Curved Display Window Molding With Movable Molds for Large Bends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window processing technologies struggle to efficiently manufacture windows with large bending angles for curved or bent display devices, which are essential for modern electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A window molding apparatus and method that includes a first molding part, a jig, and a second molding part with movable molds, allowing for the formation of windows with large bending angles by heating and shaping a work piece using a combination of movable molds and air pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If existing window processing technologies are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the bending angle is limited to less than 120°
Solution Approach 1:
The molding apparatus is divided into multiple independent movable molds (first movable mold and second movable mold) that can move independently along the work piece. This segmentation allows each mold to apply force to different sections of the glass, enabling large bending angles greater than 120° while maintaining control over the molding process through coordinated movement of individual mold components.
Solution Approach 2:
The molds are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment during the molding process. The first and second movable molds can move along the work piece in response to positioning member movement, enabling the apparatus to adapt to different bending angles and work piece configurations, thereby achieving large bending angles with controlled complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If a single fixed mold is used, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision for large bending angles is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single fixed mold is replaced with multiple segmented movable molds (first movable mold and second movable mold) that can independently position and move along the work piece. This segmentation enables precise control over the bending process for large bending angles greater than 120° by allowing each mold to apply force at specific locations, thereby improving manufacturing precision while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning members and movable molds work together in a feedback-controlled system where the movement of positioning members is coordinated with the movement of the movable molds. This feedback mechanism ensures that the bending process achieves precise angular control for large bending angles by continuously adjusting the position and force application of the movable molds throughout the molding process.
3Strength
If conventional molding methods are used, then the process time is short, but the structural integrity of windows with large bending angles cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The heating member is positioned and activated before the movable molds apply force to the work piece. This preliminary heating action softens the glass material in advance, enabling the movable molds to shape the glass into large bending angles greater than 120° without compromising structural integrity. The preliminary preparation of the material through heating allows the subsequent molding process to achieve both strength and precision efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature parameter is changed by activating the heating member to heat the work piece before molding. This parameter change (temperature increase) softens the glass material, enabling it to be shaped into large bending angles while maintaining structural integrity. The controlled temperature parameter allows the movable molds to apply force effectively without causing damage, thereby achieving both strength and efficient process time.
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
Enables the production of windows with bending angles greater than 120°, providing robust protection for electronic elements while maintaining structural integrity and enabling seamless integration with various display surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a heating member inserted into a through-hole extending through the substantially flat molding and extend to the core molding
Implementation Method 2
The first molding part may define a flow path, and the window molding apparatus may further include a pump to inject air toward the second molding part through the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for molding a window, the apparatus includes: a first molding part; a jig disposed below the first molding part, the jig including a bottom surface and a plurality of side surfaces configured to support and seat a work piece to be processed into a window; and an second molding part disposed on the bottom surface, wherein the second molding part includes: a lower surface adjacent to the bottom surface; an upper surface facing the lower surface; a first cavity having a first curved surface generally concave in a direction facing the lower surface; a plurality of second cavities extending from the first cavity, the plurality of second-cavities having second curved surfaces; and a plurality of movable molds disposed on the second cavities supported for movement along the second curved surfaces, respectively.