UV Curable Polymer Coating for Glass Edge Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for protecting glass edges are labor-intensive, costly, and unsuitable for automation, particularly for small to medium electronic devices with varied shapes, and lack a uniform, aesthetically pleasing, and optically clear coating solution that provides impact and abrasion resistance.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for applying a wrap-around coating using UV curable polymers with nano-size inorganic particles, specifically urethane (meth)acrylate oligomers or epoxy resins, to glass edges with various profiles, allowing for interchangeable coating pads and immediate curing, ensuring uniformity and transparency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive plastic or paper materials and polymer films are used to cover glass surfaces, then protection from damage is improved, but labor intensity increases and automation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical application methods with an automated coating apparatus that applies polymer coating to glass edges through a controlled mechanical process, eliminating labor-intensive hand application while maintaining protection quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and application parameters by using a liquid or gel polymer coating that can be automatically deposited and then cured through UV radiation or other curing mechanisms, transforming the application process from manual adhesive placement to automated coating deposition
2Strength
If polymer overmolding or machinable metal armor layers are used to protect glass edges, then edge strength is improved, but additional processing steps increase costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protection function by applying coating only to the edge regions of the glass substrate rather than covering entire surfaces, and separates the coating application from the glass manufacturing process, allowing independent optimization of each step
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the protective polymer coating to the glass edges before final assembly or shipping, performing the protection function in advance to prevent damage during handling and transport, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing reinforcement steps
3Reliability
If coating is applied to all glass surfaces including faces, then comprehensive protection is improved, but aesthetic appearance and tactile quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies protective coating only to the edge regions of the glass substrate while leaving the face surfaces uncovered, creating different functional zones where edges receive protection and faces maintain their original aesthetic and tactile properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface coating to three-dimensional edge-specific coating by using a coating apparatus that targets only the peripheral edges of the glass substrate, allowing protection without affecting face surface quality
4Strength
If thick coating layers are applied to provide adequate protection, then impact resistance is improved, but optical clarity and transparency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the polymer coating by selecting materials with high impact resistance but low optical interference, and controls coating thickness and curing parameters to achieve optimal balance between protection and transparency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite polymer materials that combine protective properties (impact resistance, abrasion resistance) with optical properties (transparency, clarity), creating a multi-functional coating that simultaneously provides both protection and visual quality
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 provides a uniform, impact-resistant coating that is optically clear or transmissive across multiple wavelengths, suitable for various glass edge profiles and thicknesses, with high material utilization and aesthetic appeal, allowing for efficient protection without visible coating appearance.
Implementation Method 1
A method and device for applying a wrap-around coating using UV curable polymers with nano-size inorganic particles
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a method for coating the edge of glass articles. The shaped edge of a glass article is inserted into the slot of a coating apparatus. The coating apparatus includes a vessel containing a UV curable coating material, an element connected to the vessel having the slot, wherein the slot is shaped to receive an edge of the glass article; and a coating pad having a coating surface shaped to conform to the shaped edge of the glass article, the pad having a network of interconnected openings therethrough, wherein the coating pad extends from the vessel and into the element so that the coating surface forms a bottom surface of the slot. An ultraviolet (UV) curable coating material is supplied to the coating pad and the shaped edge is contacted with the coating pad surface to transfer a selected thickness of the coating material from the coating pad to the shaped edge. The UV curable coating material is then cured on the shaped glass edge.