Switchable cosmetic mirror in electrochromic visor

Abstract

A visor assembly for an automobile includes an outer perimeter. The visor assembly also includes an electrochromic device configured to switch between a transparent state and a darkened state. The electrochromic device includes a first substrate defining a first element surface and a second element surface; a second substrate spaced apart from the first substrate and defining a third element surface and a fourth element surface; and an electroactive medium positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate. The visor assembly also includes a liquid crystal device configured to switch between a transparent state and a reflective state; and a reflective polarizer positioned between the electrochromic device and the liquid crystal device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to sun visor assemblies, and more particularly to a sun visor assembly having a switchable mirror element. Summary of the Invention

[0002] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a sun visor assembly for a vehicle includes an outer perimeter. The sun visor assembly further includes an electrochromic device configured to switch between a transparent state and a darkened state. The electrochromic device includes a first substrate that defines a first element surface and a second element surface. A second substrate is spaced apart from the first substrate and defines a third element surface and a fourth element surface. An electroactive medium is positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate. The sun visor assembly further includes a liquid crystal device configured to switch between a transparent state and a reflective state; and a reflective polarizer positioned between the electrochromic device and the liquid crystal device.

[0003] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a sun visor assembly for a vehicle includes an outer perimeter. The sun visor assembly further includes an electrochromic device configured to switch between a transparent state and a darkened state. The electrochromic device includes a first substrate that defines a first element surface and a second element surface. A second substrate is spaced apart from the first substrate and defines a third element surface and a fourth element surface. An electroactive medium is positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate. The sun visor assembly further includes a liquid crystal device configured to switch between a twisted state and a non-twisted state. A reflective polarizer is positioned between the electrochromic device and the liquid crystal device, and an absorptive polarizer is located on a side of the liquid crystal device opposite the reflective polarizer.

[0004] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a sun visor assembly for a vehicle includes an outer perimeter. The sun visor assembly further includes an electrochromic device configured to switch between a transparent state and a darkened state. The electrochromic device includes a first substrate that defines a first element surface and a second element surface. A second substrate is spaced apart from the first substrate and defines a third element surface and a fourth element surface. An electroactive medium is positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate. The sun visor assembly further includes a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer, and a liquid crystal device sandwiched between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer and configured to switch between a twisted state and a non-twisted state. A reflective polarizer is positioned between the electrochromic device and the liquid crystal device.

[0005] Those skilled in the art will further understand and appreciate these and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure by reference to the following specification, claims, and drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] In the various figures:

[0007] Figure 1 is an interior perspective view of a vehicle incorporating a sun visor assembly in a conventional sun visor, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 2 is an interior perspective view of a vehicle incorporating a sun visor assembly in a front window, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 3 is a side elevation view of a rail vehicle incorporating a sun visor assembly, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 4 is a front elevation view of a building (such as a residence) incorporating a sun visor assembly, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 5 is a side perspective view of an aircraft incorporating a sun visor assembly, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a sun visor assembly according to a first configuration, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a sun visor assembly according to a second configuration, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 8 is a front view of a sun visor assembly having a liquid crystal device disposed according to a first segmentation pattern, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 9 is a front view of a sun visor assembly having a liquid crystal device disposed according to a second segmentation pattern, according to one aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0016] Figure 10 is a front view of a sun visor assembly having a liquid crystal device disposed according to a third segmentation pattern, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The presently illustrated embodiments are directed primarily to combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to sun visor assemblies having switchable mirror elements. Accordingly, apparatus components and method steps have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols where appropriate, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure, which will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art and will have the benefits set forth in the description herein. In addition, like numerals represent like elements throughout the specification and drawings.

