PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11850822-B2
Application Number: US-202017033022-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Electronic device having a component with crack hindering internal stress regions

Abstract:
A component for an electronic device including an internal compressive stress region is disclosed herein. The internal compressive stress region may be created in a glass portion of the component or in a glass ceramic portion of the component. Electronic devices comprising the components and method for making the components are also disclosed.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device comprising a glass ceramic cover member defining a front surface and a rear surface and formed from a single piece of an ion-exchangeable glass ceramic, the glass ceramic cover member comprising:
 a first external compressive stress region along the front surface; 
 a second external compressive stress region along the rear surface; 
 an internal compressive stress region positioned between the first external compressive stress region and the second external compressive stress region; 
 a first internal tensile stress region between the first external compressive stress region and the internal compressive stress region; and 
 a second internal tensile stress region between the second external compressive stress region and the internal compressive stress region. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the glass ceramic cover member is formed from an aluminosilicate glass ceramic and comprises:
 first alkali metal ions having a first size, second alkali metal ions having a second size greater than the first size, and third alkali metal ions having a third size greater than the second size; 
 each of the first and the second internal tensile stress regions and the internal compressive stress region includes at least a respective portion of the first alkali metal ions; 
 the internal compressive stress region is enriched in the second alkali metal ions as compared to the first and the second internal tensile stress regions; and 
 the first external compressive stress region and the second external compressive stress region are enriched in the third alkali metal ions as compared to the first and the second internal tensile stress regions. 
 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the glass ceramic cover member is ion-exchanged in each of the first and the second external compressive stress regions, the first and the second internal tensile stress regions, and the internal compressive stress region. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the glass ceramic cover member has a thickness from 0.3 mm to 3 mm and a depth of each of the first and the second external compressive stress regions is from 5 microns to 50 microns. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein a surface compressive stress of each of the first and the second external compressive stress regions is from 400 MPa to 800 MPa. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the glass ceramic cover member has a volume percentage of crystals greater or equal to 50% and less than 100%. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the electronic device includes a display; and 
 the glass ceramic cover member is positioned over the display. 
 
     
     
       8. An electronic device comprising a cover member formed from a monolithic ion-exchangeable glass ceramic material and defining a front surface and a rear surface, the cover member comprising:
 a first external compressive stress region along the front surface; 
 a first internal tensile stress region inward from the first external compressive stress region; 
 a first internal compressive stress region inward from the first internal tensile stress region; 
 a second external compressive stress region along the rear surface; 
 a second internal tensile stress region inward from the second external compressive stress region; 
 a second internal compressive stress region inward from the second internal tensile stress region; and 
 a third internal tensile stress region between the first internal compressive stress region and the second internal compressive stress region. 
 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the ion-exchangeable glass ceramic material is an aluminosilicate glass ceramic material. 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the cover member comprises first alkali metal ions having a first size, second alkali metal ions having a second size greater than the first size, and third alkali metal ions having a third size greater than the second size; 
 each of the first, the second, and the third internal tensile stress regions each includes at least a respective portion of the first alkali metal ions; 
 the first internal compressive stress region and the second internal compressive stress region are enriched in the second alkali metal ions as compared to the first, the second, and the third internal tensile stress regions; and 
 the first external compressive stress region and the second external compressive stress region are enriched in the third alkali metal ions as compared to the first and the second internal tensile stress regions. 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the first alkali metal ions are lithium ions, the second alkali metal ions are sodium ions, and the third alkali metal ions are potassium ions. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the cover member has a volume percentage of crystals greater or equal to 30% and less than 100% and is transparent to visible light. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein a maximum level of compressive stress in each of the first and the second external compressive stress regions is greater than a maximum level of compressive stress in each of the first and the second internal compressive stress regions. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the electronic device further includes a housing including metal segments that are separated by dielectric segments; and 
 the cover member is coupled to the housing. 
 
     
     
       15. A method of strengthening a glass ceramic cover member for an electronic device, the glass ceramic cover member formed from a single piece of an ion-exchangeable glass ceramic and the method comprising:
 a first operation comprising exchanging a portion of first alkali metal ions in the glass ceramic cover member with second alkali metal ions having a second size larger than a first size of the first alkali metal ions, thereby forming a first ion-exchanged layer which extends throughout a thickness of the glass ceramic cover member; 
 a second operation comprising exchanging a portion of the second alkali metal ions in the first ion-exchanged layer with first alkali metal ions, thereby forming a second ion-exchanged layer along front and rear surfaces defined by the glass ceramic cover member, the second ion-exchanged layer having a depth less than half the thickness of the glass ceramic cover member; and 
 a third operation comprising exchanging a portion of the first alkali metal ions in the second ion-exchanged layer with third alkali metal ions, the third alkali metal ions having a third size greater than the second size, thereby forming a third ion-exchanged layer along the front and the rear surfaces, the third ion-exchanged layer having a depth less than the depth of the second ion-exchanged layer, a resulting strengthened glass ceramic cover member comprising:
 a first external compressive stress region along the front surface and a second external compressive stress region along the rear surface; 
 an internal compressive stress region positioned between the first external compressive stress region and the second external compressive stress region; 
 a first internal tensile stress region between the first external compressive stress region and the internal compressive stress region; and 
 a second internal tensile stress region between the second external compressive stress region and the internal compressive stress region. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the glass ceramic cover member comprises an aluminosilicate glass ceramic including the first alkali metal ions; 
 the internal compressive stress region is enriched in the second alkali metal ions as compared to the first and the second internal tensile stress regions; 
 the first external compressive stress region and the second external compressive stress region are enriched in the third alkali metal ions as compared to the first and the second internal tensile stress regions; and 
 each of the first internal tensile stress region and the second internal tensile stress region includes a respective portion of the first alkali metal ions exchanged for the portion of the second alkali metal ions during the second operation. 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the glass ceramic cover member is formed from a lithium aluminosilicate glass ceramic, the first alkali metal ions are lithium ions, the second alkali metal ions are sodium ions, and the third alkali metal ions are potassium ions. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the second operation and the third operation occur concurrently. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the internal compressive stress region is configured to deflect a crack propagating through the first internal tensile stress region or the second internal tensile stress region. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 15 , wherein a maximum level of compressive stress in each of the first and the second external compressive stress regions is from 3 to 10 times a maximum level of compressive stress in the internal compressive stress region.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/262,855, filed Jan. 30, 2019 and titled “Electronic Device Having a Glass Component with Crack Hindering Internal Stress Regions,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/701,519 filed on Jul. 20, 2018 and titled “Electronic Device Having a Glass Component with Crack Hindering Internal Stress Regions,” and Ser. No. 16/262,855 is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/143,309, filed Sep. 26, 2018 and titled “Thermoformed Cover Glass for an Electronic Device,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/648,615 filed on Mar. 27, 2018 and titled “Thermoformed Cover Glass for an Electronic Device,” and which is a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/676,860, filed Aug. 14, 2017 and titled “Thermoformed Cover Glass for an Electronic Device,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/398,611, filed on Sep. 23, 2016 and titled “Thermoformed Cover Glass for an Electronic Device,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/398,616, filed on Sep. 23, 2016 and titled “Thermoformed Cover Glass for an Electronic Device,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/398,627, filed on Sep. 23, 2016 and titled “Thermoformed Cover Glass for an Electronic Device,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to glass components for an electronic device. More specifically, the described embodiments relate to glass components that include internal compressive stress regions that may hinder crack propagation through the glass component. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices often include transparent exterior components. For example, transparent cover members both protect and allow viewing of a display within the device. However, some traditional glass cover members may be susceptible to cracking when subjected to severe impact, such as when the electronic device is dropped. 
     Embodiments described herein are directed to electronic device components that may have advantages as compared to some traditional glass components. The techniques described herein are generally directed to components that may include a residual internal compressive stress region in a glass or glass ceramic portion. The components described herein may have improved resistance to cracking and therefore provide enhanced durability of the components and electronic devices including the components. In general, the components formed using the described techniques may not suffer from the drawbacks associated with some traditional glass components for electronic devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments described herein relate to components for electronic devices which include a crack hindering residual internal compressive stress region. The internal compressive stress region may be located in a glass or glass ceramic portion of the component. As examples, the component may be a glass component, such as a monolithic glass component formed of a single piece of glass or a glass laminate. As an additional example, the component may comprise an internal glass ceramic portion and external glass portions. The components may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. 
     In embodiments, the component comprises a residual internal compressive stress region. The residual internal compressive stress region is present in the absence of an external load or force. The presence of a residual internal compressive stress region in the component may strengthen the component against cracking. Therefore, a glass component including a residual internal compressive stress region may be referred to as a strengthened glass component. The term strengthened glass component may also be used to refer to a component comprising both glass and glass ceramic portions. For brevity, a residual compressive stress region may be referred to herein as a compressive stress region and a residual tensile stress region may be referred to herein as a tensile stress region. 
     The internal compressive stress region of the component may act to hinder movement of a crack through a thickness of the component, thereby limiting damage to the component. For example, the internal compressive stress in this region may prevent a crack from passing through the region. In some cases the crack may continue to move through the component, but may move in a different direction. For example, the crack may at least partially reverse direction by moving away from the internal compressive stress region. Therefore, the residual internal compressive stress region may deflect a crack propagating through an internal tensile stress region in the component. The internal compressive stress region may be in the form of a layer. 
     In embodiments, the component further comprises at least one external compressive stress region. The external compressive stress region may provide an initial barrier to generation and/or movement of cracks from a surface of the component into an internal portion of the component. The external compressive stress region may be positioned along at least one external surface of the component. In embodiments, an external compressive stress region may be positioned along front, back, and side surfaces of the component. The component further comprises an internal tensile stress region located between the internal compressive stress region and the external compressive stress region. The internal tensile stress region may be inward from the external compressive stress region along a thickness of the component and the internal compressive stress region may be inward from the internal tensile stress region along a thickness of the component. The external compressive stress region and/or the internal tensile stress region may be in the form of a layer. 
