Liquid crystal adjustable light window

Abstract

An apparatus having a multi-layer structure for providing adjustable light window operation is provided. The apparatus comprises: a first rigid substrate; a second rigid substrate coupled to the first rigid substrate in a peripheral region of the multilayer structure to maintain a gap between the first rigid substrate and the second rigid substrate; and a liquid crystal (LC) film located in a space between the first rigid substrate and the second rigid substrate. The LC film is coupled with one of the first rigid substrate or the second rigid substrate in an interior region of the multilayer structure to form a gap between the LC film and the other of the first rigid substrate and the second rigid substrate. The gap is not filled with any solid material or liquid material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to windows, and more particularly to dimmable windows. Background Art

[0002] Dimmable windows have the ability to provide adjustable tinting (tinting, film) to adapt to environmental conditions and / or user preferences, for example. Existing dimmable windows usually use electrochromic glass, which is based on the so-called redox chemical reaction in certain types of materials (such as various metal oxides) to change the optical color or opacity of the material in response to the application of an electric field. However, electrochromic glass and other solutions that rely on electrochromic mechanisms usually have the problem of long response time related to redox chemical reactions. Typical response times may be as long as several minutes or more than ten minutes. This long response time may cause inconvenience and distress to users, especially when unwanted light suddenly appears and the degree of shading or tinting needs to be changed quickly. Use scenarios such as car windows are particularly problematic. Unlike buildings, the position and direction of vehicles may change rapidly. For example, a car window that was not exposed to sunlight in the previous moment may suddenly be exposed to strong sunlight in the next moment, such as when the vehicle turns or drives out of the shadow cast by a high-rise building or other buildings. When the vehicle changes its position and / or direction again, the car window will quickly stop being exposed to sunlight. Electrochromic windows have a long response time and simply cannot keep up with such rapid switching and the need to dynamically adjust the degree of tinting. However, other types of dimmable window technologies also face specific challenges, especially considering the needs of certain specific applications. Therefore, improved dimmable windows are needed, especially in application scenarios that require fast response times for dynamic adjustments. Summary of the invention

[0003] A device having a multilayer structure for providing adjustable light window operation is provided. The device includes a first rigid substrate; a second rigid substrate coupled to the first rigid substrate at a peripheral region of the multilayer structure to maintain a separation between the first rigid substrate and the second rigid substrate; and a liquid crystal (LC) film located in the separation between the first rigid substrate and the second rigid substrate, wherein the LC film is combined with the first rigid substrate or the second rigid substrate at an inner region of the multilayer structure to define a gap between the LC film and the other of the first rigid substrate and the second rigid substrate, and wherein the gap is not occupied by a solid material or a liquid material.

[0004] In some embodiments, the LC film is coupled to the first rigid substrate in an inner region of the multilayer structure and a gap is defined between the LC film and the second rigid substrate; or the LC film is coupled to the second rigid substrate in an inner region of the multilayer structure and a gap is defined between the LC film and the first rigid substrate.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first rigid substrate defines a convex outer surface of the multi-layer structure and the second rigid substrate defines a concave inner surface of the multi-layer structure.

[0006] In some embodiments, the gap is characterized by a separation distance in the range of 0.1 mm to 4 mm.

[0007] In some embodiments, the gap is configured to maintain a vacuum.

[0008] In some embodiments, the gap is filled with at least one gas, and the at least one gas includes argon, or an air mixture including nitrogen and oxygen.

[0009] In some embodiments, the device includes a peripheral support member located in a peripheral area of ​​the multilayer structure and configured to couple a first rigid substrate with a second rigid substrate; wherein the first rigid substrate, the second rigid substrate and the peripheral support member are configured to maintain the airtightness of the interval between the first rigid substrate and the second rigid substrate.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first rigid substrate includes a first glass layer, a second glass layer, and a laminate layer between the first glass layer and the second glass layer.

[0011] In some embodiments, the laminate layer includes polyvinyl butyral (PVB) material.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first rigid substrate includes a tempered glass layer.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second rigid substrate includes a non-glass layer, wherein the non-glass layer includes a polycarbonate (PC) material.

[0014] In some embodiments, the multi-layer structure is configured to be installed in a vehicle, the first rigid substrate is configured to face the exterior environment of the vehicle, and the second rigid substrate is configured to face the interior environment of the vehicle.

[0015] In some embodiments, the multi-layer structure is configured as a sunroof, side window, rear windshield, or front windshield of a vehicle.

[0016] Another device having a multilayer structure for providing adjustable light window operation is provided. The device includes: a first rigid substrate; a second rigid substrate coupled to the first rigid substrate in a peripheral region of the multilayer structure to maintain a gap between the first rigid substrate and the second rigid substrate; a liquid crystal (LC) film located in the gap between the first rigid substrate and the second rigid substrate; and a lamination layer located between the LC film and the first rigid substrate. The LC film spans an interior region of the multilayer structure and is coupled to the second rigid substrate in the interior region of the multilayer structure. The LC film interfaces with the lamination layer in the interior region of the multilayer structure. The lamination layer interfaces with the first rigid substrate in the interior region of the multilayer structure and in the peripheral region of the multilayer structure. The lamination layer interfaces with the second rigid substrate in the peripheral region of the multilayer structure.

[0017] In some embodiments, the laminate layer comprises a solid material or a liquid material.

[0018] In some embodiments, the laminate layer includes polyvinyl butyral (PVB) material.

[0019] In some embodiments, the LC film is coupled with the second rigid substrate at an inner region of the multi-layer structure through an optically clear adhesive (OCA) film.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second rigid substrate includes a non-glass layer.

[0021] In some embodiments, the non-glass layer includes a polycarbonate (PC) material.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first rigid substrate defines a convex outer surface of the multi-layer structure. The second rigid substrate defines a concave inner surface of the multi-layer structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 A simplified schematic diagram of a vehicle utilizing a multi-layer structure that provides dimmable window operation for one or more vehicle windows is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-layer structure 200 that provides adjustable window operation.

[0025] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-layer structure 300 that provides adjustable window operation.

[0026] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a multilayer structure 400 providing adjustable light window operation

[0027] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-layer structure 500 that provides dimmable window operation.

[0028] Figure 6is a cross-sectional view of a multi-layer structure 600 that provides adjustable window operation.

[0029] Figure 7 is a top view of a multi-layer structure 700 that provides dimmable window operation.

[0030] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-layer structure 800 that provides adjustable window operation.

[0031] Fig. 9 is a top view of a multi-layer structure 900 for providing dimmable window operation.

[0032] Fig. 10A is a simplified example intended to illustrate typical components of LC films described herein with respect to other embodiments.

