Chemical Strengthening of Thin Glass Articles With Surface Etching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glass articles used in electronic devices and construction materials often lack sufficient strength to withstand external impacts, particularly in thin and lightweight applications.

Innovation Solution

A method involving chemical strengthening through ion exchange processes to create compressive regions on the glass surface, followed by etching or polishing to remove a low-refractive surface layer, thereby enhancing the glass's structural integrity and reducing defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the glass thickness is reduced to make it easier to carry, then the portability is improved, but the strength to withstand external impact deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglass thicknessVSAvoidimpact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies chemical strengthening by changing the chemical composition and stress state of the glass surface. Through ion exchange processes, compressive stresses are introduced into the glass surface layer, fundamentally altering the mechanical properties to achieve high strength despite reduced thickness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure with a low-refractive surface layer (thickness: 1-100 nm) having different optical and mechanical properties from the glass bulk. This thin surface layer, combined with the compressed glass substrate, forms a composite that enhances overall strength while maintaining thinness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Illumination intensity

If a low-refractive surface layer is formed on the glass surface, then the optical properties are improved, but surface defects and weak points increase reducing strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical clarityVSAvoidsurface strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully controls the thickness parameter of the low-refractive surface layer (1-100 nm) to maintain optimal optical properties while minimizing the creation of surface defects. This precise parameter control ensures the layer provides optical enhancement without compromising structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary chemical strengthening through ion exchange before forming the low-refractive surface layer. This preliminary action creates a foundation of compressive stresses that protects the subsequent surface layer formation, preventing defect propagation and maintaining strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If chemical strengthening processes are applied to create compressive regions, then the strength is improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressive stress strengthVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical strengthening methods (such as surface treatment or lamination) with chemical ion exchange processes. This substitution simplifies the overall manufacturing approach by using chemical means to achieve the desired compressive stresses, reducing process complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

The method produces glass articles with improved strength and reduced surface defects, making them more resistant to breakage under external impact while maintaining optical clarity and reducing thickness.

Implementation Method 1

cleaning the low-refractive surface layer with an acid solution; and cleaning the low-refractive surface layer with a base solution after the cleaning it with the acid solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical etching:

Implementation Method 2

chemical strengthening through ion exchange processes to create compressive regions on the glass surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Data Source

PatentUS20250304492A1Glass article and method for producing the same

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A method for producing a glass article is provided. The method for producing a glass article, the method including preparing a glass to be processed, the glass comprising a glass bulk and a low-refractive surface layer disposed on the glass bulk, and etching away the low-refractive surface layer to form an etched glass, wherein the etching away the low-refractive surface layer comprises: cleaning the low-refractive surface layer with an acid solution; and cleaning the low-refractive surface layer with a base solution after the cleaning it with the acid solution.