[0018] For purposes of the description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the orientation of the present disclosure as oriented in Figure 1 the device. Unless otherwise specified, the term "front" shall refer to the surface of the device closer to the intended viewer of the device, and the term "rear" shall refer to the surface of the device farther from the intended viewer of the device. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure may assume various alternative orientations except where explicitly specified to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the figures and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Thus, unless the claims expressly state otherwise, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0019] 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 comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element preceded by "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0020] Referring Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 , reference numeral 10 generally denotes a sun visor assembly 10 for an automotive vehicle 12 according to a first configuration. The sun visor assembly 10 includes an outer perimeter 14 and an electrochromic device 16 configured to switch between a transparent state and a darkened state. The electrochromic device 16 includes a first substrate 18 that defines a first element surface 20 and a second element surface 22. The electrochromic device 16 also includes a second substrate 24 spaced from the first substrate 18 and defining a third element surface 26 and a fourth element surface 28. An electroactive medium 30 is positioned between the first substrate 18 and the second substrate 24. A liquid crystal device 32 is coupled to the electrochromic device 16 and configured to switch between a transparent state and a reflective state. A reflective element, such as a reflective polarizer 34, is positioned between the electrochromic device 16 and the liquid crystal device 32. In some embodiments, the reflective element may include other configurations, such as a reflective film.

[0021] Now referring Figures 1 to 5 , various configurations of the sun visor assembly 10 may be combined with one or more structures. For example, Figure 1Illustrated is an interior compartment 35 of an automobile 12 that employs a sun visor assembly 10, for example, in a conventional sun visor position. More specifically, the sun visor assembly 10 may include a connecting member 36 that connects the sun visor assembly 10 to the interior compartment 35. As indicated by the arrow, the connecting member 36 may be configured to pivot and / or otherwise move the sun visor assembly 10 between a stowed position where the sun visor assembly 10 is not aligned with the driver's line of sight and an extended position where the sun visor assembly 10 is aligned with the driver's line of sight. Thus, in the extended position, the sun visor assembly 10 may be switched between a transparent state, a darkened state, or a reflective state according to the driver's needs. The sun visor assembly 10 may include a frame 38 (e.g., a border) that extends along at least a portion (e.g., the entire outer perimeter) of the outer perimeter 14 and is coupled to the connecting member 36. Now refer to Figure 2 , the sun visor assembly 10 may similarly be incorporated into a window 40 (e.g., a front window) of the automobile 12. For example, the outer perimeter 14 of the sun visor assembly 10 may be embedded within the window 40 such that the front and rear surfaces of the window 40 are substantially coextensive (e.g., no significant step) at the sun visor assembly 10. In some embodiments, the automobile 12 may include a commercial vehicle, a bus, an emergency vehicle, a recreational vehicle, etc.

[0022] Now refer to Figure 3 , a rail vehicle 42 (e.g., a train, a subway, a tram, etc.) may employ the sun visor assembly 10. For example, the sun visor assembly 10 may be located (e.g., embedded) within a train window 44, or on the connecting member 36 and / or otherwise on a slidable or pivotable curtain connection adjacent to the train window 44. Now refer to Figure 4 , a building 46 (e.g., a residential building, a commercial building, a medical facility, etc.) may employ the sun visor assembly 10. For example, the sun visor assembly 10 may be located (e.g., embedded) within a building window 48, or on the connecting member 36 and / or otherwise on a slidable or pivotable curtain connection adjacent to the building window 48. Refer to Figure 5 , an aircraft 50 may employ the sun visor assembly 10. For example, the sun visor assembly 10 may be located (e.g., embedded) within an aircraft side window 52 or an aircraft front window 54, or on the connecting member 36 and / or otherwise on a slidable or pivotable curtain connection adjacent to the aircraft windows 52, 54.

[0023] Now refer to Figure 6, illustrates a sun visor assembly 10 according to a first configuration. The liquid crystal device 32 can be sandwiched between a first electrode layer 56 and a second electrode layer 58 such that the application of an electric field induces twisting and / or untwisting of liquid crystal molecules and causes rotation of the polarization of light (e.g., between a first polarized light P1 and a second polarized light P2). In some embodiments, the liquid crystal device 32 includes a twisted nematic configuration such that the liquid crystal molecules are in a twisted arrangement until an electric field induces movement into an untwisted state. In the untwisted state, the first polarized state light P1 can transmit through the liquid crystal device 32 with substantially no change in polarization. In this way, the reflective polarizer 34 can be configured to reflect the first polarized light P1 back to the observer.

