Variable transmissivity laminate with embedded thermally conductive multilayer

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure include variable transmittance laminates with embedded thermally conductive multilayer for auto-shading applications. An exemplary vehicle includes a lighting system having a light source and a housing for the light source. The variable transmittance laminate is positioned such that light emitted from the housing passes through the variable transmittance laminate. The variable transmittance laminate includes a thermally conductive multilayer and an automatic light shielding film on the thermally conductive multilayer. The automatic light shielding film includes discrete sub-structures that change alignment in response to an electric field. A wire is embedded in the automatic light shielding film, and a controller is electrically coupled to the wire. A controller switchably causes the wires to transfer an electric field to the discrete sub-structures. The variable transmittance laminate has a first transmittance when the switch is in the first state and a second transmittance when the switch is in the second state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject disclosure relates to lighting technology, and in particular to variable transmittance laminates with embedded thermally conductive multilayers for automated shading applications. Background Art

[0002] Variable transmittance glass laminates (also known as auto-dimming or self-dimming glass panels) are advanced glass laminates that can dynamically adjust their transparency levels in response to a range of external factors, such as light intensity, temperature, and / or user preferences. By adjusting the transparency, variable transmittance glass panels can adjust the level of shading provided by the panel as needed (e.g., auto-dimming). Variable transmittance glass panels have been used in a range of applications in various industries, including the automotive, construction, and aerospace industries. These types of panels are particularly useful in applications such as windows, awnings, skylights, and building facades, where it is necessary to regulate the light and heat entering the space for comfort, energy efficiency, and privacy. Summary of the invention

[0003] In an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle includes a lighting system having a light source and a housing for the light source. A variable transmittance laminate is positioned so that light emitted from the housing passes through the variable transmittance laminate. The variable transmittance laminate includes a thermally conductive multilayer and an automatic shading film on the thermally conductive multilayer. The automatic shading film includes a discrete substructure that changes alignment in response to an electric field. A wire is embedded in the automatic shading film, and a controller is electrically connected to the wire. The controller can switchably cause the wire to transfer the electric field to the discrete substructure. The variable transmittance laminate has a first transmittance when the switch is in a first state, and has a second transmittance when the switch is in a second state.

[0004] In addition to one or more features described herein, in some embodiments, the structural composite material is embedded within the thermally conductive multilayer.

[0005] In some embodiments, a moisture barrier coating layer is formed between the auto-shading film and the thermally conductive multilayer.

[0006] In some embodiments, the thermally conductive multilayer includes a thermally conductive layer.The thermally conductive layer includes a material that shifts the peak temperature out of the auto-shading film during an overmolding process used to form the variable transmittance laminate.

[0007] In some embodiments, the thermally conductive layer includes at least one of a graphene layer, a single layer of hexagonal boron nitride, aluminum oxide, sapphire, indium tin oxide, carbon black, and a metal foil.

[0008] In some embodiments, the thermally conductive multilayer further comprises a first interphase polymer layer, a polymer layer, and a second interphase polymer layer. In some embodiments, the first interphase polymer layer comprises a first polymer and a second polymer. The first polymer comprises the same material as at least one of the inner lens layer and the outer lens layer. The second polymer comprises the same material as the polymer layer.

[0009] In another exemplary embodiment, the variable transmittance laminate may include a thermally conductive multilayer and an automatic light shielding film on the thermally conductive multilayer. The automatic light shielding film includes discrete substructures that change alignment in response to an electric field. The variable transmittance laminate also includes an outer lens layer and an inner lens layer.

[0010] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a method may include forming a thermally conductive multilayer and forming an automatic light shielding film on the thermally conductive multilayer. The automatic light shielding film includes discrete substructures that change alignment in response to an electric field. The method includes forming an outer lens layer and forming an inner lens layer.

