PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S. C. § 119 ofU.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/315676, filed on March 2, 2022, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The disclosure relates to a curved glass article and, more particularly , to a curved glass article having a mid-frame and a method of forming same.

[0003] Vehicle interiors include curved surfaces andean incorporate displays in such curved surfaces. The materials used to form such curved surfaces are typically limited to polymers, which do not exhibit the durability and optical performance as glass. As such, curved glass substrates are desirable, especially when used as covers for displays. Existing methods of forming such curved glass substrates, such as thermal forming, have drawbacks including high cost, optical distortion, and surface marking. Additionally, to meet manufacturing demands, several forming apparatuses are needed for each processing line, and because of the number of forming apparatuses needed, the forming apparatuses are preferably relatively inexpensive to manufacture and use . Accordingly, Applicant has identified a need for vehicle interior systemsthat can incorporate a curved glass substrate in a cost-effective manner and without problems typically associated with glass thermal forming processes.

SUMMARY

[0004] An example vehicle interior system includes a glass substrate comprising a first major surface and a secondmajor surface opposite the first major surface. A mid-frame is disposed on the first major surface of the glass substrate. A structural frame is mechanically coupled to the mid-frame. The structural frame is more rigid than the mid-frame and the glass substrate such that a mechanical connection between the structural frame and the mid-frame maintains both the mid-frame and the glass substrate in a curved configuration. A thickness of the mid-frame is non-uniform such that a stiffness of the mid-frame varies as a function of position in the mid-frame.

1

SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 ) [0005] According to another aspect of the disclosed concept, a vehicle interior system includes a glass substrate comprising a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. A mid-frame is disposed on the first major surface of the glass substrate, and the mid-frame defines a plurality of notches. A structural frame is mechanically coupled to the mid-frame. The structural frame is more rigid than that of the mid-frame and the glass substrate such that a mechanical connection between the structural frame and the mid-frame maintains both the mid-frame and the glass substrate in a curved configuration. The plurality of notches have a spacing that is greater than or equal to a maximum thickness of the mid-frame.

[0006] In yet another aspect of the disclosed concept, an interior system assembly includes a glass substrate comprising a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. A structural frame is mechanically coupled to the glass substrate. A midframe has a concave surface adjacent the first major surface ofthe glass and a convex surface adjacentthe structural frame for maintaining the glass substrate in a curved configuration. The mid-frame includes a plurality of fastenersfor attachingto the structural frame and wherein the structural frame defines a plurality of openings for engaging the fasteners of the mid-frame.

[0007] In yet another aspect of the disclosed concept, a method includes applying an adhesive to a glass substrate, applying a flexible mid-frame to the glass substrate, bending the glass substrate and flexible mid-frame using a cold-forming process, applying a structural frame to the flexible mid-frame to form a glass article, and heating the glass article to a peak temperature.

[0008] In yet another aspect of the disclosed concept, a method includes molding a midframe to a desired shape having a curvature, temporarily flattening the mid-frame, bonding a glass substrate to the mid-frame, allowing the mid-frame and glass substrate to return to the desired shape of the mid-frame, and attaching the mid-frame and glass substrate to a frame. [0009] Additional featuresand advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

[0010] It is to be understood thatboththe foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are merely exemplary, and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. l is a perspective view of a vehicle interior with vehicle interior systems, according to exemplary embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 2 depicts an exploded perspective view of a glass article and process chuck, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a glass article including a mid-frame securing a glass article to a frame, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 A depicts an example glass substrate and a mid-frame, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 4B depicts an example curvature of the glass article relative to a thicknesses of the glass substrate, accordingto an embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 4C depicts a graph illustrating a relationship between a radius of stiffness and a radius of bend of the glass article, accordingto an embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 5 depicts a glass article including a flexible mid-frame with thickness variations to relive bending stress in the flexible mid-frame according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 6 depicts a glass article including a flexible mid-frame having support elements for connectingto a rigid frame, accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart of an example processfor manufacturing a glass article according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart of another example process for manufacturing a glass article according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 9 depicts a flowchart ofyet another example processfor manufacturing a glass article accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In general, the present disclosure is directed to a curved glass article that includes a flexible mid-frame for mechanically connecting a glass substrate to a rigid, structural frame. As will be described herein, the mid-frame is a flexible frame that can be adhered to the glass substrate in large batches while the glass substrate is in a flat configuration. Then, each glass substrate and flexible mid-frame can be cold-bent together on a process chuck, and the structural frame can be relatively quickly attachedto the mid-frame to hold the glass substrate in the cold-bent configuration while on process chuck. [0023] In certain conventional glass articles, the structural frame is adhered directly to the glass substrate while the glass substrate is cold-bent on the process chuck. However, this requires the structural frame and glass substrate to remain on the processing chuck for an extended period of time (e g., up to two hours) while the adhesive bonding the structural frame to the glass substrate cures. Because the number of processing chucksis limited, this creates a process bottleneck. That is, the number of glass articles that could be processed is limited by the availability of forming chucks over which the glass substrate is bent. Further, a forming chuck may be specific to a single glass article design, and thus, the process bottleneck is multiplied depending on the number of glass article designs being manufactured. That is, only a certain number of forming chucks of each type can be devoted to cold-forming for a given manufacturing space and to maintain a cost-effective manufacturing process.

[0024] Because no specialized equipment, such as a curved processing chuck, is necessary to adhere the mid-frame to the glass substrate in the flat configuration, there is no processing bottleneck created during curing of the adhesive. Further, because the structural frame is mechanically attachedto the mid-frame to hold the glass substrate in the curved configuration, the time spent on the processing chuck is greatly reduced compared to the time that was previously spent on the processing chuck to allow the adhesive joining the structural frame to the glass to cure. As such, the throughput per processing chuck is increased and/or the total number of processing chucks required for a given throughput is decreased. Additionally, the mid-frame can be configured to alleviate thermal stresses that arise as a result of the different rates of thermal expansion/contraction between the structural frame and glass substrate. These and other aspects and advantages will be describedin relation to the embodiments provided below and in the drawings. These embodiments are presented by way of example and not by way of limitation. [0025] In order to provide context for the glass article and the process of forming the glass article described herein, exemplary embodiments of curved glass articles will be described in relation to the particular application of a vehicle interior system.

[0026] The elements shown in the figures may take many different forms and include multiple and/or alternate components and facilities. The example components illustrated are not intended to be limiting Indeed, additional or alternative components and/or implementations may be used. Further, the elements shown are not necessarily drawn to scale unless explicitly stated as such.

