Local Deformation of Glass Substrate Surfaces for Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for deforming glass or glass ceramic substrates to create haptically perceptible operating elements face challenges such as surface quality loss, adhesion issues, and lack of scratch resistance, particularly when using plastic materials or tools that can introduce stresses and cracks.
Innovation Solution
A method involving localized heating of the substrate surface using laser radiation, gas flame, infrared, or plasma discharge, followed by controlled force application to create haptically perceptible structures without affecting the surrounding surface quality, utilizing a temperature and viscosity gradient to maintain the substrate's original quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If plastic material is used to create haptically perceptible structures on glass substrate, then haptic perception is improved, but surface quality deteriorates due to adhesion of particles, ageing, lack of scratch resistance, and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the plastic coating layer entirely and instead creates haptically perceptible structures by directly deforming the glass substrate surface itself. This extraction of the problematic plastic material eliminates the adhesion, ageing, and corrosion issues while maintaining haptic functionality through direct glass deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies localized heating to specific regions of the glass substrate to create haptically perceptible structures only where needed, while leaving the rest of the surface unchanged. This local deformation approach maintains high surface quality and scratch resistance in non-deformed areas while providing necessary haptic feedback in operated areas.
2Ease of operation
If glass surface is heated and deformed using conventional methods, then haptically perceptible structures are created, but surface quality is lost due to stresses and cracks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the heating parameters to achieve localized softening of the glass surface without exceeding temperatures that would cause cracking or stress. By precisely managing the thermal parameters and deformation timing, the method creates haptic structures while preserving surface quality and avoiding defects.
3Ease of operation
If entire glass substrate is heated for deformation, then haptically perceptible structures are created, but process time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heating process into localized segments rather than heating the entire substrate. By applying heat only to specific regions where haptic structures are needed, the process time and energy consumption are significantly reduced while still achieving the desired haptic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies heating and deformation only to the extent necessary for creating haptic structures in specific regions, rather than treating the entire substrate. This partial action approach reduces process time and energy usage while maintaining sufficient haptic perception capability.
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 ensures high surface quality, easy cleaning, corrosion, and scratch resistance while allowing for mass production of haptically perceptible operating elements with precise control over deformation, reducing process time and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
heat is applied exclusively within a locally limited region via the surface of the substrate by laser radiation
Implementation Method 2
heat is applied exclusively within a locally limited region via the surface of the substrate by gas flame
Implementation Method 3
heat is applied exclusively within a locally limited region via the surface of the substrate by infrared radiation
Implementation Method 4
heat is applied exclusively within a locally limited region via the surface of the substrate by plasma discharge
Implementation Method 5
utilizing a temperature and viscosity gradient to maintain the substrate's original quality
Implementation Method 6
utilizing a temperature and viscosity gradient to maintain the substrate's original quality
Data Source
AI summary
The invention locally deforms a flat surface of a substrate made of glass or a glass ceramic by applying heat exclusively within a locally limited region via the flat surface by laser radiation, a gas flame, infrared radiation, microwaves or a plasma discharge directed towards the flat surface of the substrate to soften the substrate at least on the flat surface within the locally limited region; applies a force acting on the softened flat surface within the locally limited region which deforms the softened surface of the substrate within the locally limited region; cools the substrate to obtain a set deformed surface within the locally limited region; and applies heat exclusively within the locally limited region via the flat surface of the substrate to produce a temperature and viscosity gradient inside the substrate laterally and orthogonal to the flat surface within the locally limited region.