Edge port unit space reduction using sealed embedded sliders

Abstract

An electro-optical assembly includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first substrate and the second substrate are disposed in parallel and spaced apart relationship so as to define a cavity therebetween. The second surface and the third surface face each other. A seal extends between the first substrate and the second substrate. An electro-optic medium is located in the cavity and retained by the seal. A port is at least partially defined by a port reducing member located between the first substrate and the second substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an electro-optical assembly and, more particularly, to an electro-optical assembly having a port reducing member. Summary of the invention

[0002] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electro-optical assembly includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first substrate and the second substrate are arranged in a parallel and spaced relationship to define a cavity therebetween. The second surface and the third surface face each other. A seal extends between the first substrate and the second substrate. An electro-optical medium is located in the cavity and is retained by the seal. A port is at least partially defined by a port reduction member located between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0003] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electro-optical assembly includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first substrate and the second substrate are arranged in a parallel and spaced relationship to define a cavity therebetween. The second surface and the third surface face each other. A seal extends between the first substrate and the second substrate. An electro-optical medium is located in the cavity and is retained by the seal. A port is defined by the seal, the first substrate, and the second substrate. A port reduction member is located within the port, and the port reduction member reduces the size of the port.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of assembling an electro-optical assembly includes the steps of aligning a first substrate over a second substrate to define a cavity therebetween. A seal is placed between the first substrate and the second substrate to define a transmissive perimeter. A port reduction member is coupled to at least one of the substrates and at least partially defines a port.

[0005] These and other features, advantages and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art with reference to the following description, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] In the attached picture:

[0007] Figure 1A is a top elevational view of an automobile incorporating the electro-optical assembly of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 1B is a side perspective view of an aircraft incorporating an electro-optical assembly of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 1C is a side elevation view of a rail vehicle incorporating the electro-optical assembly of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 1D is a front elevation view of a building, such as a residence, incorporating an electro-optical assembly of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electro-optical assembly according to a first configuration of aspects of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an electro-optical assembly according to a second configuration of aspects of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an electro-optical assembly according to a third configuration of aspects of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an electro-optical assembly according to a fourth configuration of aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0015] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of assembling the electro-optical assembly of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The presently illustrated embodiments are primarily concerned with the combination of method steps and apparatus components associated with an electro-optical assembly having a port reduction member. Therefore, apparatus components and method steps have been represented by conventional symbols in the figures where appropriate, and only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown to avoid obscuring the present disclosure, which has details that will be apparent to those skilled in the art and with the benefit of the description herein. In addition, in the specification and drawings, the same numerals represent similar elements.

[0017] For the purposes of the description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and their derivatives shall be construed as such. Figure 2 The orientations herein are relevant to the present disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, the term "front" shall refer to the surface of the device that is closer to the intended viewer of the device, and the term "rear" shall refer to the surface of the device that is farther from the intended viewer of the device. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure may adopt various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, unless the claims expressly state otherwise, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0018] The terms "including", "comprises", "comprising" or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprising..." does not, without more constraints, exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0019] First reference Figure 2 , the present disclosure as a whole relates to an electro-optical assembly 10 that can be implemented in many applications having a variety of configurations. The electro-optical assembly 10 is shown in a first configuration and includes a first substrate 12 having a first surface 14 and a second surface 16 opposite the first surface 14. A second substrate 18 has a third surface 20 and a fourth surface 22 opposite the third surface 20. The second surface 16 and the third surface 20 face each other. The first substrate 12 and the second substrate 18 are arranged in a parallel and spaced relationship to define a cavity 24 therebetween. The second surface 16 and the third surface 20 face each other. A seal 26 extends between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 18. An electro-optical medium 27 is located in the cavity 24 and is retained by the seal 26. A port 28 is at least partially defined by a port reduction member 30 located between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 18, and the port can be plugged with a plug material.

[0020] The electro-optical medium 27 can be activated to change the degree of transmission of light through the transmission area. The transmission of light can be activated between a transparent state and a darkened state. In the darkened state, the transmission area can be opaque (for example, in a window application) or reflective (for example, in a dimming mirror application). The port reduction member 30 at least partially defines the port 28 so that at least a portion of the port 28 can be smaller than the distance "D" between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 18. Therefore, after filling the cavity 24 with the electro-optical medium 27, closing the port 28 is simplified and a reliable operating life is maintained. Such a configuration is particularly beneficial in applications where the distance "D" between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 18 is large enough to make it difficult to reliably close the port 28, for example due to shrinkage of the plug material during the curing process.

