Plastic electro-optic barrier

Abstract

An electro-optic panel includes an electro-optic stack extending between opposing ends and having a first substrate and a second substrate laterally spaced from the first substrate, a first electrically conductive layer and a second electrically conductive layer laterally spaced from the first electrically conductive layer, where the first and second electrically conductive layers are disposed between the first and second substrates, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the first and second electrically conductive layers. The electro-optic stack further includes a polymer multilayer barrier having a first polymer multilayer extending between the opposing ends, the first polymer multilayer including a first dyad and a second dyad, where each of the first and second dyads has a ceramic layer and an acrylic layer, and where the acrylic layer of the first dyad is disposed between the ceramic layer of the first dyad and the ceramic layer of the second dyad.

Description

Atty. Docket No. AUTO 05172T GEN010 FP1415AWOPLASTIC ELECTRO-OPTIC BARRIERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 777,803, filed on March 26, 2025, entitled "PLASTIC ELECTROOPTIC BARRIER," the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to electro-optic devices, and more particularly to protective barriers for electro-optic elements.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electro-optic device includes an electro-optic panel with an electro-optic stack extending between opposing ends, the electro-optic panel including a first substrate and a second substrate laterally spaced from the first substrate, a first electrically conductive layer and a second electrically conductive layer laterally spaced from the first electrically conductive layer, where the first and second electrically conductive layers are disposed between the first and second substrates, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the first and second electrically conductive layers. The electro-optic panel further includes a polymer multilayer barrier having a first polymer multilayer extending between the opposing ends, the first polymer multilayer including a first dyad and a second dyad, where each of the first and second dyads has a ceramic layer and an acrylic layer, and where the acrylic layer of the first dyad is disposed between the ceramic layer of the first dyad and the ceramic layer of the second dyad.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electro-optic panel includes a pair of laterally spaced substrates, a pair of laterally spaced electrically conductive layers disposed between the pair of substrates, an electrolyte layer disposed between the pair of electrically conductive layers, and a polymer multilayer barrier including a first polymer multilayer disposed between one of the pair of substrates and one of the pair of electrically conductive layers, the first polymer multilayer including a pair of organic layers and a pair of inorganic layers, wherein each of the pair of substrates and the first polymer multilayer extends between a pair of opposing ends, wherein a seal partially defines each of the pair of opposing ends, and wherein the first polymer multilayer is situated adjacent to the seal at each of the pair of opposing ends.

[0005] Compared to substantially impermeable glass substrates, plastic substrates of electro-optic devices exhibit a greater fluid permeability. Electro-optic devices with plastic substrates may accordingly be susceptible to water and oxygen ingress and yellowing that may result from water and oxygen ingress. Furthermore, contact between plastic substrates and electro-optic solvents can result in undesirable corrosion of the plastic substrates. The polymer multilayer barrier disclosed herein is configured to assist in protecting an electro-optic device having one or more plastic substrates against water and oxygen ingress and preventing the one or more plastic substrates from interacting with one or more electro-optic solvents provided by the electro-optic device.

[0006] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In the drawings:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of an electro-optic device including an electro-optic element with a first polymer multilayer disposed between a first substrate and a first electrically conductive layer and a second polymer multilayer disposed between a second substrate and a second electrically conductive layer;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the first polymer multilayer disposed between the first substrate and the first electrically conductive layer; and

[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the electro-optic element having a polymer multilayer coating surrounding an electro-optic stack of the electro-optic element.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to the composition and configuration of an electro-optic device, as discussed below. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thedescription herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

