Abstract:
An electro-optic assembly includes a first partially reflective, partially transmissive substrate defining a first surface and a second surface. A second partially reflective, partially transmissive substrate defines a third surface and a fourth surface. A space is defined between a first substrate and a second substrate. A seal is disposed about a perimeter of the first and second substrates. An electro-optic material is disposed between the second surface of the first substrate and the third surface of the second substrate. The electro-optic assembly is operable to change at least one of a reflectance state and a transmittance state in either a discrete or continuous manner. A transparent electrode coating is disposed between the second surface and the third surface. The transparent electrode coating includes an insulator layer, metal layer, and insulator layer (IMI) structure. The reflectance off of the transparent electrode coating is less than about 2%.
Abstract:
An electrode for an electrochromic device includes a resistive layer disposed over a conductive layer. The resistive layer is disposed between the conductive layer and an electrochromic material in the electrochromic device. The electrode reduces non-uniform response of the electrochromic material when the electrochromic device is in operation.
Abstract:
A vehicular rearview assembly with a mirror element having a curved or rounded edge on the first surface that is fully observable from the front of the assembly, a complex peripheral ring, and a user interface with switches and sensors that activate and configure pre-defined function(s) or device(s) of the assembly in response to the user input applied to the user interface. The mirror element is supported by a hybrid carrier co-molded of at least two materials, a portion of which is compressible between the housing shell and an edge of the mirror element. The peripheral ring may include multiple bands. Electrical communications between the electronic circuitry, the mirror element, and the user interface utilize connectors configured to exert a low contact force, onto the mirror element, limited in part by the strength of adhesive affixing the EC element to an element of the housing of the assembly.
Abstract:
An electro-optic element comprises a first substrate, including first and second surfaces. The first substrate contains at least a first layer of electrically conductive material that is deposited on the second surface and is substantially transparent. The element also comprises a second substrate including third and fourth surfaces, the second substrate containing a second layer of electrically conductive material deposited on the third surface. The first and second substrates are disposed in a parallel and spaced-apart relationship to define a gap between the second and third surfaces, the gap containing an electro-optic medium, and each substrate with a width and a height such that the ratio of width to height is less than or equal to 2. In addition, the element is configured such that a relative darkening timing factor substantially across the element is less than a factor of 3.
Abstract:
A multi-zone reflector having an opaque zone and a transflective zone. The reflector includes a supporting base, a lower reflecting layer disposed adjacent the supporting base, and an upper reflecting layer extending over the opacifying layer and the transflective zone of the reflector. The lower reflecting layer substantially completely covers the transflective zone, and the opacifying layer is disposed substantially outside the transflective zone adjacent to the lower reflecting layer. Over at least a portion of the transflective zone, the upper and lower reflecting layers have a common surface.
Abstract:
Electro-optic elements are becoming commonplace in a number of vehicular and architectural applications. Various electro-optic element configurations provide variable transmittance and or variable reflectance for windows and mirrors. The present invention relates to various thin-film coatings, electro-optic elements and assemblies incorporating these elements.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. Area of the effective field of view of the electro-optic mirror element substantially equals to that defined by the outermost perimeter of the element.
Abstract:
An electrochromic device, system using, and method for, which may pre-activate a buffer is disclosed. The electrochromic device may comprise a first substrate, a second substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electrochromic medium. The second substrate may be disposed in apart relationship with the first substrate. The first and second electrodes may be associated with the first and second substrates, respectively. The electrochromic medium may be disposed between the first and second electrodes. Further, the electrochromic medium may comprise electrochromic materials and a redox buffer. Each of the electrochromic materials and the buffer may be operable between activated and deactivated states. The electrochromic device may be configured to apply a voltage to substantially pre-activate the buffer and hold the buffer in this state prior to substantially activating the electrochromic materials, thereby decreasing the response time of the electrochromic device upon activation.
Abstract:
An improved electro-optic element is disclosed. The electro-optic element may comprise a first substrate, a second substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, and/or an electro-active medium. The first electrode may be associated with a surface of the first substrate. Likewise, the second electrode may be associated with a surface of the second substrate. The first and second substrates may be disposed in a substantially parallel, spaced apart relationship relative one another such that the first and second electrode face one another. The electro-active medium may be disposed between the first and second electrodes. Additionally, each of the first and second electrodes may comprise a conductive mesh and a layer. The layer may be electrically conductive and associated with an inner side of the mesh. Accordingly, the layer may serve as a lateral electrical distributor such that the electrical potential may be substantially uniform across the electrode.
Abstract:
An electro-optic element having multiple regions is disclosed. The electro-optic element comprises an electro-optic medium disposed between two electrodes. Further, the electro-optic medium is operable between activated and un-activated states based, at least in part, on exposure to an electrical potential. In some embodiments, in response to an electrical potential of a first polarity, the electro-optic medium may be substantially activated in one region and substantially un-activated in another region. In response to an electrical potential of a second polarity opposite the first polarity, the electro-optic medium may be substantially activated in both regions. In other embodiments, the electro-optic medium is operably activated such that electro-optic medium is activated in one region and un-activated in another region, regardless of polarity.