[0033] Fig. 10B An example configuration of liquid crystal providing tunable light transmittance is shown.

[0034] Fig. 10C Another example configuration of liquid crystal providing tunable light transmittance is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Several illustrative embodiments will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof. Although specific embodiments are described below in which one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented, other embodiments may be used and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure or the spirit of the appended claims.

[0036] Figure 1 A simplified schematic diagram of a vehicle 100 employing a multi-layer structure that provides dimmable window operation for one or more vehicle windows in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The schematic diagram shows only one example of an environment in which a dimmable window may be installed. As shown, the vehicle 100 has different types of windows, including a sunroof 102, side windows 104, a rear windshield 106, and a front windshield 108. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the multi-layer structure implemented as a dimmable window may be implemented in one or more vehicle windows of the vehicle 100, including the sunroof 102, the side windows 104, the rear windshield 106, and / or the front windshield 108.

[0037] In one embodiment, the layered structure according to aspects of the present disclosure is configured as a skylight 102. Generally speaking, government safety regulations that prohibit or limit the degree of tinting on cars are generally not applicable to skylights. In addition, sunlight is most intense around noon and has a greater impact on skylights than other types of windows. Therefore, due to the advantage of controllably blocking or reducing the impact of sunlight, the dimmable window according to aspects of the present disclosure may be installed in particularly high volumes when installed as a skylight.

[0038] In another embodiment, a layered structure according to aspects of the present disclosure is configured as a side window 104. There may be some government safety regulations regarding tinting of the side windows of a vehicle. Typically, these regulations do not prohibit tinting, but only limit the degree to which the side windows can be tinted. Here, a dimmable window according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be used to provide sun protection and / or privacy protection for passengers of the vehicle 100. The ability to control the degree of tinting also makes it easier to comply with government safety regulations regarding specific degrees of tinting.

[0039] In other embodiments, the layered structure according to aspects of the present disclosure is configured as a rear windshield 106 or a front windshield 108. Currently, many government safety regulations prohibit tinting of a front or rear windshield of a car. A highly controllable dimmable window according to aspects of the present disclosure can provide a slight degree of tinting that is acceptable under certain government safety regulations.

[0040] As shown, some or all of the windows in vehicle 100 are curved. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a multilayer structure used as a dimmable window may have a curved surface, that is, a non-flat surface. Here, the description of a curved surface means that the multilayer structure may have one or two outer surfaces that are curved, rather than flat outer surfaces. Such a curved surface may be curved along one dimension or two dimensions. In the case of curvature along only one dimension, the curved surface may (1) intersect a first plane along a curve, but (2) intersect a second plane (e.g., perpendicular to the first plane) along a straight line. A non-limiting example of a one-dimensional curved surface is a parabolic cylinder defined along an xyz Cartesian coordinate system (e.g., z=x 2 ). In the case of curvature in two dimensions, the surface may intersect (1) a first plane along a first curve and (2) a second plane (e.g., perpendicular to the first plane) along a second curve. A non-limiting example of a two-dimensional surface is an elliptical parabola defined along an xyz Cartesian coordinate system (e.g., z = x 2 +y 2 ). The above mathematically defined curves (e.g., parabolic cylinder, elliptical paraboloid, etc.) are only used to illustrate examples of surfaces that are curved along one dimension and two dimensions, respectively. Not all surfaces according to various aspects of the present disclosure must be defined mathematically. For example, the specific shape of a one-dimensionally curved or two-dimensionally curved dimmable window used in a vehicle may depend on the design of the vehicle rather than being determined by a simple mathematical formula.

[0041] Although Figure 1 The vehicle is shown as an example environment using a car as an example, but the structure described as an embodiment of the present disclosure, such as a multi-layer structure used as a dimmable window, can also be used in other environments, such as buildings and other non-vehicle applications. In addition, the vehicle application is not limited to Figure 1The specific type of vehicle shown in the figure is presented only as an example. For example, the multi-layer structure according to various aspects of the present disclosure can be used in rail vehicles (such as trains) and air vehicles (such as airplanes, air taxis, etc.), which are just some examples.

[0042] Figure 2 2 is a cross-sectional view of a multilayer structure 200 for providing adjustable light window operation according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the multilayer structure 200 includes a first rigid substrate 202, a second rigid substrate 204, and a liquid crystal film 206. A gap is defined between the first rigid substrate 201 and the second rigid substrate 204, and the liquid crystal film 206 is bonded to the first rigid substrate 202. In some embodiments, a device having a multilayer structure 200 for providing adjustable light window operation is disclosed. The device includes a first rigid substrate 202, a second rigid substrate 204, and a liquid crystal (LC) film 206, wherein the second rigid substrate 204 is coupled to the first rigid substrate 202 at a peripheral region 208 of the multilayer structure 200 to maintain a gap between the first rigid substrate 202 and the second rigid substrate 204, and the LC film 206 is located in the gap between the first rigid substrate 102 and the second rigid substrate 204.

[0043] The LC film 206 is coupled to the first rigid substrate 202 or the second rigid substrate 204 in the inner region 210 of the multilayer structure 200. Figure 2 In the particular example shown, the LC film 206 is coupled to the interior region 210 of the multilayer structure 200, while not coupled to the second rigid substrate 204 in the interior region 210. Here, one layer can be coupled to another layer by bonding (e.g., by an adhesive), which can be in the form of an adhesive liquid, gel, or solid (e.g., an adhesive film). In an embodiment, the LC film 206 can be bonded to the first rigid substrate 202 by an optically clear adhesive (OCA) located between the LC film 206 and the first rigid substrate 202.

[0044] Since the LC film 206 is coupled to one of the first rigid substrate 202 or the second rigid substrate 204 and is separated from the other of the first rigid substrate 202 and the second rigid substrate 204, a gap 212 is defined between the LC film 206 and the other of the first rigid substrate 202 and the second rigid substrate 204 in the inner region 210 of the multilayer structure 200. Figure 2In the particular example shown, the LC film 206 is separated from the second rigid substrate 204 in the interior region 210 of the multilayer structure 200, thereby defining a gap 212 between the LC film 206 and the second rigid structure 204. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the gap 212 is characterized by a spacing distance in the range of 0.1 mm to 4 mm. That is, the average value of the spacing distance between the LC film 206 and the second rigid substrate 204 can be in the range of 0.1 mm to 4 mm. In an embodiment, the spacing distance is maintained throughout the interior region 210. In other embodiments, the spacing distance is characterized by varying at different locations within the interior region 210, but the average value of the spacing distance falls within the range of 0.1 mm to 4 mm.