[0011] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a vehicle configured according to one or more embodiments;

[0014] Figure 2A is in a relatively low transmittance state according to one or more embodiments Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the variable transmittance laminate shown;

[0015] Figure 2B is in a relatively high transmittance state according to one or more embodiments Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the variable transmittance laminate shown;

[0016] Figure 3 According to one or more embodiments Figure 2A and Figure 2B A cross-sectional view of a variable transmittance laminate shown in ;

[0017] Figure 4 is a graph of an example temperature profile through a portion of a variable transmittance laminate during an overmolding process according to one or more embodiments;

[0018] Figure 5 is a computer system according to one or more embodiments; and

[0019] Figure 6 is a flow chart according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals represent identical or corresponding components and features. As used herein, the term module refers to a processing circuit, which may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated or group) and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

[0021] Lighting systems play a key role in enhancing the aesthetics, functionality and ambience of spaces in a variety of fields, from architecture and interior design to the automotive and entertainment industries. At the heart of these systems are light sources and lenses, which work together to control and manipulate the distribution, intensity, direction and quality of light. Light sources are basic components that emit light energy, such as incandescent bulbs, fluorescent tubes, LEDs (light emitting diodes), halogen lamps, etc. Each light source type offers different color temperatures, energy efficiency levels and lifespans, allowing lighting systems to be customized for the specific needs of a given application.

[0022] In the context of lighting systems, a lens is an optical element designed to modify the behavior of light emitted from a light source. Lenses can be made from a variety of materials, such as glass or plastic, and can control factors such as light dispersion angle, beam width, and focus. Lenses can be used to direct light in a specific direction, diffuse it for uniform illumination, and / or create visually appealing effects by refracting or reflecting light. When integrated with a light source in a lighting system, a lens can produce a range of lighting effects, such as focusing light in a specific area or scattering it for more diffuse lighting (directivity), determining how wide or narrow the light distribution will be (beam control), changing the color temperature or color rendering characteristics of the light (color and color temperature control), and a variety of specialized visual effects, such as lens flare, halo effects, and / or light patterns.

[0023] In short, lenses can be used in various ways to modify the behavior of light emitted from a source. One of these possibilities is the integration of a low-transmittance external lens with a high-power light source. The main idea behind this approach is to provide a lighting system that appears opaque or non-transmissive when not in use (i.e., when the light source is off), giving the lighting system a sleek, minimalist appearance that can blend with surrounding materials, while still providing adequate illumination through the external lens when the lighting system is activated (i.e., when the light source is on).

[0024] The tradeoffs of these types of systems include relatively high drive power and inherently low lighting efficiency. For example, it has been observed that a taillight assembly with a low transmittance lens having a transmittance of 16% will only emit 16 units of light for every 100 units of light produced. Such an assembly may require a high-power light source (e.g., a high-wattage LED, etc.) to meet photometric requirements—i.e., to ensure that sufficient illumination will pass through the low transmittance outer lens when illuminated.

[0025] Compared to low transmittance lenses, variable transmittance glass laminates (auto-dimming glass panels) are advanced glass laminates that can dynamically adjust their transparency levels in response to a range of external factors (such as when braking or activating turn signals). Advantageously, variable transmittance glass laminates can provide low transmittance when unlit (e.g., 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% transmittance) to simulate the appearance of an unlit low transmittance exterior lens, while also providing higher transmittance when lit (e.g., 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 98% transmittance) to provide effective lighting when the lighting system is activated. Unfortunately, variable transmittance glass laminates are very difficult to manufacture. Some of the challenges in manufacturing variable transmittance glass laminates include delamination and thermal degradation, which are often caused by the relatively high temperatures experienced during the molding process.

[0026] The present disclosure introduces a variable transmittance laminate with embedded thermally conductive multilayers. In some embodiments, an automatic shading film (ASF) such as a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) and / or an electrochromic (EC) film is fixed between two thermally conductive multilayers (TCML). The TCML-ASF-TCML stack is then placed in a mold with a lens material, and the lens material is, for example, a polycarbonate (PC) material and / or an acrylic material such as poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Then, a variable transmittance polymer laminate (also referred to as an overmolding process) is formed using injection compression and / or a standard injection molding process at a temperature sufficient to produce a polymer melt. The embedded thermally conductive multilayer alleviates the delamination and thermal degradation effects caused during the high temperature molding process.