     As an example, a strengthened glass component for an electronic device may comprise a surface at least partially defining an exterior of the electronic device and a compressive stress region extending from the surface to a first depth in the component. The surface further defines an exterior of the component. The compressive stress region may therefore be referred to as an external compressive stress region. The component may further comprise an internal tensile stress region inward from the external compressive stress region and an internal compressive stress region inward from the internal tensile stress region. The internal tensile stress region may extend from the first depth to a second depth in the component and the internal compressive stress region may extend from the second depth to a third depth in the component. In further embodiments, the internal tensile stress region is a first internal tensile stress region and the component further comprises a second internal tensile stress region inward from the internal compressive stress region and extending from the third depth to a fourth depth in the component. 
     In additional embodiments, the component comprises multiple internal compressive stress regions and/or external compressive stress regions. For example, a strengthened glass component for an electronic device may comprise: a first external surface defining at least a portion of an exterior of the electronic device, a first external compressive stress region along the first external surface, a first internal tensile stress region inward from the first external compressive stress region, and an internal compressive stress region inward from the first internal tensile stress region. The strengthened glass component may further comprise: a second external surface opposite to the first external surface, a second external compressive stress region along the second external surface, and a second internal tensile stress region inward from the second external compressive stress region. In further embodiments, the component comprises a third internal tensile stress region between the first internal compressive stress region and the second internal compressive stress region. 
     In embodiments, a method for making a component comprising an internal compressive stress region comprises creating an internal compressive stress region, an external compressive stress region, and an internal tensile stress region in the component. The external compressive stress region may be along at least one surface of the component. The internal tensile stress region may be inward from the external compressive stress region. The internal tensile stress region may also be positioned between the external and the internal compressive stress regions. The internal compressive stress region is inward from the external compressive stress region and the internal tensile stress region. In further embodiments, the method comprises creating another internal tensile stress region inward from the internal compressive stress region of the glass component 
     For example, a method of strengthening a glass component comprises forming an external compressive stress region extending from a surface to a first depth in the glass component. The method further comprises forming an internal tensile stress region extending from the first depth to a second depth in the glass component and forming an internal compressive stress region extending from the second depth to a third depth in the glass component. 
     Several techniques can create an internal compressive stress region in the component. For example, an exchange of ions in a glass or a glass ceramic component can create an internal compressive stress region. As another example, crystallizing a portion of a glass component to form a glass ceramic can create an internal compressive stress region. In additional examples, glass layers having different compositions and/or properties can be used to create an internal compressive stress region in a glass laminate component. In embodiments, the glass laminate component comprises a first outer layer formed from a first glass material, an inner layer formed from a second glass material, and a second outer layer formed from a third glass material. For example, the glass laminate component may comprise outer layers each having a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than that of the inner layer. As another example, the inner layer of the glass laminate may have a greater tendency to expand in response to ion exchange than the outer layers. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like elements. 
         FIG.  1 A  depicts a front view of a simplified example of an electronic device. 
         FIG.  1 B  depicts a back view of the electronic device of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  2    depicts a simplified example of a cover member for the electronic device of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  3 A  shows a simplified cross-section view of an example cover member having an internal and an external region of compressive stress. 
         FIG.  3 B  shows an example of the variation of residual stress across the thickness for the cover member of  FIG.  3 A . 
         FIG.  3 C  shows an enlarged view of another example cover member having internal and external regions of compressive stress. 
         FIG.  3 D  shows an example of the variation of residual stress with position for the cover member of  FIG.  3 C . 
         FIG.  4 A  shows a simplified cross-section view of an additional example cover member having internal and external regions of compressive stress. 
         FIG.  4 B  shows an example of the variation of residual stress across the thickness for the cover member of  FIG.  4 A . 
         FIG.  4 C  shows a simplified cross-section view of a further example cover member having internal and external regions of compressive stress. 
         FIG.  4 D  shows an example of the variation of residual stress across the thickness for the cover member of  FIG.  4 C . 
         FIG.  5 A  shows a detailed view of an example glass cover member having an internal compressive stress region created at least in part by an ion exchange process. 
         FIG.  5 B  shows an example of the variation of residual stress across the thickness for the glass cover member of  FIG.  5 A . 
         FIG.  6    shows a flowchart of a process for making the glass cover member of  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  according to one embodiment. 
         FIGS.  7 A,  7 B, and  7 C  illustrate stages in the process of  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  8 A  shows a detailed view of another example glass cover member having an internal compressive stress region created at least in part by an ion exchange process. 
         FIG.  8 B  shows an example of variation of residual stress across the thickness for the glass cover member of  FIG.  8 A   
         FIGS.  9 A,  9 B, and  9 C  illustrate stages in a process for making the glass cover member of  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B . 
         FIG.  10 A  shows a detailed view of an example cover member having an internal compressive stress region created at least in part by crystallizing a portion of a glass cover member to form a glass ceramic portion. 
         FIG.  10 B  shows an example of the variation of residual stress across the thickness in the sample for the cover member of  FIG.  10 A . 
         FIG.  11    shows a flowchart of a process for making the cover member of  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  according to one embodiment. 
         FIGS.  12 A and  12 B  illustrate a beam of radiation crystallizing an internal portion of a glass cover member to form a glass ceramic. 
         FIG.  12 C  illustrates a cover member including an internal glass ceramic portion after an ion exchange operation. 
         FIG.  13 A  shows a detailed view of another example cover member having an internal compressive stress region created at least in part by crystallizing a portion of a glass cover member to form a glass ceramic portion. 
         FIG.  13 B  shows an example of the variation of residual stress across the thickness of the glass cover member of  FIG.  13 A   
         FIG.  14 A  illustrates an example glass laminate cover member having an internal compressive stress region. 
         FIG.  14 B  shows an example of the variation of residual stress across the thickness of the glass laminate cover member of  FIG.  14 A . 
         FIGS.  15 A and  15 B  illustrate stages of an example method for forming an internal compressive stress region in a glass laminate cover member. 
         FIGS.  16 A,  16 B, and  16 C  illustrate stages of another example method for forming an internal compressive stress region in a glass laminate cover member. 
         FIG.  17    shows a block diagram of components of an electronic device. 
     
    
    
     The use of cross-hatching or shading in the accompanying figures is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements and also to facilitate legibility of the figures. Accordingly, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, element proportions, element dimensions, commonalities of similarly illustrated elements, or any other characteristic, attribute, or property for any element illustrated in the accompanying figures. 
     Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred implementation. To the contrary, the described embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure and as defined by the appended claims. 
     The current description is generally directed to components for electronic devices, which incorporate one or more internal compressive stress regions. The internal compressive stress region may be located in an internal glass portion or in an internal glass ceramic portion of the component. The component may further comprise an external compressive stress region and an internal tensile stress region between the external compressive stress region and the internal compressive stress region. 
     The presence of one or more internal compressive stress regions may reduce or hinder the propagation of cracks or defects within the glass component. In some implementations, the internal compressive stress regions may improve the durability and/or impact resistance of the glass component. The techniques and examples described herein may be used to create glass components for a cover glass of an electronic device, enclosure components of an electronic device, and other glass articles that may form at least a portion of an external surface of the electronic device. In some instances, the glass component may be internal to the electronic device or an electronic device enclosure. 
     As described in more detail herein, the internal compressive stress regions may be formed any number of different ways. In some example embodiments, the internal compressive stress region may be created, at least in part, due to an ion exchange process. The internal compressive stress region may also be created by crystallization of a portion of a glass component to form a glass ceramic. As an additional example, the internal compressive stress region may be created in an inner layer of a glass laminate having different thermal expansion and/or ion expansion properties than outer layers of the glass laminate. Electronic devices including the components and methods for making the components are also disclosed herein. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS.  1 A- 17   . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG.  1 A  depicts a front view of a simplified example of an electronic device. As shown in  FIG.  1 A , the electronic device  100  includes a housing  110  and a cover member  120 . The housing  110  may be formed from one or more metal or metallic components, a glass component, a ceramic component, or a combination thereof. The housing  110  may include a side surface  116 . As an example, the side surface  116  may be defined by one or more metal components. In one example, the side surface  116  is formed from a series of metal segments that are separated by polymer or dielectric segments that provide electrical isolation between adjacent metal segments. As additional examples, the side surface  116  may be defined by one or more glass components, a glass ceramic component, or a component including a glass and a glass ceramic. 
     The cover member  120  may be formed from a glass, a ceramic, or a combination thereof. As shown, cover member  120  defines a front surface  122 , which may form at least a portion of an exterior of the electronic device  100 . For example, the front surface  122  of the cover member  120  may define at least a portion of the front surface of the electronic device  100 . The cover member  120  may be coupled to the housing  110  using a fastener or fastening technique. For example, the cover member  120  may be coupled to the housing  110  using an adhesive, an engagement feature, a fastener, or a combination of any of these. As discussed herein, the cover member  120  may include an internal compressive stress region. However, the description provided is not limited to cover members and the principles described herein are applicable to other electronic device components, such as components of the housing  110 . 
     The cover member  120  may be positioned over a display that is configured to produce a graphical output that is viewable through a transparent window region of the cover member. For purposes of the following disclosure, the cover member  120  is described as a sheet of glass. However, the cover member  120  may be formed from multiple layers that include glass sheets, polymer sheets, and/or various coatings and layers. In some instances, a touch-sensitive layer (e.g., a capacitive touch sensor) is attached to the cover member  120  and positioned between the cover member  120  and the display. 
