Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses articles comprising a curved cold-formed glass substrate and a plurality of separate mechanical retainers attached to the cold-formed glass substrate.

The disclosure provides, among other things, cold formed 3D products such as curved glass substrates for surfaces in a vehicle interior such as vehicle displays. In addition, the methods, systems and apparatuses of forming such curved glass substrates provided herein provide for various improvements. These improvements can include elimination of a need to pre-fabricate a specific form that is adhered to the glass and becomes part of the final product, elimination of the need to dispense adhesive with a uniform thickness onto the form, structural loading being concentrated as a shear force such that tensile force, and hence, tensile stress is reduced on the bonding medium used to adhere with the curved glass substrate, improved replaceability of the curved glass substrate and/or improved usability by facilitating dynamic movement such as bending of the display to provide for flexibility of visualization for the display while in use.

The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed herein.

Repeated use of reference characters in the specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the disclosure, even when the numbers by <NUM> from figure-to-figure. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and examples can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope of the principles of the disclosure.

Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, examples of which are illustrated in part in the accompanying drawings.

Vehicle interior systems may include a variety of different curved surfaces that are designed to be transparent, such as curved display surfaces, and the present disclosure provides articles and methods for forming these curved surfaces which include a glass substrate. Displays for vehicle interior systems have typically been equipped with a frame that allows components of the display to be more easily viewed when the display is on. The frame can also contrast the color or pattern of the display to adjacent automotive interior components. Furthermore, the frame can provide support for the components of the display.

Cold forming (e.g., bending) is an energy efficient method of creating curved glass substrates having a radius of curvature based on the elastic deformation of glass at relatively low temperature (e.g., < <NUM>) with the application of out of plane loads to create the desired shape. During the cold forming process, a flat high-strength glass substrate is three-dimensionally (3D) deformed. Typically, the glass substrate is mechanically fixed by an adhesive interlayer to the target pre-formed 3D frame to which, e.g., display functional modules are mounted. However, this process has proven difficult as the adhesive interlayer can peel away or otherwise become decoupled from one of the glass substrate or the frame. This disclosure provides methods of cold forming, systems, apparatuses and resulting displays that represent improvements in various key areas. According to one embodiment, a new method of cold forming is disclosed. With this method, a radius of curvature for the glass substrate can be defined by a form that may not become a part of the display. This form can have moveable segments/linkages, can be reusable and/or programmable, for example. This form is referred to as a forming apparatus herein. A bonding medium can be applied to the glass substrate and adhered. The forming apparatus can comprise, for example, a plurality of linkages such as those of a flexible mesh, chain mail or other construction as discussed herein. The forming apparatus can be adhered to the glass substrate and bonding medium by the remaining exposed side of the bonding medium. The bonding medium can hold one or more of the linkages of the plurality of linkages at a desired angle for cold forming by engaging with surface(s) of the linkages pressing into the bonding medium. Alternative methods of positionally fixing (sometimes termed locking herein) the linkages together with a desired angle are discussed herein. The assembly (including the glass substrate, bonding medium and the forming apparatus can be held in a vacuum mold or otherwise compressed (e.g. pressure formed with a mold, etc.) until the bonding medium is strong enough to hold the cold formed curvature desired. This cold formed curvature can be imparted from the forming apparatus to the glass substrate via the bonding medium. The forming apparatus and/or the bonding medium can then optionally be removed from the display.

The disclosed method, for example, eliminates the need for a frame as part of the display. However, if utilized, the frame need not be structural in construction. According to some embodiments, the forming apparatus can be retained as a backing or can form a frame for the display. This backing can be cut or otherwise shaped to any desired dimensions and matched to the glass substrate. This variable dimensioning can be valuable in high part mix manufacturing operation such as automotive interior manufacturing. Additionally, the disclosed method can eliminate the need to dispense a liquid epoxy (or other adhesive) with a uniform thickness onto the frame as has been the case with prior methods that utilize a structural frame. Missing adhesive or even thickness variation of such adhesive can have the potential to cause stress concentrations that can weaken the display. These potential problems can be avoided utilizing the forming apparatus. According to one embodiment, the forming apparatus can facilitate the use of a structural tape as the bonding medium. This structural tape can be cut precisely to shape. This cutting can be done before the forming apparatus is removed. Furthermore, the forming apparatus can utilize linkages or other moveable members such as segments with articulating joint such as a hinge or other type of connection. These hinges or other articulating connections can cause the resultant structural load on the adhesive being more concentrated in the shear force than static tensile force as force is transferred from glass substrate back to the hinge in the forming apparatus. Reducing static tensile force (and resulting stress) can improve adhesion between the glass substrate and the bonding medium.