[0045] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the gap 212 between the LC film 206 and the other of the first rigid substrate 202 and the second rigid substrate 204 is not occupied by a solid material or a liquid material. In the example shown, the gap 212 between the LC film 206 and the second rigid structure 204 is not occupied by a solid material or a liquid material. Instead, the gap 212 can be occupied by a gaseous material, or not occupied by any material at all. In an embodiment, the gap 212 is configured to maintain a vacuum. In another embodiment, the gap 212 includes argon. In yet another embodiment, the gap 212 includes an air mixture including nitrogen and oxygen.

[0046] The gap 212 can serve to provide thermal isolation between the first rigid substrate 202 and the second rigid substrate 204. In some applications, the multilayer structure 200 is configured to be installed in a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 100), for example. The first rigid substrate 202 can face the external environment (e.g., the outside of the vehicle 100), and the second rigid substrate can face the internal environment (e.g., the inside of the vehicle 100). In a scenario where the first rigid substrate 202 is exposed to direct sunlight for a long time (e.g., in a sunroof application), the first rigid substrate 202 may be heated to an extremely high temperature. The gap 212 can provide thermal isolation to prevent the second rigid substrate 204 from being heated along with the first rigid substrate 202. By using a gap 212 occupied by a vacuum or air, the second rigid substrate 202 can be kept at a much lower temperature than the first rigid substrate 204, thereby minimizing the risk of discomfort or even burns that an occupant may suffer when accidentally touching the second rigid substrate 204 from the internal environment.

[0047] Each of the first rigid substrate 202 and the second rigid substrate 204 may include one or more layers. Figure 2In the example shown, the first rigid substrate 202 includes three layers: (1) a first glass layer 214, (2) a second glass layer 216, and (3) a laminate layer 218 located between the first glass layer 214 and the second glass layer 216. In some embodiments, the laminate layer 218 may include a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) material. Here, the PVB laminate layer 218 may serve an anti-shatter function to strengthen the multiple layers of the first rigid substrate 204 and keep glass fragments from scattering in the event that one or both of the first glass layer 214 and the second glass layer 216 are broken. Figure 2 In the example shown, the second rigid substrate 204 includes only the third glass layer 220. The third glass layer 220, as an interior-facing surface, is relatively scratch-resistant and easy to clean from dirt and smudges. The third glass layer 220 is also strong enough to maintain the gap 212 even when the gap 212 is characterized by a negative pressure (e.g., a vacuum) or a positive pressure (e.g., occupied by a pressurized gas). Figure 2 In and subsequent figures, an LC film (eg, LC film 206) may include multiple layers.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown in the cross-sectional view of , the multilayer structure 200 can have a curved surface. In the example shown, the first rigid substrate 202 can face the external environment of the vehicle (e.g., vehicle 100), and the second rigid substrate 204 can face the internal environment of the vehicle. Here, the first rigid substrate 202 can define a convex outer surface 224 of the multilayer structure 200, and the second rigid substrate 204 can define a concave inner surface 226 of the multilayer structure 200. The convex outer surface 224 defined by the first rigid substrate 202 can be a surface that is convexly curved along two dimensions (e.g., x and y dimensions). The concave inner surface 226 defined by the second rigid substrate 204 can be a surface that is concavely curved along two dimensions (e.g., x and y dimensions).

[0049] The multilayer structure 200 may further include a perimeter support member 222 located at the perimeter region 208, which is configured to couple the first rigid substrate 202 to the second rigid substrate 204. The perimeter support member 222 may be used to maintain a spacing between the first rigid substrate 202 and the second rigid substrate 204. The perimeter support member 222 may be bonded to the first rigid substrate 202 and the second rigid substrate 204 using one or more adhesives. For example, the first rigid substrate 202 may be bonded to the perimeter support member 222 at the perimeter region 208 using a first adhesive. The perimeter support member 222 may be bonded to the second rigid substrate 204 at the perimeter region 208 using a second adhesive. The first rigid substrate 202, the second rigid substrate 204, and the perimeter support member 222 may be configured to maintain the airtightness of the spacing between the first rigid substrate 202 and the second rigid substrate 204, thereby ensuring that the vacuum required for the gap 212 or the gas content is properly maintained.

[0050] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a multilayer structure 300 for providing adjustable light window operation according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the multilayer structure 300 comprising a first rigid substrate 302, a second rigid substrate 304, and a liquid crystal film 306, wherein a space is defined between the first rigid substrate 302 and the second rigid substrate 304, and the liquid crystal film 306 is bonded to the second rigid substrate 304. In some embodiments, a device having the multilayer structure 300 for providing adjustable light window operation is disclosed. The multilayer structure 300 is similar in some aspects to Figure 2 The multilayer structure 200 is shown. The multilayer structure 300 includes a first rigid substrate 302, a second rigid substrate 304, and a liquid crystal (LC) film 306 having a multilayer structure, wherein the second rigid substrate 304 is coupled to the first rigid substrate 302 in a peripheral region 308 of the multilayer structure 300 to maintain a gap between the first rigid substrate 302 and the second rigid substrate 304, and the LC film 306 is located in the gap between the first rigid substrate 302 and the second rigid substrate 304. The LC film 306 is coupled to the first rigid substrate 302 or the second rigid substrate 304 in an inner region 310 of the multilayer structure 300. The inner region 308 of the multilayer structure 300.

[0051] However, in Figure 3 In the particular example shown, the LC film 306 is coupled to the second rigid substrate 304 in the interior region 310 of the multilayer structure 300, but is not coupled to the first rigid substrate 302 in the interior region 310. Again, one layer can be coupled to another layer by bonding. In an embodiment, the LC film 306 can be bonded to the second rigid substrate 304 by an optically clear adhesive (OCA) located between the LC film 306 and the second rigid substrate 304.

[0052] Since the LC film 306 is coupled to one of the first rigid substrate 302 or the second rigid substrate 304 and is separated from the other of the first rigid substrate 302 and the second rigid substrate 304, a gap 312 is defined between the LC film 306 and the other of the first rigid substrate 302 and the second rigid substrate 304. Figure 3 In the particular example shown, the LC film 306 is separated from the first rigid substrate 302 in the interior region 310 of the multilayer structure 300, thereby defining a gap 312 between the LC film 306 and the first rigid structure 302. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the gap 312 is characterized by a spacing distance in the range of 0.1 mm to 4 mm. In an embodiment, the spacing distance is maintained throughout the interior region. In other embodiments, the spacing distance is characterized by varying at different locations within the interior region, but the average value of the spacing distance falls within the range of 0.1 mm to 4 mm.