       FIG.  1 B  depicts a back view of the electronic device  100  of  FIG.  1 A . The housing  110  further comprises back surface  114  and side surface  116 . In embodiments, the electronic device  100  may further include a second cover member, which forms at least a portion of the back surface  114  of the electronic device  100 . The second cover member may be formed from a glass material that may include an internal compressive stress region, as described herein. The second or rear cover member may be partially transparent, formed from a transparent glass sheet, or may be opaque. In some cases, the second or rear cover includes one or more openings for a camera, light source, or other optical component. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device  100  may be a mobile telephone, a notebook computing device (e.g., a notebook), a tablet computing device (e.g., a tablet), a portable media player, a wearable device, or another type of portable device. The electronic device  100  may also be a desktop computer system, computer component, input device, or virtually any other type of electronic product or device component. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , cover member  220  may define a front surface  222 , a back surface  224 , and a side surface  226  extending between the front surface  222  and the back surface  224 . As shown, cover member  220  is generally rectangular and defines a length, L, a width, W, and a thickness, T. The thickness T of cover member  220  may be from 0.3 mm to 3 mm, 0.1 mm to 2 mm, or from 25 μm to 1 mm. While cover member  220  is depicted as being generally rectangular in shape for purposes of illustration, the cover member shape shown is not intended to be limiting. In addition, while the edges  228  between the front surface  222  and the side surface  226  and between the back surface  224  and the side surface  226  are shown as rounded, the shape shown is not intended to be limiting. 
     As an example, the cover member  220  may be at least partially transparent. For example, the cover member  220  may have a transmittance in the visible spectrum of at least 50% or at least 75%. The cover member  220  may define one or more transparent portions to allow viewing of a display within the electronic device and/or function as a window for a camera or an optical sensor. In other examples, the cover member  120  may be translucent or opaque over a portion or all of the area of the component. The cover member  120  may also include one or more regions that are covered with a decoration or an opaque coating. 
     In embodiments, the cover member  220  includes an aluminosilicate glass or glass ceramic or a boroaluminosilicate glass or glass ceramic. As used herein, an aluminosilicate glass or glass ceramic includes the elements aluminum, silicon, and oxygen, but may further include other elements. Similarly, a boroaluminosilicate glass or glass ceramic includes the elements boron, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen, but may further include other elements. For example, an aluminosilicate glass or glass ceramic or a boroaluminosilicate glass or glass ceramic may further include monovalent or divalent ions which compensate charges due to replacement of silicon ions by aluminum ions. Suitable monovalent ions include, but are not limited to, alkali metal ions such as Li + , Na + , or K + . Suitable divalent ions include alkaline earth ions such as Ca 2+  or Mg 2+ . In embodiments, the aluminosilicate glass may comprise greater than 0.1 mol % Li 2 O or greater than 1 mol % Li 2 O. In additional embodiments, the base composition may comprise from 0.1% to 10% lithium by weight of the base glass. 
       FIG.  3 A  shows a simplified cross-section view of an example cover member  320  having an internal and an external compressive stress region. The cross-section is taken along line A-A in  FIG.  2    and hatching is used to indicate regions of compressive stress. The cover member  320  includes an internal compressive stress region  342 , an external compressive stress region  344 , and an internal tensile stress region  354 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 A , external compressive stress region  344  extends along the front surface  322 , the back surface  324 , and the side surface  326  of the cover member  320 . External compressive stress region  344  may also extend around the edge between the front surface  322  and the side surface  326 . The external compressive stress region  344  may extend from front surface  322  or back surface  324  to a first depth D 1 . The external compressive stress region  344  may take the form of a layer and be referred to as an external compressive stress layer. 
     The cover member  320  further includes an internal tensile stress region  354  inward from the external compressive stress region  344 . As shown, the internal tensile stress region  354  is located between external compressive stress region  344  and internal compressive stress region  342 . The internal tensile stress region  354  may extend from the first depth D 1  to a second depth D 2 . The internal tensile stress region  354  may take the form of a layer and be referred to as an internal tensile stress layer. 
     The cover member  320  further includes internal compressive stress region  342  inward from the internal tensile stress region  354 . As shown, the internal compressive stress region  342  may extend from the second depth D 2  to a third depth D 3 . As shown, an internal compressive stress region  342  may be centrally located in the cover member  320 . As an example, a centrally located stress region may include locations about halfway between front surface  322  and back surface  324  and about halfway between opposing side surfaces  326 . As used herein, a stress region is inward of another stress region when at least a portion of the stress region is closer to the central portion of the cover member than the other stress region. The external compressive stress region  344  may take the form of a layer and be referred to as an external compressive stress layer. 
       FIG.  3 B  shows an example of the variation of residual stress with thickness for the cover member of  FIG.  3 A . The cover member  320  includes an internal compressive stress region  342 , an internal tensile stress region  354 , and an external compressive stress region  344 . The internal tensile stress region  354  is inward from the external compressive stress region  344  and the internal compressive stress region  342  is inward from the internal tensile stress region  354 . As shown in  FIG.  3 B , a level of the compressive stress is greater in external compressive stress region  344  than in internal compressive stress region  342 . 
     In additional embodiments, the external compressive stress region may comprise a first external compressive stress region and a second external compressive stress region. For example, a first external compressive stress region may be formed along a first external surface of the cover member and a second external compressive stress region may be formed along a second external surface of the cover member. The second external surface may be generally opposite to the first external surface. 
       FIG.  3 C  shows a partial cross-section of a cover member  320  including a first external compressive stress region and a second external compressive stress region. The first external compressive stress region  344   a  may be formed along front surface  322  and the second external compressive stress region  344   b  may be formed along back surface  324 . The cover member may further comprise a first internal tensile stress region  354   a  inward from the first internal compressive stress region  344   a  and a second internal tensile stress region  354   b  inward from the second external compressive stress region  344   b . In addition, the cover member  320  may comprise an internal compressive stress region  342  inward from the first internal tensile stress region  354   a . The internal compressive stress region  342  may also be inward from the second internal tensile stress region  354   b.    
       FIG.  3 D  shows an example of the variation of residual stress with thickness for the cover member  320  of  FIG.  3 C . The cover member  320  includes an internal compressive stress region  342  inward from first and second internal tensile stress regions  354   a  and  354   b . First and second internal tensile stress regions  354   a  and  354   b  are inward from first and second external compressive stress regions  344   a  and  344   b . The first and the second external compressive stress regions  344   a ,  344   b  may be substantially similar or may differ. The first and the second internal tensile stress regions  354   a ,  354   b  may also be substantially similar or may differ. As shown in  FIG.  3 D , a level of the compressive stress is greater in external compressive stress regions  344   a ,  344   b  than in internal compressive stress region  342 . In embodiments, a maximum level of the compressive stress in the external compressive stress regions  344   a ,  344   b  may be from 3 to 10 times or from 5 to 10 times a maximum level of the compressive stress in the internal compressive stress regions. In embodiments, the surface compressive stress of each of external compressive stress regions  344   a  and  344   b  may be from 400 MPa to 800 MPa or from 600 MPa to 800 MPa. As shown in  FIG.  3 D , thickness of the internal compressive stress region  342  may be greater than a depth of the external compressive stress region  344 . In embodiments, the depth of each of the first and the second compressive stress regions  344   a  and  344   b  may be from 5 microns to 50 microns. 
       FIG.  4 A  shows a simplified cross-section view of another example cover member  420  having an internal and an external compressive stress region. The cover member  420  includes an internal compressive stress region  442 , external compressive stress region  444 , and internal tensile stress regions  452  and  454 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  4 A , external compressive stress region  444  extends from front surface  422  and back surface  424  to a first depth D 1 . As shown, the depth of the external compressive stress region  444  may be substantially equal around the cover member  420 . In further embodiments, the external compressive stress region  444  may vary around the cover member  420 . For example, a first external compressive stress region may be formed along a first external surface of the cover member and a second external compressive stress region may be formed along a second external surface of the cover member. The second external surface may be generally opposite to the first external surface. For example, the first external surface may correspond to front surface  422  and the second external surface may correspond to back surface  424 . The external compressive stress region  444  may take the form of a layer and be referred to as an external compressive stress layer. 
     The cover member  420  further includes internal tensile stress region  454 . As shown, internal tensile stress region  454  is located inward from external compressive stress region  444 . Internal tensile stress region  454  is also located between external compressive stress region  444  and internal compressive stress region  442 . The internal tensile stress region  454  may extend from the first depth D 1  to a second depth D 2 . The internal tensile stress region  454  may take the form of a layer and be referred to as an internal tensile stress layer. 
     The cover member  420  further includes internal compressive stress region  442 . As shown, the internal compressive stress region  442  is inward from internal tensile stress region  454 . As shown, the internal compressive stress region  442  extends from the second depth D 2  to a third depth D 3 . The internal compressive stress region  442  may take the form of a layer and be referred to as an internal compressive stress layer. 
     The cover member  420  further includes internal tensile stress region  452 . As shown, internal tensile stress region  452  is located inward from internal compressive stress region  442 . The internal tensile stress region  452  may take the form of a layer and be referred to as an internal tensile stress layer. 
       FIG.  4 B  shows an example of the variation of residual stress with thickness for the cover member  420  of  FIG.  4 A . The cover member  420  includes an internal tensile stress region  452 , an internal compressive stress region  442 , an internal tensile stress region  454 , and an external compressive stress region  444 . As shown in  FIG.  4 B , a level of the compressive stress is greater in external compressive stress region  444  than in internal compressive stress region  442 . 
       FIG.  4 C  shows a partial cross-section of another cover member  420  including an internal compressive stress region and first and second external compressive stress regions. The first external compressive stress region  444   a  is formed along front surface  422  and the second external compressive stress region  444   b  is formed along back surface  424 . The cover member  420  further comprises a first internal tensile stress region  454   a  inward from the first internal compressive stress region  444   a  and a second internal tensile stress region  454   b  inward from the second external compressive stress region  444   b . In addition, the cover member  420  comprises a first internal compressive stress region  442   a  inward from the first internal tensile stress region  454   a  and a second internal compressive stress region  442   b  inward from the second internal tensile stress region  454   b . Third internal tensile stress region  452  may also be inward from both first internal compressive stress region  442   a  and second internal compressive stress region  442   b.    