[0012] As used herein, the term "and / or," when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items, can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0013] In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "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. An element proceeded by "comprises ... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0014] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 8 generally designates an electrooptic device that includes an electro-optic panel or element 10. As shown, the electro-optic element 10 includes an electro-optic stack 11 extending between a first end 12 and a second end 13 and including a first substrate 14 and a second substrate 16 laterally spaced from the first substrate 14. The electro-optic stack 11 further includes a first electrically conductive layer 18 and a second electrically conductive layer 20 laterally spaced from the first electrically conductive layer 18. Here, the first electrically conductive layer 18 and the second electrically conductive layer 20 are disposed between the first substrate 14 and the second substrate 16, and an electrolyte layer 22 is disposed between the first electrically conductive layer 18 and the second electrically conductive layer 20. The electro-optic element 10 has a polymer multilayer barrier 30 that includes a first polymer multilayer 32 disposed between the first substrate 14 and the first electrically conductive layer 18. The first polymer multilayer 32 includes a first dyad 34 and a second dyad 36. Together, the first dyad 34 and the second dyad 36 include a first ceramic layer 38, a second ceramiclayer 40, a first acrylic layer 42, and a second acrylic layer 44. The first dyad 34 includes the first ceramic layer 38 and the first acrylic layer 42, and the second dyad 36 includes the second ceramic layer 40 and the second acrylic layer 44. The first acrylic layer 42 of the first dyad 34 is disposed between the first ceramic layer 38 of the first dyad 34 and the second ceramic layer 40 of the second dyad 36.

[0015] According to various implementations, the electro-optic element 10 may be incorporated into or otherwise provided by the electro-optic device 8. The electro-optic device 8 may be a wide variety of devices, such as an electro-optic visor, window, or rearview mirror, for example. In various configurations, the electro-optic device 8 may be configured to be mounted or otherwise coupled to a wide variety of objects or structures, including but not limited to a vehicle. The electro-optic element 10 of the electro-optic device 8 may be dimmable or otherwise switchable between multiple states to modify or alter the optical transmissivity of the electro-optic element 10. According to some aspects, the electro-optic element 10 may be an electrochromic element.

[0016] With reference to FIG. 1, the first substrate 14 and the second substrate 16 are situated in a spaced relationship relative to each other in the electro-optic stack 11. In some configurations, the first substrate 14 and the second substrate 16 may be arranged in a parallel planar configuration. The electro-optic device 8 may be configured such that the first substrate 14 and / or the second substrate 16 is intended to face a user 45. One or both of the first substrate 14 and the second substrate 16 is made of a polymeric material, such as plastic, for example. The first substrate 14 and the second substrate 16 may accordingly be made from the same material or different materials and may have the same or different dimensions. According to some aspects, one or both of the first substrate 14 and the second substrate 16 may be optically transparent or translucent ("optically transmissive"). For example, the first substrate 14 may be at least partially optically transmissive, while the second substrate 16 may substantially block the transmission of light therethrough.

[0017] According to various implementations, each of the first substrate 14 and the second substrate 16 may overlay or be overlaid by a reflective material in the electro-optic stack 11. In one example, a material layer that includes the reflective material may line, coat, or otherwise be disposed adjacent to the second substrate 16. Regarding configurations in which the electro-optic element 10 includes the reflective material, thereflective material may be disposed at one or more of a variety of locations in the electrooptic stack 11, such as adjacent to or along the first electrically conductive layer 18 and / or the second electrically conductive layer 20, for instance. Inclusion of the reflective material may render the electro-optic element 10 at least partially reflective.

[0018] Further referring to FIG. 1, the first electrically conductive layer 18 and the second electrically conductive layer 20 are disposed between the first substrate 14 and the second substrate 16 in the electro-optic stack 11. As illustrated, the first electrically conductive layer 18 is disposed between the electrolyte layer 22 and the first substrate 14, and the second electrically conductive layer 20 is disposed between the electrolyte layer 22 and the second substrate 16. Each of the first electrically conductive layer 18 and the second electrically conductive layer 20 may be optically transmissive. Furthermore, one or both of the first electrically conductive layer 18 and the second electrically conductive layer 20 may be overlaid with or otherwise disposed adjacent to a material layer including the reflective material. The material composition of each of the first electrically conductive layer 18 and the second electrically conductive layer 20 may include a conductive oxide, such as a transparent metal oxide. Transparent metal oxides, one or more of which may be included in the material composition of the first electrically conductive layer 18 and / or the second electrically conductive layer 20, include, but are not limited to, Indium Tin Oxide, Tin Oxide, Zinc Oxide, and Indium Zinc Oxide. According to various aspects, the first electrically conductive layer 18 and the second electrically conductive layer 20 may function as a pair of electrodes configured to maintain a nontrivial voltage therebetween.

