Laser-Cut Display Window Curved Edges With Groove-Guided Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process for display devices with curved edges is time-consuming and costly due to the additional steps required to create curved surfaces, necessitating an improvement in process efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of first and second laser lights to form and remove portions of a transparent member, creating a cover window with curved edges, which includes forming a groove with the first laser light and removing material with the second laser light, adjusted to focus at the groove depth, to reduce processing time and enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional methods are used to create curved edges on display devices, then the desired curved surface shape is achieved, but the manufacturing time and process cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical methods (CNC machining, grinding, polishing) with laser-based processing methods. Specifically, it uses ultrashort pulse laser ablation to directly remove material and form curved edges, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and multiple sequential mechanical processing steps. This substitution dramatically reduces manufacturing time while achieving the desired curved shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in laser processing parameters (wavelength, pulse duration, focus depth, scanning speed) to directly control the material removal process and achieve different curved edge profiles. By adjusting the focus depth of the laser to match the groove depth, the process efficiently removes material at the required rate to form the curved surface without mechanical intervention.
2Shape
If multiple processing steps are used to create curved surfaces, then the curved edge quality is maintained, but the process complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple traditional processing steps (groove formation, material removal, surface finishing) into a single integrated laser processing operation. The ultrashort pulse laser simultaneously performs ablation and surface finishing through controlled parameter adjustment, eliminating the need for separate mechanical processing equipment and steps. This merging reduces process complexity while maintaining curved surface quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical processing systems with a single laser processing system that can dynamically adjust its parameters. Instead of requiring multiple machines for grooving, material removal, and polishing, the laser system performs all functions through non-contact energy delivery, simplifying the overall manufacturing system.
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 method significantly reduces processing time and improves efficiency in manufacturing display devices with curved edges by using laser technology to form and process the cover window, allowing for faster production without compromising mechanical strength or quality.
Implementation Method 1
forming a groove by irradiating first laser light to an edge of a first area defined on a bottom surface of a transparent member
Implementation Method 2
removing a portion of the transparent member by irradiating second laser light, which is different from the first laser light and has a focus adjusted at a depth of the groove of the transparent member
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for manufacturing a window from a transparent member. Forming the window may include forming of a groove by irradiating first laser light and removing a portion of a transparent member by irradiating second laser light focused at a depth of the groove. The first laser light may be emitted from a first laser generator and may be irradiated along an edge of a first area defined in a second surface of the transparent member. A second laser light may be focused to the depth of the groove, and thus a portion of the transparent member may be cut. The second laser light may be emitted by a second laser generator, and a focus of the second laser light may be located within the transparent member.