[0024] Continuing to refer to Figure 6 , the sun visor assembly 10 may further include a front substrate 60 located on a side of the liquid crystal device 32 opposite the reflective polarizer 34, and an absorptive polarizer 62 located between the front substrate 60 and the liquid crystal device 32. The absorptive polarizer 62 can be configured to transmit the first polarized light P1 and absorb the second polarized light P2. In this way, in the untwisted state, the first polarized light P1 can transmit through the absorptive polarizer 62 and the liquid crystal device 32 with substantially no change in polarization, under which condition the first polarized light is reflected back to the observer by the reflective polarizer 34. However, in the twisted state, the first polarized light P1 is switched to the second polarized light P2, so any incident reflected light of the second polarized light P2 is absorbed by the absorptive polarizer 62.

[0025] The front substrate 60 can define an observation surface 64 positioned closest to the observer. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the first element surface 20 of the electrochromic device 16 can define the observation surface (i.e., configured to be positioned closest to the observer). An optical adhesive 66 can be located between the electrochromic device 16 and the liquid crystal device 32 and connect the electrochromic device to the liquid crystal device 32. The electrochromic device 16 can define an EC outer perimeter 68, which can be equal to or less than the outer perimeter 14 of the sun visor assembly 10. The liquid crystal device 32 can include an LC outer perimeter 70, the size of which is equal to or less than the EC outer perimeter 68 of the electrochromic device 16. In the illustrated example, the LC outer perimeter 70 is entirely located within the EC outer perimeter 68 (e.g., one or more sides of the EC outer perimeter 68 and the LC outer perimeter 70 can be aligned). In this way, a space 72 can be defined between portions of the electrochromic device 16 and the front substrate 60 outside the LC perimeter 70. The optical adhesive 66 can substantially fill the space 72. In some embodiments, the refractive indices of the optical adhesive 66, the front substrate 60, and the electrochromic device 16 in the transparent state are substantially matched.

[0026] The electroactive medium 30 can be located between a pair of electrode layers and includes at least one solvent, at least one anode material, and at least one cathode material. Generally, both the anode material and the cathode material are electroactive, and at least one of them can be electrochromic. It should be understood that, regardless of its general definition, the term "electroactive" can include materials that undergo a modification of their oxidation state when exposed to a specific potential difference. Additionally, it should be understood that, regardless of its general definition, the term "electrochromic" can include materials that exhibit a change in their extinction coefficient at one or more wavelengths when exposed to a specific potential difference. The electroactive medium 30 can be actuated to change the degree of light transmission. Thus, it should be appreciated that in the darkened state, the electrochromic device 16 can still allow a certain amount of light transmittance. For example, in the darkened state, the light transmittance can be about 40% or greater, about 50% or greater, about 60% or greater, about 70% or greater, about 80% or greater, or about 90% or greater.

[0027] Now referring to Figure 7 , a sun visor assembly 110 according to a second configuration is illustrated. Unless otherwise specified, the sun visor assembly 110 can be incorporated into at least Figures 1 to 5 the structures of, and includes features, elements, and materials similar to those of the other configurations described and Figure 6 shown herein. More specifically, the sun visor assembly 110 includes an outer perimeter 114 and an electrochromic device 116 configured to switch between a transparent state and a darkened state. The electrochromic device 116 includes a first substrate 118 that defines a first element surface 120 and a second element surface 122. The electrochromic device 116 also includes a second substrate 124 spaced apart from the first substrate 118 and defining a third element surface 126 and a fourth element surface 128. The electroactive medium 130 is positioned between the first substrate 118 and the second substrate 124. A liquid crystal device 132 is coupled to the electrochromic device 116 and is configured to switch between a transparent state and a reflective state. A reflective polarizer 134 is positioned between the electrochromic device 116 and the liquid crystal device 132.