[0027] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary interior 10 of a vehicle that includes three different embodiments of vehicle interior systems 20, 30, 40. Vehicle interior system 20 includes a base, shown as center console base 22, with a curved surface 24 including a display 26. Vehicle interior system 30 includes a base, shown as dashboard base 32, with a curved surface 34 including a display 36. The dashboard base 32 typically includes an instrument panel 38 which may also include a display. Vehicle interior system 40 includes a base, shown as steering wheel base 42, with a curved surface 44 and a display 46 In one or more embodiments, the vehicle interior system includes a base that is an arm rest, a pillar, a seat back, a floor board, a headrest, a door panel, or any portion of the interior of a vehicle that includes a curved surface.

[0028] The embodiments of the curved glass articles described herein can be used in each of vehicle interior systems 20, 30, 40, among others. In some such embodiments, the glass article discussed herein may include a cover glass substrate that also covers non-display surfaces of the dashboard, center console, steering wheel, door panel, etc. In such embodiments, the glass material may be selected based on its weight, aesthetic appearance, etc. and may be provided with a coating (e.g., an ink or pigment coating) including a pattern (e.g., a brushed metal appearance, a wood grain appearance, a leather appearance, a colored appearance, etc.) to visually match the glass components with adjacent non-glass components. In specific embodiments, such ink or pigment coating may have a transparency level that provides for deadfront or color matching functionality when the display 26, 36, 38, 46 is inactive. Further, while the vehicle interior of FIG. 1 depicts a vehicle in the form of an automobile (e.g., cars, trucks, buses and the like), the glass articles disclosed herein can be incorporated into other vehicles, such as trains, sea craft (boats, ships, submarines, and the like), and aircraft (e.g., drones, airplanes, jets, helicopters and the like). Moreover, in embodiments, the curved surfaces 24, 34, 44 can be any of a variety of curved shapes, such as V-shaped orC-shaped.

[0029] FIG. 2 depicts an exploded perspective view of a glass article 50 and process chuck 68 while FIG. 3 schematically depicts a partial cross-sectional view of a glass article 50, both according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. The example glass articles 50 of FIGS. 2 and 3 each include a glass substrate 52, a mid-frame 63, a structural frame 64, and an adhesive layer 66.

[0030] With reference to FIG. 3, the glass article 50 includes a glass substrate 52 having a first major surface 54, a second major surface 56 opposite to the first major surface 54, and a minor surface 58 joining the first major surface 54 to the second major surface 56. The first major surface 54 andthe second major surface 56 define a thickness T of the glass substrate 52. In embodiments, the thickness T of the glass substrate 52 is from 0.3 mm to 2 mm, in particular 0.5 mm to 1.1 mm. In a vehicle, the first major surface 54 faces the occupants of the vehicle. In embodiments, the first major surface 54 and/or the second major surface 56 includes one or more surface treatments. Examples of surface treatments that may be applied to one or both of the first major surface 54 and second major surface 56 include an anti-glare coating, an anti-reflective coating, a coating providing touch functionality, a decorative (e.g., ink or pigment) coating, and an easy-to-clean coating.

[0031] The glass substrate 52 has a curved region 60 with a radius of curvature R that is from 50 mm to a radius of curvature that is substantially flat or planar (e.g., R=10 m). Further, the curved region 60 defines a concave curve with respect to the first major surface 54, but in other embodiments, the curved region 60 is instead a convex curve with respect to the first major surface 54.

[0032] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a mid-frame 63 configuration for attachmentto a structural frame 64. The mid-frame 63 is adhered to the second major surface 56 of the glass substrate 52. As mentioned above, the mid-frame 63 is configured for attachment of rigid, structural frame 64. In this way, the mid-frame 63 can be considered an interface between the glass substrate 52 and the structural frame 64. The structural frame 64 may be more structurally rigid than the mid-frame 63. For example, a material used to construct the structural frame 64 have a higher Young’s modulus, a greater thickness, or both, than a material used to construct the mid-frame 63. The structural frame 64 is configured to support the combination of the mid-frame 63 and glass substrate 52 in a suitable curved shape. The mid-frame 63 is structured to facilitate attachmentto the structural frame 64 by means other than a slow-curing adhesive (e.g., via suitable mechanical connection or a weld). [0033] The mid-frame 63 is atached to the glass substrate 52 via an adhesive layer 66, and the structural frame 64 is atached to the mid-frame 63 using a mechanical connection as will be discussed below. In embodiments, the adhesivelayer 66 joining the mid-frame 63 to the glass substrate 52 is a structural adhesive, such as toughened epoxy, flexible epoxy, acrylics, silicones, urethanes, polyurethanes, and silane modified polymers. In embodiments, the adhesive layer 66 has a thickness of 2 mm or less between the structural frame 64 and the glass substrate 52.

[0034] In embodiments, the glass articles 50 according to the present disclosure are formed by cold-forming techniques. In embodiments, the process of cold-forming involves application of a bending force to the glass substrate 52 while the glass substrate 52 is situated on a chuck 68 as shown in the exploded view of FIG. 2. Various other methods of coldforming the glass substrate 52 are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. Any suitable process whereby an external force is applied to bend the glass substrate and/or mid-frame 63may be used. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the chuck 68 has a curved surface 70, and the glass substrate 52 is bent into conformity with the curved surface 70. Advantageously, it is easierto apply surface treatments to a flat glass substrate 52 prior to creating the curvature in the glass substrate 52, and cold-forming allows the treated glass substrate 52 to be bent without destroying the surface treatment (as compared to the tendency of high temperatures associated with hot-forming techniques to destroy surface treatments, which requires surface treatments to be applied to the curved article in a more complicated process). In embodiments, the cold forming process is performed at a temperature less than the glass transition temperature T _g of the glass substrate 52. In particular, the cold forming process maybe performed at room temperature (e.g., about 20 °C) or a slightly elevated temperature, e.g., at 200 °C or less, 150 °C or less, 100 °C or less, or at 50 °C or less.

[0035] In the example glass article 50 shown in FIG. 3, the glass substrate 52 and midframe 63 are cold-bent after adheringthe mid-frame 63 to a second major surface 56 of the glass substrate 52 via adhesive layer 66 and prior to ataching the combined glass substrate 52 and mid-frame 63 to the structural frame 64. The mid-frame 63 may be any suitable shape to facilitate atachment to the structural frame 64. For example, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the mid-frame 63 includes anL-shaped cross-section that includes a firstmember 74 generally parallel to the second major surface 56 of the glass substrate 52 and a second member 76 arranged generally perpendicular to the firstmember 74. The firstmember 74 is adhered to the glass substrate 52. The second member 76 includes an aperture 78 through which a fastener 80 (e.g., pin, screw, bolt, etc.) may be inserted to secure the mid-frame 63 to the structural frame 64. In embodiments, the head of the fastener 80 is given a large diameter to lower local stress concentrations. In such embodiments, the head of the fastener 80 has a diameter of at least 2 mm, and in specific embodiments, the diameter depends on the applied local force and the number of fasteners 80 used. As shown in FIG. 3, the fastener 80 secures the mid-frame 63 to the exterior of the structural frame 64. In embodiments, the first member 74 extends around the entire perimeter of the structural frame 64. In embodiments, the second member 76 extends around the entire perimeter of the structural frame 64 and includes a plurality of apertures 78 through which fasteners 80 can be inserted to join the mid-frame 63 to the structural frame 64. In such embodiments, the second member 76 may provide a decorative feature to hide the structural frame 64. In other embodiments, the second member 76 only extends from the firstmember 74 atlocations where an aperture78 through which a fastener 80 is inserted to join the mid-frame 63 to the structural frame 64.

