Display Window Coating With Mask-Controlled Stress Profiles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices face challenges in achieving uniform and transparent windows with varying surface compressive stress values across different regions, which affect impact resistance and visibility, particularly in foldable designs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of multiple masks to control the application of a coating material on a substrate, adjusting their positions and speeds to create regions with varying thicknesses and stress values, followed by heat-treatment to form a window with continuous compressive stress, enhancing folding reliability and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a uniform coating material thickness is applied across the entire substrate, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the surface compressive stress values become uniform which reduces impact resistance in critical areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the coating material thickness across different regions of the substrate. The coating thickness is increased in areas requiring higher impact resistance (such as edges and corners) while maintaining thinner coating in less critical areas. This is achieved through controlled movement of masks during the coating process, creating spatially varying coating properties that optimize both strength and manufacturing efficiency.
2Strength
If the coating material thickness is varied across different regions, then surface compressive stress values are optimized for impact resistance, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamics by continuously moving the masks during the coating application process. The masks are translated at controlled speeds to create the desired thickness variation pattern. This dynamic approach allows for precise control of coating distribution without requiring complex static mask designs or multiple coating steps, thereby managing manufacturing precision requirements while achieving the desired stress distribution.
3Reliability
If masks are moved during coating material spraying, then continuous compressive stress distribution is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the substrate into multiple regions, each covered by separate masks that can be independently positioned and moved. This segmentation allows for region-specific coating thickness control, creating the continuous compressive stress distribution needed for folding reliability. The segmented mask system provides flexibility in achieving the desired stress profile while keeping each individual mask's movement requirements manageable.
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 method ensures uniform compressive stress depth and improved folding reliability by controlling the coating material distribution, preventing sudden changes that cause stains and enhancing the visibility of the display device.
Implementation Method 1
spraying a coating material towards the target area of the substrate exposed by the plurality of masks
Implementation Method 2
heat-treating the substrate and the coating material sprayed on the substrate to form the window
Implementation Method 3
The forming of the window may include exchanging an ion in the window
Data Source
AI summary
A manufacturing method of a window includes: providing a substrate; placing a plurality of masks above the substrate; adjusting positions of the plurality of masks to expose a target area of the substrate; spraying a coating material to the target area of the substrate exposed by the plurality of masks; and heat-treating the substrate and the coating material sprayed on the substrate to form the window.