Further embodiments disclosed herein are directed to the construction of the backing and uses thereof. The backing can have the same or similar construction as that of the forming apparatus. Indeed, in some embodiments the forming apparatus can subsequently be utilized as the backing for the glass substrate, frame and/or other components of the display. However, this may not be the case in other embodiments. Thus, for example, the forming apparatus can be removed from the display after cold forming and a separate backing can be installed. The construction of the backing is further discussed herein.

The backing can enhance the replaceability of the display. For example, if the glass substrate should become scratched or broken, a new backing and glass substrate can be utilized to replicate the original. This can be accomplished by flexing the backing and removing the bonding medium (such as structural tape) from the glass substrate. This can be done without damaging the display module and touch panel unit. Additionally, according to some embodiments, the backing can enable a display that is flexible with a dynamic bending capability. More particularly, the backing can be constructed of moveable linkages, sections, segments, hinges, articulating connections, etc. that are capable of selective movement relative to one another and relative to the glass substrate. This moveable construct for the backing can make the backing flexible. An actuator (e.g., motor(s), linkage(s), wire/pulley(s), reel, pinion/rack(s), hydraulic device(s), combinations thereof, etc.) can drive one or more of the linkages (or another member if alternatively used) of the backing to various positions as desired. The actuator can have a construction of actuators used to reposition an automobile's side mirrors, for example. Hinges or articulating connection of the backing can be free to move and may not be bonded or otherwise locked in position. Thus, the actuator(s) can be attached or otherwise coupled to the backing and can be configured to control and shape the glass substrate of the display via the backing for improved user viewing angle(s) of the display.

As used herein, the terms "cold forming" "cold formed," "cold bent," or "cold bending" and iterations thereof refers to curving the glass substrate at a temperature which is less than the softening point of the glass. The term "cold bendable" "bendable" or "flexible" refers to the capability of a glass substrate to be cold bent or otherwise geometrically changed such as in the dynamic manner using the actuator(s) and backing described in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a vehicle interior <NUM> that includes three different vehicle interior systems <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, according to an exemplary embodiment. Vehicle interior system <NUM> includes a center console base <NUM> with a curved surface <NUM> including a display, shown as curved display <NUM>. Vehicle interior system <NUM> includes a dashboard base <NUM> with a curved surface <NUM> including a display, shown curved display <NUM>. The dashboard base <NUM> typically includes an instrument panel <NUM> which may also include a curved display. Vehicle interior system <NUM> includes a dashboard steering wheel base <NUM> with a curved surface <NUM> and a display, shown as a curved display <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the vehicle interior system may include a base that is an arm rest, a pillar, a seat back, a floor board, a headrest, a door panel, or any portion of the interior of a vehicle that includes a curved surface.

The articles and techniques described herein can be used in any or all of vehicle interior systems <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. Thus, they are not limited to displays. While <FIG> shows an automobile interior, the various embodiments of the vehicle interior system may be incorporated into any type of vehicle such as trains, automobiles (e.g., cars, trucks, buses and the like), sea craft (boats, ships, submarines, and the like), and aircraft (e.g., drones, airplanes, jets, helicopters and the like), including both human-piloted vehicles, semi-autonomous vehicles and fully autonomous vehicles.

<FIG> shows a display <NUM> for a vehicle interior system according to one embodiment. Methods, systems and apparatuses for forming the display <NUM> are further discussed in reference to <FIG>. It should be recognized that the techniques and apparatus of <FIG> are not limited to the display <NUM> but to any display or other vehicle component including those of <FIG>. As shown in both <FIG>, the display <NUM> includes a glass substrate <NUM>, and a frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM> is entirely optional and may not be utilized according to some embodiments. According to some embodiments, the frame <NUM> can be formed by the backing and/or bonding medium as further described herein. The frame <NUM> may not be utilized for support (e.g., to facilitate or maintain the curvature of the glass substrate <NUM>), and thus, can be non-structural. A structural frame has typically been utilized previously. The frame <NUM> can be utilized for aesthetic purposes and for contrast with a display module (not shown). According to some embodiments, the backing can provide support (e.g., to facilitate or maintain the curvature of the glass substrate <NUM>) or a combination of the frame <NUM> and backing can be utilized for support.