[0019] The electrolyte layer 22 of the electro-optic element 10, as shown in FIG. 1, is disposed between the first electrically conductive layer 18 and the second electrically conductive layer 20 in the electro-optic stack 11. According to various aspects, the electrolyte layer 22 at least partially forms an electro-active medium configured to alter (e.g., modify, reduce, substantially diminish, etc.) the optical transmissivity of the electrooptic element 10 in response to exposure of the electro-active medium to an electric field, current, or charge that may result from a nontrivial voltage across the first electrically conductive layer 18 and the second electrically conductive layer 20. The electro-active medium may include, among other things, one or more cathodic materials, one or more anodic materials, and one or more electrolyte materials. For example, the electro-activemedium may be a film or gel and may include one or more of an electrolyte salt, an electrolyte crosslinker, an electrolyte polymer, and an electrolyte solvent.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the electro-optic element 10 includes the polymer multilayer barrier 30. The polymer multilayer barrier 30 is a low-permeability barrier that may be disposed between the electrolyte layer 22 and the first substrate 14 and / or between the electrolyte layer 22 and the second substrate 16. The resulting separation of the electrolyte layer 22 from the first substrate 14 and / or from the second substrate 16 helps to prevent corrosion within the electro-optic element 10 that may result from an interaction between the electrolyte layer 22 and the polymeric material included in the material composition of the first substrate 14 and / or the second substrate 16. The polymer multilayer barrier 30 also protects the electro-optic element 10 from water and oxygen ingress and yellowing that may result from water and oxygen ingress into the electro-optic element 10. As shown, the polymer multilayer barrier 30 includes the first polymer multilayer (PML) 32 and a second PML 46. Here, the first PML 32 is disposed between the first substrate 14 and the first electrically conductive layer 18, and the second PML 46 is disposed between the second electrically conductive layer 20 and the second substrate 16.

[0021] According to various implementations, the first PML 32 includes the first dyad 34 and the second dyad 36. The first dyad 34 includes the first ceramic layer 38 and the first acrylic layer 42, and the second dyad 36 includes the second ceramic layer 40 and the second acrylic layer 44. As demonstrated in FIG. 2, the first ceramic layer 38 is disposed between, and may be situated directly adjacent to, the first electrically conductive layer 18 and the first acrylic layer 42. Here, the second ceramic layer 40 is disposed between, and may be situated directly adjacent to, the first acrylic layer 42 and the second acrylic layer 44. The second acrylic layer 44 is disposed between, and may be situated directly adjacent to, the second ceramic layer 40 and the first substrate 14. The first substrate 14 may define a first outer surface 48 of the electro-optic stack 11.

[0022] In some configurations, the second PML 46 may have a mirrored configuration or series of ceramic layers and acrylic layers relative to the first PML 32. In one example, the second PML 46 may have a third dyad and a fourth dyad that each include a ceramic layer and an acrylic layer, the third dyad and the fourth dyad together forming an alternating series of ceramic and acrylic layers. As a result, a ceramic layer of the second PML 46 may be disposed directly adjacent to the second electrically conductive layer 20, and an acryliclayer of the second PML 46 may be disposed directly adjacent to the second substrate 16. The second substrate 16 may define a second outer surface 50 of the electro-optic stack 11. Each of the first outer surface 48 and the second outer surface 50 may extend between the first end 12 of the electro-optic stack 11 and the second end 13 of the electro-optic stack 11. Furthermore, each of the first end 12, the second end 13, the first outer surface 48, and the second outer surface 50 may partially define an outer surface 51 of the electrooptic element 10.

