Pressurized Glass Surface Etching for Uniform Net-Like Layers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing a net-like structure layer on glass surfaces require long immersion times and struggle with achieving uniform treatment and sufficient depth, often resulting in surface unevenness.

Innovation Solution

A net-like structure layer production device that includes a pressure vessel, stirring means, and pressurization means, which uses a combination of alkali-resistant materials and pressurization means, and a method for producing a net-like structure layer on a glass base material by immersing it in an alkaline solution under pressure and stirring it with a combination of base material rotation and solution stirring systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the glass base material is immersed in a potassium hydrogencarbonate aqueous solution and heated to 30-90°C for an extended period, then a net-like structure layer can be produced on the surface, but the treatment time becomes excessively long (close to 24 hours) and the layer depth is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenet-like structure layer depthVSAvoidimmersion time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the treatment environment by applying pressure (1-10 atm) in addition to temperature control. This pressure parameter modification accelerates the chemical reaction rate and mass transport, enabling sufficient layer depth to be achieved in 1-10 hours instead of 24 hours

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs periodic stirring of the treatment solution to maintain fresh reagent contact with the glass surface and remove reaction products. This periodic renewal of the treatment environment sustains high reaction efficiency throughout the treatment period, preventing saturation and enabling deeper layer formation within shorter time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Manufacturing precision

If only heating the treatment solution is used, then the net-like structure layer can be formed, but uniform surface treatment is difficult and surface unevenness occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface uniformityVSAvoidtreatment process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements continuous stirring of the treatment solution throughout the treatment process. This continuous action ensures uniform distribution of reagents and consistent contact with all areas of the glass surface, preventing localized saturation and ensuring uniform etching depth and surface morphology across the entire substrate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If a multilayer film of dielectric is laminated on the glass base material, then the antireflection function is provided, but the heat-resistant property, chemical-resistant property, and wear-resistant property are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidresistance property
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical lamination process with a chemical etching process that directly modifies the glass surface. Instead of adding a separate dielectric layer through lamination, the net-like structure is formed by controlled chemical removal of glass material, creating inherent functional properties through surface topology rather than external coating

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite surface structure where the net-like patterned glass surface combines multiple functions (antireflection, hydrophobicity, soil resistance) in a single integrated structure. The alternating ridges and valleys of the net-like pattern provide different optical and surface properties without requiring separate material layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 device achieves a net-like structure layer with sufficient depth and uniformity in a short time, enhancing soil-resistant and hydrophilic properties on glass surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure vessel that houses, under predetermined pressure, a treatment solution and a glass base material immersed in the treatment solution; pressurization means for pressurizing the pressure vessel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressurization: Pressurisation

Implementation Method 2

stirring means for stirring the treatment solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStirring: Stirring

Implementation Method 3

The net-like structure layer production device may further include heating means for heating an inside of the pressure vessel. The glass base material may be treated in the treatment solution at 100°C or higher by the heating means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4660166A1Net-like structure layer formation device and method for producing glass equipped with net-like structure layer
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 GOTOH EDUCATIONAL CORPORATION
  • EP4660166A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4660166A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4660166A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A net-like structure layer production device (1) includes: a pressure vessel (10) that houses, under predetermined pressure, a treatment solution (21) and a glass base material (22) immersed in the treatment solution (21); pressurization means for pressurizing the pressure vessel (10); and stirring means for stirring the treatment solution (21), and a net-like structure layer is produced on a surface of the glass base material (22) in the treatment solution (21) under an alkaline environment.