As shown in <FIG>, the frame <NUM> include a first opening <NUM> configured to house further display components or modules (not shown). The frame <NUM> and glass substrate <NUM> can includes a curved portion <NUM>.

A radius of curvature of the curved portion <NUM> can be, for example, about <NUM> or greater, <NUM> or greater, <NUM> or greater, <NUM> or greater, <NUM> or greater, <NUM> or greater or <NUM> or greater. For example, the radius of curvature may be in a range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The glass substrate <NUM> can be comprised of suitable glass compositions for use in the cold formed glass substrates described herein include soda lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, boroaluminosilicate glass, alkali-containing aluminosilicate glass, alkali-containing borosilicate glass, and alkali-containing boroaluminosilicate glass.

The glass substrate <NUM> can be strengthened using any suitable method known in the art, including by including compressive stress (CS) into the glass substrate, that extends from a surface to a depth of compression (DOC); by utilizing a mismatch of the coefficient of thermal expansion between portions of the article to create a compressive stress region and a central region exhibiting a tensile stress; thermally by heating the glass to a temperature above the glass transition point and then rapidly quenching; and chemically by ion exchange, where, e.g., ions at or near the surface of the glass substrate are replaced by, or exchanged with, larger ions having the same valence or oxidation state.

As used herein, the term "glass substrate" is used in its broadest sense to include any object made wholly or partly of glass. Glass substrates include laminates of glass and non-glass materials, laminates of glass and crystalline materials, and glass-ceramics (including an amorphous phase and a crystalline phase). The glass substrate may be transparent or opaque. Cold-formed glass substrate can include a colorant that provides a specific color.

The thickness of the glass substrate <NUM> can be tailored to allow the glass substrate <NUM> to be flexible to achieve a desired radius of curvature. Moreover, a thinner glass substrate <NUM> may deform more readily, which could potentially compensate for shape mismatches and gaps that may be created by the shape of the display <NUM> (when curved). The glass substrate <NUM> and at least a portion of the frame <NUM> can have substantially similar radii of curvature to provide a substantially uniform distance therebetween.

The glass substrate <NUM> can be positioned on the frame <NUM> and can include the central portion interfacing with and generally conforming to a corresponding curved portion of the frame <NUM>. As illustrated, the glass substrate <NUM> includes a first major surface <NUM> immediately facing the viewer and a second opposing second major surface (not numbered) interfacing with the frame <NUM> and/or other components.

The frame <NUM> has an interior surface that defines the opening <NUM>. The interior surface can provide for mechanical alignment for positioning the display module within the opening <NUM>. <FIG> shows an opposing side of the display <NUM> from that of <FIG> and further illustrates a backing <NUM> according to one embodiment. The backing <NUM> can comprise a plurality of linkages <NUM>. These linkages <NUM> are illustrated at a schematic manner in <FIG>. The linkages <NUM> can be selectively moveable such as relative to one another (and the glass substrate, bonding medium, etc.) as further described herein subsequently. Various embodiments of the backing <NUM> are contemplated.

According to the embodiment of <FIG>, the backing <NUM> can be a mesh <NUM>, such as a chain link mesh, for example. The mesh <NUM> can have the plurality of linkages <NUM> connected together. The linkages <NUM> can extend in various directions across the display <NUM> such as generally longitudinal (left/right in the plane of view) from a first edge 415A to or closely adjacent a second edge 415B and laterally (up/down in the plane of view) from a third edge 415C to or closely adjacent a fourth edge 415D (these items are numbered in reference to <FIG> only unless otherwise indicated). The layout and interlinked configuration of the plurality linkages <NUM> shown in <FIG> is exemplary and non-limiting. Various layouts and interlinked configurations of the plurality of linkages <NUM> are contemplated. The backing <NUM> can be constructed of any known material, thus, the backing <NUM> can be polymer, metal, ceramic, glass, composite thereof, etc. The mesh <NUM>, if utilized, can be constructed of fibers or filaments including natural or synthetic fibers according to some embodiments.