[0023] As referred to herein, the first ceramic layer 38 of the first PML 32, the second ceramic layer 40 of the first PML 32, and the ceramic layers of the second PML 46 are each constructed of one or more layers of inorganic ceramic material. It will be understood that the ceramic material composition of the first ceramic layer 38, the second ceramic layer 40, one or more of the ceramic layers of the second PML46, or a combination thereof may be substituted with one or more different inorganic materials (i.e., inorganic materials distinct from ceramic materials). Furthermore, the first acrylic layer 42 of the first PML 32, the second acrylic layer 44 of the first PML 32, and the acrylic layers of the second PML 46, as referred to herein, are each constructed of one or more layers of organic acrylic material. It will be understood that the acrylic material composition of the first acrylic layer 42, the second acrylic layer 44, one or more of the acrylic layers of the second PML 46, or a combination thereof may be substituted with one or more different organic materials (i.e., organic materials distinct from acrylic materials), such as other polymers. Accordingly, each of the first PML 32 and the second PML 46 may have alternating layers of organic material and inorganic material.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, the electro-optic stack 11 of the electro-optic element 10, including the first and second substrates 14, 16, the first and second PMLs 32, 46, the first and second electrically conductive layers 18, 20, and the electrolyte layer 22, extends between the first and second ends 12, 13. As illustrated, the electro-optic element 10 includes a first seal portion 60 partially defining the first end 12 and a second seal portion 62 partially defining the second end 13. Here, the first seal portion 60 extends across the electrolyte layer 22 to overlay the electrolyte layer 22 at the first end 12, and the second seal portion 62 extends across the electrolyte layer 22 to overlay the electrolyte layer 22 at the second end 13. Each of the first and second seal portions 60, 62 abuts, is adhesively bonded to, or is otherwise coupled to a first inner surface 64 of the first electricallyconductive layer 18 and a second inner surface 65 of the second electrically conductive layer 20, thereby containing the electrolyte layer 22 within the electro-optic element 10. In some configurations, the first and second seal portions 60, 62, the first and second electrically conductive layers 18, 20, the first and second PMLs 32, 46, and the first and second substrates 14, 16 may be substantially flush at the first and second ends 12, 13 of the electro-optic stack 11. Accordingly, each of the first and second electrically conductive layers 18, 20, the first and second PMLs 32, 46, and the first and second substrates 14, 16 may additionally define the first end 12 and the second end 13. It is contemplated that the first and second seal portions 60, 62 may be portions of a single unitary seal S extending along a periphery of the electro-optic element 10.

[0025] According to various implementations, the first and second seal portions 60, 62 may assist in the prevention of water and oxygen ingress into the electro-optic element 10. In some configurations, the first and second seal portions 60, 62 may extend across the first and second electrically conductive layers 18, 20, in addition to the electrolyte layer 22, to overlay the first electrically conductive layer 18, the electrolyte layer 22, and the second electrically conductive layer 20 at the first and second ends 12, 13, respectively. In such configurations, each of the first and second seal portions 60, 62 may abut or be adhesively bonded or otherwise coupled to a third inner surface 66 of the first PML 32 and a fourth inner surface 67 of the second PML 46. It is also contemplated that the first and second seal portions 60, 62 may extend across the first and second PMLs 32, 46, in addition to the electrolyte layer 22 and the first and second electrically conductive layers 18, 20, to overlay the first PML 32, the first electrically conductive layer 18, the electrolyte layer 22, the second electrically conductive layer 20, and the second PML 46 at the first and second ends 12, 13, respectively. Here, each of the first and second seal portions 60, 62 may abut or be adhesively bonded or otherwise coupled to a fifth inner surface 68 of the first substrate 14 and a sixth inner surface 69 of the second substrate 16. The effectiveness of the first and second seal portions 60, 62 in containing the electrolyte layer 22 and preventing water and oxygen ingress can be enhanced in configurations where the first and second seal portions 60, 62 extend across the first and second electrically conductive layers 18, 20, in addition to the electrolyte layer 22, and abut, are adhesively bonded to, or are otherwise coupled to the first and second PMLs 32, 46 at the first and second ends 12, 13, respectively.