[0021] Continue to refer Figure 2, the unreliable plug of port 28 may cause the electro-optical medium 27 to deteriorate via oxidation, moisture and other environmental factors. In addition, the shrinkage of the plug material may also cause the cell spacing of the entire electro-optical assembly 10 to be uneven. It should be understood that the port reduction member 30 may alternatively be described as reducing the size of the port 28. Therefore, it is conceivable that the port reduction member 30 may be located at an alternative position, not only reducing in the distance D direction illustrated in the drawings, but also reducing in the direction (e.g., vertically) transverse to the distance D. In general, the port reduction member 30 contributes to a lasting moisture and oxygen barrier in the port 28. The heat-cured seal 26 produces an oxygen and moisture barrier. However, the plug material inserted into the port 28 may be UV-cured, which is difficult when the plug material is too thick. By reducing the size of the port 28 via the port reduction member 30, the amount of the required plug material is minimized, thereby increasing the ability to cure the center of the plug material. Additionally, the plug material undergoes shrinkage when solidifying, which is minimized by the reduction of size. In other words, the greater the amount of plug material required, the less effective the barrier will be, and the thicker the plug material, the less reliable it will be. The port reduction member 30 is made of a material that is impermeable to moisture or oxygen (e.g., glass). The port reduction member 30 is added to reduce the cross-sectional thickness of the plug material, thereby improving the plug barrier performance (e.g., limiting the permeability of oxygen and moisture to the electro-optic medium 27).

[0022] Reference now Figures 1A to 1D , the electro-optical assembly 10 is configured to be activated between a transparent state and a darkened state. Various configurations of the electro-optical assembly 10 may be combined with one or more structures. For example, Figure 1A An automobile 32 is illustrated that employs the electro-optical assembly 10, for example, on a sunroof frame 34, a vehicle side window frame 36, and / or a vehicle front or rear window frame 38. In some embodiments, the electro-optical assembly 10 may be configured as a dimmable mirror, and components of the electro-optical assembly 10 may be located within a rearview mirror frame 40 or a sideview mirror frame 41. The automobile 32 may include a commercial vehicle, a bus, an emergency vehicle, a residential vehicle, and the like. Figure 1B An aircraft 42 is illustrated that employs the electro-optical assembly 10. For example, the electro-optical assembly 10 may be located in a side window 44 of the aircraft or in a front window 46 of the aircraft. Figure 1C A rail vehicle 48 is illustrated, such as a train, subway, tram, etc. The electro-optical assembly 10 may be located in a train window frame 50 . Figure 1D A building 52 is illustrated that employs the electro-optical assembly 10. The building 52 may be a residential building, a commercial building, a medical facility, etc. The electro-optical assembly 10 may be located in a building window frame 54. In general, the electro-optical assembly 10 may be incorporated into any environment where a change in the level of transmission (e.g., via a change in opacity or reflectivity) is beneficial.

[0023] Reference again Figure 2, the electro-optic medium 27 at least partially fills the cavity 24 and is configured to change the light transmittance (i.e., by increasing opacity or reflectivity). In some embodiments, the electro-optic medium 27 may be a solution-phase electrochromic medium. The first electrode layer 56 may be disposed on the second surface 16 of the first substrate 12, and the second electrode layer 58 may be disposed on the third surface 20 of the second substrate 18. In other words, the first electrode layer 56 and the second electrode layer 58 may be located on the inner surfaces of the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 18 to at least partially define the cavity 24 and to interface with the electro-optic medium 27. The first electrode layer 56 and the second electrode layer 58 may be formed of a conductive transparent material, including but not limited to a transparent metal oxide (e.g., indium tin oxide, F:SnO2, ZnO, IZO), an insulator-metal-insulator ("IMI") structure, carbon (graphene and / or graphite), and / or a conductive metal mesh (e.g., nanowires). The first electrode layer 56 and the second electrode layer 58 may be located in an inward direction of the seal 26.