[0028] Continuing to refer to Figure 7 , the liquid crystal device 132 can be sandwiched between a first electrode layer 156 and a second electrode layer 158 such that the application of an electric field induces the twisting and / or untwisting of liquid crystal molecules and causes the rotation of the polarization of light (e.g., between a first polarized light P1 and a second polarized light P2). In some embodiments, the liquid crystal device 132 includes a guest-host configuration such that at least one of a polymer, inorganic particles, or a dichroic dye is dispersed in the liquid crystal molecules. The guest-host configuration can eliminate the need for reference Figure 6The need for one or more polarizers described in the first configuration illustrated. In the non-twisted state, the first polarization state light P1 can transmit through the liquid crystal device 132 with substantially no change in polarization. In this way, the reflective polarizer 134 can be configured to reflect the first polarized light P1 back to the observer.

[0029] The sun visor assembly 110 may further include a front substrate 160 that is located on the side of the liquid crystal device 132 opposite to the reflective polarizer 134. In some embodiments, the sun visor assembly 110 according to the second configuration does not include an absorptive polarizer. In this way, in the non-twisted state, the first polarized light P1 can transmit through the liquid crystal device 132 with substantially no change in polarization, under which condition the first polarized light is reflected back to the observer by the reflective polarizer 134.

[0030] The front substrate 160 may define an observation surface 164 that is positioned closest to the observer. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the first element surface 120 of the electrochromic device 116 may define the observation surface (e.g., the surface closest to the observer). The optical adhesive 166 may be located between the electrochromic device 116 and the liquid crystal device 132 and connect the electrochromic device to the liquid crystal device 132. The electrochromic device 116 may define an EC outer perimeter 168 that may be equal to or smaller than the outer perimeter 114 of the sun visor assembly 110. The liquid crystal device 132 may include an LC outer perimeter 170 that is sized equal to or smaller than the EC outer perimeter 168 of the electrochromic device 116. In the illustrated example, the LC outer perimeter 170 is entirely located within the EC outer perimeter 168 (e.g., one or more sides of the EC outer perimeter 168 and the LC outer perimeter 170 may be aligned). In this way, a space 172 may be defined between portions of the electrochromic device 116 and the front substrate 160 outside the LC perimeter 170. The optical adhesive 166 may substantially fill the space 172. In some embodiments, the refractive indices of the optical adhesive 166, the front substrate 160, and the electrochromic device 116 in the transparent state are substantially matched.

[0031] The electroactive medium 130 can be located between a pair of electrode layers and includes at least one solvent, at least one anode material, and at least one cathode material. Generally, both the anode material and the cathode material are electroactive, and at least one of them can be electrochromic. It should be understood that, regardless of its general definition, the term "electroactive" can include materials that undergo a modification of their oxidation state when exposed to a specific potential difference. Additionally, it should be understood that, regardless of its general definition, the term "electrochromic" can include materials that exhibit a change in their extinction coefficient at one or more wavelengths when exposed to a specific potential difference. The electroactive medium 130 can be actuated to change the degree of light transmission. Thus, it should be appreciated that in the darkened state, the electrochromic device 116 can still allow a certain amount of light transmittance. For example, in the darkened state, the light transmittance can be about 40% or greater, about 50% or greater, about 60% or greater, about 70% or greater, about 80% or greater, or about 90% or greater.

[0032] Now referring to Figures 8 to 10 , the liquid crystal devices 32, 132 can include at least one segment 232. For example, Figure 8 the visor assemblies 10, 110 are illustrated, and the liquid crystal devices 32, 132 include a single segment 232. Figure 9 the visor assemblies 10, 110 are illustrated, and the liquid crystal devices 32, 132 include a plurality of segments 232 arranged sequentially in the horizontal direction. Figure 10 the visor assemblies 10, 110 are illustrated, and the liquid crystal devices 32, 132 include a plurality of segments 232 arranged sequentially in the vertical direction. It should also be appreciated that the segments 232 can form a matrix of segments 232, each segment 232 having the same size. Each segment 232 can be controlled individually such that two segments 232 can be in different states simultaneously. For example, the first segment 232 can be in the reflective state while the second segment 232 can be in the transparent state simultaneously. One or more segments 232 can be any number of shapes, such as circular, oval, and / or other shapes. Thus, the size of the visor assemblies 10, 110, which serve as alternative mirrors, can be changed based on user preference or need.