[0026] With reference to FIG. 3, the electro-optic element 10 may include a peripheral PML coating 70 in addition to or instead of the first PML 32 and / or the second PML 46. According to some aspects, the PML coating 70 covers the first and second ends 12, 13 of the electro-optic stack 11. As illustrated, the PML coating 70 extends across and overlays the first seal portion 60 at the first end 12, the second seal portion 62 at the second end 13, the first and second electrically conductive layers 18, 20 at the first and second ends 12, 13, the first and second PMLs 32, 46 at the first and second ends 12, 13, and the first and second substrates 14, 16 at the first and second ends 12, 13. The PML coating 70 additionally extends across and overlays the first outer surface 48 of the electro-optic stack 11 between the first and second ends 12, 13 and the second outer surface 50 of the electro-optic stack 11 between the first and second ends 12, 13. In some configurations, the PML coating 70 may have an identical or similar configuration relative to the first PML 32 and / or the second PML 46. For example, the PML coating 70 may have an identical configuration or series of ceramic and acrylic layers relative to the first PML 32 along the first outer surface 48. In such configurations, the PML coating 70 may have an identical configuration or series of ceramic and acrylic layers relative to the second PML 46 along the second outer surface 50 such that a ceramic layer of the PML coating 70 covers or extends along the first outer surface 48, the second outer surface 50, and the first and second ends 12, 13 of the electro-optic stack 11. Here, an acrylic layer of the PML coating 70 may define the outer surface 51 of the electro-optic element 10. Accordingly, the PML coating 70 may partially or entirely encapsulate the electro-optic stack 11.

[0027] According to various implementations, an outer acrylic layer of the PML coating 70 may be omitted such that the outer surface 51 of the electro-optic element 10 may be defined by a ceramic layer of the PML coating 70. In some configurations, one or more of the first PML 32, the second PML 46, and the PML coating 70 may include fewer or more layers of organic material, such as an acrylic material, and / or fewer or more layers of inorganic material, such as a ceramic material. It is contemplated that the inorganic material composition of one or more of the ceramic layers of the PML coating 70 may be substituted with one or more different inorganic materials, and the organic material composition of one or more of the acrylic layers of the PML coating 70 may be substituted with one or more different organic materials, such as other polymers. Accordingly, the PML coating 70 may have alternating layers of organic material and inorganic material.

[0028] With further reference to FIG. 3, the polymer multilayer barrier 30, including one or more of the first PML 32, the second PML 46, and the PML coating 70, may partially define or extend along one or both of the first and second ends 12, 13 of the electro-optic stack 11, cover or overlay one or both of the first and second outer surfaces 48, 50 of the electro-optic stack 11, be disposed between the first electrically conductive layer 18 and the first substrate 14, and / or be disposed between the second electrically conductive layer 20 and the second substrate 16. Furthermore, the first and second seal portions 60, 62, at the first and second ends 12, 13, respectively, may extend across different combinations of layers of the electro-optic stack 11. For example, each of the first and second seal portions 60, 62 may extend across the first and second substrates 14, 16, the first and second PMLs 32, 46, the first and second electrically conductive layers 18, 20, and the electrolyte layer 22. According to another example, the first and second seal portions 60, 62 may extend across the first and second PMLs 32, 46, the first and second electrically conductive layers 18, 20, and the electrolyte layer 22 and not the first and second substrates 14, 16. In some configurations, the first and second seal portions 60, 62 may extend across the first and second electrically conductive layers 18, 20 and the electrolyte layer 22 and not the first and second substrates 14, 16 and the first and second PMLs 32, 46. Alternatively, the first and second seal portions 60, 62 may extend across the electrolyte layer 22, only. The function of the first and second seal portions 60, 62 may be provided by another component of the electro-optic device 8, such as the PML coating 70 (FIG. 3), such that the first and second seal portions 60, 62 may be omitted from the electro-optic element 10.