[0024] In various examples, the electro-optic medium 27 may include at least one solvent, at least one anode material, and at least one cathode material. Typically, both the anode material and the cathode material are electroactive, and at least one of them may be electrochromic. It should be understood that the term "electroactive", regardless of its usual definition, may include materials that undergo a modification of its oxidation state when exposed to a specific potential difference. Additionally, it should be understood that the term "electrochromic", regardless of its usual definition, may include materials that exhibit a change in its extinction coefficient at one or more wavelengths when exposed to a specific potential difference.

[0025] Continue to refer Figure 2, the seal 26 extends around the outer periphery of the electro-optic medium 27 to define a transmission area that is substantially visible to the observer. The seal 26 may be formed of an epoxy material, and the epoxy material may include spacing elements, such as spherical or hemispherical beads, pads, rods or fibers. The port 28 extends through the seal 26 to inject the electro-optic medium 27 during assembly. The port reduction member 30 at least partially defines the port 28, so that at least a portion of the port 28 is less than the distance "D" between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 18. The port reduction member 30 may be formed by a glass material suspended between the second surface 16 and the third surface 20. More specifically, the port reduction member 30 is held in place (e.g., statically) by a pair of retaining members 60 spaced apart from each other. The retaining member 60 may be formed of an epoxy material without a spacing element. In some embodiments, the retaining member 60 is cured before the seal 26 is introduced. The port reduction member 30 may be parallel to the first substrate 12 and / or the second substrate 18 or otherwise oriented. The retaining member 60 may be located on the opposite edge of the port reduction member 30. Each retaining member 60 may extend between the port reduction member 30 and the second surface 16 and between the port reduction member 30 and the third surface 20. Therefore, the port 28 may be substantially equally separated (e.g., equally or unequally) by the port reduction member 30. In some embodiments, the port reduction member 30 is centrally located in a certain distance between the second surface 16 and the third surface 20. The glass material may be formed by various types of glass (soda lime glass, borosilicate glass, boroaluminosilicate glass, Carrara glass, etc.). In some embodiments, the glass material is similar to the composition of the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 18 and provides a similar thermal expansion coefficient. The port reduction member 30 may include one or more stacked port reduction members 30. Similarly, the port 28 may include two or more ports 28, each port 28 being at least partially defined by one or more port reduction members 30.

[0026] Reference now Figure 3 , illustrates an electro-optical assembly 110 according to a second configuration. Unless otherwise specified, the electro-optical assembly 110 may be combined with at least Figures 1A to 1D and includes the structures described herein and Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5Other structures illustrated are similar in features, elements and materials. However, the connection of the port reduction member 130 has been modified. More specifically, the port reduction member 130 is suspended between the second surface 16 and the third surface 20 by a single retaining member 160. The retaining member 160 includes an opposite end 162 and is wound around one side of the port reduction member 130 so that the opposite end 162 is located on the opposite side of the port reduction member 130. The opposite end 162 is spaced apart from each other on the opposite side of the port reduction member 130 to form the port 128. Therefore, the port 128 is a single opening. The retaining member 160 may be formed by an epoxy material, and the epoxy material may not include a spacing element. In some embodiments, the retaining member 160 is cured before the seal 26 is introduced. The port reduction member 130 may include one or more stacked port reduction members 130. Similarly, the port 128 may include two or more ports 128, each port 128 being at least partially defined by one or more port reduction members 130.

[0027] Reference now Figure 4 , illustrates an electro-optical assembly 210 according to a third configuration. Unless otherwise specified, the electro-optical assembly 210 may be combined with at least Figures 1A to 1D and includes the structures described herein and Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 Other structures illustrated have similar features, elements and materials. However, the electro-optical assembly 210 includes a modified port reduction member 230. More specifically, the port reduction member 230 may be directly adhered to one of the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 18 to define the port 228. The port reduction member 230 may include one or more port reduction members 230 (e.g., a pair of port reduction members 230 directly adhered to each of the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 18) that define the port 228. The port 228 may include two or more ports 228, each port 228 being at least partially defined by one or more port reduction members 230. The port reduction member 230 may be formed by epoxy resin, which may or may not have a spacing element. The seal 26 may extend at least partially between the port reduction member 230 and the first substrate 12 or the second substrate 18 to which the port reduction member 230 is not adhered. In some embodiments, the port reduction member 230 may be formed by glass and at least partially adhered to the first substrate 12 or the second substrate 18 via etching, grinding and / or adhesive. In some embodiments, the port reducing member 230 can be integrally formed with the first substrate 12 or the second substrate 18. In some embodiments, the port reducing member 230 can include a pair of port reducing members 230, each port reducing member being located on one or each of the first substrate 12 or the second substrate 18.