[0053] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the gap 312 between the LC film 306 and the first rigid structure 302 is not occupied by a solid material or a liquid material. Instead, the gap 312 may be occupied by a gaseous material, or may not be occupied by any material at all. In an embodiment, the gap 312 is configured to maintain a vacuum. In another embodiment, the gap 312 includes argon. In yet another embodiment, the gap 312 includes an air mixture including nitrogen and oxygen. The gap 312 may serve to provide thermal isolation between the first rigid substrate 302 and the second rigid substrate 304. In addition, each of the first rigid substrate 302 and the second rigid substrate 304 may include one or more layers. In Figure 3 In the example shown, the first rigid substrate 302 includes three layers: (1) a first glass layer, (2) a second glass layer, and (3) a laminate layer between the first glass layer and the second glass layer. In some embodiments, the laminate layer may include polyvinyl butyral (PVB) material. Figure 3 In the example shown, the second rigid substrate 304 includes only the third glass layer 320. The third glass layer 320, as an interior-facing surface, is relatively scratch-resistant and easy to clean from dirt and stains. The third glass layer 320 is also strong enough to maintain the gap 312 even if the gap 312 is characterized by negative or positive pressure. The multilayer structure 300 can have a curved surface. In an example, the convex outer surface defined by the first rigid substrate 302 can be a surface that is convexly curved along two dimensions (e.g., x and y dimensions). The concave inner surface defined by the second rigid substrate 304 can be a surface that is concavely curved along two dimensions (e.g., x and y dimensions).

[0054] Likewise, the multilayer structure 300 may further include a perimeter support member 322 located in the perimeter region 308, which is configured to couple the first rigid substrate 302 to the second rigid substrate 304. The perimeter support member 322 may play a role in maintaining a gap between the first rigid substrate 302 and the second rigid substrate 304. One or more adhesives may be used to bond the perimeter support member 322 to the first rigid substrate 302 and the second rigid substrate 304. The first rigid substrate 302, the second rigid substrate 304, and the perimeter support member 322 maintain the airtightness of the gap between the first rigid substrate 402 and the second rigid substrate 304.

[0055] Figure 4is a cross-sectional view of a multilayer structure 400 for providing dimmable window operation according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the multilayer structure 400 comprising a first rigid substrate 402 and a second rigid substrate 404, wherein a space is defined between the first rigid substrate 404 and the second rigid substrate 402, and a tempered glass layer is used as the first rigid substrate 402. In some embodiments, a device having the multilayer structure 400 for providing dimmable window operation is disclosed. The multilayer structure 400 is similar in some aspects to Figure 2 The multilayer structure 200 is shown. The multilayer structure 400 includes a first rigid substrate 402, a second rigid substrate 404, and a liquid crystal (LC) film 406, wherein the second rigid substrate 404 is coupled to the first rigid substrate 402 in a peripheral region 408 of the multilayer structure 400 to maintain a gap between the first rigid substrate 402 and the second rigid substrate 404, and the LC film 406 is located in the gap between the first rigid substrate 402 and the second rigid substrate 404. The LC film 406 is coupled to the first rigid substrate 402 or the second rigid substrate 404 in an inner region 408 of the multilayer structure 400.

[0056] However, in Figure 4 In the particular example shown, the first rigid substrate 402 includes a single layer, in this example a tempered glass layer 416. Figure 2 The tempered glass layer 416 can be lighter in weight than a sandwich structure of the first rigid substrate 202 (the laminated layer of the first rigid substrate 202 shown). In certain applications, particularly where weight is a priority, the lighter weight of the tempered glass layer 416 can be a significant advantage. Tempered glass has a higher strength as a material than non-tempered glass, provides a degree of shatter resistance, and can be used in place of a sandwich structure of the first rigid substrate 202 where appropriate.

[0057] In other respects, the multilayer structure 400 may be similar to Figure 2The multilayer structure 200 shown in FIG. For example, the LC film 406 may be bonded to the first rigid substrate 402 by an optically clear adhesive (OCA) located between the LC film 406 and the first rigid substrate 402. The LC film 406 is separated from the second rigid substrate 404 in the inner region 410 of the multilayer structure 400 to define a gap 412 between the LC film 406 and the second rigid substrate 404. In an embodiment, the spacing distance is always maintained throughout the entire inner region. In other embodiments, the spacing distance is characterized by varying at different locations within the inner region, but the average value of the spacing distance falls within the range of 0.1 mm to 4 mm. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the gap 412 between the LC film 406 and the second rigid structure 404 is not occupied by a solid material or a liquid material. Instead, the gap 412 may be occupied by a gaseous material, or may not be occupied by any material at all (e.g., a vacuum). The multilayer structure 400 may have a curved surface. In an example, the convex outer surface defined by the first rigid substrate 402 may be a surface that is convexly curved along two dimensions (e.g., x and y dimensions). The concave inner surface defined by the second rigid substrate 404 can be a surface that is concavely curved along two dimensions (e.g., x and y dimensions). Similarly, the multilayer structure 400 can also include a peripheral support member 422 located in the peripheral area 408, which is configured to couple the first rigid substrate 402 to the second rigid substrate 404. The peripheral support member 422 can be used to maintain the spacing between the first rigid substrate 402 and the second rigid substrate 404. One or more adhesives can serve to bond the peripheral support member 422 to the first rigid substrate 402 and the second rigid substrate 404. The first rigid substrate 402, the second rigid substrate 404, and the peripheral support member 422 maintain the airtightness of the spacing between the first rigid substrate 402 and the second rigid substrate 404.

[0058] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a multilayer structure 500 for providing adjustable light window operation according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the multilayer structure 500 includes a first rigid substrate 502 and a second rigid substrate 504, wherein a space is defined between the first rigid substrate 502 and the second rigid substrate 504, and a polycarbonate layer is used as the second rigid substrate 504. In some embodiments, a device having the multilayer structure 500 for providing adjustable light window operation is disclosed. The multilayer structure 500 is similar in some aspects to Figure 2 The multi-layer structure 200 or Figure 4The multilayer structure 400 is shown. The multilayer structure 500 includes a first rigid substrate 502, a second rigid substrate 504, and a liquid crystal (LC) film 506, wherein the second rigid substrate 504 is coupled to the first rigid substrate 502 in a peripheral region 508 of the multilayer structure 500 to maintain a gap between the first rigid substrate 502 and the second rigid substrate 504, and the LC film 506 is located in the gap between the first rigid substrate 502 and the second rigid substrate 504. The LC film 506 is coupled to the first rigid substrate 502 or the second rigid substrate 504 in an inner region 508 of the multilayer structure 500.