[0029] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the incorporation of the polymer multilayer barrier 30 into the electro-optic element 10, as described herein, provides an electro-optic device 8 that is equipped with the electro-optic element 10 with multiple advantages over known electro-optic devices, including those with plastic substrates. For example, the polymer multilayer barrier 30 helps to prevent oxygen and water ingress into the electro-optic element 10 to enhance the durability of the electro-optic element 10. Electro-optic devices are sensitive to oxygen and water, and glass substrates are known to be excellent barriers. Plastic substrates, on the other hand, are more permeable. In addition to being permeable to fluids such as oxygen and water, plastic substrates can also be affected by corrosive solvents included in electro-active mediums. Oxygen ingress, water ingress, and / or theingress of other materials or fluids may result in undesirable yellowing and a general breakdown of the device 8. The polymer multilayer barrier 30 helps to isolate and thus protect plastic substrates from internal, corrosive electro-optic solvents. The polymer multilayer barrier 30 includes layers of inorganic material, such as a ceramic material, and layers of organic material, such as an acrylic material. Organic materials may promote water and / or oxygen ingress if situated directly adjacent to the first and / or second electrically conductive layers 18, 20. Therefore, it is beneficial for the polymer multilayer barrier 30 to include a layer of inorganic material directly adjacent to the first and / or second electrically conductive layers 18, 20. It is further beneficial for a layer of organic material to be disposed directly adjacent to the first and / or second substrate 14, 16 to provide improved adhesion between the polymer multilayer barrier 30 and the first and / or second substrate 14, 16.

[0030] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electro-optic device includes an electro-optic panel with an electro-optic stack extending between opposing ends, the electro-optic panel including a first substrate and a second substrate laterally spaced from the first substrate, a first electrically conductive layer and a second electrically conductive layer laterally spaced from the first electrically conductive layer, wherein the first and second electrically conductive layers are disposed between the first and second substrates, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the first and second electrically conductive layers. The electro-optic panel further includes a polymer multilayer barrier having a first polymer multilayer extending between the opposing ends, the first polymer multilayer including a first dyad and a second dyad, wherein each of the first and second dyads has a ceramic layer and an acrylic layer, and wherein the acrylic layer of the first dyad is disposed between the ceramic layer of the first dyad and the ceramic layer of the second dyad.

[0032] According to another aspect, the first polymer multilayer is disposed between the first substrate and the first electrically conductive layer.

[0033] According to yet another aspect, the ceramic layer of the first dyad is disposed between the acrylic layer of the first dyad and the first electrically conductive layer, andthe acrylic layer of the second dyad is disposed between the ceramic layer of the second dyad and the first substrate.

[0034] According to still yet another aspect, the polymer multilayer barrier includes a second polymer multilayer with a third dyad and a fourth dyad, wherein each of the third dyad and the fourth dyad has a ceramic layer and an acrylic layer, and wherein the acrylic layer of the third dyad is disposed between the ceramic layer of the third dyad and the ceramic layer of the fourth dyad.

[0035] According to yet another aspect, the second polymer multilayer is disposed between the second substrate and the second electrically conductive layer.

[0036] According to another aspect, the ceramic layer of the third dyad is disposed between the acrylic layer of the third dyad and the second electrically conductive layer, and the acrylic layer of the fourth dyad is disposed between the ceramic layer of the fourth dyad and the second substrate.

[0037] According to yet another aspect, the polymer multilayer barrier coats at least one of the opposing ends of the electro-optic stack.

[0038] According to another aspect, an electro-optic panel includes a pair of laterally spaced substrates, a pair of laterally spaced electrically conductive layers disposed between the pair of substrates, an electrolyte layer disposed between the pair of electrically conductive layers, and a polymer multilayer barrier including a first polymer multilayer disposed between one of the pair of substratesand one of the pair of electrically conductive layers, the first polymer multilayer including a pair of organic layers and a pair of inorganic layers, wherein each of the pair of substrates and the first polymer multilayer extends between a pair of opposing ends, wherein a seal partially defines each of the pair of opposing ends, and wherein the first polymer multilayer is situated adjacent to the seal at each of the pair of opposing ends.

[0039] According to another aspect, the pair of organic layers include a first polymer layer disposed between the pair of inorganic layers.

[0040] According to still yet another aspect, the pair of organic layers include a second polymer layer, and one of the pair of inorganic layers is disposed between the first and second polymer layers.