       FIG.  4 D  shows an example of the variation of residual stress with thickness for the cover member  420  of  FIG.  4 C . The cover member  420  includes an internal tensile stress region  452  inward from internal compressive stress regions  442   a  and  442   b . Internal compressive stress regions  442   a  and  442   b  are inward from internal tensile stress regions  454   a  and  454   b  and internal tensile stress regions  454   a  and  454   b  area are inward from external compressive stress regions  444   a  and  444   b . As shown in  FIG.  4 D , a level of the compressive stress is greater in external compressive stress regions  444   a ,  444   b  than in internal compressive stress regions  442   a ,  442   b . In embodiments, a maximum level of the compressive stress in the external compressive stress regions  444   a ,  444   b  may be from 3 to 10 times or from 5 to 10 times a maximum level of the compressive stress in the internal compressive stress regions  442   a ,  442   b . In embodiments, the surface compressive stress of each external compressive stress regions  444   a ,  444   b  may be from 400 MPa to 800 MPa or from 600 MPa to 800 MPa. A thickness of the internal compressive stress region  442   a ,  442   b  may be greater than a depth of the external compressive stress regions  444   a ,  444   b . In embodiments, the depth of each of the external compressive stress regions  444   a ,  444   b  may be from 5 microns to 50 microns. 
     In embodiments, an ion exchange process may create an internal compressive stress region in a component. For example, alkali metal ions in a glass portion of the component may be exchanged for larger alkali metal ions at a temperature below the strain point of the glass. The ion exchange process may also create an external compressive stress region along an external surface of the component and an internal tensile stress region inward from the external compressive stress region. The internal compressive stress region is inward from the internal tensile stress region. In further embodiments, the component further comprises another internal tensile stress region inward from the internal compressive stress region. 
     For example, the component may comprise an external compressive stress region including third alkali metal ions having a third size, an internal tensile stress region including first alkali metal ions having a first size, and an internal compressive stress region including second alkali metal ions having a second size. The second alkali metal ions and the third alkali metal ions may be introduced into the component by ion exchange. The second size may be greater than the first size and the third size may be greater than the second size. Further, the external compressive stress region may be enriched in the third alkali metal ions compared to the internal tensile stress region and the internal compressive stress region may be enriched in the second alkali metal ions as compared to the internal tensile stress region. In embodiments, the internal compressive stress region, although enriched in the second alkali metal ions, further comprises the first metal alkali metal ions. 
     As an additional example, a strengthened glass component may comprise a first and a second external compressive stress region, the first external compressive stress region along a first external surface and the second external compressive stress region along a second external surface. The first and the second external compressive stress regions each include third alkali metal ions having a third size. The strengthened glass component further comprises a first and a second internal tensile stress region, the first internal tensile stress region inward from the first external compressive stress region and the second internal tensile stress region inward from the second external compressive stress region. The first and the second internal tensile stress region each include first alkali metal ions having a first size. The strengthened glass component further comprises an internal compressive stress region inward from the first and the second internal tensile stress regions. The internal compressive stress region includes second alkali metal ions having a second size. 
     As a further example, the internal compressive stress region may be a first internal compressive stress region and the component may further comprise a second internal compressive stress region and a third internal tensile stress region. The third internal tensile stress region comprises the first alkali metal ions and the first and the second internal compressive stress regions are enriched in the second alkali metal ions as compared to the first, second, and third internal tensile stress regions. In embodiments, the first and second internal compressive stress regions, although enriched in the second alkali metal ions, further comprise the first metal alkali metal ions. The second size may be greater than the first size and the third size may be greater than the second size. 
     In embodiments, the component includes an ion exchangeable glass or glass ceramic. Ion exchangeable glasses include, but are not limited to, soda lime glasses, aluminosilicate glasses, and aluminoborosilicate glasses. Ion exchangeable glass ceramics include, but are not limited to, aluminosilicate glass ceramics and aluminoborosilicate glass ceramics. 
       FIG.  5 A  shows a detailed view of the inset  1 - 1  of  FIG.  3 A  for an example glass cover member  520  having an internal compressive stress region created at least in part by an ion exchange process. The glass cover member  520  comprises an outer portion  538 , portion  536  inward from outer portion  538 , and inner portion  532  inward from portion  536 . As shown in  FIG.  5 A , inner portion  532  may be centrally located. A first part of outer portion  538  is adjacent front surface  522 ; a second part of outer portion  538  is adjacent back surface  524 . The side surface of the cover member is not shown in this field of view. The alkali metal ions present in the glass cover member are schematically illustrated, but the glass network is not shown. 
     Prior to the ion exchange process, the cover member may be an ion exchangeable glass comprising first alkali metal ions  561 . As schematically shown in  FIG.  5 A , inner portion  532  of the cover member  520  includes first alkali metal ions  561  and second alkali metal ions  562 . The first alkali metal ions  561  have a first size and the second alkali metal ions  562  have a second size greater than the first size. The second alkali metal ions  562  may have been introduced by the ion exchange process. Inner portion  532  is enriched in the second alkali metal ions  562  as compared to portion  536 . The inner portion  532  may also be enriched in the second alkali metal ions  562  as compared to portion  538 . 
     Portion  536  of the cover member  520  includes first alkali metal ions  561 . Portion  536  may be depleted of the second alkali metal ions  562  and enriched in the first alkali metal ions  561  as compared to inner portion  532 . The portion  536  may also be enriched in the first alkali metal ions  561  as compared to portion  538 . The first alkali metal ions may comprise first alkali metal ions present in the glass prior to the ion exchange process and additional first alkali metal ions introduced during the ion exchange process. 
     Outer portion  538  of the cover member  520  comprises third alkali metal ions  563  having a third size greater than the first size and is enriched in the third alkali metal ions  563  as compared to portion  536 . Outer portion  538  may also be enriched in the third alkali metal ions  563  as compared to portion  532 . The second alkali metal ions  562  and the third alkali metal ions  563  may have been introduced by the ion exchange process. Outer portion  538  may further include first alkali metal ions  561 . The first alkali metal ions  561  may comprise first alkali metal ions present in the glass prior to the ion exchange process and additional first alkali metal ions introduced during the ion exchange process. 
     As an example, the first alkali metal ions  561  (M 1   + ) are lithium ions, the second alkali metal ions  562  (M 2   + ) are sodium ions, and the third alkali metal ions  563  (M 3   + ) are potassium ions. In embodiments, the outer portion  538  of the cover is enriched in potassium ions and the inner portion  532  is enriched in sodium ions as compared to the portion  536 . 
       FIG.  5 B  shows an example of the variation of residual stress along the thickness of the glass cover member  520  of  FIG.  5 A . The glass cover member  520  includes internal compressive stress region  542 . Internal compressive stress region  542  may be located in inner portion  532  of the glass cover member  520  and created because inner portion  532  is enriched in the second alkali metal ions as compared to portion  536 . 
     The glass cover member  520  further includes external compressive stress region  544 . External compressive stress region  544  may be located in outer portion  538  of the glass cover member  520  and created because outer portion  538  is enriched in the third alkali metal ions  563  as compared to portion  536 . As shown in  FIG.  5 B , a level of the compressive stress is greater in external compressive stress region  544  than in internal compressive stress region  542 . 
     The glass cover member  520  further comprises internal tensile stress region  554  between external compressive stress region  544  and internal compressive stress region  542 . The tensile stress in internal tensile stress region  554  at least partially balances the compressive stress in the glass cover member  520 . Internal tensile stress region  554  is at least partially located in portion  536  of the glass cover member  520 . In some embodiments, the internal tensile stress region  554  may extend slightly into inner portion  532  and/or outer portion  538  of the glass cover member  520 . 
     Therefore, the internal compressive stress region  542  of the glass cover member  520  of  FIGS.  5 A- 5 B  may comprise first alkali metal ions  561  and second alkali metal ions  562  and may be enriched in the second alkali metal ions  562  as compared to internal tensile stress region  554 . Internal tensile stress region  554  may comprise first alkali metal ions  561 . Second alkali metal ions  562  and/or third alkali metal ions  563  may be present in internal tensile stress region  554 , but to a lesser amount as compared to the external compressive stress region  544  and the internal compressive stress region  542 . External compressive stress region  544  may comprise first alkali metal ions  561  and third alkali metal ions  563  and may be enriched in the third alkali metal ions  563  as compared to internal tensile stress region  554 . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a flowchart of an example process  600  for making an internal compressive stress region in a component using multiple ion exchange operations. Process  600  further creates an external compressive stress region and an internal tensile stress region. For example, process  600  may be used to form the glass cover member of  FIGS.  5 A- 5 B . 
     Process  600  includes multiple ion exchange operations. During each ion exchange operation, alkali metal ions in the component may be exchanged for alkali metal ions in a bath. Alkali metal ions from the bath are thus introduced into the component. The bath may comprise a molten ionic salt. The bath temperature may be from the melting point of the salt to approximately 600° C. 
     The temperature of the bath may be below a strain point or a glass transition point of a glass portion of the component, so that exchanging the alkali metal ions in the component with larger alkali metal ions tends to cause an expansion of an ion-exchanged portion of the component. However, expansion of the ion-exchanged portion of the component may be constrained by other portions of the component which are not ion exchanged. As a result, a compressive stress region, such as a biaxial residual compressive stress region, may be created in the ion-exchanged portion. For example, the ion-exchanged portion may be in the form of an ion-exchanged layer. 
     The process  600  may include operation  602  of exchanging first alkali metal ions in an ion exchangeable portion of the component with second alkali metal ions. The first alkali metal ions have a first size and the second alkali metal ions have a second size larger than the first size. The first alkali metal ions may be exchanged for the second alkali metal ions by immersing the component in a bath comprising the second alkali metal ions. The second alkali metal ions are thus introduced into the component. 
     For example, operation  602  may be a first ion exchange operation which forms a first ion exchange layer which extends throughout a thickness of the glass component. As another example, the first ion exchange layer may extend to a first exchange depth which is less than half a thickness of the glass component. For example, the first alkali metal ions may be lithium ions, the second alkali metal ions may be sodium ions, and the first ion exchange layer may comprise sodium ions which have been introduced into the glass via the first ion exchange operation.  FIG.  7 B  schematically illustrates an example distribution of the first and second alkali metal ions after operation  602 . 
     The process  600  may further include operation  604  of exchanging second alkali metal ions in the component with first alkali metal ions. Operation  604  may follow operation  602 . Operation  604  may be a second ion exchange which forms a second ion exchange layer. The second ion exchange layer extends to a second exchange depth less than the first exchange depth. The second ion exchange may comprise immersing the component in a bath comprising the first alkali metal ions. First alkali metal ions may thus be re-introduced into the component. For example, the second ion exchange layer may be depleted of sodium ions and enriched in lithium ions as compared to the first ion exchange layer. 