[0027] A lighting system having a variable transmittance laminate constructed according to one or more embodiments provides several technical advantages over existing low transmittance and variable transmittance lenses. Notably, the embedded thermally conductive multilayer can shift the peak temperature out of the automatic shading film. Depending on the construction, the peak temperature can be shifted into the thermally conductive multilayer itself or into the polymer melt, preventing thermal damage to the automatic shading film during the molding process. Other advantages are possible. For example, in some embodiments, a moisture barrier coating layer can be placed between the automatic shading film and the thermally conductive multilayer to prevent and / or reduce condensation within the laminate. In some embodiments, structural composites can be added to the molding process to enhance the overall mechanical properties of larger applications. By incorporating structural composites during the molding process, variable transmittance laminates can be incorporated into a wider range of applications, such as roof glass and A-pillars for vehicles.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle Figure 1 1. The vehicle 100 is generally indicated at 100. The vehicle 100 is shown in the form of an automobile having a body 102. The body 102 includes a passenger compartment 104, in which a steering wheel, front seats, and rear passenger seats (not shown separately) are arranged. The body 102 also includes a plurality of glass or polymer laminate components (also referred to as glass panels), such as a windshield, driver and passenger windows, headlights, taillights, a sunroof, etc.

[0029] In some embodiments, one or more of these laminate components is a variable transmittance laminate 106. The specific variable transmittance laminates 106 shown (here, front and rear passenger windows, headlights, and taillights) are emphasized only for ease of illustration and discussion. It should be understood that any aspect of the present disclosure can be applied to any glass and polymer laminate component in the vehicle 100, including, for example, a windshield, any driver and passenger doors (front and rear doors), a rear glass panel, a sunroof / roof window, etc. In short, the location, size, arrangement, etc. of the variable transmittance laminate 106 is not meant to be particularly limited, and all such configurations are within the intended scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] As will be described in detail herein, the variable transmittance laminate 106 includes an auto-shading film secured between two thermally conductive multilayers. In some embodiments, the variable transmittance laminate 106 is coupled to a controller that dynamically adjusts the transmittance of the auto-shading film (see Figure 2A and Figure 2B In some embodiments, the thermally conductive multilayer includes a thermally conductive layer, a polymer layer, and an interphase polymer layer (see Figure 3 In some embodiments, the thermally conductive multilayer shifts the peak heat load from the auto-shading film (see Figure 4 ).

[0031] Figure 2A and2B According to one or more embodiments, Figure 1 The variable transmittance laminate 106 is shown in a relatively low transmittance state (refer to Figure 2A ) and a relatively high transmittance state (reference Figure 2B ) under the cross-sectional view. Figure 2A and 2B As shown, variable transmittance laminate 106 includes an autoshading film 202 secured between thermally conductive multilayers 204a and 204b.

[0032] The automatic shading film 202 can be made of any suitable material known to provide variable, controllable transmittance, such as a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film, an electrochromic (EC) film, and / or a tungsten oxide (WO3)-based film. Other automatic shading materials are possible, and all such configurations are within the intended scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] Thermally conductive multilayers 204a and 204b can be made of the same or different layers. In some embodiments, thermally conductive multilayers 204a and 204b each include a thermally conductive layer. The thickness of thermally conductive multilayers 204a and 204b can vary as needed based on thermal threading performance. In some embodiments, the thickness of thermally conductive multilayers 204a and 204b is between 0.5mm and 5.0mm, but other thicknesses are also within the expected range of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, thermally conductive multilayers 204a and 204b can be made of optically transparent or nearly transparent materials (transparency greater than 90%). In some embodiments, thermally conductive multilayers 204a and 204b are not transparent. For example, in some embodiments, the thermally conductive layer is made of an opaque material, such as carbon black and / or metal foil, and / or is made of a relatively thick layer that hinders transparency. In some embodiments, the thermally conductive layer includes a graphene layer (k ~ 3000 W / mK), a single layer of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) (k ~ 550 W / mK), aluminum oxide (Al2O3) (k ~ 10 W / mK), sapphire (k ~ 1000 W / mK) and / or indium tin oxide (k ~ 2 W / mK), but other materials are also within the intended scope of the present disclosure. Figure 3 Thermally conductive multilayers 204a and 204b are discussed in greater detail.

