Thin Glass Separation via Laser Thermal Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating thin glass, such as scoring and breaking, often result in damaged edges with reduced strength, especially under flexural load, and struggle to maintain a sufficient temperature gradient for precise stress crack separation in thinner glasses due to rapid heating and diffused thermal energy distribution.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a shaped effective zone with overlapping energy sources to create a steep temperature gradient across the glass thickness, allowing controlled separation along a desired parting line, with optional cooling jets to stabilize the edge formation and prevent edge re-contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional scoring and breaking is used to separate glass, then separation can be achieved, but edge strength is reduced due to damaged edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scoring wheel system with a laser-based thermal system. Instead of mechanically scoring the glass surface to create failure zones, the invention uses laser beams to induce thermal stresses that propagate stress cracks along the desired separation line, thereby avoiding mechanical edge damage and preserving edge strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter used for separation from mechanical stress (scoring wheel pressure) to thermal stress (laser-induced temperature gradients). By controlling laser power, scanning speed, and beam geometry, the process achieves clean separation without the edge damage characteristic of mechanical methods.
2Strength
If laser induced stress crack separation is used on thin glass, then edge strength should be improved, but thermal energy diffuses too rapidly to maintain sufficient temperature gradient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the laser beam into multiple separate beams (typically three) arranged in a triangular pattern. This segmentation allows each beam to heat a distinct region, and the combined thermal fields create a concentrated temperature gradient at the triangle's centroid. For thin glass, this segmented approach prevents excessive heat diffusion while maintaining the necessary thermal stress for crack propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point heat source to a distributed multi-point heat source arrangement. By positioning laser beams in a triangular configuration and scanning them simultaneously, the process creates a two-dimensional heat distribution pattern that maintains temperature gradients more effectively in thin glass substrates compared to a single beam approach.
3Device complexity
If single laser beam is used for stress crack separation, then process is simple, but temperature gradient is diffused and crack propagation is imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal energy input by using multiple laser beams (typically three) arranged in a triangular configuration. Each beam heats a specific region, and the superposition of these thermal fields creates a concentrated temperature gradient at the triangle's centroid. This segmentation enables precise crack propagation control while distributing the thermal load to prevent excessive heat diffusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the thermal effects of multiple laser beams by positioning them in a triangular arrangement where their heat zones overlap at the centroid. This combining of thermal fields creates a focused temperature gradient that drives precise stress crack propagation along the desired separation line, overcoming the diffusion problem of single-beam systems.
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 approach enhances the strength and precision of glass edges, reducing the probability of failure under bending stress and extending the lifespan of thin glass products by ensuring stable crack propagation and edge quality.
Implementation Method 1
the thin glass in the region of the effective zone heats up very rapidly due to its low thickness
Implementation Method 2
with optional cooling jets to stabilize the edge formation and prevent edge re-contact
Implementation Method 3
by way of the temperature gradient of the glass that is heated by way of at least one energy source, a mechanical stress is generated in the glass in relation to the surrounding glass due to which a crack propagates
Data Source
AI summary
A method for separating a thin glass, in which method the thin glass is progressively heated along a path which forms a parting line, wherein the heating of the glass is realized by way of the energy of at least one energy source within an area of action of the energy source on the thin glass, and, by way of a temperature gradient of the glass heated by way of the at least one energy source in relation to the surrounding glass, a mechanical stress is generated in the glass, by way of which mechanical stress, a crack propagates, following the mechanical stress, along the parting line.