[0033] The disclosure described herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by any and all combinations of the various aspects described herein.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a sun visor assembly for a vehicle includes an outer perimeter. The sun visor assembly further includes an electrochromic device configured to switch between a transparent state and a darkened state. The electrochromic device includes a first substrate that defines a first element surface and a second element surface. A second substrate is spaced apart from the first substrate and defines a third element surface and a fourth element surface. An electroactive medium is positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate. The sun visor assembly further includes a liquid crystal device configured to switch between a transparent state and a reflective state; and a reflective polarizer positioned between the electrochromic device and the liquid crystal device.

[0035] According to another aspect, a connecting member is coupled to the electrochromic device and configured to pivot between a stowed position and an extended position.

[0036] According to yet another aspect, a frame is connected to the outer perimeter of the sun visor assembly, and the connecting member is connected to the frame.

[0037] According to yet another aspect, the outer perimeter of the sun visor assembly is embedded in a window of the vehicle.

[0038] According to another aspect, the window is a front window of the vehicle.

[0039] According to yet another aspect, the electrochromic device includes an EC outer perimeter, and the liquid crystal device includes an LC outer perimeter that is entirely located within the EC outer perimeter.

[0040] According to yet another aspect, the liquid crystal device includes a twisted nematic configuration.

[0041] According to another aspect, the liquid crystal device includes a guest-host configuration.

[0042] According to yet another aspect, the liquid crystal device includes at least two segments that are individually switchable between a transparent state and a reflective state.

[0043] According to yet another aspect, the liquid crystal device is located on the viewing surface side of the electrochromic device.

[0044] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a visor assembly for a vehicle includes an outer perimeter. The visor assembly further includes an electrochromic device configured to switch between a transparent state and a darkened state. The electrochromic device includes a first substrate that defines a first element surface and a second element surface. A second substrate is spaced apart from the first substrate and defines a third element surface and a fourth element surface. An electroactive medium is positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate. The visor assembly further includes a liquid crystal device configured to switch between a twisted state and an untwisted state. A reflective polarizer is positioned between the electrochromic device and the liquid crystal device, and an absorptive polarizer is located on a side of the liquid crystal device opposite the reflective polarizer.

[0045] According to another aspect, the absorptive polarizer is configured to transmit a first polarized light and absorb a second polarized light.

[0046] According to yet another aspect, the reflective polarizer is configured to reflect a first polarized light.

[0047] According to yet another aspect, the liquid crystal device is configured to absorb a first polarized light in a twisted state and transmit a first polarized light in an untwisted state.

[0048] According to another aspect, the liquid crystal device includes a twisted nematic configuration.

[0049] According to yet another aspect, an optical adhesive is positioned between the electrochromic device and the liquid crystal device.

[0050] According to yet another aspect, the optical adhesive includes a refractive index that matches the electrochromic device in a transparent state.

[0051] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a visor assembly for a vehicle includes an outer perimeter. The visor assembly further includes an electrochromic device configured to switch between a transparent state and a darkened state. The electrochromic device includes a first substrate that defines a first element surface and a second element surface. A second substrate is spaced apart from the first substrate and defines a third element surface and a fourth element surface. An electroactive medium is positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate. The visor assembly further includes a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer, and a liquid crystal device that is sandwiched between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer and is configured to switch between a twisted state and an untwisted state. A reflective polarizer is positioned between the electrochromic device and the liquid crystal device.

[0052] According to another aspect, the liquid crystal device is configured to transmit a first polarized light in an untwisted state, and the reflective polarizer is configured to reflect a first polarized light.

[0053] According to yet another aspect, the liquid crystal device includes a guest-host configuration.

[0054] Those skilled in the art should understand that the disclosed content and the construction of other components are not limited to any specific material. Unless otherwise described herein, other exemplary embodiments of the disclosed content herein may be formed of a variety of materials.

[0055] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms: couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means that two (electrical or mechanical) components are joined to each other directly or indirectly. Such a joining can be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such a joining can be achieved using any additional intermediate member that is formed integrally with the two (electrical or mechanical) components and each other or with the two components. Unless otherwise stated, such a joining can be permanent in nature or removable or releasable in nature.

