Apple inc. (20240092688). Coatings for Curved Surfaces simplified abstract
Contents
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 20240092688 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 surface with compound curvature and high geometric strain, such as a transparent structure made of glass.
- Cathode power may be modulated during the deposition process.
- A mask with an opening matching the curvature of the surface may be used.
- The shape of the cathode may be varied.
- Cathodes may sputter the coating outwardly toward the curved surface.
- A magnetic field may modulate the flux produced by the cathodes.
- The pressure and/or flow of gas may be adjusted.
- Potential Applications:**
This technology could be applied in the manufacturing of curved glass surfaces for architectural purposes, automotive windshields, and electronic displays.
- Problems Solved:**
This technology solves the challenge of achieving a uniform thickness coating on large, curved surfaces with compound curvature and high geometric strain.
- Benefits:**
The benefits of this technology include improved aesthetics, durability, and functionality of transparent structures with complex shapes.
- Potential Commercial Applications:**
The potential commercial applications of this technology include glass manufacturing industries, automotive industry, and electronics industry.
- Possible Prior Art:**
Prior art in the field of physical vapor deposition techniques for coating large, curved surfaces may exist, but specific examples are not provided in the patent application.
- Unanswered Questions:**
1. How does the modulation of cathode power during deposition affect the uniformity of the coating thickness? 2. What specific industries or companies could benefit the most from implementing this technology in their manufacturing processes?
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.