     In addition, process  600  may include operation  606  of exchanging second alkali metal ions in the component with third alkali metal ions. Operation  606  may further include exchanging first alkali metal ions in the component with the third alkali metal ions. Ion exchange operation  606  may be a third ion exchange which forms a third ion exchange layer. The third ion exchange layer extends to a third exchange depth less than the second exchange depth. Operation  606  may comprise immersing the component in a bath comprising the third alkali metal ions. Operation  606  may follow operation  604  or may occur concurrently with operation  604 , in which case the bath may comprise the first alkali metal ions and the third alkali metal ions. For example, the third alkali metal ions may be potassium ions and the third ion exchange layer may be enriched in potassium ions as compared to the second ion exchange layer.  FIG.  7 B  schematically illustrates an example distribution of the first, second, and third alkali metal ions after operations  604  and  606 . 
       FIGS.  7 A,  7 B, and  7 C  schematically illustrate three stages in an example process for creating an internal compressive stress region in a glass cover using multiple ion exchange operations.  FIG.  7 A  shows a detailed view of a part of a glass cover member  720  prior to the first ion exchange. The glass cover member  720  comprises first alkali metal ions  761  distributed across the thickness of the glass cover member  720 . The field of view of  FIGS.  7 A- 7 C  shows front surface  722  and back surface  724 , but not the side surface of the glass cover member. 
       FIG.  7 B  shows the glass cover member  720  of  FIG.  7 A  following an exchange of at least some of the first alkali metal ions  761  with second alkali metal ions  762  having a second size greater than the first size. For example,  FIG.  7 B  may show the glass cover member after operation  602  of process  600 . As shown, the first ion exchange occurs throughout the thickness of the glass cover member  720 . However, a greater amount of exchange occurs near front surface  722  and back surface  724 , so that the glass cover member  720  is depleted of the first alkali metal ions  761  and enriched in the second alkali metal ions  762  near the front surface  722  and the back surface  724 . For example, the glass cover member  720  may be substantially depleted of first alkali metal ions  761  in portion  737  of the glass cover member  720 . A remainder portion  733  of the glass cover member  720  comprises the first alkali metal ions  761  and the second alkali metal ions  762 . 
       FIG.  7 C  shows the glass cover member  720  of  FIG.  7 B  after a second and a third ion exchange which occur concurrently. For example,  FIG.  7 C  may show the glass cover member after operations  604  and  606  of process  600 . During the second ion exchange, at least some of the second alkali metal ions  762  are exchanged for first alkali metal ions  761  to a second exchange depth DE 2  less than half the thickness of the glass cover member  720 . During the third ion exchange, at least some third alkali metal ions  763  having a third size larger than the second size are exchanged for second alkali metal ions  762 , first alkali metal ions  761 , or a combination thereof to third exchange depth DE 3  which is less than DE 2 . For example, the glass cover member  720  may be immersed in a bath comprising the first alkali metal ions  761  and the third alkali metal ions  763  to achieve the second and third ion exchanges. 
     As a result, inner portion  732  of the glass cover member  720  comprises the first alkali metal ions  761  and the second alkali metal ions  762 . Portion  736  comprises the first alkali metal ions  761  and is depleted of the second alkali metal ions  762  as compared to inner portion  732 . Outer portion  738  of the glass cover member  720  comprises the third alkali metal ions  763  and the first alkali metal ions  761  and is enriched in the third alkali metal ions  763  as compared to portion  736 . The composition profile of  FIG.  7 C  can produce an internal compressive stress region in portion  732 , as previously discussed with respect to  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B . 
       FIG.  8 A  shows a detailed view of the inset  2 - 2  of  FIG.  4 A  for an example glass cover member  820  having internal compressive stress regions created at least in part by an ion exchange process. The glass cover member  820  comprises outer portion  838 , portion  836  inward from outer portion  838 , portion  834  inward from portion  836 , and inner portion  832 . A first part of outer portion  838  is adjacent front surface  822 ; a second part of outer portion  838  is adjacent back surface  824 . The side surface of the glass cover member  820  is not shown in this field of view. Prior to the ion exchange process, the glass cover member  820  may comprise an ion exchangeable glass comprising first alkali metal ions  861 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  8 A , an inner portion  832  of the glass cover member  820  comprises first alkali metal ions  861  after the ion exchange process. The first alkali metal ions  861  may comprise first alkali metal ions  861  present in the glass prior to the ion exchange process. The first alkali metal ions  861  have a first size. 
     Portion  834  of the glass cover member  820  comprises first alkali metal ions  861  and second alkali metal ions  862 . The second alkali metal ions  862  have a second size greater than the first size. The second alkali metal ions  862  may have been introduced by the ion exchange process. Portion  834  is enriched in the second alkali metal ions  862  and depleted of the first alkali metal ions  861  as compared to portion  832 . Portion  834  may also be enriched in the second alkali metal ions  862  as compared to portion  836 . 
     Portion  836  of the glass cover member  820  comprises first alkali metal ions  861 . Portion  836  may be depleted of the second alkali metal ions  862  and enriched in the first alkali metal ions  861  as compared to portion  834 . Portion  836  may also be enriched in the first alkali metal ions  861  as compared to portion  838 . The first alkali metal ions  861  may comprise first alkali metal ions  861  present in the glass prior to the ion exchange process and additional first alkali metal ions  861  introduced during the ion exchange process. 
     Outer portion  838  of the glass cover member  820  comprises first alkali metal ions  861  and third alkali metal ions  863  having a third size greater than the first size. Outer portion  838  is enriched in the third alkali metal ions  863  as compared to portion  836 . Outer portion  838  may also be enriched in the third alkali metal ions  863  as compared to portions  834  and  832 . 
     As an example, the first alkali metal ions  861  (M 1   + ) are lithium ions, the second alkali metal ions  862  (M 2   + ) are sodium ions, and the third alkali metal ions  863  (M 3   + ) are potassium ions. In embodiments, the outer portion  838  of the cover is enriched in potassium ions as compared to the portion  836  and the portion  834  is enriched in sodium ions as compared to the portions  832  and  836 . 
       FIG.  8 B  shows an example of the variation of residual stress along the thickness of the glass cover member  820  of  FIG.  8 A . The glass cover member  820  includes internal compressive stress region  842 . Internal compressive stress region  842  may be located in portion  834  of the glass cover member  820  and created because portion  834  is enriched in the second alkali metal ions  862  as compared to portion  836  and inner portion  832 . 
     The glass cover member  820  further includes external compressive stress region  844 . External compressive stress region  844  may be located in outer portion  838  of the glass cover member  820  and created because outer portion  838  is enriched in the third alkali metal ions  863  as compared to portion  836 . As shown in  FIG.  8 B , a level of the compressive stress is greater in external compressive stress region  844  than in internal compressive stress region  842 . 
     The glass cover member  820  further comprises internal tensile stress region  854  between external compressive stress region  844  and internal compressive stress region  842 . The tensile stress in internal tensile stress region  854  at least partially balances the residual compressive stress in the glass cover member  820 . Internal tensile stress region  854  is at least partially located in portion  836  of the glass cover member  820 . In some embodiments, internal tensile stress region  854  may extend slightly into inner portion  832  and/or outer portion  838  of the glass cover member. The glass cover member  820  further comprises internal tensile stress region  852  inward from internal compressive stress region  842 . The tensile stress in internal tensile stress region  852  at least partially balances compressive stress in the glass cover member  820  and is at least partially located in inner portion  832  of the glass cover member  820 . 
     Therefore, the internal compressive stress region  842  of the glass cover member  820  of  FIGS.  8 A- 8 B  may include second alkali metal ions and may be enriched in the second alkali metal ions as compared to internal tensile stress regions  854  and  852 . Internal tensile stress regions  854  and  852  may include first alkali metal ions. Internal compressive stress region  842  may further include first alkali metal ions, but may be depleted in the first alkali metal ions as compared to internal tensile stress regions  854  and  852 . 
     External compressive stress region  844  may comprise third alkali metal ions and may be enriched in the third alkali metal ions as compared to internal tensile stress region  854 . External compressive stress region  844  may further comprise first alkali metal ions, but may be depleted in the first alkali metal ions as compared to internal tensile stress region  854 . 
       FIGS.  9 A,  9 B, and  9 C  schematically illustrate three stages in an example process for creating an internal compressive stress region in a component using multiple ion exchange operations. For example, the process may be used to produce the component of  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B .  FIG.  9 A  shows the glass cover member  920  prior to ion exchange; the glass cover member  920  comprises first alkali metal ions  961  distributed across the thickness of the glass cover member  920 . The field of view of  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C  shows front surface  922  and back surface  924  of the glass cover member  920 , but not the side surface. 
       FIG.  9 B  shows the glass cover member  920  after a first ion exchange. During the first ion exchange at least some of the first alkali metal ions  961  are exchanged with second alkali metal ions  962  having a second size greater than the first size to a first ion exchange depth DE 1  less than half the thickness of the glass cover member  920 . As shown, the exchange does not occur throughout the thickness of the glass cover member  920  but occurs in portions  933 . A greater amount of exchange occurs near front surface  922  and back surface  924 , so that the glass cover member  920  is depleted of the first alkali metal ions  961  and enriched in the second alkali metal ions  962  near the front surface  922  and the back surface  944 . A remainder portion  931  of the glass cover member  920  is not substantially ion exchanged and comprises the first alkali metal ions  961 , but comprises few, if any, of the second alkali metal ions  962 . 
       FIG.  9 C  shows the glass cover member  920  after a second and a third ion exchange which occur concurrently. During the second ion exchange, at least some of the second alkali metal ions  962  are exchanged for first alkali metal ions  961  to a second exchange depth DE 2  less than the first ion exchange depth DE 1 . During the third ion exchange, at least some of the third alkali metal ions  963  having a third size larger than the second size are exchanged for second alkali metal ions  962 , first alkali metal ions  961 , or a combination thereof to a third exchange depth DE 3  which is less than DE 2 . For example, the glass cover member  920  may be immersed in a bath comprising the first alkali metal ions  961  and the third alkali metal ions  963  to achieve the desired ion exchange. 