[0036] As a result of the cold bending process of the glass substrate 52 and the mid-frame 63 described herein with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3, the mid-frame63 may be retained in a state of bending stress throughout the use lifetime of the glass article 50. Depending on the construction of the mid-frame 63, such persistent bending stress may lead to component failure (e.g., delamination or buckling). Such component failure may be particularly likely when the mid-frame 63 and glass substrate 52 are bent to relatively small bending radii, especially if the mid-frame 63 is constructed of a material having a relatively high structural rigidity. Such conditions are generally associated with additional drawbacks in terms of component reliability. For example, polymer-based materials under elevated stresses and strains are more susceptible to chemical attack, can creep, stiffen, and/or change in shape over the lifetime of the part. As such, bending stresses in the mid-frame 63 may limit the shape that the glass article 50 can take without a substantial risk of component failure. Described in greater detail herein are designs and production methods for the mid-frame 63 that aid in reducingthe aforementioned persistent bending stresses that tend to reduce product reliability.

[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C, one approach for reducing strain on a curved glass substrate 52 is to vary the stiffness and/or thickness of the mid-frame 63 depending on the desired radius of the curvature of the glass substrate 52. For designs in which the radius is variable, the mid-frame 63 stiffness can be adjusted locally to correlate to the local radius. The overall and local stiffness of the mid-frame 63 can be controlled several ways. Generally, the overall stiffness is related to the material properties. For local stiffness control, the thickness of the mid-frame 63 can be adjusted to correlate to the local radius in order to maintain a consistent overall (or peak) strain on the mid-frame 63. Second, design features such as ribs, gaps, slots, or notches 90 in the mid-frame 63 can also affect the local stiffness and subsequent strain levels after bending. Notches 90 are shown in the example of FIG. 5, however, the shape, pitch, depth and dimensions can vary over the length of the mid-frame 63 to keep peak strain in the mid-frame 63 below a threshold value, such as 0.5 to 5% allowable strain if the mid-frame 63 is made of a plastic material. In some embodiments, the maximum bending strain is less than or equal to 5% (e.g., less than or equal to 4.0%, less than or equal to 3.0%, less than or equal to 2.0%, less than or equal to 1.0%, less than or equal to 0.5%). [0038] In embodiments, the peak strain may be approximated using the Kirchhoff-Love shell theory, treating the combination of the mid-frame 63 and the glass substrate 52 as a composite plate with perfect adhesion (ignoring the effects of the adhesive on the approximation of the strain).

[0039] In FIGS. 4A and 4B, the mid-frame 63, which is disposed on the glass substrate 52, has different thicknesses based on the radius of the curvature of the glass substrate 52. FIG. 4B shows that the thickness of the mid-frame 63 is proportional to the radius of the curvature of the glass substrate 52. The thickest sections of the mid-frame 63 are at locations of a high radius of curvature while the thinnest sections ofthe mid-frame 63 are at locations of a low radius of curvature. The mid-frame 63 may have any number of sections. For instance, in addition to the thickest and thinnest sections, the mid-frame 63 may have a medium thickness at locations of a moderate radius of curvature. The moderate radius of curvature is less than the high radius of curvature but greater than the low radius of curvature. [0040] The relationship between the bending radius and the stiffness of the mid-frame 63 is shown in FIG. 4C. Line 82 represents the allowable bending radius given a set amount of strain A higher bending radius refers to a flatter surface while a lower bending radius refers to a more significantly curved surface. Line 84 represents the stiffness of the mid-frame 63 forthe corresponding bending radius shown in line 82. As shown, in order to maintaina strain in the mid-frame 63 at or beneath a maximum allowable bending strain, the permissible bending radius is proportional to the stiffness of the mid-frame 63. Relatively stiff midframes may only be bent to relatively high bending radii, while less stiff mid-frames maybe bentto lower bending radii without exceedingthe maximum allowable bending strain. Accordingly, in embodiments where the glass article 52 comprises different portions having different radii of curvature, the mid-frame 63 may vary in thickness to maintain the bending strain beneath a predetermined level. Such a design may beneficially provide additional mechanical integrity and shape control in regions of relatively high bending radius, while maintaining bending strains at relatively low levels in regions of low bending radius. [0041] Referring now to FIG. 5, the mid-frame 63 has a first surface 86 and a second surface 88 opposite the first surface 86. The first surface 86 of the mid-frame 63 is disposed on the first major surface 54 of the glass substrate 52. The second surface 88 of the midframe 63 defines notches 90. The depth and width of each notch 90 maybe a function of the maximum thickness, which may be defined as the greatest distance between the first surface 86 and the second surface 88, of the mid-frame 63. For instance, the depth of the notch 90 may less than 75% (e.g., less than 50%, less than 45%, less than 40% of the maximum thickness). The width of the notch 90 maybe greater than or equal to 10% of the maximum thickness and less than or equal to 40% of the maximum thickness (e.g., greater than or equal to 15% of the maximum thickness and less than or equal to 35% of the maximum thickness, greater than or equal to 20% of the maximum thickness and less than or equal to 30% of the maximum thickness). In some instances, the spacing of the notches 90 may also be a function of the thickness of the mid-frame 63. For example, the distance, which could be a center-to- center distance or an edge-to-edge distance, between each notch 90 may be greater than a maximum thickness of the mid-frame. For example, a spacing between adjacent ones of the notches 90 may be greater than or equal to 5 times the maximum thickness of the mid-frame (e.g., greater than or equal to 10 times the maximum thickness, greater than or equal to 15 times the maximum thickness, greater than or equal to 20 times the maximum thickness, less than or equal to 50 times the maximum thickness, less than or equal to 40 times the maximum thickness, and any and all combinations of such ranges and sub-ranges between the extreme values). By way of example, for a mid-frame 63 that has a thickness of 2.5mm, each notch 90 may be 1 ,25mm deep and 0.625mm wide. In that example, the notches 90 may be spaced approximately every 50mm.