[0056] It is also worth noting that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments of the innovation have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc. of the various elements) are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts can be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces can be reversed or otherwise changed, the structure and / or the length or width of the components or connectors or other elements of the system can be changed, and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements can be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or components of the system can be constructed of any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability and can be of any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the 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 the innovation.

[0057] 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 a structure within the scope of this disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting.

[0058] It should also be understood that variations and modifications can be made to the above structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further that such concepts are intended to be covered by the appended claims, unless the language of those claims expressly states otherwise.

Claims

1. A sun visor assembly for a vehicle, comprising: An outer perimeter; An electrochromic device configured to switch between a transparent state and a darkened state, the electrochromic device comprising: A first substrate defining a first element surface and a second element surface; A second substrate spaced apart from the first substrate and defining a third element surface and a fourth element surface; and An electroactive medium positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate; A liquid crystal device configured to switch between a transparent state and a reflective state; and A reflective polarizer positioned between the electrochromic device and the liquid crystal device.

2. The sun visor assembly according to claim 1, comprising a connecting member coupled to the electrochromic device and configured to pivot between a retracted position and an extended position.

3. The sun visor assembly according to claim 2, comprising a frame connected to the outer perimeter, and wherein the connecting member is connected to the frame.

4. The sun visor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the outer perimeter is embedded in a window of the vehicle.

5. The sun visor assembly according to claim 4, wherein the window is a front window of the vehicle.

6. The sun visor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electrochromic device comprises an EC outer perimeter, and the liquid crystal device comprises an LC outer perimeter that is entirely within the EC outer perimeter.

7. The sun visor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid crystal device comprises a twisted nematic configuration.

8. The sun visor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid crystal device comprises a guest-host configuration.

9. The sun visor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid crystal device comprises at least two segments capable of being switched individually between the transparent state and the reflective state.

10. The sun visor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid crystal device is located on an observation surface side of the electrochromic device.

11. A sun visor assembly for a vehicle, comprising: An outer perimeter; An electrochromic device configured to switch between a transparent state and a darkened state, the electrochromic device comprising: A first substrate defining a first element surface and a second element surface; A second substrate spaced apart from the first substrate and defining a third element surface and a fourth element surface; and An electroactive medium positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate; A liquid crystal device configured to switch between a twisted state and an untwisted state; A reflective polarizer positioned between the electrochromic device and the liquid crystal device; and An absorptive polarizer located on a side of the liquid crystal device opposite the reflective polarizer.

12. The sun visor assembly according to claim 11, wherein the absorptive polarizer is configured to transmit a first polarized light and absorb a second polarized light.

13. The sun visor assembly according to claim 12, wherein the reflective polarizer is configured to reflect the first polarized light.

14. The sun visor assembly according to claim 13, wherein the liquid crystal device is configured to absorb the first polarized light in the twisted state and transmit the first polarized light in the non-twisted state.

15. The sun visor assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the liquid crystal device comprises a twisted nematic configuration.

16. The sun visor assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein an optical adhesive is located between the electrochromic device and the liquid crystal device.

17. The sun visor assembly according to claim 16, wherein the optical adhesive comprises a refractive index that matches the electrochromic device in the transparent state.

18. A sun visor assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising: An outer perimeter; An electrochromic device configured to switch between a transparent state and a darkened state, the electrochromic device comprising: A first substrate defining a first element surface and a second element surface; A second substrate spaced apart from the first substrate and defining a third element surface and a fourth element surface; and An electroactive medium positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate; A first electrode layer and a second electrode layer; A liquid crystal device sandwiched between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer and configured to switch between a twisted state and a non-twisted state; and A reflective polarizer positioned between the electrochromic device and the liquid crystal device.

19. The sun visor assembly according to claim 18, wherein the liquid crystal device is configured to transmit a first polarized light in the non-twisted state, and the reflective polarizer is configured to reflect the first polarized light.

20. The sun visor assembly according to claim 19, wherein the liquid crystal device comprises a guest-host configuration.

Images