<FIG> show various exemplary configurations for the backing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the backing <NUM> can take up substantially an entirety of a second major surface <NUM> of the display <NUM>. Thus, the backing <NUM> can extend to or closely adjacent the first edge 415A, second edge 415B, third edge 415C and fourth edge 415D. Thus, the backing <NUM> of <FIG> can be positioned behind and can support the glass substrate <NUM> (<FIG>), frame <NUM> (<FIG>), display module and/or other components of the display <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the backing <NUM> can be applied, cut or otherwise positioned around the opening <NUM> defined by the frame <NUM> (<FIG>). Thus, the opening <NUM> is uncovered by the backing <NUM>. The backing <NUM> of <FIG> can be positioned behind and can support the frame <NUM> (<FIG>).

<FIG> show the backing <NUM> can be applied, cut or otherwise positioned around or across the opening <NUM>. Thus, the backing <NUM> can cover only selective portions of the frame <NUM>. In <FIG>, the backing <NUM> extends from or closely adjacent the first edge 415A to or closely adjacent the second edge 415B. In <FIG>, the backing extends from or closely adjacent the third edge 415C to or closely adjacent the fourth edge 415D. The backing <NUM> can provide structural support and/or can facilitate curvature of the display <NUM> in the selected areas applied as further discussed herein. Taking <FIG> as an example, the backing <NUM> can facilitate and/or support a curvature of the display <NUM> in this middle region of the display <NUM> illustrated.

<FIG> shows an embodiment where the backing <NUM> is separated in to distinct portions 412A and 412B that are positioned on opposing ends of the display <NUM> such as at or closely adjacent the first edge 415A and at or closely adjacent the second edge 415B. The backing <NUM> can provide structural support and/or can facilitate curvature of the display <NUM> in these selected areas. The embodiment of <FIG> can further be configured to enable the display <NUM> to be flexible with a dynamic bending capability as further illustrated and discussed in <FIG>. Furthermore, any of the embodiments of <FIG> can provide such a capability for the display <NUM> as further discussed herein.

<FIG> and <FIG> show a backing <NUM> according to one embodiment. <FIG> shows a first side of the backing <NUM> and <FIG> shows an opposing side of the backing <NUM>. Unless otherwise indicated all reference numbers are provided in regard to <FIG>.

The backing <NUM> can include a plurality of linkages 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D, etc., a plurality of articulating joints 516A, 516B, 516C, 516D, etc. For brevity only a limited number of the linkages and articulating joints are provided with reference numbers with the understanding that the backing <NUM> can be constructed with any number of linkages and articulating joints as desired. The backing <NUM> can optionally include a covering <NUM> on one or more major surfaces thereof.

The plurality of linkages 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D can comprise metal members having a longitudinal length between the plurality of articulating joints 516A, 516B, 516C, 516D. Taking linkage 514A as an example, the linkage 514A can extend longitudinally (corresponding to the Cartesian y-axis) from the articulating joint 516A to the articulating joint 516B. As shown in <FIG>, the plurality of linkages 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D can be staggered slightly from one another in a lateral direction (corresponding to the Cartesian x-axis) in an alternating manner. The plurality of linkages 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D can be joined together in a selectively moveable manner at the respective plurality of articulating joints 516B, 516C, 516D. Each of the plurality of linkages 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D can include an aperture or other feature of one of the plurality of articulating joints 516A, 516B, 516C, 516D.

As shown in <FIG>, the backing <NUM> can be formed by a plurality of segments 518A, 518B, 518C, 518D, etc. comprised of the linkages. These linkages can include the plurality of linkages 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D and additional pluralities of linkages (e.g., linkages 514AA, 514BB, 514CC, 514DD, linkages 514AAA, 514BBB, 514CCC, 514DDD, etc.) be positioned laterally of (spaced) and can be arranged generally in parallel with the plurality of linkages 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D. Together, the plurality of linkages 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D, etc., 514AA, 514BB, 514CC, 514DD, etc., 514AAA, 514BBB, 514CCC, 514DDD, etc. can define a first major surface <NUM> and a second major surface <NUM> of the backing <NUM>.

According to some examples, the plurality of segments 518A, 518B, 518C, 518D, can be formed of a plurality of linkages that are integrally formed together and/or connected by a cross member <NUM> (better illustrated in <FIG>) or other structure. Thus, according to some examples, the linkages 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D, etc., 514AA, 514BB, 514CC, 514DD, etc., 514AAA, 514BBB, 514CCC, 514DDD, etc. can be respectively connected in the lateral direction by components (here cross member <NUM>) other than the plurality of articulating joints 516A, 516B, 516C, 516D.

