Localized control of bulk material properties
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsTyler A. Marshall, Christopher D. Jones
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Electronic device components that include a glass portion and a ceramic or a glass ceramic portion are disclosed. The ceramic or glass ceramic portions of the component may be located to provide desired performance characteristics to the component, which may be an enclosure component. In addition, regions of compressive stress may be formed within the glass portion, the glass ceramic portion, or both to further adjust the performance characteristics of the component. Electronic devices including the components and methods for making the components are also provided.
Claims20
An electronic device comprising:
- a display;
- an enclosure component at least partially surrounding the display;
- and
- a cover positioned over the display and comprising:
- a central zone at least partially overlapping the display and comprising:
- a first partially crystallized glass ceramic portion formed along an exterior surface of the cover and extending into the cover to a first thickness;
- and
- a glass portion extending along an interior surface of the cover and including a compressive stress region;
- and
- a peripheral zone contiguous with and at least partially surrounding the central zone and comprising a second partially crystallized glass ceramic portion formed along the exterior surface of the cover and extending into the cover to a second thickness greater than the first thickness.
A cover for an electronic device, comprising:
- a central zone defining a window for viewing a display of the electronic device;
- a glass ceramic portion along an exterior surface of the central zone, comprising an at least partially crystallized glass ceramic, and including a first compressive stress region extending a first depth into the cover;
- a glass portion along an interior surface of the central zone, comprising a glass, and including a second compressive stress region extending a second depth into the cover;
- and
- a tensile stress region between the first compressive stress region and the second compressive stress region.
A cover for an electronic device, comprising:
- a first layer defining at least a portion of an exterior surface of the cover and comprising a crystalline ceramic;
- and
- a second layer bonded to the first layer, comprising a glass, and having a compressive stress region.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.