[0034] In some embodiments, the moisture barrier coating layer 206 is located between the auto-shading film 202 and the thermally conductive multilayers 204a and 204b. The moisture barrier coating layer 206 can prevent condensation inside the variable transmittance laminate 106 before, during, and after the molding process (see Figure 3 ).

[0035] like Figure 2A and 2BAs further shown, the inner lens layer 208 and the outer lens layer 210 are formed to cover the opposite sides of the automatic shading film 202 and the thermally conductive multilayers 204a and 204b. The inner lens layer 208 and the outer lens layer 210 can be made of a series of suitable transparent polymers for overmolding. For example, in some embodiments, the inner lens layer 208 and the outer lens layer 210 are made of benzoxazine, bismaleimide (BMI), cyanate ester, epoxy resin, phenolic resin (PF), polyacrylate (acrylic acid), polyimide (PI), unsaturated polyester, polyurethane (PUR), vinyl ester, siloxane, its co-transparent layer and its combination. In certain aspects, the inner lens layer 208 and the outer lens layer 210 can be thermoplastic transparent layers selected from the group consisting of polyethyleneimine (PEI), polyamide-imide (PAI), polyamide (PA) (e.g., nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 12, nylon 11, nylon 6-3-T), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC / ABS), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), styrene methyl methacrylate (SMMA), methyl methacrylate acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (MABS), polycarbonate (PC), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), co-transparent layers thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0036] In some embodiments, an optional structural composite material 212 may be added to the molding process (see Figure 3 ) to enhance overall mechanical properties. The structural composite material 212 may include, for example, an embedded fiber composite material. Although the fiber composite material is not meant to be particularly limited, the fiber composite material may include, for example, a fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) made of carbon, glass, fiberglass, natural fibers (such as jute, hemp, or flax), and / or aramid (e.g., Kevlar) fibers, which are embedded in a polymer matrix (usually epoxy or polyester), and in some embodiments, the structural composite material 212 is bonded to the variable transmittance laminate 106 during the molding process. Strengthening the variable transmittance laminate 106 in this manner allows the variable transmittance laminate 106 to be utilized in a variety of structural applications, such as the roof glass and A-pillars of a vehicle.

[0037] In some embodiments, the auto-shading film 202 of the variable transmittance laminate 106 includes discrete molecules and / or substructures 214 that change in alignment and / or optical properties in response to an applied current. The substructures 214 and / or the auto-shading film 202 may be made of electrochromic and / or liquid crystal materials.

[0038] In some embodiments, substructure 214 includes electrochromic pigments and / or materials that change color and / or opacity in response to an applied voltage. In some embodiments, substructure 214 includes electrochromic pigments that undergo a reversible electrochemical reaction when an electric current passes through them. Depending on the applied voltage, substructure 214 (e.g., molecules) absorbs or reflects light, thereby changing the transparency of automatic shading film 202.

[0039] In some embodiments, the substructure 214 includes liquid crystal molecules that can change their alignment and / or optical properties when subjected to an electric field. By applying a voltage, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules can be controlled, allowing the automatic light shielding film 202 to switch between transparent and opaque states by changing the applied voltage (or current).