[0059] However, in Figure 5 In the particular example shown, the second rigid substrate 504 includes a non-glass layer 520. According to an embodiment, the non-glass layer 520 includes a polycarbonate (PC) material. In other aspects, the multi-layer structure 500 can be similar to Figure 2 The multi-layer structure 200 or Figure 4 The multilayer structure 400 shown. For example, the LC film 506 may be bonded to the first rigid substrate 502 by an optically clear adhesive (OCA) located between the LC film 506 and the first rigid substrate 502. The LC film 506 is separated from the second rigid substrate 504 in the inner region 510 of the multilayer structure 500 to define a gap 512 between the LC film 506 and the second rigid substrate 504. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the gap 512 between the LC film 506 and the second rigid structure 504 is not occupied by a solid material or a liquid material. The multilayer structure 500 may have a curved surface. The multilayer structure 500 may also include a peripheral support member 522 located in the peripheral region 508, which is configured to couple the first rigid substrate 502 to the second rigid substrate 504. The peripheral support member 522 may serve to maintain the spacing between the first rigid substrate 502 and the second rigid substrate 504. In other aspects, the multilayer structure 500 may be similar to Figure 2 The multi-layer structure 200 or Figure 4 A multi-layer structure 400 is shown.

[0060] Figure 6 6 is a cross-sectional view of a multilayer structure 600 providing adjustable window operation according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the multilayer structure 600 comprising a first rigid substrate 602, a second rigid substrate 604, and a cladding 628, wherein a space is defined between the first rigid substrate 602 and the second rigid substrate 604, and the cladding 628 is attached to the peripheral area. In this example, the multilayer structure 600 is similar in some aspects to Figure 2The multilayer structure 600 is similar to the multilayer structure 200 shown. The multilayer structure 600 includes a first rigid substrate 602 having a multilayer structure, a second rigid substrate 604 coupled to the first rigid substrate 602 at a peripheral region 608 of the multilayer structure 500 to maintain a gap between the first rigid substrate 602 and the second rigid substrate 604, and a liquid crystal (LC) film 606 located in the gap between the first rigid substrate 602 and the second rigid substrate 604. The LC film 606 is coupled to the first rigid substrate 602 or the second rigid substrate 604 at an inner region 610 of the multilayer structure 600. The LC film 606 is separated from the second rigid substrate 604 at the inner region 610 of the multilayer structure 600, thereby defining a gap 612 between the LC film 606 and the second rigid substrate 604. Figure 6 In the example shown, the first rigid substrate 602 includes three layers: (1) a first glass layer 614, (2) a second glass layer 616, and (3) a lamination layer 618 located between the first glass layer 614 and the second glass layer 616. The second rigid substrate 604 includes only the third glass layer 620. The multi-layer structure 600 may also include a peripheral support member 622 located in the peripheral region 608, which is configured to couple the first rigid substrate 602 to the second rigid substrate 604.

[0061] In addition, the multilayer structure 600 also includes a cladding 628 located in the peripheral region 608 of the multilayer structure 600. In this example, the cladding 628 is bonded to the top surface of the first rigid substrate 602. The cladding 628 can be used as a light shield to hide the details of various components at the peripheral region 608 of the multilayer structure 600. These details hidden by the cladding 628 can include: (1) circuits, electrodes and / or wiring for providing control signals to the LC film 606, (2) peripheral support members 622, (3) the periphery of the LC film 606, which may be within the periphery of the first rigid substrate 602 and the second rigid substrate 604, and / or (4) other components or features that may be visible near the peripheral region 608 of the multilayer structure 600. The cladding 628 can serve as a boundary to hide these details and provide a clean appearance to the multilayer structure 600, particularly from the external environment (e.g., from Figure 6 From the perspective of an observer observing the multilayer structure 600 (above).

[0062] Figure 7 is a top view of a multilayer structure 700 for providing adjustable light window operation according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The multilayer structure 700 may be Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 or Figure 62, 300, 400, 500, or 600 described in any one or more examples. As shown, the multilayer structure 700 includes a first rigid substrate 702, a second rigid substrate 704, and a liquid crystal (LC) film 706 located between the first rigid substrate 702 and the second rigid substrate 704. The LC film 706 may be coupled to the first rigid substrate 702 but not to the second rigid substrate 704 (e.g., at Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 or Figure 6 Alternatively, the LC film 706 may be coupled to the second rigid substrate 704 without being coupled to the first rigid substrate 702 (e.g., Figure 3 The multilayer structure 300).

[0063] It is noteworthy that, according to certain embodiments, the coverage area of ​​the LC film 706 is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first rigid substrate 702 or the second rigid substrate 704. Therefore, the LC film 706 only spans the interior area of ​​the multilayer structure 700. In contrast, the first rigid substrate 702 spans both the interior area and the peripheral area of ​​the multilayer structure 700. Similarly, the second rigid substrate 704 can span both the interior area and the peripheral area of ​​the multilayer structure 700. By sizing the LC film 706 to have a smaller coverage area and positioning the LC film 706 to coincide with the interior area of ​​the multilayer structure 700, a peripheral area can be achieved in the multilayer structure 700 so that the first rigid substrate 702 and the second rigid substrate 704 can be coupled together in this area without interfering with and potentially damaging the LC film 706. Figure 7 As shown, a perimeter support member 722 is located in the perimeter region to facilitate coupling of the first rigid substrate 702 and the second rigid substrate 704 .

[0064] Suitable adhesives can be used to bond Figure 7The various layers shown. For example, in an inner region of the multilayer structure 700, the LC film 706 can be bonded to the second rigid substrate 704 using a layer of optically clear adhesive (OCA) or an OCA film (not shown). In a peripheral region of the multilayer structure 700, a layer of optically transparent or non-optically transparent adhesive or adhesive film can be used to bond the peripheral support member 722 to the second rigid substrate 704. In a peripheral region of the multilayer structure 700, another layer of optically transparent or non-optically transparent adhesive or adhesive film can be used to bond the first rigid substrate 702 to the peripheral support member 722. The peripheral support member 722 is used to maintain the spacing between the first rigid substrate 702 and the second rigid substrate 704, thereby defining a gap, such as a gap between the LC film 706 and the first rigid substrate 704. Although Figure 7 The top view of FIG. 700 does not explicitly show the cross-sectional curvature, but it should be understood that in some embodiments, the multilayer structure 700 may have a curved surface.