The first major surface <NUM> can be defined by spaced side surfaces of the individual linkages of the plurality of segments 518A, 518B, 518C, 518D, etc. The second major surface <NUM> can be abutted by the covering <NUM>, for example. The covering <NUM> can comprise adhesive, foam, rubber or other desired materials.

The plurality of articulating joints 516A, 516B, 516C, 516D can extend laterally through and connect multiple ones of the corresponding plurality of linkages 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D, 514AA, 514BB, 514CC, 514DD, 514AAA, 514BBB, 514CCC, 514DDD. Thus, for example, the articulating joints 516A and 516B can connect together linkages 514A, 514AA, and 514AAA. This can be in addition to connecting linkage 514A to linkage 514B as is the case with articulating joint 516B. The linkages 514A, 514AA, and 514AAA can be selectively moveable in unison via the articulating joints 516A and 516B so as to maintain the first major surface <NUM> and the second major surface <NUM>. The linkages 514B, 514BB, 514BBB, etc. and articulating joints 516C, etc. can be similarly constructed. Thus, the plurality of articulating joints 516A, 516B, 516C, 516D can connect the plurality of segments 518A, 518B, 518C, 518D together in a selectively moveable manner relative to one another.

According to the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, the backing <NUM> can comprise a metal (e.g., aluminum alloy) chain such as Lynxmotion chain track, which is commercially available from RobotShop Inc. Although described and illustrated in the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG> as utilizing articulating joints, the backings disclosed herein need not include articulating joints such as hinges in some embodiments. For example, filament, fiber or other type of mesh can have sufficient flexibility and capability for relative movement such that articulating joints are not necessary according to some embodiments of the backing. Although the articulating joints shown in <FIG> and <FIG> comprise hinges, other types of articulating joints such as those using folds, creases, slots, hooks, latches, etc. are contemplated.

<FIG> shows a system <NUM> for forming the backing <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>. The system <NUM> includes one or more of the plurality of segments 518A, 518B, 518C, 518D, etc. (only segment 518A and a portion of segment 518B are shown in <FIG>) and the articulating joints 516A and 516B. The segment 518A can include the cross-member <NUM> and the plurality of linkages 514A, 514AA, 514AAA, etc. The articulating joints 516A and 516B can comprise hinges 604A and 604B. The hinges 604A and 604B can be partially formed by apertures 602A and 602B of the plurality of linkages 514A, 514AA, 514AAA, etc. and can further include axles 606A and 606B and end caps 608A and 608B.

<FIG> shows the portion of the segment 518B that has linkages 514B, 514BB, 514BBB, etc., configured to insert between the plurality of linkages 514A, 514AA, 514AAA, etc. of the segment 518A. Together apertures of these linkages of including the plurality of linkages 514A, 514AA, 514AAA, etc. of the segment 518A can define a common aperture for the hinge 604B. The axle 606B and end cap 608B can be inserted (or removed from) in this common aperture.

The axle 606A can be configured to be insertable through the apertures 602A of the respective linkages 514A, 514AA, 514AAA, etc. (and apertures of an additional linkage not illustrated in <FIG>). The end cap 608A can be insertable in the axle 606A and in the aperture 602A of the linkage 514A, for example. Similarly, the axle 606B can be configured to be insertable in the manner previously described.

<FIG> shows an alternative system <NUM> for forming the backing <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>. This system <NUM> can be the same as the system <NUM> previously described but can differ in that apertures 702A, 702B, axles 706A, 706B and/or end caps 708A, 708B can be polygonal (e.g., hexagonal) in cross-section. Such a construction for these components can allow segment 518A to be selectively positionally fixed (positionally locked) relative to other segments via hinges 704A and 704B. More particularly, the axles 706A and 706B can be removable from the segment 518A and adjoining segments. The segment 518A can then be positioned as desired relative to the adjoining segments. The axles 706A and 706B can then be inserted into the respective apertures 702A, 702B. Due to the shape of the axles 706A and 706B and the apertures 702A and 702B, the segment 518A is not moveable (is locked as used herein) relative to the adjoining segments.