[0040] In some embodiments, the transmittance (or opacity) of the automatic shading film 202 is controlled using an external control mechanism including a controller 216, a wire 218, and a switch 220. In some embodiments, the controller 216 is configured to direct (or inhibit) a switching current to (from) the switch 220. Although not meant to be particularly limited, in some embodiments, the controller 216 may include, for example, an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle 100.

[0041] In some embodiments, the wire 218 is embedded in the automatic shading film 202 so that closing the switch 220 causes a drive current to be applied to the substructure 214. The drive current can be provided via the controller 216 and / or via an external power source (not shown separately). In some embodiments, opening the switch 220 causes the substructure 214 to be positioned in a random state, while closing the switch 220 causes the substructure 214 to be aligned with the resultant electric field.

[0042] In some embodiments, randomly positioning the substructures 214 results in a low transmittance state because light from the light source 222 will be deflected, absorbed, and reflected in whole or in part from the substructures 214. In some embodiments, aligning the substructures 214 with an applied electric field results in a high transmittance state because light from the light source 222 will freely pass between the substructures 214 and through the auto-shading film 202. Figure 2A Depicted are the automatic light shielding film 202 and switch 220 in an open, low transmittance state, and Figure 2B The auto-shading film 202 and switch 220 are depicted in a closed, high-transmittance state.

[0043] The light source 222 can be made of any suitable material, such as an incandescent bulb, a fluorescent tube, an LED (light emitting diode), a halogen lamp, etc. In some embodiments, the light source 222 includes an array of LEDs 224 arranged on a substrate 226. The substrate 226 can include, for example, a backplane, but other configurations are also within the intended scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] Although not meant to be particularly limited, configuring the automatic shading film 202 in this manner allows the variable transmittance laminate 106 to be utilized within a variety of lighting applications. For example, during normal driving conditions, the taillight lens including the variable transmittance laminate 106 can be set to maximum opacity (i.e., minimum transmittance) by controlling the switch 220. In this state, the taillight lens visually blends into the surrounding materials to create a seamless appearance. On the other hand, when a light source (e.g., light source 222) is needed, such as when braking or activating a turn signal, the switch 220 can be closed to transition the automatic shading film 202 to a maximum transmittance state to allow as much light as possible to leave the variable transmittance laminate 106, thereby effectively emitting bright light to surrounding drivers and pedestrians.

[0045] Figure 3 According to one or more embodiments, Figure 2A and Figure 2B A cross-sectional view of a variable transmittance laminate 106 is shown in FIG. Figure 3 Further shown is a detailed view of thermally conductive multilayers 204a and 204b.

[0046] In some embodiments, thermally conductive multilayers 204a and 204b may include thermally conductive layer 302, first interphase polymer layer 304, polymer layer 306, and second interphase polymer layer 308. In some embodiments, the thermally conductive layer includes a graphene layer (k~3000 W / mK), a single layer of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) (k~550 W / mK), Al2O3 (k~10 W / mK), sapphire (k~1000 W / mK), and / or indium tin oxide (k~2 W / mK), but other materials are also within the intended scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] In some embodiments, first interphase polymer layer 304 includes a first polymer and a second polymer. In some embodiments, the first polymer is made of the same material as inner lens layer 208 and / or outer lens layer 210. In some embodiments, the second polymer is made of the same material as polymer layer 306.

[0048] The polymer layer 306 can be made of any suitable transparent polymer for overmolding. For example, in some embodiments, the polymer layer 306 is made of benzoxazine, BMI, cyanate ester, epoxy resin, PF, polyacrylate (acrylic acid), PI, unsaturated polyester, PUR, vinyl ester, siloxane, co-transparent layers thereof, and combinations thereof. In certain aspects, the polymer layer 306 may include a thermoplastic transparent layer selected from the group consisting of: PEI, PAI, PA, PEEK, PEK, PVC, PPS, TPU, PP, PC / ABS, HDPE, PET, PMMA, SMMA, MABS, PC, PAEK, co-transparent layers thereof, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the polymer layer 306 is made of a different transparent polymer than the inner lens layer 208 and / or the outer lens layer 210.