     As a result, inner portion  932  of the glass cover member  920  comprises the first alkali metal ions  961 . Portion  934  of the glass cover member  920  comprises the first alkali metal ions  961  and the second alkali metal ions  962 . Portion  936  comprises the first alkali metal ions and is depleted of the second alkali metal ions as compared to portion  934 . Outer portion  938  of the glass cover member  920  comprises the third alkali metal ions  963  and the first alkali metal ions  961  and is enriched in the third alkali metal ions  963  as compared to portion  936 . The composition profile of  FIG.  9 C  can produce an internal compressive stress region within portion  934 , as previously discussed with respect to  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B . 
     In embodiments, crystallizing an internal portion of a glass component to form a glass ceramic can create an internal compressive stress region in the component. Selective crystallization of an internal portion of a glass component can create an internal glass ceramic portion having different properties than external portions of the cover member and an internal compressive stress region in the internal glass ceramic portion. For example, if the crystals have a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the glass from which they are formed, the internal glass ceramic portion of the component tends to contract less than the external glass portions when cooled from a crystallization temperature. As a result, compressive stresses can form in the internal glass ceramic portion of the component. The glass component may be ion exchangeable as well as crystallizable. 
     As an example, a component comprises an internal compressive stress region located in the internal glass ceramic portion. The component further comprises an external compressive stress region along an external surface of the component and an internal tensile stress region inward from the external compressive stress region. The external compressive stress region can be formed by an ion exchange operation in the external glass portion of the component. 
     The external portions of the component may each include a sufficiently low volume of crystals to be considered a glass. The external glass portion of the component may comprise first alkali metal ions. The external compressive stress region may include second alkali metal ions having a second size greater than the first size. The second alkali metal ions may have been introduced by an ion exchange operation. The internal compressive stress region may include the first alkali metal ions. For example, the first alkali metal ions may be lithium ions and the second alkali ions may be potassium ions. 
     As another example, a strengthened glass component comprises an internal glass ceramic portion, a first external glass portion, and a second external glass portion. The first external glass portion and the second external glass portion may each comprise an aluminosilicate or an aluminoborosilicate glass including first alkali metal ions having a first size. For example, the first alkali metal ions may be lithium ions. 
     The strengthened glass component may comprise a first and a second external compressive stress region, the first external compressive stress region along a first external surface and the second external compressive stress region along a second external surface. The first external compressive stress region is located in the first external glass portion and the second external compressive stress region is located in the second external glass portion. The first and the second external compressive stress regions can be formed by an ion exchange operation to introduce second alkali metal ions in the first and second external glass portions of the component. For example, the second alkali metal ions may be potassium ions. 
     The strengthened glass component may further comprise a first and a second internal tensile stress region, the first internal tensile stress region inward from the first external compressive stress region and the second internal tensile stress region inward from the second external compressive stress region. The first and second internal tensile stress regions may each include first alkali metal ions having a first size. 
     The strengthened glass component may further comprise an internal compressive stress region inward from the first and the second internal tensile stress regions. The internal compressive stress region includes the glass ceramic. The internal compressive stress region may also include the first alkali metal ions. 
     In embodiments, the glass component is capable of crystallization to form an internal glass ceramic portion. For example, the glass may be an aluminosilicate glass capable of forming an aluminosilicate glass ceramic or a boroaluminosilicate glass capable of forming a boroaluminosilicate glass ceramic. For example, the glass ceramic may be a lithium aluminosilicate (LAS). In embodiments, the internal glass ceramic portion may include a residual glass phase and crystals of one or more crystalline phases. The volume percentage of the crystals may be low enough to prevent cracking of the residual glass phase during cooling of the glass ceramic to room temperature (e.g., about 20° C.) but high enough to create a residual compressive stress. The crystals may be small enough so that the cover member remains transparent to visible radiation. 
       FIG.  10 A  shows a detailed view of the inset  1 - 1  of  FIG.  3 A  for an example cover member having an internal compressive stress region created at least in part by forming an internal glass ceramic portion within the cover member. The cover member  1020  comprises internal glass ceramic portion  1032 ; portion  1032  comprises a glass ceramic. The glass ceramic may include a residual glass phase and one or more crystalline phases. Crystals  1072  in  FIG.  10 A  represent the crystalline phase; the crystals  1072  are not necessarily shown to scale. In an embodiment, the glass ceramic includes first alkali metal ions  1061  having a first size. For convenience, first alkali metal ions  1061  having a first size are shown in the residual glass phase  1074 . However, first alkali metal ions  1061  may also be present in the crystals  1072 . 
     As examples, glass ceramic portion  1032  may have a volume percentage of crystals  1072  greater than or equal to 30% and less than 100%, greater than or equal to 50% and less than 100%, or greater than or equal to 75% and less than 100%. The crystals  1072  may have an average size of less than about 50 nm to provide transparency to visible radiation. 
     In embodiments, the glass ceramic is an aluminosilicate glass ceramic or an aluminoborosilicate glass ceramic. The residual glass portion may be an aluminosilicate glass or an aluminoborosilicate glass. As an example, the glass from which the glass ceramic is formed may be a lithium aluminosilicate glass and the glass ceramic may be a lithium aluminosilicate glass ceramic. Lithium aluminosilicate glasses can form several types of crystals, including β quartz solid solution crystals, β spodumene solid solution crystals, and keatite solid solution crystals. The resulting crystals may have a coefficient of thermal expansion which is close to zero or even less than zero. 
     The cover member  1020  of  FIG.  10 A  also comprises an outer portion  1038  and portion  1036 . Outer portion  1038  and portion  1036  may cooperate to form an external glass portion of the cover member. Both outer portion  1038  and portion  1036  may comprise a glass, such as an aluminosilicate or an aluminoborosilicate glass. The aluminosilicate or an aluminoborosilicate glass may include first alkali metal ions  1061  having a first size. Portion  1036  may include the first alkali metal ions  1061 . Outer portion  1038  may further comprise second alkali metal ions  1062  having a second size. The second alkali metal ions  1062  may be introduced into the outer portion  1038  through an ion exchange process. 
       FIG.  10 B  shows an example of the variation of residual stress with position in the sample for the cover member  1020  of  FIG.  10 A . The cover member  1020  comprises external compressive stress region  1044  located along surfaces  1022  and  1024  The cover member  1020  further comprises an internal tensile stress region  1054  inward of external compressive stress region  1044 . The cover member  1020  further comprises an internal compressive stress region  1042  inward of internal tensile stress region  1054 . 
     External compressive stress region  1044  is in outer portion  1038  of the cover member  1020 . The tensile stress in internal tensile stress region  1054  balances the residual compressive stress in the glass cover member  1020  and is at least partially located in portion  1036  of the cover member. In some embodiments, the internal tensile stress region  1054  may extend slightly into inner portion  1032  and/or outer portion  1038  of the cover member  1020 . As shown in  FIG.  10 B , a level of the compressive stress is greater in external compressive stress region  1044  than in internal compressive stress region  1042 . The internal compressive stress region  1042  is located in inner glass ceramic portion  1032 . 
       FIG.  11    illustrates a flowchart of an example process  1100  for making an internal compressive stress region in a component using a combination of selective crystallization of a glass ceramic and ion exchange. Process  1100  further creates an external compressive stress region and an internal tensile stress region. For example, process  1100  may be used to form the glass cover member of  FIGS.  10 A- 10 B . 
     The process  1100  may include operation  1102  of forming a glass ceramic in an internal portion of a glass component. Operation  1102  includes the operation of forming crystals of the glass ceramic in the internal portion of the glass component. In embodiments, the operation of forming crystals of the glass ceramic may include the operation of creating crystal nuclei followed by the operation of growing the crystal nuclei to form crystals of a desired size. The operation of creating the crystal nuclei may comprise heating the internal portion of the glass component to a first temperature at which crystal nuclei form. The operation of growing the crystal nuclei may comprise heating the internal portion to a second temperature. The second temperature may be greater than the first temperature. 
     The internal portion of the glass component may be heated at least in part using a beam of radiation, such as a beam of light. For example, a laser may be used to heat the internal portion to a sufficient temperature to nucleate and/or grow crystals in the glass. An adjacent portion of the glass component may be heated to a lesser extent. For example, nucleation and/or growth of crystals in the adjacent portion of the glass component may occur to a lesser extent. For example, the volume percentage of crystals in the adjacent portion may be less than in the adjacent portion of the glass. For example, a volume percentage of crystals in the internal portion may be at least 25%, 50% or 75% higher than in an external portion of the component. The beam of radiation may be used in conduction with one or more additional heat sources (e.g., a furnace). 
     Process  1100  may further include operation  1104  of exchanging first alkali metal ions in an outer portion of the component with second alkali metal ions. The first alkali metal ions have a first size and the second alkali metal ions have a second size larger than the first size. The first alkali metal ions may be exchanged for the second alkali metal ions by immersing the component in a bath comprising the second alkali metal ions. For example, the exchange of ions may form an ion exchange layer which extends to an exchange depth less than a depth of the glass ceramic portion of the component. 
       FIGS.  12 A,  12 B, and  12 C  schematically illustrate three stages in an example process for creating an internal compressive stress region in a component using a combination of selective crystallization of a glass ceramic and ion exchange.  FIGS.  12 A and  12 B  illustrate example operations of forming crystals of the glass ceramic using a beam of radiation. Prior to exposing a cover member to the beam of radiation, the cover member comprises a glass including a first alkali metal ion  1261  throughout a thickness of the glass component. The entirety of cover member  1220  is not shown in  FIGS.  12 A- 12 C  in order to provide a more detailed view. 