[0041] According to another aspect, the polymer multilayer barrier includes a second polymer multilayer extending between the pair of opposing ends, wherein the pair ofelectrically conductive layers are disposed between the first and second polymer multilayers.

[0042] According to yet another aspect, the polymer multilayer barrier includes a polymer multilayer coating surrounding an electro-optic stack including at least the pair of substrates, the pair of electrically conductive layers, the electrolyte layer, and the first polymer multilayer.

[0043] According to another aspect, the pair of substrates are made of a plastic material.

[0044] According to yet another aspect, an electro-optic panel for an electro-optic device includes a first plastic substrate and a second plastic substrate spaced from the first plastic substrate, and a first electrically conductive layer and a second electrically conductive layer spaced from the first electrically conductive layer, wherein the first electrically conductive layer and the second electrically conductive layer are disposed between the first plastic substrate and the second plastic substrate. An electrolyte layer is disposed between the first electrically conductive layer and the second electrically conductive layer, and a first polymer multilayer has alternating layers of organic material and inorganic material, wherein the first polymer multilayer is disposed between the first plastic substrate and the electrolyte layer.

[0045] According to still yet another aspect, a second polymer multilayer has a mirrored series of layers of organic material and inorganic material relative to the first polymer multilayer, wherein the second polymer multilayer is disposed between the electrolyte layer and the second plastic substrate.

[0046] According to yet another aspect, the electrolyte layer is disposed between the first plastic substrate and the second electrically conductive layer, wherein the second polymer multilayer is disposed between the second electrically conductive layer and the second plastic substrate.

[0047] According to another aspect, the first plastic substrate, the second plastic substrate, the first electrically conductive layer, the second electrically conductive layer, the electrolyte layer, the first polymer multilayer, and the second polymer multilayer at least partially form an electro-optic stack extending between a first end and a second end, wherein a seal extends between the first electrically conductive layer and the second electrically conductive layer at each of the first end and the second end.

[0048] According to yet another aspect, the electrolyte layer is disposed between the first electrically conductive layer and the second plastic substrate, and the first polymer multilayer is disposed between the first plastic substrate and the first electrically conductive layer.

[0049] According to still yet another aspect, the alternating layers of organic material and inorganic material of the first polymer multilayer include an acrylic layer situated directly adjacent to the first plastic substrate.

[0050] According to yet another aspect, the alternating layers of organic material and inorganic material of the first polymer multilayer include a ceramic layer situated directly adjacent to the first electrically conductive layer.

[0051] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

[0052] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and / or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. 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 present innovations.

[0053] It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may 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 are not to be construed as limiting.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An electro-optic device, comprising:an electro-optic panel with an electro-optic stack extending between first and second ends, the electro-optic panel including:a first substrate and a second substrate laterally spaced from the first substrate;a first electrically conductive layer and a second electrically conductive layer laterally spaced from the first electrically conductive layer, wherein the first electrically conductive layer and the second electrically conductive layer are disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate;an electrolyte layer disposed between the first electrically conductive layer and the second electrically conductive layer; anda polymer multilayer barrier having a first polymer multilayer extending between the first and second ends, the first polymer multilayer including a first dyad and a second dyad, wherein each of the first and second dyads has a ceramic layer and an acrylic layer, and wherein the acrylic layer of the first dyad is disposed between the ceramic layer of the first dyad and the ceramic layer of the second dyad.

2. The electro-optic device of claim 1, wherein the first polymer multilayer is disposed between the first substrate and the first electrically conductive layer.

3. The electro-optic device of either one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the ceramic layer of the first dyad is disposed between the acrylic layer of the first dyad and the first electrically conductive layer, and wherein the acrylic layer of the second dyad is disposed between the ceramic layer of the second dyad and the first substrate.

4. The electro-optic device of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the polymer multilayer barrier includes a second polymer multilayer with a third dyad and a fourth dyad, wherein each of the third dyad and the fourth dyad has a ceramic layer and an acrylic layer, andwherein the acrylic layer of the third dyad is disposed between the ceramic layer of the third dyad and the ceramic layer of the fourth dyad.