[0042] With reference to FIGS. 4-5, the mid-frame 63 generally comprises a non-uniform thickness such that a stiffness of the mid-frame 63 varies as a function of position. For example, in embodiments, the mid frame 63 comprises a first portion (e.g., the portions of the mid-frame 63 not including the notches 90) with a first thickness (e.g., a maximum thickness) and a second portion (e.g., the portions of the mid-frame 63 including the notches 90) with a second thickness (e.g., a minimum thickness), where the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. In embodiments, the first thickness maybe selected based on a desired curved shape of the glass article 50 (e.g., based on a radius of curvature and size of the glass article 50). For example, in embodiments, the length of the glass article 50 (e.g., priorto be cold-formed) is greater than or equal to 100 mm (e.g., greater than or equal to 500 mm, greater than or equal to 600 mm). In such embodiments, the mid-frame 63 may be cold formed to possess a minimum radius of curvature that is less than or equal to 750 mm (e g., less than or equal to 500 mm). In this example, the first thickness may be less than or equal to 2% (e.g., less than or equal to 1%, less than or equal to 0.5% of the minimum radius of curvature). The second thickness is less than the first thickness (e.g., the second thickness may be less than or equal to 75% of the first thickness or less than or equal to 70% of the first thickness or less than or equal to 65% of the first thickness). In an example, the first thickness is equal to 2.5 mm, the second thickness is equal to 1.25 mm (e.g., such that the depth of the notches 90 is 0.75 mm), when the minimum radius of curvature is approximately 500 mm. In another example, the first portion may be bent to a first minimum radius of curvature that is greater than a second minimum radius of curvature to which the second portion is bent.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 6, the mid-frame 63 can be configured to localize the strain on the mid-frame 63 at specific locations, which maybe high strain regions 92. While the fastener 80 shown in FIG. 3 can keep the glass article 50 in place after assembly to the structural frame 64, another example approach is to make the fasteners 80 part of the midframe 63. For instance, fasteners 80 such as snap fits or external threaded screws may be molded directly onto the second surface 88 (e.g., the convex surface) of the mid-frame 63 for attachment of the mid-frame 63 to the structural frame 64 through holes or other openings in the structural frame 64. The fasteners 80 may reduce the bending strain at the high strain regions 92 in the length direction of the mid-frame 63 by shifting the strain to where the fastener 80 extends from the second surface 88 of the mid-frame 63. Additional or alternative features of the mid-frame 63 may provide further strain relief at the high strain regions 92. For example, increasingthe thickness of the mid-frame 63, usingfillets, etc., may allow the mid-frame 63 to withstand high local strain and relieve bending stresses.

[0044] FIGS. 7-9 disclose example processes for manufacturing the glass article 50 that seek the eliminate the manufacturing bottlenecks described previously. In these examples, a post cold-forming process canbe used to relieve stress in the mid-frame 63 by annealing. During an annealing process, plastic, glass, or ceramics are heated to a peak temperature less than or equal to glass transition temperature T _g (e g., heated to a temperature of at most T _g - 5 °C or at mostT _g - 10°C or at most T _g - 20°C less than T _g ) and slowly cooled, allowing a molecular arrangement that reduces macroscopic stress and strain in the component. Full annealin processes take a longtime, in part because of the slow cooling rates. Times of 30 minutes to several hours at a temperature 5-10 C below the glass transition temperature T _g with a cooling rate of 5 degrees C per minute are typical. In this case, full stress relaxation is the target. In manufacturing, the minimum annealing process and strain conditions are sought and may be completed at a faster and more efficient temperature cycle. The temperature cycle is dependent on several factors includingthe mid-frame 63 material, heat transfer efficiency, and desired final stress state. Further, the presence of adhesive 66 and/or glass components can also buffer the natural cool down rate of the mid-frame 63 in air, reducing the need for controlled cooling to some degree.

[0045] Different applications of the temperature cycle are described below with respect to FIGS. 7-8. In short, after the assembly is formed on the process chuck 68, the flexible midframe 63 may be bent to shape, imparting strain. Heat can be applied locally to regions of high strain or to the entire assembly, as shown and discussed below with respect to the process 700 of FIG. 7. Heat can be added by heating the process chuck 68 surface 70 or bulk, potentially maintained at constant temperature, by air convection (i.e. a heat gun or similar) to specific locations, or by conduction (e.g., through handling fixtures or separate heating fixtures) in direct or very close contact with the assembly. After a specified dwell time, cooling can be controlled as necessary by reducing an amount of heat applied to the process chuck 68 or removal of the heating appliance.

[0046] At step 705, adhesive 66 is applied to a flat glass substrate 52, specifically, to the first major surface 54 of the glass substrate 52. The adhesive 66 may be a structural adhesive, such as toughened epoxy, flexible epoxy, acrylics, silicones, urethanes, polyurethanes, and silane modified polymers. The adhesive 66 may form a layer having a thickness of, e g., 2 mm or less.

[0047] At step 710, the mid-frame 63 is applied to the first major surface 54 of the glass substrate 52. Applying the mid-frame 63 to the first major surface 54 of the glass substrate 52 may include setting the mid-frame 63 on top of the layer of adhesive 66 on the glass substrate 52 prior to the adhesive 66 curing. [0048] At step 715, the adhesive 66 is given time to cure. The amount of time needed for the adhesive 66 to cure may be dependent upon the type of adhesive 66 used, the thickness of the layer of adhesive 66, etc. Curing of the adhesive 66 may take, e.g., up to 2 hours.

[0049] At step 720, the glass article 50, which includes the mid-frame 63 adhered to the glass substrate 52, is applied to a chuck 68 and curvedin a cold-forming process. For instance, the second major surface 56 of the glass substrate 52 maybe applied to the curved surface 70 of the chuck 68. The cold forming process is performed ata temperature less than the glass transition temperature T _g of the glass substrate 52. In particular, the cold forming process may be performed at room temperature (e.g., about 20 °C) or a slightly elevated temperature, e g., at200 °C orless, 150 °C orless, 100 °C or less, orat 50 °C orless.

[0050] At step 725, the structural frame 64 is attachedto the glass article 50. For instance, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 3, the fastener 80 secures the mid-frame 63 to the exterior of the structural frame 64. In embodiments, the first member 74 extends around the entire perimeter of the structural frame 64. In embodiments, the second member 76 extends around the entire perimeter of the structural frame 64 and includes a plurality of apertures 78 through which fasteners 80 canbe inserted to join the mid-frame 63 to the structural frame 64. In other embodiments, the second member 76 only extends from the first member 74 at locations where an aperture 78 through which a fastener 80 is inserted to join the mid-frame 63 to the structural frame 64.