       FIG.  12 A  illustrates an example of forming crystals of the glass ceramic in an internal portion of the glass component. In  FIG.  12 A , beam  1282  heats inner portion  1232  of cover member  1220 . As a result, crystals  1272  form in inner portion  1232 , but not in portions  1235 . As shown in  FIG.  12 A , beam  1282  may be a broad beam configured to deliver energy to a relatively large area. The beam  1282  may be provided by a laser, such as a gas laser, a chemical laser, a solid state laser, a fiber laser, a photonic crystal laser, or a semiconductor laser. The beam  1282  may deliver energy to the component through side surface  1226 , which joins front surface  1222  and back surface  1224 . 
       FIG.  12 B  illustrates another example of forming crystals of the glass ceramic in an internal portion of the glass component using a beam of radiation. As in  FIG.  12 A , beam  1282  heats inner portion  1232  of cover member  1220 . As a result, crystals  1272  form in inner portion  1232 , but not in portions  1235 . As shown in  FIG.  12 B , the beam  1282  may be focused to create focused beam  1284  which can deliver energy to a narrower beam spot. One or more lenses may be used to focus beam  1282 . The focused beam  1284  may deliver energy to the component through a surface of the component, such as front surface  1222 . The focused beam  1284  may be moved over the cover member  1220  to form crystals  1274  in inner portion  1232 . 
       FIG.  12 C  illustrates the cover member  1220  after the operation of ion exchanging first alkali metal ions in an outer portion of the component with second alkali metal ions. The first alkali metal ions have a first size and the second alkali metal ions have a second size larger than the first size. For example, the exchange of ions may form an ion exchange layer which extends to an exchange depth DE 1  less than a depth of the glass ceramic portion of the component. 
     As a result, inner portion  1232  of the glass cover member  1220  comprises crystals  1272  of the glass ceramic and first alkali metal ions  1261 . Outer portion  1238  of the glass cover member  1220  comprises the first alkali metal ions  1261  and the second alkali metal ions  1262 . Portion  1236  comprises the first alkali metal ions  1261  and is depleted of the second alkali metal ions  1262  as compared to outer portion  1238 . The composition and phase profile of  FIG.  12 C  can produce an internal compressive stress region within inner portion  1232 , as previously discussed with respect to  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B . 
       FIG.  13 A  shows a detailed view of the inset  2 - 2  of  FIG.  4 A  for an example cover member  1320  having an internal compressive stress region created at least in part by forming a glass ceramic region within the cover member  1320 . The cover member  1320  comprises portion  1334  including crystals  1372  of the glass ceramic. The cover member  1320  of  FIG.  13 A  also comprises an outer portion  1338 , portion  1336  inward from outer portion  1338 , and inner portion  1332 . Outer portion  1338 , portion  1336 , and inner portion  1332  each may comprise a glass, such as an aluminosilicate or an aluminoborosilicate glass. Portion  1336  may comprise first alkali metal ions having a first size. The outer portion  1338  may further comprise second alkali metal ions having a second size and may be enriched in the second alkali metal ions as compared to portion  1336 . The second alkali metal ions may be introduced into the outer portion  1338  through an ion exchange process. 
       FIG.  13 B  shows an example of the variation of residual stress with position in the sample for the glass cover member of  FIG.  13 A . Internal compressive stress region  1342  may be located in portion  1334  and created by formation of the glass ceramic. External compressive stress region  1344  may be located in outer portion  1338  and created as a result of an ion exchange operation. As shown in  FIG.  13 B , a level of the compressive stress is greater in external compressive stress region  1344  than in internal compressive stress region  1342 . 
     The cover member  1320  further comprises an internal tensile stress region  1354  between the internal compressive stress region  1342  and the external compressive stress region  1344 . The tensile stress in internal tensile stress region  1354  at least partially balances the residual compressive stress in the cover member  1320 . Internal tensile stress region  1354  is at least partially located in portion  1336  of the cover member  1320 . In some embodiments, the internal tensile stress region  1354  may extend slightly into inner portion  1332  and/or outer portion  1338  of the glass cover member  1320 . The cover member  1320  further comprises internal tensile stress region  1352  inward from internal compressive stress region  1342 . The tensile stress in internal tensile stress region  1352  at least partially balances the residual compressive stress in the glass cover member. Internal tensile stress region  1352  is at least partially located in inner portion  1332  of the cover member  1320 . 
     In embodiments, at least one of the internal compressive stress regions may be created in a laminate component comprising layers having different compositions and/or properties. In further embodiments, an internal compressive stress region may be created in an inner layer of a glass component having different thermal expansion and/or ion expansion properties than outer layers of the glass component. As another example, the glass laminate component comprises a first outer layer formed from a first glass material, an inner layer formed from a second glass material, and a second outer layer formed from a third glass material. Alternately, each of these glass materials may be referred to as a glass. The second glass material may be the same as or different from the third glass material. Each of the inner layer, the first outer layer, and the second outer layer may have a thickness. 
     The glass component may further comprise an external compressive stress region, an internal tensile stress region inward from the external compressive stress region, and an internal compressive stress region inward from the internal tensile stress region. As an example, the first outer layer of the component includes the external compressive stress region. The second outer layer of the component may also include the external compressive stress region. The external compressive stress region may extend from a surface of the glass component to a first depth in the component. The internal compressive stress layer may be located in the inner layer. For example, the internal compressive stress layer may extend from the second depth to the third depth. The internal tensile stress layer may extend from the first depth to the second depth. 
     The first outer layer of the component may extend from a first surface to the second depth in the component, with an interface between the first outer layer of the component and the inner layer of the component located at the second depth. The second outer layer of the component may extend from a second surface to the third depth in the component, with an interface between the second outer layer of the component and the inner layer of the component located at the third depth. 
     In further embodiments, the glass component may comprise a first external compressive stress region and a second external compressive stress region and an internal compressive stress region. For example, the first external compressive stress region extends from a first surface to a first depth in the component and the second external compressive stress region extends from a second surface to a fourth depth in the component. The glass component may further comprise a first internal tensile stress region extending from the first depth to a second depth in the component, an internal compressive stress region extending from the second depth to a third depth in the component, and a second internal tensile stress region extending from the fourth depth to the third depth of the component. The first outer layer may include the first external compressive stress region and the first internal tensile stress region. The second outer layer may include the second external compressive stress region and the second internal tensile stress region. The inner layer may include the internal compressive stress region. 
     In an example, the first outer layer of the component extends from the first surface to the second depth in the component, with an interface between the first outer layer of the component and the inner layer of the component located at the second depth. The second outer layer of the component extends from the second surface to the third depth in the component, with an interface between the second outer layer of the component and the inner layer of the component located at the third depth. 
       FIG.  14 A  illustrates formation of an internal compressive stress region in an example glass laminate cover member  1420 . As shown in  FIG.  14 A , the glass laminate cover member  1420  comprises inner layer  1425  and outer layers  1427 . The inner layer  1425  may join each of the outer layers  1427  at interface  1426 . Inner layer  1425  may be formed from a first glass material and each of the outer layers  1427  may be formed of a second glass material. Each outer layer  1427  may comprise an outer portion  1438  and a portion  1436  inward from the outer portion  1438 . Although outer portion  1438  and portion  1436  are both formed from the second glass material, the composition of outer portion  1438  may differ from that of the second glass material due to ion exchange. 
       FIG.  14 B  shows an example of the variation of residual stress with position in the sample for the glass laminate cover member  1420  of  FIG.  14 A . The glass laminate cover member  1420  has an internal compressive stress region  1442  located in inner layer  1425 . The internal compressive stress region  1442  is created as a result of differences in one or more properties between the first glass material and the second glass material. An external compressive stress region  1444  is located in outer portion  1438  along surfaces  1422  and  1424 . The external compressive stress region  1444  may be created by an ion exchange. An internal tensile stress region  1454  is located between the internal compressive stress region  1442  and the external compressive stress region  1444 . As shown in  FIG.  14 B , a level of the compressive stress is greater in the external compressive stress region  1444  than in internal compressive stress region  1442 . 
     In embodiments, the laminate may comprise outer layers each having a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than that of an inner layer. As an example, the first glass material has a first coefficient of thermal expansion, the second glass material has a second coefficient of thermal expansion, and the third glass material has a third coefficient of thermal expansion. The first coefficient of thermal expansion may be lower than the second coefficient of thermal expansion and lower than the third coefficient of thermal expansion. The second coefficient of thermal expansion may be the same as or different from the third coefficient of thermal expansion. For example, the outer layers may have a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than that of the inner layer by at least 10%, 25%, or 50%. In embodiments, the first glass material may be a borosilicate glass and the second and third glass materials may be aluminosilicate glasses. The difference between the coefficient of thermal expansion of the outer layers and the inner layer may create a compressive stress region in the inner layer upon cooling of the laminate from a lamination temperature. The difference between the coefficient of thermal expansion of the outer layers and the inner layer may be limited to prevent cracking at the interface between the outer layers and the inner layer. 
       FIGS.  15 A and  15 B  schematically illustrate two stages in an example process for creating an internal compressive stress region in a glass laminate cover member  1520 . In this example, the first glass material of inner layer  1525  has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the second glass material of the outer layers  1527 .  FIG.  15 A  illustrates the glass laminate cover member  1520  after formation of the laminate. As an example, the layers of the laminate may be directly bonded to each other without an interstitial bonding agent. As another example, the glass laminate may include an interstitial bonding agent between layers such as a glass frit. As shown in  FIG.  15 A , the second glass material comprises a first alkali metal ion  1561  having a first size. After the inner layer  1525  is laminated between the outer layers  1527  at a lamination temperature, the glass laminate cover member  1520  is cooled to a lower temperature, such as room temperature. Cooling of the glass laminate cover member  1520  creates an internal compressive stress region in inner layer  1525  (indicated by the arrows facing each other) and an external tensile stress region in the outer layer  1527  (indicated by the arrows facing away from each other). 