[0049] In some embodiments, the second interphase polymer layer 308 includes a second polymer and the same type of transition material as the auto-shading film 202 , such as a PDLC film, EC, and a WO 3 -based film.

[0050] In some embodiments, the thermally conductive layer 302, first interphase polymer layer 304, polymer layer 306 and second interphase polymer layer 308 of the thermally conductive multilayers 204a and 204b, the auto-shading film 202, the inner lens layer 208 and the outer lens layer 210 are laminated together using an overmolding process.

[0051] In some embodiments, the thermally conductive layer 302, the first interphase polymer layer 304, the polymer layer 306, and the second interphase polymer layer 308 of the thermally conductive multilayers 204a and 204b, the auto-shading film 202, the inner lens layer 208, and the outer lens layer 210 are heat sealed under pressure to laminate the final structure (i.e., the variable transmittance laminate 106). In some embodiments, the structural composite material 212 is embedded in the thermally conductive multilayer 204a and / or 204b prior to the lamination process (as shown).

[0052] In some embodiments, lamination involves 10 kg-f / cm 2 The laminate 106 may be heated in an autoclave (e.g., at a temperature greater than 150 degrees Celsius, such as 200, 250, 300, 350 degrees Celsius) and quenched at a pressure of 150 degrees Celsius or higher, but other lamination conditions (temperature, pressure, etc.) are within the contemplated range of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the variable transmittance laminate 106 may be formed to a total post-lamination thickness of 0.1 mm to 10 mm or more (e.g., 0.3 mm, 0.7 mm, 2 mm, one inch, several inches, etc.), depending on the application and design goals.

[0053] In some embodiments, the auto-shading film 202 requires protection because the film contains materials that will degrade after exposure to temperatures above 150 degrees C. In some embodiments, the thermally conductive multilayers 204a and 204b shift the peak temperature out of the auto-shading film 202 during the overmolding (lamination) process.

[0054] Figure 4 Graph 400 illustrates an example temperature profile 402 through a portion of a variable transmittance laminate 106 during an overmolding process according to one or more embodiments. Figure 4 As shown, the temperature (Y-axis) varies as a function of depth (X-axis) through the variable transmittance laminate 106 when placed within opposing side walls of the mold 404.

[0055] like Figure 4 As further shown in FIG. 4 , due to the thermal effect of the thermally conductive multilayers 204a and 204b, the peak temperature 406 along the temperature curve 402 has been shifted out of the auto-shading film 202. As previously discussed, prior art laminates without the thermally conductive multilayers 204a and 204b are susceptible to thermal degradation because the peak temperature 406 will occur within the auto-shading film 202. In other words, the thermally conductive multilayers 204a and 204b reduce the heat load within the auto-shading film 202 during the lamination process. For a given application, the specific degree of shift of the peak temperature 406 and the corresponding value of the peak temperature 406 will vary depending on material selection, layer thickness, etc.

[0056] It is observed that in the case of injection molding with thermoplastic polymers, the melting temperature of the inner lens layer 208 and the outer lens layer 210 (i.e., the polymer melting temperature) is an intrinsic property of the polymer itself. In addition, for polymers such as polycarbonate, the transparency of the polymer is determined by the temperature selected during molding, where higher mold temperatures (of the mold 404 itself, not necessarily the melting temperature of the polymer) are associated with improved transparency of the resulting part. In some embodiments, such as when a thermoset material is selected, the overmolding pressure and temperature can be controlled by chemical selection, and the molding time / temperature can be further varied such that the molding time is increased and the molding temperature is decreased to achieve a desired time / temperature balance while achieving a sufficient degree of cure for thermoset systems. These molding methods may include resin infusion, resin transfer molding (RTM), high pressure resin transfer molding (HP-RTM), liquid compression molding, and vacuum bagging.

