Foldable UTG Window Etching for Curved Recess Boundaries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing ultra-thin glass (UTG) windows for foldable display devices face challenges in achieving impact resistance and preventing exterior defects, particularly in the folding areas where etching processes can lead to uneven boundaries and defects.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of inclined bars and controlled etching solutions to create a glass substrate with distinct etching rates and concentrations in non-folding and folding areas, forming recessed portions with curved boundaries to enhance impact resistance and prevent exterior defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional etching methods are used on ultra-thin glass substrates, then the glass can be thinned to achieve foldability, but the glass becomes vulnerable to impact and develops exterior defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different etching solutions to different regions of the glass substrate. The folding area receives a first etching solution that creates a recessed portion with curved boundaries, while non-folding areas receive a second etching solution. This local differentiation allows the glass to be thinned in the folding area for foldability while maintaining thickness and strength in non-folding areas for impact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The glass substrate is divided into distinct functional regions: folding areas and non-folding areas. Different etching processes are applied to each region based on its specific requirements. The folding area undergoes etching to create recessed portions that enable bending, while non-folding areas are treated differently to maintain structural integrity.
2Length of moving object
If conventional etching methods are used on ultra-thin glass substrates, then the glass can be thinned to achieve foldability, but exterior defects are generated at etched boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifically creates recessed portions in the folding area with curved boundaries rather than sharp or flat edges. This curvature at the recessed portion boundaries eliminates exterior defects by creating a smooth transition in the glass surface, preventing stress concentration points that would otherwise form at angular or abrupt boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
Different etching solutions are applied to different regions of the glass substrate. The folding area receives a first etching solution that creates a recessed portion with curved boundaries, while non-folding areas receive a second etching solution. This local differentiation allows the glass to be thinned in the folding area for foldability while maintaining thickness and strength in non-folding areas for impact resistance.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform etching is applied across the entire glass substrate, then the process is simple, but the folding area cannot achieve proper structural modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different etching solutions to different regions of the glass substrate. The folding area receives a first etching solution that creates a recessed portion with curved boundaries, while non-folding areas receive a second etching solution. This local differentiation allows the glass to be thinned in the folding area for foldability while maintaining thickness and strength in non-folding areas for impact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The glass substrate is divided into distinct functional regions: folding areas and non-folding areas. Different etching processes are applied to each region based on its specific requirements. The folding area undergoes etching to create recessed portions that enable bending, while non-folding areas are treated differently to maintain structural integrity.
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 improves the impact resistance and reduces exterior defects in foldable display devices by creating a glass substrate with controlled etching that enhances the structural integrity of folding areas.
Implementation Method 1
etching the glass substrate by providing an etching solution to the upper surface of the glass substrate, where in the etching the glass substrate, a recessed portion is formed in the folding area
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a window includes providing a glass substrate having a first non-folding area, a second non-folding area, and a folding area between the first and second non-folding areas, providing, on the glass substrate, a first bar and a second bar each of which is inclined with respect to an upper surface of the glass substrate, and spaced apart from the glass substrate, and etching the glass substrate by providing an etching solution to the upper surface of the glass substrate. In the etching the glass substrate, a recessed portion is formed in the folding area.