Although described in reference to polygonal features (e.g., polygonal axle and aperture), the backing <NUM> can be configured to have segments or linkages that can selectively positionally fixed (positionally locked) relative to other segments or linkages by other mechanical mechanisms known in the art. Thus, the articulating joints could utilize snap-fit, snap connection, interference fit or other features such as indents, tabs, gears, hooks, rack/pinion, or other mating male/female connection. Thus, according to some embodiments, the locking of the segments or linkages can be facilitated by any one or combination of retaining the plurality of linkages with the bonding medium (described subsequently in reference to <FIG>), retaining the plurality of linkages by applying a second adhesive over the articulating joint or adjacent the articulating joint (described subsequently in reference to <FIG>), applying the adhesive over the articulating joint (described subsequently in reference to <FIG>), mating a female portion of the articulating joint with a male portion of the articulating joint (described in reference to <FIG>) or creating a fixed connection at the articulating joint (described in reference to <FIG>).

<FIG> shows the one segment 518A of the backing <NUM>. The segment 518A has a bonding medium <NUM> attached to the first major surface <NUM> thereof. The bonding medium <NUM> can comprise a structural adhesive according to one embodiment. The structural adhesive can include polyurethanes (e.g., DP604NS available from <NUM>®, Saint Paul, MN, as well as Betamate <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>, Betaseal X2500, and Betalink K2, from Dupont®, Wilmington, DE), polysiloxanes and silane-modified polymers (e.g., TEROSON RB IX, also known as TEROSTAT MS <NUM> and TEROSON MS <NUM>, available from Loctite®), and epoxies (e.g., Scotch-Weld™ Epoxy Adhesive DP125 and DP604 available from <NUM>®, Saint Paul, MN).

Additional adhesives include, but not limited to, an adhesive selected from one of more of the categories: (a) Toughened Epoxy (for example, Masterbond EP21TDCHT-LO, <NUM> Scotch Weld Epoxy DP460 Off-white); (b) Flexible Epoxy (for example, Masterbond EP21TDC-2LO, <NUM> Scotch Weld Epoxy <NUM> ); (c) Acrylics and/or Toughened Acrylics (for example, LORD Adhesive <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> Acrylic adhesives with LORD Accelerator <NUM> or 19GB w/ LORD AP <NUM> primer, LORD Adhesive <NUM> or <NUM>/LORD Accelerator 25GB, Loctite HF8000, Loctite AA4800); (d) Urethanes (for example, <NUM> Scotch Weld Urethane DP640 Brown, SikaForce <NUM> L03, SikaForce <NUM> L15, Sikaflex <NUM> and Polyurethane (PUR) Hot Melt adhesives such as, Technomelt PUR <NUM>-<NUM> UVNA, Loctite HHD <NUM>, Loctite HHD <NUM>, <NUM> Hotmelt adhesives <NUM> and <NUM>); and (e) Silicones (Dow Corning <NUM>, Dow Corning <NUM>-<NUM> Silicone Assembly adhesive, Dow Corning <NUM>, SikaSil-GP). In some cases, structural adhesives available as sheets or films (for example, but not limited to, <NUM> Structural adhesive films AF126-<NUM>, AF <NUM>-<NUM>, SBT <NUM> and <NUM>, Masterbond FLM36-LO) may be utilized.

Furthermore, pressure sensitive adhesives such as <NUM> VHB tapes can comprise the bonding medium <NUM> according to some embodiments. In such embodiments, utilizing a pressure sensitive adhesive (such as the tape) allows for the curved glass substrate to be bonded to the backing (and/or forming apparatus) without the need for, among other things, a curing step. Thus, the bonding medium <NUM> can be any one of or a combination of VHB tape, foam tape, pre-cured adhesive dots or other shapes, rigid polymer, compliant polymer or fully or partially cured adhesive (cured fully or partially).

The bonding medium <NUM> can be rigid, semi-rigid or compliant. As discussed, the bonding medium <NUM> and/or the backing <NUM> (and/or the forming apparatus) can optionally be used only in critical stress areas to prevent glass compression prior to full curing of the adhesive, for example. The backing <NUM>, in particular the sides of the linkages 514A, 514AA, 514AAA, etc. that interface with the bonding medium <NUM> can have mechanical features such as grooves, ridges, etc. to improve attachment, provide alignment or otherwise improve performance of the bonding medium <NUM>, for example. The bonding medium <NUM> could be sacrificial or permanent. Sacrificial bonding medium <NUM> could be cut or otherwise removed and shaped. In some cases, it can be replaced with another bonding medium such as adhesive later.

