Apparatuses, systems and methods for cold forming glass
AssigneeCorning Incorporated
InventorJames Edward McGinnis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The disclosure relates to forming methods, systems, apparatuses and resulting displays that represent improvements in various key areas. The disclosed methods, systems and apparatuses can include a backing configured to support the glass substrate. In one embodiment, the backing can comprise a plurality of linkages. The one or more of the plurality of linkages are selectively moveable to interface with and correspond to a radius of curvature of the curved portion of the glass substrate. However, other embodiments contemplate segments, mesh or other construction for the backing.
Claims18
An apparatus for housing one or more display modules or other components within a vehicle interior system, comprising:
- a glass substrate having a curved portion;
- a backing configured to support the glass substrate, wherein the backing comprises a plurality of linkages, wherein one or more of the plurality of linkages are selectively moveable to interface with and correspond to a radius of curvature of the curved portion of the glass substrate, wherein at least some of the plurality of linkages are configured to be positionally fixed relative to one another via connections between the plurality of linkages to maintain curvature of the glass substrate;
- and
- a bonding medium attaching the glass substrate to the backing.
A method of cold forming a display or console for a vehicle interior system, the method comprising:
- applying an adhesive to a glass substrate;
- positioning a forming apparatus on the glass substrate with the adhesive positioned therebetween such that the forming apparatus is coupled to the adhesive, wherein the forming apparatus comprises a plurality of linkages configured to be selectively moveable to assume a radius of curvature along a first major surface of the forming apparatus;
- applying a desired force to the glass substrate and the forming apparatus to compress the adhesive;
- and
- maintaining applying the desired force to compress the adhesive for a desired duration of time with the glass substrate clamped to the forming apparatus,
- further comprising an articulating joint connecting one of the plurality of linkages with at least another one of the plurality of linkages, and wherein at least two of the plurality of linkages are selectively movable relative to one another via the articulating joint,
- further comprising locking the articulating joint to position the one of the plurality of linkages relative to the at least another one of the plurality of linkages and to reduce or eliminate substantial relative movement between the one of the plurality of linkages and the at least another one of the plurality of linkages.
A system for a display, console or other component of a vehicle, the system comprising:
- a glass substrate having a curved portion;
- a backing configured to support the glass substrate, wherein the backing comprises a first plurality of linkages, and wherein one or more of the first plurality of linkages are selectively moveable to interface with and correspond to a radius of curvature of the curved portion of the glass substrate;
- a forming apparatus configured to provide the glass substrate with the curved portion, wherein the forming apparatus comprises a second plurality of linkages configured to be selectively moveable to assume a second radius of curvature along a first major surface of the forming apparatus, wherein the second radius of curvature corresponds with the radius of curvature of the curved portion of the glass substrate;
- and
- a bonding medium configured to attach the glass substrate to one of the backing or the forming apparatus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.