Chamfered Glass Window Fabrication for Thin Yet Strong Device Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in manufacturing windows for electronic devices is to create a lightweight and thin structure that balances structural vulnerability with the need for protection from external shocks, while maintaining a slim and efficient design.
Innovation Solution
A method involving laser cutting and wet etching processes using different energy levels of infrared laser light to create a window with a chamfer-shaped edge, where the edge portion has improved strength and a gradually decreasing thickness, enhancing structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the window is made thinner and lighter to meet slimness requirements, then the weight and thickness are reduced, but the structural strength and resistance to external shocks deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a chamfer-shaped edge portion with different thickness characteristics compared to the flat portion. The edge portion has a first thickness while the flat portion has a second thickness greater than the first thickness, providing localized reinforcement at the vulnerable edge areas while maintaining overall thinness and lightness of the window structure.
2Length of stationary object
If the window thickness is reduced for slimness, then the device profile is improved, but the structural vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements local quality by creating a chamfer-shaped edge portion with reduced thickness compared to the flat portion. This localized thinning at edges while maintaining greater thickness in the central flat portion achieves both slimness (overall reduced thickness) and structural reliability (sufficient thickness in load-bearing areas).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a uniformly thick two-dimensional window structure to a three-dimensional chamfer-shaped structure with varying thickness. The edge portion is formed with inclined surfaces creating multiple thickness zones, adding a dimensional aspect that simultaneously achieves slimness and structural integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional laser cutting is used to create chamfer-shaped edges, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the edge strength and precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into two distinct laser processing stages: first laser light for initial cutting to create the preliminary window shape, and second laser light for precise chamfer formation at the edges. This segmentation allows each laser process to be optimized independently, achieving both manufacturing efficiency and precise edge geometry with improved strength characteristics.
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 effectively produces a window with a chamfer-shaped edge that offers improved strength and structural integrity, addressing the vulnerability issues while maintaining a slim and efficient design, thus enhancing the protection of electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
laser cutting a base glass into a preliminary window using first laser light
Implementation Method 2
irradiating, with second laser light, a point spaced apart from an edge of the preliminary window
Implementation Method 3
providing a window by wet etching the preliminary window irradiated with the second laser light
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a window and a window manufactured by the same are provided. A method of manufacturing a window includes laser cutting a base glass into a preliminary window using first laser light, irradiating, with second laser light, a point spaced apart from an edge of the preliminary window at a first distance, and providing a window including a flat portion and an edge portion by wet etching the preliminary window irradiated with the second laser light. A method of manufacturing a window having a chamfer shape at the edge portion is facilitated.