[0028] Reference now Figure 5 , illustrates an electro-optical assembly 310 according to a fourth configuration. Unless otherwise specified, the electro-optical assembly 310 may be combined with at least Figures 1A to 1D and includes the structures described herein and Figures 2 to 4 The electro-optical assembly 310 may include similar features, elements, and materials to the other configurations illustrated. However, the electro-optical assembly 310 includes a modified port reduction member 330. More specifically, the port reduction member 330 may be configured as (e.g., defined by) one or more semi-tubular inserts. The one or more port reduction members 330 define a port 328 extending therethrough. The port 328 may include two or more ports 328, each port 328 being at least partially defined by one or more port reduction members 330. The semi-tubular insert may have a circular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, or any other shape that partially or completely defines the port 328. In some embodiments, the port reduction member 330 may be made of a glass material, such as described above, material, a metal material (eg, stainless steel), etc. The port reducing member 330 may be connected to the first substrate 12 and / or the second substrate 18 via the retaining member 60, adhesive, seal 26, etc. as described above.

[0029] Reference now Figures 2 to 5, for each of the illustrated configurations, once the electro-optic medium 27 has been positioned in the cavity 24, the port 28, 128, 228, 328 is closed (e.g., hermetically sealed) to retain the electro-optic medium 27. In some implementations, the port 28, 128, 228, 328 may include at least one (e.g., a pair or more) of ports 28, 128, 228, 328 such that one of the ports 28, 128, 228, 328 is filled and another port 28, 128, 228, 328 in the same electro-optic assembly 10, 110, 210, 310 allows air to escape during the filling process. In the embodiment with multiple ports 28, 128, 228, 328, the port reduction member 30, 130, 230, 330 can be located in each of the ports 28, 128, 228, 328 in the same electro-optical assembly 10, 110, 210, 310. The port 28, 128, 228, 328 can be plugged via a valve. The valve can be configured to be closed from the outside or inside of the electro-optical assembly 10, 110, 210, 310 (e.g., a rubber gate valve). In other embodiments, the port 28, 128, 228, 328 can be plugged via a pushpin valve, glue, epoxy plug (before or after curing), one or more plug members, and other types of media that can be injected and / or cured therein. In some embodiments, the port 328 can be closed by deforming the port reduction member 330 (e.g., by twisting and / or folding). The distance "D" between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 18 can be 250 μm or more, such as 300 μm or more, 350 μm or more, 400 μm or more, 450 μm or more, 500 μm or more, 1 mm or more, 1 mm or less, between 300 μm and 500 μm, between 350 μm and 450 μm, or about 400 μm. In the direction of the distance "D" between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 18, or alternatively, along at least one side of the port reduction member 30, 130, 230, 330, the port 28, 128, 228, 328 may have a cross-sectional dimension less than the distance "D". For example, the cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a vertical dimension along substantially the entire width or a horizontal dimension along substantially the entire height) can be 300 μm or less, 250 μm or less, 200 μm or less, 150 μm or less, between 200 μm and 300 μm, between 200 μm and 250 μm, or about 220 μm or less. Other cross-sectional dimensions can be larger, as long as the ports 28, 128, 228, 328 along one direction maintain one of the above-mentioned ranges of dimensions to reliably limit shrinkage.In some embodiments, the port reducing member 30, 130, 230, 330 may have a thickness "T" of 50 μm or more, 100 μm or more, 150 μm or more, 200 μm or more, 250 μm or more, between 100 μm and 200 μm, or about 150 μm.

[0030] The configuration shown in the drawings is depicted as having a substantially flat first substrate 12 and a second substrate 18. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to flat substrates. Without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 18 may be flat, curved, arcuate, or a combination of these shapes. In some embodiments, the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 18 are substantially transparent.