According to the embodiment of <FIG>, the bonding medium <NUM> can be cut or otherwise shaped to allow the articulating joints 516A and 516B to be exposed and free of the bonding medium <NUM>. This can facilitate selective movement of the segment 518A relative to adjoining segments via the articulating joints 516A and 516B this can facilitate the dynamic capability of the backing <NUM> for bending of the glass substrate of the display as further described in reference to <FIG>.

The bonding medium <NUM> can have any desirable thickness between the glass substrate and the backing <NUM>. The thickness of the bonding medium <NUM> can be tailored to, among other things, ensure lamination between the backing <NUM> and the cold-formed glass substrate. Exemplary thicknesses for the bonding medium <NUM> can be <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or less and may be applied in a variety of ways. The bonding medium <NUM> can have a thickness in a range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM> In one embodiment, if the bonding medium <NUM> comprises some of the adhesives described above, it can be applied using an applicator gun and mixing nozzle or premixed syringes or robotic adhesive dispenser, and spread uniformly using any of the following, for example, a roller, a brush, a doctor blade or a draw down bar.

The bonding medium <NUM> can also have any suitable length and/or width as defined by the size of the display as previously described. Thus, the bonding medium <NUM> is not dimensionally limited in either the length or width other than by the size of the display in these dimensions.

<FIG> shows an alternative embodiment of the one segment 518A of the backing <NUM>. The segment 518A has the bonding medium <NUM> attached to the first major surface <NUM> thereof and a second bonding medium <NUM> attached to the second major surface <NUM> thereof. The second bonding medium <NUM> can be of the same or similar material(s) to the bonding medium <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the second bonding medium <NUM> (or indeed the first bonding medium <NUM>) can extend laterally to cover the articulating joints 516A and 516B. When the second bonding medium <NUM> is cured, such an arrangement can positionally lock the segment 518A relative to adjoining segments in a manner similar to those previously described in reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows the backing <NUM> with the plurality of segments 518A, 518B, 518C and 518D and linkages 514A, 514B, 514C and 514D being selectively moveable relative to one another via the plurality of hinges 516B, 516C and 516D. <FIG> does not illustrate the glass substrate which would be located atop and abutting the bonding medium <NUM> for clarity. Selective movement of the plurality of segments 518A, 518B, 518C and 518D has accomplished to provide for a desired curvature for the backing <NUM> between the segments 518A, 518B, 518C and 518D. This curvature can be imparted to the glass substrate via the bonding medium <NUM>. The bonding medium <NUM> has been applied to the segments 518A, 518B, 518C and 518D and over the articulating joints 516A, 516B, 516C, 516D, etc. and when cured or partially cured, the bonding medium <NUM> can positionally lock the plurality of segments 518A, 518B, 518C and 518D and linkages 514A, 514B, 514C and 514D in a manner similar to those previously described in reference to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the radius of curvature of the central portion of the backing <NUM> and the bonding medium <NUM> can be within <NUM> or less of the radius of curvature of the curved portion <NUM> (<FIG>) of the glass substrate <NUM> (<FIG>). This tolerance can be impacted by the method and forming apparatus for forming the display <NUM> (<FIG>) as further discussed in reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> show a method <NUM> including a forming apparatus <NUM>. The forming apparatus <NUM> can be the backing <NUM> as previously described. The method <NUM> can include the forming apparatus <NUM>, which can have the segments and/or linkages thereof selectively moved to provide for a desired curvature (or other shape) of the forming apparatus <NUM>. The method <NUM> is illustrated in reference to a test mold that includes clamps and platens. However, it is contemplated that the method <NUM> can utilize a vacuum forming apparatus (also called a vacuum chuck) for cold forming the glass substrate <NUM> as previously discussed. Such vacuum forming apparatuses are known in the art for cold forming. A plenum or such as one defined by one or both of the platens or other device can facilitate a pressure differential to the forming apparatus and/or glass substrate.

As shown best in <FIG>, the forming apparatus <NUM> can optionally be positioned between the opposing platens interfacing the glass substrate with the bonding medium positioned therebetween in the manner previously described. The bonding medium can be applied to the glass substrate and adhered. The forming apparatus can be adhered to the glass substrate and bonding medium by the remaining exposed side of the bonding medium. The bonding medium can hold one or more of the linkages of the plurality of linkages (or one or more segments of the plurality of segments) at a desired angle for cold forming by engaging with surface(s) of the linkages pressing into the bonding medium. Various features or techniques of positionally fixing (sometimes termed locking herein) the linkages together with the desired angle were discussed herein previously. The assembly (including the glass substrate, bonding medium and the forming apparatus can be held in a vacuum mold or otherwise compressed (e.g. pressure formed with a mold, etc.) until the bonding medium is strong enough to hold the cold formed curvature desired. This cold formed curvature can be imparted from the forming apparatus to the glass substrate via the bonding medium. The forming apparatus and/or the bonding medium can then optionally be removed from the display.