[0065] Figure 8 800 is a cross-sectional view of a multilayer structure 800 providing an adjustable light window operation according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the multilayer structure 800 including a first rigid substrate 802, a second rigid substrate 804, and a lamination layer 818 located between the first rigid substrate 802 and the second rigid substrate 804. In some embodiments, a device having the multilayer structure 800 is disclosed. The device includes a first rigid substrate 802, a second rigid substrate 804, and a liquid crystal (LC) film 806, wherein the second rigid substrate 804 is coupled to the first rigid substrate 802 at a peripheral region 808 of the multilayer structure 800 to maintain a gap between the first rigid substrate 802 and the second rigid substrate 804, and the LC film 806 is located in the gap between the first rigid substrate 802 and the second rigid substrate 804. The first rigid substrate 802 may define a convex outer surface of the multilayer structure 800, and the second rigid substrate 804 may define a concave inner surface of the multilayer structure 800.

[0066] The lamination layer 818 is located between the LC film 806 and the first rigid substrate 802. The LC film 806 spans the interior region 810 of the multilayer structure 800 and is coupled to the second rigid substrate 804 in the interior region 810 of the multilayer structure 800. The LC film 806 is connected to the lamination layer 818 in the interior region 810 of the multilayer structure 800. The lamination layer 818 is connected to the first rigid substrate 802 in the interior region 810 of the multilayer structure 800 and in the peripheral region 808 of the multilayer structure 800. The lamination layer 818 is connected to the second rigid substrate 804 in the peripheral region 808 of the multilayer structure 800. Figure 8 In the cross-sectional view shown, the peripheral region 808 surrounds the interior region 810 of the multi-layer structure 800 .

[0067] Here, the second rigid substrate 804 includes a non-glass layer 820. According to some embodiments, the non-glass layer 820 includes a thermoplastic polymer, such as polycarbonate. Within a typical operating range, for example, for a car window application, a material such as polycarbonate of appropriate thickness maintains solid rigidity and provides good thermal isolation. Therefore, when the second rigid substrate 804 is implemented using a thermoplastic polymer, the second rigid substrate 804 can not only provide mechanical stability to maintain the desired shape of the inner curved surface of the multi-layer structure 800, but also provide thermal isolation to protect the user from discomfort and / or injury caused by overheating of the outer curved surface of the multi-layer structure 800.

[0068] Fig. 9 is a top view of a multilayer structure 900 for providing adjustable light window operation according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the multilayer structure 900 comprising a first rigid substrate 902, a second rigid substrate 904, and a laminate layer 918 located between the first rigid substrate 902 and the second rigid substrate 904. The multilayer structure 900 may be Figure 8 An example of a multilayer structure 800 is shown. The multilayer structure 900 may include a first rigid substrate 902, a second rigid substrate 904, and a liquid crystal (LC) film between the first rigid substrate 902 and the second rigid substrate 904. A lamination layer 918 bonds the first rigid substrate 902 to the LC film 906 and the second rigid substrate 904. In this example, the LC film 906 is bonded to the second rigid substrate 904 using an optically clear adhesive (OCA) film 930.

[0069] Notably, the footprint of both the LC film 906 and the OCA film 930 is smaller than the footprint of the first rigid substrate 702 or the second rigid substrate 704. Thus, the LC film 906 and the OCA film 930 span only the interior region of the multilayer structure 900. In contrast, each of the first rigid substrate 902, the lamination layer 918, and the second rigid substrate 90 spans both the interior region and the peripheral region of the multilayer structure 900. By sizing the LC film 906 to a smaller footprint and positioning the LC film 906 to coincide with the interior region of the multilayer structure 900, a peripheral region can be achieved in the multilayer structure 900 such that the first rigid substrate 902 and the second rigid substrate 904 can be coupled together in this region without interfering with and potentially damaging the LC film 906.

[0070] Fig. 10A is a simplified example intended to illustrate typical components of LC films described herein with respect to other embodiments. As used herein, LC films may also be referred to as LC components. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10CThe term "LC component" is used in order to emphasize that a typical LC film / component can have multiple layers and / or multiple components. It will be apparent from the discussion of other such embodiments that the LC component can include more or fewer components, or the components can be arranged differently. For example, in some embodiments, the LC component can include an IR filter for blocking infrared (IR) light and / or a UV filter layer for blocking ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV or IR filters are useful for preventing glare, as well as preventing overheating due to electromagnetic radiation associated with the IR or UV wavelengths. Similarly, in some embodiments, the LC component can include one or more layers of anti-reflective coating.

[0071] like Fig. 10A As shown, the LC component 1000 may include a first substrate 1002, a second substrate 1012, and a liquid crystal 1014 disposed between the first substrate 1002 and the second substrate 1012. The first electrode 1004 is disposed between the first substrate 1002 and the liquid crystal 1014, and the second electrode 1010 is disposed between the second substrate 1012 and the liquid crystal 1014. The first electrode 1004 and the second electrode 1010 are configured to provide a voltage or an electric field to the liquid crystal 1014. A sealant 1006 is disposed between the first substrate 1002 and the second substrate 1012 to combine the first substrate 1002 with the second substrate 1012 and to isolate the liquid crystal 1014 from the external environment. A spacer 1008 is located between the liquid crystal 1014 to support the first substrate 1002 and the second substrate 1012. Incident light 1030 is incident on the first substrate 1002 and is emitted from the second substrate 1012 as an outgoing light 1032.

[0072] Fig. 10B An example configuration of liquid crystal 1014 that provides adjustable light transmittance is shown. Fig. 10BAs shown, liquid crystal 1014 can be configured as twisted nematic (TN) liquid crystal. Liquid crystal particles can be aligned by a rubbing pattern to form a twisted spiral structure without applying an electric field. When polarized light passes through the liquid crystal layer, the spiral structure can rotate the polarization axis of the polarized light, and the rotation angle can be adjusted by an electric field applied to the liquid crystal layer, for example, an electric field formed by a control signal generated by a control unit. When polarized light passes through the liquid crystal layer, the spiral structure rotates the polarization axis of the polarized light by a specific angle (for example, a 90-degree angle) determined by the rubbing pattern. If an electric field is applied, the liquid crystal particles can be aligned parallel to the electric field. When light passes through the aligned liquid crystal particles, the polarization axis of the polarized light can remain unchanged and does not rotate. Embodiments featuring TN liquid crystals are not limited to configurations that rotate the spiral structure by a 90° twist angle. For example, in some embodiments, the LC component can be configured to rotate the spiral structure by any angle between 180° and 270° (a feature of a super twisted nematic (STN) display). In some implementations, the rotation angle may be less than 90° (sometimes used to form a mixed mode TN (MTN) display). In addition, TN liquid crystals may include nematic liquid crystals having a chiral dopant that imparts chirality to the nematic liquid crystals. Thus, TN liquid crystals may be any liquid crystal having a twisted structure in a default or voltage-off state (i.e., before an electric field is applied to "untwist" the liquid crystal particles). In addition, although Fig. 10B A single rotational direction is depicted, but in some embodiments, an LC component can have liquid crystals that include two or more rotational directions, for example to allow liquid crystal particles in a first segment to have a different alignment than liquid crystal particles in a second segment.