[0031] Reference now Figure 6 , a method 400 of assembling an electro-optical assembly 10, 110, 210, 310 is illustrated. Method 400 includes step 402, wherein a first substrate is aligned above a second substrate to define a cavity therebetween. At step 404, a seal is placed between the first substrate and the second substrate to define a transmission perimeter. In some embodiments, step 404 may occur before step 402. At step 406, a port reduction member is connected to at least one of the substrates to at least partially define a port. In some embodiments, step 406 may occur before step 402 or 404. Step 406 may include step 408, wherein the port reduction member is directly adhered to the first substrate or the second substrate. In step 408, the port reduction member may be formed by an epoxy resin material. Alternatively, step 406 may include step 410, wherein the port reduction member is suspended between the first substrate and the second substrate with at least one retaining member. Step 410 may include using a pair of retaining members to separate the ports, or alternatively, using a single retaining member that wraps around one side of the port reduction member to the opposite end of the retaining member and defines a single port. In step 410, the port reduction member may be formed of a glass material, and at least one retaining member may be formed of an epoxy material (e.g., without a spacing element). Alternatively, step 406 may include step 412, wherein the port reduction member is located between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the port reduction member is formed by a semi-tubular insert, and the port is at least partially defined in the semi-tubular insert. At step 414, the cavity is filled with an electro-optic medium. At step 416, the port is closed. Step 416 may include step 418, wherein at least one of closing the valve, inserting a plug, inserting and curing the medium, and / or deforming the semi-tubular insert occurs.

[0032] The invention disclosed herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized as any and all combinations of the various aspects described therein.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electro-optical assembly includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first substrate and the second substrate are arranged in a parallel and spaced relationship to define a cavity therebetween. The second surface and the third surface face each other. A seal extends between the first substrate and the second substrate. An electro-optical medium is located in the cavity and is retained by the seal. A port is at least partially defined by a port reduction member located between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0034] According to one aspect, a port is closed by at least one of a valve, a plug, a solidifying medium, or deformation of a port reducing member.

[0035] According to another aspect, a port reducing member is suspended between a first substrate and a second substrate with at least one retaining member.

[0036] According to yet another aspect, the at least one retaining member includes a pair of retaining members spaced apart from each other.

[0037] According to yet another aspect, a port is divided by a port reducing member.

[0038] According to another aspect, the at least one retaining member includes a single retaining member wrapped around one side of the port reducing member to opposing ends of the retaining member on opposing sides of the port reducing member.

[0039] According to yet another aspect, a port reducing member is directly adhered to one of a first substrate and a second substrate.

[0040] According to yet another aspect, a port reducing member includes a semi-tubular insert defining a port.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electro-optical assembly includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first substrate and the second substrate are arranged in a parallel and spaced relationship to define a cavity therebetween. The second surface and the third surface face each other. A seal extends between the first substrate and the second substrate. An electro-optical medium is located in the cavity and is retained by the seal. A port is defined by the seal, the first substrate, and the second substrate. A port reduction member is located within the port, and the port reduction member reduces the size of the port.

[0042] According to another aspect, the size of the port is defined at least in part by a distance between the second surface and the third surface.

[0043] According to yet another aspect, a port reducing member is located between and spaced apart from a second surface and a third surface.

[0044] According to yet another aspect, a port reducing member is centrally located a distance between the second surface and the third surface.

[0045] According to another aspect, at least one retaining member statically retains the port reducing member.

[0046] According to yet another aspect, the at least one retaining member includes a pair of retaining members spaced apart from each other.

[0047] According to yet another aspect, at least one retaining member is formed of epoxy.

[0048] According to yet another aspect, a port reducing member is formed of glass.

[0049] According to still another aspect, a port reducing member is directly adhered to one of a first substrate and a second substrate.

[0050] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of assembling an electro-optical assembly includes the steps of aligning a first substrate over a second substrate to define a cavity therebetween. Placing a seal between the first substrate and the second substrate to define a transmissive perimeter. A port reducing member is coupled to at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate and at least partially defines a port.

[0051] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of assembling an electro-optical assembly includes the step of adhering a port reducing member directly to at least one of a first substrate or a second substrate.

[0052] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of assembling an electro-optical assembly includes the step of closing a port by at least one of closing a valve, inserting a plug, inserting and curing a medium, or deforming a port reducing member.

