Apple inc. (20240351311). Multi-Layer Glass for Foldable Devices simplified abstract
Contents
Multi-Layer Glass for Foldable Devices
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Christopher D Jones of Los Gatos CA (US)
Que Anh S Nguyen of San Jose CA (US)
Matthew S Rogers of San Jose CA (US)
Christopher C Bartlow of Menlo Park CA (US)
Multi-Layer Glass for Foldable Devices - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240351311 titled 'Multi-Layer Glass for Foldable Devices
Simplified Explanation: The patent application describes an electronic device with a display that can fold around a bend axis. The display cover layer is made of three layers of glass fused together, with outer glass layers having lower coefficients of thermal expansion than the core inner layer. This creates deep compressive stress in the outer layers and tensile stress in the inner layer, making the display flexible. A notch in one of the outer glass layers enhances flexibility in the bend region, with the exposed inner glass layer chemically strengthened.
- The electronic device has a display that can fold around a bend axis.
- The display cover layer is made of three layers of glass fused together.
- Outer glass layers have lower coefficients of thermal expansion than the core inner layer.
- This creates deep compressive stress in the outer layers and tensile stress in the inner layer.
- A notch in one of the outer glass layers enhances flexibility in the bend region.
- The exposed inner glass layer in the notch is chemically strengthened.
Potential Applications: 1. Foldable electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets. 2. Flexible displays for wearable technology. 3. Bendable screens for automotive displays.
Problems Solved: 1. Enhancing the flexibility of displays in foldable devices. 2. Improving the durability of bendable screens. 3. Providing a solution for creating chemically strengthened glass layers in displays.
Benefits: 1. Increased durability of foldable displays. 2. Enhanced flexibility for various electronic devices. 3. Improved overall performance of bendable screens.
Commercial Applications: Foldable electronic devices with flexible displays can revolutionize the smartphone and tablet market, offering consumers more versatile and durable products. This technology can also be applied to wearable devices and automotive displays, opening up new opportunities for innovation in these industries.
Questions about the Technology: 1. How does the chemical strengthening of the inner glass layer in the notch enhance the flexibility of the display cover layer? 2. What are the potential challenges in mass-producing electronic devices with foldable displays using this technology?
Original Abstract Submitted
an electronic device may have a display and may be configured to fold about a bend axis that overlaps the display. the display may have a display cover layer formed from three layers of glass fused together. the display cover layer may have outer glass layers that have lower coefficients of thermal expansion than a core inner layer that is formed between the outer glass layers. this places the outer glass layers into deep compressive stress relative to the inner layer, which is under tensile stress. a notch may be formed in one of the outer glass layers to enhance flexibility of the display cover layer in a strip-shaped notch region that extends along the bend axis. an exposed portion of the inner glass layer in the notch may be chemically strengthened.