[0073] In some embodiments, the conductive layer corresponding to the electrodes can be divided into different regions. For example, the layer corresponding to electrode 1004 and the layer corresponding to electrode 1010 can each be divided into different regions corresponding to the segments, and the shapes and / or sizes of the segments can be different. The different regions can be formed by chemically or mechanically etching the conductive layer to form an etching pattern. The etching pattern is different from the above-mentioned friction pattern and can be used to form discrete segments, or in the case of an LCD display, to form discrete pixels (e.g., red, green or blue sub-pixels). By controlling the alignment of the liquid crystals in the segments, the segments can be individually dimmed to display stripes, logos, text or other graphics, whether or not with the help of an electrically controllable light source such as a backlight. For example, the LC component can be configured as a seven-segment display, where different combinations of dimming the seven segments result in different numbers being displayed. Therefore, the conductive layer can include multiple pairs of electrodes, each pair of electrodes corresponding to a different region, which can be individually controlled by applying a corresponding electrical signal to the pair of electrodes to establish a voltage between the pair of electrodes.

[0074] Liquid crystal 1014 and first substrate 1002 and second substrate 1012 can be sandwiched between first polarizer layer 1026 and second polarizer layer 1028. Alternatively, polarizer layers 1026 and 1028 can be intervening layers between substrates 1002, 1012 and liquid crystal 1014. In a normally white configuration, first polarizer layer 1026 can have a polarization axis A, and second polarizer layer 1028 can have a polarization axis B. The two polarization axes can form a 90-degree angle with each other. Incident light 1030 can be linearly polarized by first polarizer layer 1026. Linearly polarized light can be rotated by liquid crystal 1014 at an angle configured according to the above-mentioned TN structure. In the absence of an electric field, maximum light transmittance can be achieved. When no electric field is applied, liquid crystal 1014 rotates the polarization axis of polarized light to align it with polarization axis B of second polarizer layer 1028. The minimum light transmittance can be achieved when the polarization axis of the polarized light does not rotate due to the application of the electric field, and the polarization axis of the polarized light becomes perpendicular to the polarization axis B of the second polarizer layer 1028. In this case, the polarized light is aligned with the absorption axis of the second polarizer layer 1028 and can be absorbed by the second polarizer layer 1028 at a maximum absorption rate. The intensity of the electric field determines the rotation angle of the polarized light, which can change the portion of the incident light 1030 that passes through the liquid crystal cell 1014 as the outgoing light 1032. The typical range of light transmittance achievable by TN liquid crystals can be between 0.5% and 36%.

[0075] TN liquid crystals can have a variety of advantages over other liquid crystal technologies. For example, TN liquid crystals typically have extremely fast response characteristics and can adjust light transmittance in a very short time (e.g., 100 milliseconds or less). TN liquid crystals can also provide good light shielding. For example, the minimum light transmittance of TN liquid crystals can be as low as 0.1%. In addition, since TN liquid crystals have no suspended particles or polymers to scatter light, TN liquid crystal cells can introduce less haze and can improve visibility across the entire range of light transmittance levels.

[0076] In addition, as described above, it may be advantageous to include a flexible substrate in the LC component. For example, the first substrate 1002 and / or the second substrate 1012 may include a transparent flexible material (e.g., PET or PVB). Therefore, in some embodiments, the dimmable LC component includes: a flexible substrate, a liquid crystal layer including TN liquid crystals, and a polarizer layer. In addition, such an LC component may include a rigid transparent layer (e.g., glass or PC) configured to serve as a structural support for the LC component and to be used as a window. The rigid transparent layer may be an additional layer laminated with a substrate (e.g., the first substrate 1002 or the second substrate 1012), and there may be one or more intervening layers between the rigid transparent layer and the substrate (e.g., a connecting layer that holds the rigid transparent layer together with the substrate). Therefore, the rigid transparent layer may be formed integrally with the LC component. However, the LC component may also be manufactured separately so that the LC component can be attached to the window as a film later. Optionally, the rigid transparent layer may be curved.

[0077] Fig. 10C Another example configuration of liquid crystal 1014 that provides adjustable light transmittance is shown. Fig. 10C In FIG. 1 , liquid crystal assembly 1000 does not include polarizer layers 1026 and 1028. Fig. 10C In the example of , a polarizer is not required because the liquid crystal 1014 can be configured as a guest-host (GH) liquid crystal, which includes liquid crystal particles 1040 acting as a host and dye particles 1050 acting as a guest. The liquid crystal particles 1040 and the dye particles 1050 can modulate light transmittance based on the guest-host effect. Specifically, the dye particles 1050 can be configured to absorb light having an electric field perpendicular to the long axis of the dye particles.

[0078] exist Fig. 10C in, refer to the above Fig. 10A The described rubbing pattern can have an antiparallel rubbing direction to set the initial orientation of the liquid crystal particles and the dye particles based on the operating mode of the liquid crystal cell. In the "normally white" mode, when no electric field is applied, the liquid crystal component is in a transparent state, the rubbing direction can be configured to make the long axis of the dye particles parallel to the electric field of the incident light 1030, and the absorption of light by the dye particles can be set to a minimum. When the electric field is applied to the liquid crystal particles 1040, the orientation of the liquid crystal particles 1040 and the dye particles 1050 can be changed accordingly. As a result, the portion of the incident light 1030 absorbed by the dye particles 1050 and the light transmittance of the liquid crystal component 1000 can be adjusted by the electric field applied to the liquid crystal 1014. On the other hand, in the "normally black" mode, the rubbing direction can be configured so that the long axis of the dye particles is perpendicular to the electric field of the incident light 1030, which results in the maximum absorption of light 1030 by the dye particles. When an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal, the absorption can be reduced by changing the orientation of the dye particles.

[0079] Fig. 10B and Fig. 10C The example configurations shown in are not mutually exclusive. For example, in some embodiments, the liquid crystal can be a TN liquid crystal (having a twisted structure) or a GH liquid crystal (having dye particles).