[0051] At step 730, the glass article 50 is heated while positioned on the chuck 68. The glass article 50 may be heated at localized regions where high strain is expected.

Alternatively, all parts of the glass article 50 may be heated relatively evenly. Heatcanbe applied by heating the process chuck 68 surface or bulk, potentially maintained at constant temperature, by air convection using, e.g., a heat gun or the like, to specific locations, or through conduction (e.g., through handling fixtures or separate heating fixtures) in direct or very close contact, e.g., on the order of 1 -5mm, with the glass article 50.

[0052] At step 735, the glass article 50 is removed from the chuck68. In some instances, the glass article 50 may be permitted to cool before it is removed from the chuck 68. Cooling the glass article 50 may include removing or reducing the amount of heat generated by the heating appliance discussed with respect to step 730.

[0053] Referring now to the process 800 of FIG. 8, another method of strain reduction includes heating the assembly after removal of the glass article 50 from the chuck 68. This can be completed using similar methods as described above, that is, either locally or by heatingthe entire glass article 50. Some possible implementations may leverage a conventional conveyer or box furnace with a tuned temperature profile to achieve a desired stress state in the mid-frame 63.

[0054] At step 805, adhesive 66 is applied to a flat glass substrate 52, specifically, to the first major surface 54 of the glass substrate 52. The adhesive 66 may be a structural adhesive, such as toughened epoxy, flexible epoxy, acrylics, silicones, urethanes, polyurethanes, and silane modified polymers. The adhesive 66 may form a layer having a thickness of, e.g., 2 mm or less.

[0055] At step 810, the mid-frame 63 is applied to the first major surface 54 of the glass substrate 52. Applying the mid-frame 63 to the first major surface 54 of the glass substrate 52 may include setting the mid-frame 63 on top of the layer of adhesive 66 on the glass substrate 52 prior to the adhesive 66 curing.

[0056] At step 815, the adhesive 66 is given time to cure. The amount of time needed for the adhesive 66 to cure may be dependent upon the type of adhesive 66 used, the thickness of the layer of adhesive 66, etc. Curing of the adhesive 66 may take, e g., up to 2 hours.

[0057] At step 820, the glass article 50, which includes the mid-frame 63 adhered to the glass substrate 52, is applied to a chuck 68 and curvedin a cold-forming process. For instance, the second major surface 56 of the glass substrate 52 maybe applied to the curved surface 70 of the chuck 68. The cold forming process is performed ata temperature less than the glass transition temperature T _g of the glass substrate 52. In particular, the cold forming process may be performed at room temperature (e.g., about 20 °C) or a slightly elevated temperature, e g., at200 °C orless, 150 °C orless, 100 °C or less, orat 50 °C orless.

[0058] At step 825, the structural frame 64 is attachedto the glass article 50. For instance, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 3, the fastener 80 secures the mid-frame 63 to the exterior of the structural frame 64. In embodiments, the first member 74 extends around the entire perimeter of the structural frame 64. In embodiments, the second member 76 extends around the entire perimeter of the structural frame 64 and includes a plurality of apertures 78 through which fasteners 80 canbe inserted to join the mid-frame 63 to the structural frame 64. In other embodiments, the second member 76 only extends from the first member 74 at locations where an aperture 78 through which a fastener 80 is inserted to join the mid-frame 63 to the structural frame 64.

[0059] At step 830, the glass article 50 is removed from the chuck68. In contrast to the process 700 of FIG. 7, the glass article 50 may be removed immediately after the cold- forming process at step 825 since the glass article 50 is not heated prior to removing the glass article 50 from the chuck 68.

[0060] At step 835, the glass article 50 is heated. The glass article 50 may be heated at localized regions where high strain is expected. Alternatively, all parts of the glass article 50 may be heated relatively evenly . Heat can be applied by heating the process chuck 68 surface or bulk, potentially maintained at constant temperature, by air convection using, e.g., a heat gun or the like, to specific locations, or through conduction (e.g., through handling fixtures or separate heating fixtures) in director very close contact with the glass article 50.

[0061] Yet another approach for reducing strain in the plastic is shown in the process 900 of FIG. 9. This example may be achieved through injection molding of the mid-frame 63 in a curved shape that matches or substantially matches a desired curved shape for the glass article 50. After molding, the structural frame 64 can be flattened using a clamping assembly. Once flat, the glass substrate 52 can be bonded to the plastic mid-frame 63 and cured. Once cured, the mid-frame 63 can be removed from the clamping assembly and allowed to return to its original shape and attached to the final structural frame 64 assembly. This approach limits the high stress caused by flatteningthe mid-frame 63 for a relatively short duration of time (e.g., on the order of 30-60 mins) before the mid-frame 63 returns to its original reduced-stress state. In this approach, the mid-frame 63 returns to its original state without applying heat.

[0062] At step 905, the mid-frame 63 is molded to its desired shape. In other words, the mid-frame 63 generally takes the same form as the final shape of the glass substrate 52. This may include areas of high, moderate, and low radii. An alternative approach would start with the mid-frame 63 at least partially molded in its final configuration. For example, for a midframe 63 with a desired bend radius of 1500mm, the mid-frame 63 could be molded to impart a radius of 2200mm. With either approach, the stress and strain on the mid-frame 63 when assembled into the glass article 50 will be lower than if the mid-frame 63 hadbeen molded as a flat piece.

[0063] At step 910, the mid-frame 63 is flattened. Bending the mid-frame 63 may include mounting the mid-frame 63 to a clamping assembly having a flat surface, flatteningthe midframe 63 onto the flat surface, and clamping the flat mid-frame 63 in place. In some instances, the mid-frame 63 can be flattened without applying heat. As used in the description of the process 900, the term “flat” or “flatten” is used to denote a configuration where a minimum radius of curvature of the mid-frame 63 is increased from an initial state of the mid-frame 63 just after the mid-frame 63 is formed. For example, an example mid-frame may be injection molded to initially have a minimum radius of curvature of 100 mm and subsequently flattened to have a minimum radius of curvature of 500 mm. After flattening, the mid-frame 63 can still have a curved shape.

[0064] At step 915, the glass substrate 52 is bonded to the flat mid-frame 63. Bonding the glass substrate 52 to the flat mid-frame 63 may include applying an adhesive 66 to the midframe 63, placing the glass substrate 52 onto the adhesive 66 such that the first major surface 54 of the glass substrate 52 is adhered to the mid-frame 63.

[0065] At step 920, the adhesive 66 is given time to cure. The amount of time needed for the adhesive 66 to cure may be dependent upon the type of adhesive 66 used, the thickness of the layer of adhesive 66, etc. Curing of the adhesive 66 may take, e g., up to 2 hours.