5. The electro-optic device of claim 4, wherein the second polymer multilayer is disposed between the second substrate and the second electrically conductive layer.

6. The electro-optic device of either one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the ceramic layer of the third dyad is disposed between the acrylic layer of the third dyad and the second electrically conductive layer, and wherein the acrylic layer of the fourth dyad is disposed between the ceramic layer of the fourth dyad and the second substrate.

7. The electro-optic device of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the polymer multilayer barrier coats at least one of the first and second ends of the electro-optic stack.

8. An electro-optic panel, comprising:a pair of laterally spaced substrates;a pair of laterally spaced electrically conductive layers disposed between the pair of substrates;an electrolyte layer disposed between the pair of electrically conductive layers; and a polymer multilayer barrier including a first polymer multilayer disposed between one of the pair of substrates and one of the pair of electrically conductive layers, the first polymer multilayer including a pair of organic layers and a pair of inorganic layers, wherein each of the pair of substrates and the first polymer multilayer extends between a pair of opposing ends, wherein a seal partially defines each of the pair of opposing ends, and wherein the first polymer multilayer is situated adjacent to the seal at each of the pair of opposing ends.

9. The electro-optic panel of claim 8, wherein the pair of organic layers include a first polymer layer disposed between the pair of inorganic layers.

10. The electro-optic panel of claim 9, wherein the pair of organic layers include a second polymer layer, and wherein one of the pair of inorganic layers is disposed between the first and second polymer layers.

11. The electro-optic panel of any one of claims 8-10, wherein the polymer multilayer barrier includes a second polymer multilayer extending between the pair of opposing ends, and wherein the pair of electrically conductive layers are disposed between the first and second polymer multilayers.

12. The electro-optic panel of any one of claims 8-11, wherein the polymer multilayer barrier includes a polymer multilayer coating surrounding an electro-optic stack including at least the pair of substrates, the pair of electrically conductive layers, the electrolyte layer, and the first polymer multilayer.

13. The electro-optic panel of any one of claims 8-12, wherein the pair of substrates are made of a plastic material.

14. An electro-optic panel for an electro-optic device, the electro-optic panel comprising:a first plastic substrate and a second plastic substrate spaced from the first plastic substrate;a first electrically conductive layer and a second electrically conductive layer spaced from the first electrically conductive layer, wherein the first electrically conductive layer and the second electrically conductive layer are disposed between the first plastic substrate and the second plastic substrate;an electrolyte layer disposed between the first electrically conductive layer and the second electrically conductive layer; anda polymer multilayer coating having alternating layers of organic material and inorganic material, wherein the polymer multilayer coating overlays at least one of the first plastic substrate and the second plastic substrate.

15. The electro-optic panel of claim 14, wherein the first plastic substrate has a first outer surface facing away from the second plastic substrate, wherein the second plastic substrate has a second outer surface facing away from the first plastic substrate, and wherein the polymer multilayer coating overlays both of the first outer surface and the second outer surface.

16. The electro-optic panel of either one of claims 14 and 15, wherein the first plastic substrate, the second plastic substrate, the first electrically conductive layer, the second electrically conductive layer, and the electrolyte layer form at least a portion of an electrooptic stack that extends between a first end and a second end, and wherein the polymer multilayer coating overlays at least one of the first end and the second end.

17. The electro-optic panel of claim 16, further comprising:a seal extending along a periphery of said electro-optic panel for containing the electrolyte layer within said electro-optic panel, wherein the polymer multilayer coating overlays the seal at each of the first end and the second end.

18. The electro-optic panel of any one of claims 14-17, wherein the alternating layers of organic material and inorganic material include a pair of ceramic layers and a pair of polymer layers.

19. The electro-optic panel of claim 18, wherein each of the pair of polymer layers is an acrylic layer.

20. The electro-optic panel of any one of claims 14-19, further comprising:a polymer multilayer disposed between the first plastic substrate and the first electrically conductive layer, wherein the polymer multilayer includes alternating layers of organic material and inorganic material.

Images