover into multiple distinct layers (front cover layer, flat cover layer, bending cover layer, lower cover layer) that can be manufactured and applied separately. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for specific functions and simplifies the manufacturing process compared to creating a single complex high-hardness curved component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves manufacturing complexity by transitioning from a single-layer approach to a multi-layer dimensional structure. The sum of thicknesses of the bending cover layer and lower cover layer is configured to provide the required hardness (≥8 GPa) without requiring excessive thickness in a single layer, thus maintaining manufacturability while achieving the durability goal.
Data Source
AI summary
A window includes a base substrate including a planar portion and a curved portion surrounding at least a part of the planar portion, a front cover layer disposed on the base substrate, a flat cover layer overlapping the planar portion and disposed on the base substrate, and a bending cover layer overlapping the curved portion and disposed on the base substrate. The front cover layer and the bending cover layer each include an inorganic material.