[0066] At step 925, the mid-frame 63 is removed from the clamping assembly. Removing the mid-frame 63 from the clamping assembly may include removing the clamps or any other items forcingthe mid-frame 63 into a flattened configuration. Removing the mid-frame 63 from the clamping assembly may cause the mid-frame 63 to return to its original form (or to bend to a state where the mid-frame 63 has a minimum radius of curvature that more closely approximates that of the original shape than when flattened during the step 910), which as discussed above with respect to step 905, is molded to include various curvatures In some instances, the mid-frame 63 snaps back to its original shape. In other instances, the mid-frame

63 gradually returns to its original shape.

[0067] At step 930, the structural frame 64 is attached to the glass article 50. For instance, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 3, the fastener 80 secures the mid-frame 63 to the exterior of the structural frame 64. In embodiments, the first member 74 extends around the entire perimeter of the structural frame 64. In embodiments, the second member 76 extends around the entire perimeter of the structural frame 64 and includes a plurality of apertures 78 through which fasteners 80 canbe inserted to join the mid-frame 63 to the structural frame

64 In other embodiments, the second member 76 only extends from the first member 74 at locations where an aperture 78 through which a fastener 80 is inserted to join the mid-frame 63 to the structural frame 64.

[0068] In various embodiments, average or maximum thickness T of the glass substrate 52 is in the range of 0.3 mm to 2 mm. In various embodiments, width W of the glass substrate 52 is in a range from 5 cm to 250 cm, and length L of the glass substrate 52 is in a range from about 5 cm to about 1500 cm. The radius of curvature of the glass substrate 52 is about 30 mm to about 1000 mm.

[0069] In embodiments, the glass substrate 52 may be strengthened. In one or more embodiments, glass substrate 52 may be strengthened to include compressive stress that extends from a surface to a depth of compression (DOC). The compressive stress regions are balanced by a central portion exhibiting a tensile stress. At the DOC, the stress crosses from a positive (compressive) stress to a negative (tensile) stress.

[0070] In various embodiments, glass substrate 52 may be strengthened mechanically by utilizing a mismatch of the coefficient of thermal expansion between portions of the article to create a compressive stress region and a central region exhibiting a tensile stress. In some embodiments, the glass sheet may be strengthened thermally by heating the glass to a temperature above the glass transition point and then rapidly quenching.

[0071] In various embodiments, glass substrate 52 may be chemically strengthened by ion exchange. In the ion exchange process, ions at or near the surface of the glass sheet are replaced by - or exchanged with - larger ions having the same valence or oxidation state. In those embodiments in which the glass sheet comprises an alkali aluminosilicate glass, ions in the surface layer of the article and the larger ions are monovalent alkali metal cations, such as Li ⁺ , Na ⁺ , K ⁺ , Rb ⁺ , and Cs ⁺ . Alternatively, monovalent cations in the surface layer may be replaced with monovalent cations other than alkali metal cations, such as Ag ⁺ or the like. In such embodiments, the monovalent ions (or cations) exchanged into the glass sheet generate a stress.

[0072] Ion exchange processes are typically carried out by immersing a glass sheet in a molten salt bath (or two or more molten salt baths) containing the larger ions to be exchanged with the smaller ions in the glass sheet. It should be noted that aqueous salt baths may also be utilized. In addition, the composition of the bath(s) may include more than one type of larger ions (e.g., Na+ and K+) or a single larger ion. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that parameters for the ion exchange process, including, but not limited to, bath composition and temperature, immersion time, the number of immersions of the glass sheet in a salt bath (or baths), use of multiple salt baths, additional steps such as annealing, washing, and the like, are generally determined by the composition of the glass sheet (includingthe structure of the article and any crystalline phases present) and the desired DOC and CS of the glass sheet that results from strengthening. Exemplary molten bath compositions may include nitrates, sulfates, and chlorides of the larger alkali metal ion. Typical nitrates include KNO3, NaNOj, LiNOs, NaSO4 and combinations thereof. The temperature of the molten salt bath typically is in a range from about 380°C up to about 450°C, while immersion times range from about 15 minutes up to about 100 hours depending on glass sheet thickness, bath temperature and glass (or monovalent ion) diffusivity.

However, temperatures and immersion times different from those described above may also be used.

[0073] In one or more embodiments, the glass substrate 52 maybe immersed in a molten salt bath of 100%NaNOs, 100% KNO3, or a combination of NaNCh and KNO3 having a temperature from about 370 °C to about 480 °C. In some embodiments, the glass sheet may be immersed in a molten mixed salt bath including from about 5% to about 90% KNO3 and from about 10% to about 95% NaNCh. In one or more embodiments, the glass sheet may be immersed in a second bath, after immersion in a first bath. The first and second baths may have different compositions and/or temperatures from one another. The immersion times in the first and second bathsmay vary. For example, immersion in the firstbath may be longer than the immersion in the second bath.

[0074] In one or more embodiments, the glass sheet may be immersed in a molten, mixed salt bath including NaNO ₃ and KNO ₃ (e.g., 49%/51%, 50%/50%, 51%/49%) having a temperature less than about 420 °C (e.g., about 400 °C or about 380 °C), for less than about 5 hours, or even about 4 hours or less.

[0075] Ion exchange conditions can be tailored to provide a “spike” or to increase the slope of the stress profile at or near the surface of the resulting glass sheet. The spike may result in a greater surface CS value. This spike can be achieved by a single bath or multiple baths, with the bath(s) having a single composition or mixed composition, due to the unique properties of the glass compositions usedin the glass sheets described herein.

[0076] In one or more embodiments, where more than one monovalent ion is exchanged into the glass sheet, the different monovalent ions may exchange to different depths within the glass sheet (and generate different magnitudes stresses within the glass sheet at different depths) The resulting relative depths of the stress -gen erating ions can be determined and cause different characteristics of the stress profile.

[0077] CS is measured using those means known in the art, such as by surface stress meter (FSM) using commercially available instruments such as the FSM-6000, manufactured by Orihara Industrial Co., Ltd. (Japan). Surface stress measurements rely upon the accurate measurement of the stress optical coefficient (SOC), which is related to the birefringence of the glass. SOC in turn is measured by those methods that are known in the art, such as fiber and four pointbend methods, both of which are described in ASTM standard C770-98 (2013), entitled “Standard Test Method for Measurement of Glass Stress-Optical Coefficient,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, and a bulk cylinder method. As used herein CS may be the “maximum compressive stress” which is the highest compressive stress value measured within the compressive stress layer. In some embodiments, the maximum compressive stress is located at the surface of the glass sheet. In other embodiments, the maximum compressive stress may occur at a depth below the surface, giving the compressive profile the appearance of a “buried peak.”