[0053] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosed content and other components described are not limited to any particular material. Unless otherwise described herein, other exemplary embodiments of the disclosed content disclosed herein may be formed from a variety of materials.

[0054] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms, coupling, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two (electrical or mechanical) components to one another, directly or indirectly. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved using the two (electrical or mechanical) components and any additional intermediate members that are integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Unless otherwise specified, such joining may be permanent in nature or removable or releasable in nature.

[0055] It is also worth noting that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the present disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments of this innovation have been described in detail in the present disclosure, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art who consult the present disclosure that there may be many modifications (e.g., changes in the size, size, structure, shape and ratio, parameter value, installation arrangement, use of materials, color, orientation, etc. of various elements) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject. For example, the elements shown as being integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts, or the elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interface may be reversed or otherwise changed, the length or width of the structure and / or member or connector or other elements of the system may be changed, and the nature or number of the adjustment positions set between the elements may be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be composed of any of a wide variety of materials providing sufficient strength or durability, and may be in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of this innovation. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of this innovation.

[0056] It should be understood that any described process or steps within a described process can be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting.

[0057] It will be further understood that changes and modifications may be made to the structures and methods described above without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure and it will be further understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the appended claims unless the language of such claims expressly states otherwise.

Claims

1. An electro-optical assembly, comprising: a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, the first substrate and the second substrate being disposed in parallel and spaced relationship to define a cavity therebetween, the second surface and the third surface facing each other; a seal extending between the first substrate and the second substrate, an electro-optic medium located in the cavity and held by the seal; as well as A port is defined at least in part by a port reducing member between the first substrate and the second substrate.

2. The electro-optical assembly of claim 1, wherein the port is closed by at least one of a valve, a plug, a solidifying medium, or deformation of the port reducing member.

3. An electro-optical assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the port reducing member is suspended between the first substrate and the second substrate by at least one retaining member.

4. The electro-optical assembly of claim 3, wherein the at least one retaining member comprises a pair of retaining members spaced apart from each other.

5. An electro-optical assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the ports are separated by the port reducing member.

6. An electro-optical assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one retaining member comprises a single retaining member wrapped around one side of the port reducing member to opposite ends of the retaining member on opposite sides of the port reducing member.

7. The electro-optical assembly of claim 1, wherein the port reducing member is directly adhered to one of the first substrate and the second substrate.

8. An electro-optical assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the port reducing member comprises a semi-tubular insert defining the port.

9. An electro-optical assembly, comprising: a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, the first substrate and the second substrate being disposed in parallel and spaced relationship to define a cavity therebetween, the second surface and the third surface facing each other; a seal extending between the first substrate and the second substrate, an electro-optic medium located in the cavity and held by the seal; a port defined by the seal, the first substrate, and the second substrate; as well as A port reducing member is positioned within the port, the port reducing member reducing the size of the port.

10. The electro-optical assembly of claim 9, wherein the size of the port is defined at least in part by a distance between the second surface and the third surface.

11. An electro-optical assembly as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the port reducing member is located between and spaced apart from the second surface and the third surface.

12. An electro-optical assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the port reducing member is centrally located in the distance between the second surface and the third surface.

13. An electro-optical assembly as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein at least one retaining member statically retains the port reducing member.

14. The electro-optical assembly of claim 13, wherein the at least one retaining member comprises a pair of retaining members spaced apart from each other.

15. The electro-optical assembly of claim 13, wherein the at least one retaining member is formed of epoxy.

16. An electro-optical assembly as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the port reducing member is formed of glass.

17. The electro-optical assembly of claim 9, wherein the port reducing member is directly adhered to one of the first substrate and the second substrate.

18. A method of assembling an electro-optical assembly, the method comprising the steps of: aligning the first substrate over the second substrate to define a cavity therebetween; placing a seal between the first substrate and the second substrate to define a transmissive perimeter; as well as A port reducing member is coupled to at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate and at least partially defines a port.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising adhering the port reducing member directly to at least one of the first substrate or the second substrate with a retaining member.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising closing the port by at least one of closing a valve, inserting a plug, inserting and curing a medium, or deforming the port reducing member.

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