[0057] Thermoplastics (e.g., PC) and thermosetting resins (e.g., epoxy resins) include bisphenol-A, which is susceptible to UV degradation. Degradation is usually observed by yellowing and increased haze in transparent materials. In some embodiments, a protective layer (not shown separately) (e.g., PMMA) can be applied to materials with known UV degradation pathways to improve overall UV resistance. In addition or alternatively, resins such as PC may exhibit poor scratch resistance. In some embodiments, the inner lens layer 208 and / or the outer lens layer 210 are coated with a scratch-resistant coating, such as a silicone hard coating (e.g., polysiloxane) to improve scratch resistance. The scratch-resistant coating and UV protective layer can be combined in a single layer or multilayer stack. In some embodiments, a primer layer (e.g., an acrylic coating, not shown separately) can be applied to the surface of the PC before applying the silicone hard coating. In some embodiments, for example when additional scratch resistance is needed or desired, a relatively thin (less than 2 mm) vapor deposition of an additional scratch-resistant layer can be applied to the surface of the PC or silicone hard-coated PC. In some embodiments, a UV absorber is added to a curable resin (such as PC), a primer layer, and / or a hard coating layer.

[0058] Figure 5 Various aspects of an embodiment of a computer system 500 that can perform various aspects of the embodiments described herein are shown. In some embodiments, the computer system 500 can be incorporated into or combined with a controller (e.g., controller 216). The computer system 500 includes at least one processing device 502, which typically includes one or more processors for performing various functions, such as controlling the switching and / or driving voltage of the switch 220 and / or the wire 218. More specifically, the computer system 500 can include the logic required to adjust the transmittance of the automatic shading film 202 by applying an electric current, as previously described herein.

[0059] Components of computer system 500 include a processing device 502 (such as one or more processors or processing units), a system memory 504, and a bus 506 that couples various system components including system memory 504 to processing device 502. System memory 504 may include various computer system readable media. Such media may be any available media that can be accessed by processing device 502, and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media and removable and non-removable media.

[0060] For example, system memory 504 includes non-volatile memory 508, such as a hard drive, and may also include volatile memory 510, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. Computer system 500 may also include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media.

[0061] System memory 504 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules configured to perform the functions of the embodiments described herein. For example, system memory 504 stores various program modules that generally perform the functions and / or methods of the embodiments described herein. One or more modules 512, 514 may be included to perform functions related to the control of switch 220, the value of the applied voltage and / or current, etc. Computer system 500 is not limited thereto, because other modules may be included depending on the desired functions of the corresponding display. As used herein, the term "module" refers to a processing circuit, which may include a processor (shared, dedicated or group) and memory, a combinational logic circuit and / or other suitable components that provide the functions described, which may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, an execution of one or more software or firmware programs.

[0062] The processing device 502 may also be configured to communicate with one or more external devices 516, such as, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, and / or any device that enables the processing device 502 to communicate with one or more other computing devices (e.g., a network card, a modem, a vehicle ECU, etc.). Communication with various devices may occur via input / output (I / O) interfaces 518 and 520.

[0063] The processing device 502 may also communicate with one or more networks 522 such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), a bus network, and / or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via a network adapter 524. In some embodiments, the network adapter 524 is or includes an optical network adapter for communicating over an optical network. It should be understood that, although not shown, other hardware and / or software components may be used in conjunction with the computer system 500. Examples include, but are not limited to, microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, and data archival storage systems, among others. In some embodiments, the computer system 500 and / or the processing device 502 may receive information from one or more micro sensors (e.g., sensor unit 302), analyze the information, and send the information (raw, pre-processed, and / or post-processed) to one or more LEDs (e.g., micro LEDs 210) and / or any other component of the vehicle 100.

[0064] Reference now Figure 6 , a flow chart 600 for forming a variable transmittance laminate having an embedded thermally conductive multilayer for automatic shading applications is generally shown according to an embodiment. Figures 1 to 5 Flowchart 600 is described and may include Figure 6 Although depicted in a particular order, Figure 6The blocks depicted in the drawings may be rearranged, subdivided, and / or combined.