[0078] DOC may be measured by FSM or by a scattered light polariscope (SCALP) (such as the SCALP-04 scattered light polariscope available from Glasstress Ltd., located in Tallinn Estonia), depending on the strengthening method and conditions. When the glass sheet is chemically strengthened by an ion exchange treatment, FSM or SCALP may be used depending on which ion is exchanged into the glass sheet. Where the stress in the glass sheet is generated by exchanging potassium ions into the glass sheet, FSM is used to measure DOC. Where the stress is generated by exchanging sodium ions into the glass sheet, SCALP is used to measure DOC. Where the stress in the glass sheet is generated by exchanging both potassium and sodium ions into the glass, the DOC is measured by SCALP, since it is believed the exchange depth of sodium indicates the DOC and the exchange depth of potassium ions indicates a change in the magnitude of the compressive stress (but not the change in stress from compressive to tensile); the exchange depth of potassium ions in such glass sheets is measured by FSM. Central tension or CT is the maximum tensile stress and is measured by SCALP.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, the glass sheet may be strengthened to exhibit a DOC that is described as a fraction of the thickness T of the glass sheet (as described herein). For example, in one or more embodiments, the DOC may be in the range of about 0.05T to about 0.25T. In some instances, the DOC may be in the range of about 20 pm to about 300 pm. In one or more embodiments, the strengthened glass substrate 52 may have a CS (which may be found atthe surface or a depth within the glass sheet) of about200 MPa or greater, about 500 MPa or greater, or about 1050 MPa or greater. In one or more embodiments, the strengthened glass sheet may have a maximum tensile stress or central tension (CT) in the range of about 20 MPa to about 100 MPa.

[0080] Suitable glass compositions for use as glass substrate 52 include soda lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, boroaluminosilicate glass, alkali-containing aluminosilicate glass, alkali-containing borosilicate glass, and alkali-containing boroaluminosilicate glass.

[0081] Unless otherwise specified, the glass compositions disclosed herein are described in mole percent (mol%) as analyzed on an oxide basis.

[0082] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may include SiO ₂ in an amount in a range from about 66 mol%to about 80 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes AI2O3 in an amount of about 3 mol% to about 15 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass article 50 is described as an aluminosilicate glass article 50 or including an aluminosilicate glass composition. In such embodiments, the glass composition or article formed therefrom includes SiO ₂ and A1 ₂ C>3 and is not a soda lime silicate glass.

[0083] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprisesB ₂ O3 in an amount in the range of about 0.01 mol% to about 5 mol%. However, in one or more embodiments, the glass composition is substantially free of B ₂ O ₃ . As used herein, the phrase “substantially free” with respect to the components of the composition means that the component is not actively or intentionally added to the composition during initial batching, but may be present as an impurity in an amount less than about O.001 mol%.

[0084] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition optionally comprises P ₂ O ₅ in an amount of about O.Ol mol% to 2 mol%. In one ormore embodiments, the glass composition is substantially free of P ₂ O ₅ .

[0085] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may include a total amount of R ₂ O (which is the total amount of alkali metal oxide such as Li ₂ O, Na ₂ O, K ₂ O, Rb ₂ O, and Cs ₂ O) that is in a range from about 8 mol% to about 20 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may be substantially free ofRb ₂ O, Cs ₂ O or both Rb ₂ O and Cs ₂ O. In one or more embodiments, the R ₂ O may include the total amount of Li ₂ O, Na ₂ O and K ₂ O only. In one ormore embodiments, the glass composition may comprise at least one alkali metal oxide selected from Li ₂ O, Na ₂ O and K ₂ O, wherein the alkali metal oxide is present in an amount greater than about 8 mol% or greater.

[0086] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprisesNa ₂ O in an amount in a range from about from about 8 mol% to about 20 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes K ₂ O in an amount in a range from about 0 mol% to about 4 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may be substantially free of K ₂ O. In one ormore embodiments, the glass composition is substantially free ofLi ₂ O. In one or more embodiments, the amount ofNa ₂ O in the composition may be greater than the amount of Li ₂ O. In some instances, the amount of Na ₂ O may be greater than the combined amount of Li ₂ O and K ₂ O. In one or more alternative embodiments, the amount of Li ₂ O in the composition may be greater than the amount of Na ₂ O orthe combined amount ofNa ₂ O and K ₂ O.

[0087] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may include a total amount of RO (which is the total amount of alkaline earth metal oxide such as CaO, MgO, BaO, ZnO and SrO) in a range from about 0 mol% to about 2 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes CaO in an amount less than about 1 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition is substantially free of CaO. In some embodiments, the glass composition comprisesMgO in an amountfrom about O mol% to about? mol%.

[0088] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprisesZrO ₂ in an amount equal to or less than about 0.2 mol%. In one or more embodiments, the glass composition comprises SnO ₂ in an amount equal to or less than about 0.2 mol%.

[0089] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition may include an oxide that imparts a color or tint to the glass articles 50 In some embodiments, the glass composition includes an oxide that prevents discoloration of the glass article 50 when the glass article 50 is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Examples of such oxides include, without limitation oxides of : Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ce, W, and Mo.

[0090] In one or more embodiments, the glass composition includes Fe expressed as Fe ₂ O ₂ , wherein Fe is present in an amount up to 1 mol%. Where the glass composition includes TiO ₂ , TiO ₂ may be present in an amount of about 5 mol% or less.

[0091] An exemplary glass composition includes SiO ₂ in an amount in a range from about 65 mol% to about 75 mol%, A1 ₂ C>3 in an amount in a range from about 8 mol% to about 14 mol%, Na ₂ O in an amount in a range from about 12 mol% to about 17 mol%, K ₂ O in an amount in a range of about 0 mol% to about 0.2 mol%, and MgO in an amount in a range from about 1.5 mol%to about 6 mol%. Optionally, SnO ₂ may be included in the amounts otherwise disclosed herein. It should be understood, that while the preceding glass composition paragraphs express approximate ranges, in other embodiments, glass substrate 52 may be made from any glass composition falling with any one of the exact numerical ranges discussed above.

[0092] Aspect (1) of this disclosure pertainsto a vehicle interior system comprising: a glass substrate comprising a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface; a mid-frame disposed on the first major surface of the glass substrate; and a structural frame mechanically coupled to the mid-frame, wherein: the structural frame is more rigid than that of the mid-frame and the glass substrate such that a mechanical connection between the structural frame and the mid-frame maintains both the mid-frame and the glass substrate in a curved configuration, and a thickness of the mid-frame is non-uniform such that a stiffness of the mid-frame varies as a function of position in the mid-frame.

[0093] Aspect (2) of this disclosure pertainsto the vehicle interior system of Aspect (1) wherein the mid-frame comprises a first section having a first thickness and a second section having a second thickness that is less than the first thickness.

