18447918. Coatings for Curved Surfaces simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)
Contents
- 1 Coatings for Curved Surfaces
- 1.1 Organization Name
- 1.2 Inventor(s)
- 1.3 Coatings for Curved Surfaces - A simplified explanation of the abstract
- 1.4 Simplified Explanation
- 1.5 Potential Applications
- 1.6 Problems Solved
- 1.7 Benefits
- 1.8 Potential Commercial Applications
- 1.9 Possible Prior Art
- 1.10 Unanswered Questions
- 1.11 Original Abstract Submitted
Coatings for Curved Surfaces
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Vijayen S. Veerasamy of Sunnyvale CA (US)
Coatings for Curved Surfaces - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18447918 titled 'Coatings for Curved Surfaces
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes a method for applying a physical vapor deposition coating with uniform thickness on a large, curved transparent structure by modulating cathode power, using a matching mask, varying cathode shape, sputtering the coating outwardly, modulating the magnetic field, and adjusting gas pressure and flow.
- Modulating cathode power during deposition
- Using a mask with a curvature matching the curved surface
- Varying cathode shape
- Sputtering the coating outwardly toward the curved surface
- Modulating the magnetic field to control flux
- Adjusting pressure and/or flow of gas
Potential Applications
The technology can be applied in the manufacturing of curved glass surfaces for architectural structures, automotive windshields, and electronic displays.
Problems Solved
The technology solves the challenge of achieving a uniform coating thickness on curved surfaces, ensuring consistent color and appearance.
Benefits
The benefits of this technology include improved aesthetics, increased durability, and enhanced performance of transparent structures.
Potential Commercial Applications
The technology can be commercially benefit industries such as architecture, automotive, electronics, and consumer electronics with a need for high-quality curved glass surfaces.
Possible Prior Art
Prior art may include methods for coating flat surfaces using physical vapor deposition techniques, but specific techniques for applying uniform coatings on curved surfaces may not be as well-documented.
Unanswered Questions
How does the technology impact the cost of manufacturing curved glass surfaces?
The article does not address the potential cost implications of implementing this technology in production processes.
Are there any limitations to the size or complexity of the curved surfaces that can be coated using this method?
The article does not specify any limitations on the size or complexity of the curved surfaces that can be effectively coated with this technology.
Original Abstract Submitted
A transparent structure may have multiple layers, such as an inner layer and an outer layer, which may be formed from glass. The transparent structure may have a large, curved surface with compound curvature and high geometric strain and may include one or more layers. To apply a physical vapor deposition coating with uniform thickness on a curved surface, cathode power may be modulated during the deposition, a mask having an opening with a curvature matching the curved surface may be used, a cathode shape may be varied, the cathodes may sputter the coating outwardly toward the curved surface, a magnetic field may modulate the flux produced by the cathodes, and/or the pressure and/or flow of gas may be adjusted. By modifying the physical vapor deposition coater in one or more of these ways, the coating may have a uniform thickness, and therefore a uniform color, across the curved surface.