[0065] At block 602 , the method includes forming a thermally conductive multilayer.

[0066] At block 604, the method includes forming an auto-shading film on the thermally conductive multilayer. In some embodiments, the auto-shading film includes discrete substructures that change alignment in response to an electric field.

[0067] At block 606 , the method includes forming an outer lens layer.

[0068] At block 608 , the method includes forming an inner lens layer.

[0069] In some embodiments, the method includes forming a structural composite material embedded within the thermally conductive multilayer. In some embodiments, the method includes forming a moisture barrier coating layer between the autoshading film and the thermally conductive multilayer.

[0070] In some embodiments, the thermally conductive multilayer comprises a thermally conductive layer. In some embodiments, the thermally conductive layer comprises a material that shifts a peak temperature out of the auto-shading film during an overmolding process used to form the variable transmittance laminate.

[0071] In some embodiments, the thermally conductive layer comprises at least one of a graphene layer, a monolayer of hexagonal boron nitride, aluminum oxide, sapphire, indium tin oxide, carbon black, and a metal foil. In some embodiments, the thermally conductive multilayer further comprises a first interphase polymer layer, a polymer layer, and a second interphase polymer layer. In some embodiments, the first interphase polymer layer comprises a first polymer and a second polymer. In some embodiments, the first polymer comprises the same material as at least one of the inner lens layer and the outer lens layer. In some embodiments, the second polymer comprises the same material as the polymer layer.

[0072] The terms "a" and "an" do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "or" means "and / or". References to "aspects" throughout the specification mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.

[0073] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0074] Unless stated to the contrary herein, all test standards are the most current standards in effect as of the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standards appear.

[0075] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0076] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from its scope. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the basic scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: A lighting system, the lighting system comprising a light source and a housing for the light source; a variable transmittance laminate positioned so that light emitted from the housing passes through the variable transmittance laminate, the variable transmittance laminate comprising: Thermally conductive multilayer; an automatic light-shielding film on the thermally conductive multilayer, the automatic light-shielding film comprising discrete substructures that change in alignment in response to an electric field; an outer lens layer; and Inner lens layer; A wire embedded in the automatic shading film; and a controller electrically coupled to the conductor, the controller configured to direct a switching voltage to a switch to change a state of the switch so that the conductor transmits the electric field to the discrete substructures; The variable transmittance laminate comprises a first transmittance when the switch is in a first state and a second transmittance greater than the first transmittance when the switch is in a second state.

2. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a structural composite material embedded within the thermally conductive multilayer. 3 . The vehicle of claim 1 , further comprising a moisture barrier coating layer between the auto-shading film and the thermally conductive multilayer. 4 . The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the thermally conductive multilayer comprises a thermally conductive layer comprising a material that shifts a peak temperature out of the autoshading film during an overmolding process used to form the variable transmittance laminate. 5 . The vehicle of claim 4 , wherein the thermally conductive layer comprises at least one of a graphene layer, a single layer of hexagonal boron nitride, aluminum oxide, sapphire, indium tin oxide, carbon black, and a metal foil.

6. The vehicle of claim 4, wherein the thermally conductive multilayer further comprises a first interphase polymer layer, a polymer layer, and a second interphase polymer layer. 7 . The vehicle of claim 6 , wherein the first interphase polymer layer comprises a first polymer comprising the same material as at least one of the inner lens layer and the outer lens layer and a second polymer comprising the same material as the polymer layer.

8. A variable transmittance laminate comprising: Thermally conductive multilayer; an automatic light-shielding film on the thermally conductive multilayer, the automatic light-shielding film comprising discrete substructures that change in alignment in response to an electric field; outer lens layer; as well as Inner lens layer.

9. The variable transmittance laminate of claim 8 further comprising a structural composite material embedded within the thermally conductive multilayer.

10. The variable transmittance laminate of claim 8, further comprising a moisture barrier coating layer between the autoshading film and the thermally conductive multilayer.

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