According to one embodiment of the method, the radius of curvature for the glass substrate can be defined by the forming apparatus <NUM> as previously described. Recall the forming apparatus <NUM> may or may not become a part of the display. The forming apparatus <NUM> can have moveable segments/linkages to achieve the desired radius of curvature as previously described. These segments/linkages can be reusable and/or programmable, for example. Accordingly, <FIG> illustrate the method <NUM> of cold forming a display, console or other feature or component for a vehicle interior system according to one embodiment. The method <NUM> can include applying a adhesive to a glass substrate, positioning the forming apparatus <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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. The method <NUM> can further optionally include 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.

<FIG> shows a portion of a display <NUM> that is undergoing bending of a glass substrate <NUM> thereof. This bending forms a radius of curvature <NUM> in this glass substrate <NUM>. The bending of the glass substrate is being performed by a backing <NUM> (e.g., the same as or similar to the backing <NUM>) used in combination with an actuator <NUM>. This combination of the backing <NUM> and the actuator <NUM> can facilitate dynamic movement of the display <NUM>.

According to the example of <FIG>, the actuator <NUM> can comprise a reel (not shown) utilizing wire or other line coupled to a first portion 1004A of the backing <NUM> and a second portion 1004B of the backing <NUM>. The first portion 1004A and second portion 1004B can be located on opposing ends of the display <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a method <NUM> of dynamically altering a shape of a display <NUM>. The display <NUM> can include a glass substrate <NUM>, a backing <NUM> such as any of those previously described and optionally a frame <NUM>. <FIG> shows the backing <NUM> alone prior to application to the glass substrate <NUM> and frame <NUM> via the bonding medium as previously described. <FIG> shows the backing <NUM> attached to the glass substrate <NUM> and frame <NUM>. <FIG> shows at least one actuator <NUM> (here a plurality of motors <NUM> with shafts <NUM>) can be coupled to particular segment(s) or linkage(s) of the backing <NUM>. The at least one actuator <NUM> can be arranged to extend across a portion or all of the backing <NUM>. <FIG> shows the at least one actuator <NUM> can move the particular segment(s) or linkage(s) of the backing <NUM>. This can facilitate dynamic movement of the display <NUM> such as to form a curved region <NUM> along a surface of the glass substrate <NUM> thereof.

Values expressed in a range format should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range were explicitly recited. For example, a range of "about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%" or "about <NUM>% to <NUM>%" should be interpreted to include not just about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, but also the individual values (e.g., <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, and <NUM>%) and the sub-ranges (e.g., <NUM>% to <NUM>%, <NUM>% to <NUM>%, <NUM>% to <NUM>%) within the indicated range. The statement "about X to Y" has the same meaning as "about X to about Y," unless indicated otherwise. Likewise, the statement "about X, Y, or about Z" has the same meaning as "about X, about Y, or about Z," unless indicated otherwise.

In this document, the terms "a," "an," or "the" are used to include one or more than one unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "or" is used to refer to a nonexclusive "or" unless otherwise indicated. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein, and not otherwise defined, is for the purpose of description only and not of limitation. Any use of section headings is intended to aid reading of the document and is not to be interpreted as limiting; information that is relevant to a section heading may occur within or outside of that particular section.

The terms "about", "generally", or "correspond" as used herein can allow for a degree of variability in a value or range, for example, within <NUM>%, within <NUM>%, or within <NUM>% of a stated value or of a stated limit of a range.

Claim 1:
An apparatus for housing one or more display modules (<NUM>) or other components within a vehicle interior system (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a glass substrate (<NUM>) having a curved portion (<NUM>);
a backing (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to support the glass substrate (<NUM>), wherein the backing (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a plurality of linkages (<NUM>), wherein one or more of the plurality of linkages (<NUM>) are selectively moveable to interface with and correspond to a radius of curvature of the curved portion (<NUM>) of the glass substrate (<NUM>); and
a bonding medium (<NUM>) attaching the glass substrate (<NUM>) to the backing (<NUM>, <NUM>).