       FIG.  15 B  shows the glass laminate cover member  1520  of  FIG.  15 A  after an ion exchange operation. In the ion exchange operation, at least some of the first alkali metal ions  1561  in each of the outer layers  1527  are exchanged with second alkali metal ions  1562  having a second size greater than the first size. The ion exchange occurs to a depth less than a thickness of each of the outer layers  1527 . Outer portion  1538  of glass laminate cover member  1520  is enriched in the second alkali metal ions  1562  as compared to portion  1536 . As indicated by the arrows, the ion exchange creates external compressive stress regions; each external compressive stress region is located in an outer portion  1538  of each of the outer layers  1527  adjacent a surface  1522 ,  1524  of the glass component. The ion exchange also creates internal tensile stress regions, each of the internal tensile stress regions at least partially located in one of the outer layers between one of the external compressive stress regions and the internal compressive stress region. 
     In additional embodiments, the laminate may comprise an inner layer having a greater tendency to expand in response to ion exchange than the outer layers. For example, the inner layer may have a larger network dilation coefficient than the outer layers. As an example, the first glass material may have a first network dilation coefficient, the second glass material may have a second network dilation coefficient, and the third glass material may have a third network dilation coefficient. The first network dilation coefficient may be greater than the second network dilation coefficient and the third network dilation coefficient. The second network dilation coefficient may be the same as or different from the third network dilation coefficient. The network dilation coefficient, also known as the linear network dilation coefficient, may be given by 
               B   =       1   3     ⁢     1   V     ⁢       ∂   V       ∂   C           ,         
where V is the molar volume and C is the local concentration of the substituted alkali metal ion. For example, the inner layer may have a linear network dilation coefficient greater than that of the outer layers of at least 10%, 25%, or 50%. The greater tendency for expansion in response to ion exchange can create a compressive stress region in the inner layer after ion exchange of the laminate.
 
       FIGS.  16 A,  16 B, and  16 C  schematically illustrate three stages in an example process for creating an internal compressive stress region in a glass laminate cover member  1620 . In this example, the inner layer  1625  has a greater tendency to expand in response to ion exchange than the outer layers  1627 .  FIG.  16 A  illustrates the glass laminate cover member  1620  after formation of the laminate. As shown in  FIG.  16 A , both the inner layer and the outer layers comprise first alkali metal ions  1661 . 
       FIG.  16 B  illustrates the glass laminate cover member  1620  after a first ion exchange operation in which at least some of the first alkali metal ions are exchanged with second alkali metal ions  1662  having a second size greater than the first size to a depth greater than a thickness of the outer glass layer  1627 . As indicated by the arrows, the ion exchange creates an internal compressive stress region. 
       FIG.  16 C  illustrates the glass laminate cover member  1620  after a second ion exchange operation in which at least some of the second alkali metal ions  1662  are exchanged with third alkali metal ions  1663  having a third size greater than the second size. The second ion exchange occurs to a depth less than a thickness of the outer layer  1627 . Outer portion  1638  of glass laminate cover member  1620  is enriched in the third alkali metal ions  1663  as compared to portion  1636 . As indicated by the arrows, the ion exchange creates external compressive stress regions; each external compressive stress region is located in an outer portion  1638  of each of the outer glass layers  1627  adjacent a surface  1624 ,  1622  of the glass component. The ion exchange also creates internal tensile stress regions, each of the internal tensile stress regions at least partially located in one of the outer glass layers between one of the external compressive stress regions and the internal compressive stress region. 
       FIG.  17    is a block diagram of example components of an example electronic device. The schematic representation depicted in  FIG.  17    may correspond to components of the devices depicted in  FIG.  1 A- 16 C  as described above. However,  FIG.  17    may also more generally represent other types of electronic devices with a strengthened glass component as described herein. 
     In embodiments, an electronic device  1700  may include sensors  1720  to provide information regarding configuration and/or orientation of the electronic device in order to control the output of the display. For example, a portion of the display  1714  may be turned off, disabled, or put in a low energy state when all or part of the viewable area of the display  1714  is blocked or substantially obscured. As another example, the display  1714  may be adapted to rotate the display of graphical output based on changes in orientation of the device  1700  (e.g., 90 degrees or 180 degrees) in response to the device  1700  being rotated. As another example, the display  1714  may be adapted to rotate the display of graphical output in response to the device  1700  being folded or partially folded, which may result in a change in the aspect ratio or a preferred viewing angle of the viewable area of the display  1714 . 
     The electronic device  1700  also includes a processor  1704  operably connected with a computer-readable memory  1702 . The processor  1704  may be operatively connected to the memory  1702  component via an electronic bus or bridge. The processor  1704  may be implemented as one or more computer processors or microcontrollers configured to perform operations in response to computer-readable instructions. The processor  1704  may include a central processing unit (CPU) of the device  1700 . Additionally and/or alternatively, the processor  1704  may include other electronic circuitry within the device  1700  including application specific integrated chips (ASIC) and other microcontroller devices. The processor  1704  may be configured to perform functionality described in the examples above. In addition, the processor or other electronic circuitry within the device may be provided on or coupled to a flexible circuit board in order to accommodate folding or bending of the electronic device. A flexible circuit board may be a laminate including a flexible base material and a flexible conductor. Example base materials for flexible circuit boards include, but are not limited to, polymer materials such as vinyl (e.g., polypropylene), polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET), biaxially-oriented PET, and polyethylene napthalate (PEN)), polyimide, polyetherimide, polyaryletherketone (e.g., polyether ether ketone (PEEK)), fluoropolymer and copolymers thereof. A metal foil may be used to provide the conductive element of the flexible circuit board. 
     The memory  1702  may include a variety of types of non-transitory computer-readable storage media, including, for example, read access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM), or flash memory. The memory  1702  is configured to store computer-readable instructions, sensor values, and other persistent software elements. 
     The electronic device  1700  may include control circuitry  1706 . The control circuitry  1706  may be implemented in a single control unit and not necessarily as distinct electrical circuit elements. As used herein, “control unit” will be used synonymously with “control circuitry.” The control circuitry  1706  may receive signals from the processor  1704  or from other elements of the electronic device  1700 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  17   , the electronic device  1700  includes a battery  1708  that is configured to provide electrical power to the components of the electronic device  1700 . The battery  1708  may include one or more power storage cells that are linked together to provide an internal supply of electrical power. The battery  1708  may be operatively coupled to power management circuitry that is configured to provide appropriate voltage and power levels for individual components or groups of components within the electronic device  1700 . The battery  1708 , via power management circuitry, may be configured to receive power from an external source, such as an alternating current power outlet. The battery  1708  may store received power so that the electronic device  1700  may operate without connection to an external power source for an extended period of time, which may range from several hours to several days. The battery  1708  may be flexible to accommodate bending or flexing of the electronic device. For example, the battery  1708  may be mounted to a flexible housing or may be mounted to a flexible printed circuit. In some cases, the battery  1708  is formed from flexible anodes and flexible cathode layers and the battery cell is itself flexible. In some cases, individual battery cells are not flexible, but are attached to a flexible substrate or carrier that allows an array of battery cells to bend or fold around a foldable region of the device. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device  1700  includes one or more input devices  1710 . The input device  1710  is a device that is configured to receive input from a user or the environment. The input device  1710  may include, for example, a push button, a touch-activated button, capacitive touch sensor, a touch screen (e.g., a touch-sensitive display or a force-sensitive display), capacitive touch button, dial, crown, or the like. In some embodiments, the input device  1710  may provide a dedicated or primary function, including, for example, a power button, volume buttons, home buttons, scroll wheels, and camera buttons. 
     The device  1700  may also include one or more sensors  1720 , such as a force sensor, a capacitive sensor, an accelerometer, a barometer, a gyroscope, a proximity sensor, a light sensor, or the like. The sensors  1720  may be operably coupled to processing circuitry. In some embodiments, the sensors  1720  may detect deformation and/or changes in configuration of the electronic device and be operably coupled to processing circuitry which controls the display based on the sensor signals. In some implementations, output from the sensors  1720  is used to reconfigure the display output to correspond to an orientation or folded/unfolded configuration or state of the device. Example sensors  1720  for this purpose include accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, and other similar types of position/orientation sensing devices. In addition, the sensors  1720  may include a microphone, acoustic sensor, light sensor, optical facial recognition sensor, or other types of sensing device. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device  1700  includes one or more output devices  1712  configured to provide output to a user. The output device  1712  may include display  1714  that renders visual information generated by the processor  1704 . The output device  1712  may also include one or more speakers to provide audio output. The output device  1712  may also include one or more haptic devices that are configured to produce a haptic or tactile output along an exterior surface of the device  1700 . 
     The display  1714  may include a liquid-crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, an active layer organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display, organic electroluminescent (EL) display, electrophoretic ink display, or the like. If the display  1714  is a liquid-crystal display or an electrophoretic ink display, the display  1714  may also include a backlight component that can be controlled to provide variable levels of display brightness. If the display  1714  is an organic light-emitting diode or organic electroluminescent type display, the brightness of the display  1714  may be controlled by modifying the electrical signals that are provided to display elements. In addition, information regarding configuration and/or orientation of the electronic device may be used to control the output of the display as described with respect to input devices  1710 . In some cases, the display is integrated with a touch and/or force sensor in order to detect touches and/or forces applied along an exterior surface of the device  1700 . 
     The electronic device  1700  may also include a communication port  1716  that is configured to transmit and/or receive signals or electrical communication from an external or separate device. The communication port  1716  may be configured to couple to an external device via a cable, adaptor, or other type of electrical connector. In some embodiments, the communication port  1716  may be used to couple the electronic device to a host computer. 
     The electronic device  1700  may also include at least one accessory  1718 , such as a camera, a flash for the camera, or other such device. The camera may be connected to other parts of the electronic device  1700  such as the control circuitry  1706 . 
     The following discussion applies to the electronic devices described herein to the extent that these devices may be used to obtain personally identifiable information data. It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20200925
Publication Date: 20231226
Grant Date: 20231226
Priority Date: 20160923
Inventors: BARTLOW, CHRISTOPHER C.
MEMERING, DALE N.
MARSHALL, TYLER A.
LUZZATO, VICTOR
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B32B17/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B17/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "C03C21/002", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2250/03", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2307/558", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2457/208", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B17/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B17/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "C03C21/002", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2307/558", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2457/208", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "C03C21/002", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2307/558", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2250/03", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B2457/208", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B17/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 66634777