[0080] By omitting the polarizer, GH-based LC components can improve the overall achievable light transmittance while providing reasonable light-shielding performance. For example, using the Guest Host effect, the light transmittance range can be between 10% and 80%. In addition, GH liquid crystals can also have fast response characteristics and can adjust light transmittance in a very short time. In addition, like TN liquid crystals, GH liquid crystals have no suspended particles or polymer media to scatter light. In addition, the color of the dye particles of the GH liquid crystal can be selected to selectively transmit light of a specific color while blocking light of other colors.

[0081] In some embodiments, the LC component may include vertically aligned (VA) liquid crystals. In VA liquid crystals, the liquid crystal particles are vertically oriented, which means that they are aligned perpendicular to the substrate surface in the absence of an applied electric field. By applying an electric field, the vertically oriented liquid crystal particles can be rearranged to be parallel to the substrate surface. VA liquid crystals typically have negative dielectric anisotropy. In some embodiments, the VA liquid crystal in the LC component is a dual-frequency liquid crystal (DFLC), which has a positive dielectric anisotropy at low frequencies and a negative dielectric anisotropy at high frequencies, and is referred to as dual VA. VA liquid crystals can also be GH liquid crystals into which dye particles are introduced.

[0082] The methods, systems, and devices discussed herein are merely examples. Various embodiments may omit, replace, or add various programs or components as desired. For example, the features described for certain embodiments may be combined in various ways into other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. The various components in the various figures provided herein may be embodied in the form of hardware and / or software. In addition, technology is constantly evolving, and therefore, many elements are merely examples, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited to those specific examples.

[0083] The terms "and" and "or" used in this article may contain multiple meanings, which are also expected to depend at least in part on the context in which these terms are used. Generally, if "or" is used to express a permutation and combination, such as A, B or C, it is intended to refer to A, B and C (inclusive meaning here), as well as A, B or C (exclusive meaning here). In addition, the term "one or more" used in this article can be used to describe the singular form of any feature, structure or characteristic, and can also be used to describe a combination of some features, structures or characteristics. However, it should be noted that this is only an exemplary description, and the subject matter claimed is not limited to this example. In addition, if the term "at least one" is used to express a permutation and combination, such as A, B or C, it can be interpreted as referring to any combination of A, B and / or C, such as A, AB, AA, AAB, AABBCCC, etc.

[0084] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "length", "width", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "inside", "outside", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience and simplification of the description of the present disclosure, and does not indicate or imply that the indicated device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation of the present disclosure. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the said features. In the description of the present application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0085] In the description of the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined, terms such as "connected to", "connected to", "mounted", "fixed", etc. should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or as a whole; it can be mechanically connected or electrically connected; it can be directly connected, indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, a connection inside two elements, or an interaction between two elements. A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the above content may have a specific meaning in the present application depending on the specific circumstances.

[0086] Having described several embodiments, various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure defined by the appended claims. For example, the above elements may be just one component of a larger system, where other rules may take precedence over or modify the application of the various embodiments. In addition, multiple steps may be taken before, during, or after the above elements. Therefore, the above description does not limit the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A device having a multilayer structure for providing dimmable window operation, wherein: The device comprises: a first rigid substrate; a second rigid substrate coupled to the first rigid substrate at a peripheral region of the multilayer structure to maintain a spacing between the first rigid substrate and the second rigid substrate; and a liquid crystal (LC) film, the LC film being located in the space between the first rigid substrate and the second rigid substrate, wherein the LC film is coupled to one of the first rigid substrate or the second rigid substrate at an inner region of the multilayer structure to define a gap between the other of the first rigid substrate and the second rigid substrate and the LC film, and Wherein, the gap is not occupied by solid material or liquid material.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The LC film is coupled to the first rigid substrate in the inner area of ​​the multilayer structure, and the gap is defined between the LC film and the second rigid substrate; or the LC film is coupled to the second rigid substrate in the inner area of ​​the multilayer structure, and the gap is defined between the LC film and the first rigid substrate.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first rigid substrate defines a convex outer surface of the multilayer structure, and The second rigid substrate defines a concave inner surface of the multi-layer structure.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The gap is characterized by a separation distance in the range of 0.1 mm to 4 mm.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The gap is configured to maintain a vacuum.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The gap is filled with at least one gas, and the at least one gas comprises argon, or the at least one gas comprises an air mixture containing nitrogen and oxygen.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a peripheral support member located in the peripheral area of ​​the multi-layer structure, the peripheral support member being configured to couple the first rigid substrate with the second rigid substrate; wherein The first rigid substrate, the second rigid substrate, and the peripheral support member are configured to maintain airtightness of the interval between the first rigid substrate and the second rigid substrate.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The first rigid substrate includes a first glass layer, a second glass layer, and a lamination layer between the first glass layer and the second glass layer.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The lamination layer includes polyvinyl butyral (PVB) material.

10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The first rigid substrate includes a tempered glass layer.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The second rigid substrate includes a non-glass layer, wherein the non-glass layer includes a polycarbonate (PC) material.

12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The multi-layer structure is configured to be installed in a vehicle, The first rigid substrate is configured to face the external environment of the vehicle, and The second rigid substrate is configured to face an interior environment of the vehicle.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein: The multi-layer structure is configured as a sunroof, a side window, a rear windshield, or a front windshield of the vehicle.

14. A device having a multi-layer structure for providing dimmable window operation, the device comprising: a first rigid substrate; a second rigid substrate, the second rigid substrate being coupled to the first rigid substrate in a peripheral region of the multilayer structure to maintain a spacing between the first rigid substrate and the second rigid substrate; a liquid crystal (LC) film, the LC film being located in the space between the first rigid substrate and the second rigid substrate; as well as a lamination layer, the lamination layer being located between the LC film and the first rigid substrate, wherein: The LC film spans across the inner region of the multilayer structure and is coupled to the second rigid substrate in the inner region of the multilayer structure, The LC film is in contact with the lamination layer in the inner region of the multilayer structure, The lamination layer is in contact with the first rigid substrate both in the inner region of the multilayer structure and in the peripheral region of the multilayer structure, and The lamination layer is in contact with the second rigid substrate at the peripheral region of the multi-layer structure.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein: The laminate layer includes a solid material or a liquid material.

16. The device according to claim 14, wherein: The lamination layer includes polyvinyl butyral (PVB) material.

17. The device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein: The LC film is coupled to the second rigid substrate at the inner region of the multi-layer structure through an optically clear adhesive (OCA) film.

18. The device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein: The second rigid substrate includes a non-glass layer.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein: The non-glass layer includes a polycarbonate (PC) material.

20. The device according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein: The first rigid substrate defines a convex outer surface of the multilayer structure, and The second rigid substrate defines a concave inner surface of the multi-layer structure.

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