Aspect (3) of this disclosure pertainsto the vehicle interior system of Aspect (2) wherein the second thickness of the second section wherein the second thickness of the second section is less than 0.5% of a minimum radius of curvature of the mid-frame.

[0094] Aspect (4) of this disclosure pertainsto the vehicle interior system of any of Aspects (2-4) wherein the second thickness of the second section is less than or equal to 75% of the first thickness.

[0095] Aspect (5) of this disclosure pertainsto the vehicle interior system of any of the preceding Aspects wherein the mid-frame has a peak bending strain less than 5%.

[0096] Aspect (6) of this disclosure pertainsto the vehicle interior system of any of the preceding Aspects wherein the glass substrate and the mid-frame have a non-uniform radius of curvature and wherein the thickness of the mid-frame varies as a function of a magnitude of the non-uniform radius of curvature.

[0097] Aspect (7) of this disclosure pertains to a vehicle interior system comprising: a glass substrate comprising a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface; a mid-frame disposed on the first major surface of the glass substrate, the midframe defining a plurality of notches; and a structural frame mechanically coupled to the midframe, wherein: the structural frame is more rigid than the mid-frame and the glass substrate such that a mechanical connection between the structural frame and the mid-frame maintains both the mid-frame and the glass substrate in a curved configuration, and the plurality of notches have a spacing that is greater than a maximum thickness of the mid-frame.

[0098] Aspect (8) of this disclosure pertainsto the vehicle interior system of Aspect (7) wherein each of the plurality of notches has a depth that is less than 75% of the maximum thickness the mid-frame.

[0099] Aspect (9) of this disclosure pertainsto the vehicle interior system of any of Aspects (7-8) wherein each of the plurality of notches has a width that is greater than or equal to 10% of the maximum thickness of the mid-frame and less than or equal to 40% of the maximum thickness.

[0100] Aspect (10) of this disclosure pertains to the vehicle interior system of any of Aspects (7 -9) wherein the spacing is greater than or equal to 10 times the maximum thickness and less than or equal to 30 times the maximum thickness.

[0101] Aspect (11) of this disclosure pertains to the vehicle interior system of Aspect (10) wherein the spacing between each of the plurality of notches is greater or equal to 20 times the maximum thickness

[0102] Aspect (12) of this disclosure pertains to the vehicle interior system of any of Aspects (7-11) wherein the mid-frame has a peakbending strain less than 5%.

[0103] Aspect (13) of this disclosure pertains to the vehicle interior system of any of Aspects (7-12) wherein the glass substrate and the mid-frame have a non-uniform radius of curvature wherein the thickness of the mid-frame varies as a function of a magnitude of the non-uniform radius of curvature.

[0104] Aspect (14) of this disclosure pertains to an interior system assembly comprising: a glass substrate comprising a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface; a structural frame mechanically coupled to the glass substrate; and a midframe having a concave surface adjacent the first major surface of the glass and a convex surface adjacent the structural framefor maintaining the glass substrate in a curved configuration, wherein the mid-frame includes a plurality of fasteners for attaching to the structural frame and wherein the structural frame defines a plurality of openings for engaging the fasteners of the mid-frame.

[0105] Aspect (15) of this disclosure pertains to the interior system of Aspect (14) wherein the plurality of fasteners are spaced from one another along the convex surface of the mid-frame.

[0106] Aspect (16) of this disclosure pertains to a method comprising: applying an adhesive to a glass substrate; applying a flexible mid-frame to the glass substrate; bending the glass substrate and flexible mid-frame using a cold-forming process; applying a structural frame to the flexible mid-frame to form a glass article; and heating the glass article to a peak temperature.

[0107] Aspect (17) of this disclosure pertains to the method of Aspect (16) further comprising mounting the glass substrate and flexible mid-frame to a chuck prior to bending the glass substrate and flexible mid-frame. [0108] Aspect (18) of this disclosure pertains to the method of Aspect (17) wherein the glass substrate and flexible mid-frame are mounted to the chuck prior to applying the structural frame to the flexible mid-frame to form the glass article.

[0109] Aspect (19) of this disclosure pertains to the method of Aspect (17) wherein the glass substrate and flexible mid-frame are mounted to the chuck prior to heating the glass article.

[0110] Aspect (20) of this disclosure pertains to the method of Aspect (19) further comprising: after heating the glass article, waiting a dwell time for glass article to cool; and removing the glass article from the chuck after the dwell time.

[0111] Aspect (21) of this disclosure pertains to the method of Aspect (19) further comprising removing the glass article from the chuck before heating the glass article.

[0112] Aspect (22) of this disclosure pertains to the method of any of Aspects (16-21) further comprising bending the flexible mid-frame prior to applying the flexible mid-frame to the glass substrate.

[0113] Aspect (23) of this disclosure pertains to the method of any of Aspects (16-24) wherein heating the glass article includes applying heat to a local region of the glass article. [0114] Aspect (24) of this disclosure pertains to the method of any of Aspects (16-25) wherein heating the glass article includes uniformly applying heat to the entire glass article. Aspect (25) of this disclosure pertains to the method of any of Aspects (16-26) wherein the peak temperature is at most 5 °C less than a glass transition temperature of the glass substrate. Aspect (26) of this disclosure pertains to the method of any of Aspects (16-27) wherein the peak temperature is at most 10°C less than a glass transition temperature of the glass substrate.

[0115] Aspect (27) of this disclosure pertains to the method of any of Aspects (16-26) further comprising waiting a dwell time after heating the glass article to the peak temperature, wherein the dwell time is greater than or equal to 30 minutes and less than or equal to 5 hours.

Aspect (28) of this disclosure pertains to the method of Aspect (27) wherein, during the dwell time, the glass article is cooled ata cooling rate of less than or equal to 10 degrees Celsius per minute.

[0116] Aspect (29) of this disclosure pertains to a method comprising: molding a midframe to a desired shape having a curvature; temporarily flattening the mid-frame; bonding a glass substrate to the mid-frame; allowing the mid-frame and glass substrate to return to the desired shape of the mid-frame; and attaching the mid-frame and glass substrate to a frame. [0117] Aspect (30) of this disclosure pertains to the method of Aspect (29) wherein temporarily flattening the mid-frame includes mounting the mid-frame to a clamping assembly.

[0118] Aspect (31) of this disclosure pertains to the method of Aspect (30) wherein allowing the mid-frame and glass substrate to return to the desired shape of the mid-frame includes removing the mid-frame from the clamping assembly.

[0119] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more than one component or element, and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one.

[0120] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed embodiments. Since modifications, combinations, sub-combinationsand variations of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art, the disclosed embodiments should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.