Patent Description:
<CIT> describes an electrochromic vision panel having a plurality of connectors. <CIT> describes an electrochromic assembly including at least one polymeric substrate. <CIT> describes displays with low driving voltage and anisotropic particles. <CIT> describes a vehicular mirror reflective element with an electrochromic film.

The claimed invention provides an electro-optic element as defined in appended independent claim <NUM>. Specific embodiments thereof are defined in the appended dependent claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Referring to <FIG>, reference numeral <NUM> generally designates an electro-optic element having a first substantially transparent substrate <NUM> having a first surface <NUM> and second surface <NUM> disposed on opposite sides thereof. The second surface <NUM> includes a first electrically conductive layer <NUM>. A second substantially transparent substrate <NUM> defines a third surface <NUM> and a fourth surface <NUM> disposed on opposite sides thereof. The third surface <NUM> includes a second electrically conductive layer <NUM>. At least one of the first and second substantially transparent substrates <NUM>, <NUM> includes a moisture resistant polymer. A primary seal <NUM> is positioned such that the primary seal <NUM> and the first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> define a cavity <NUM> therebetween. An electro-optic medium <NUM> is disposed in the cavity <NUM>. The electro-optic medium <NUM> is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic medium <NUM> is operable between generally clear and darkened states. A conductive polymeric barrier <NUM> is disposed between the first electrically conductive layer <NUM> and the electro-optic medium <NUM> and between the second electrically conductive layer <NUM> and the electro-optic medium <NUM>, wherein a perimeter edge of the polymeric barrier <NUM>, <NUM> is covered by the primary seal <NUM>, and wherein the polymeric barrier layer <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to resist gas transmission.

In at least one embodiment, a first isolation area <NUM> is disposed through the first electrically conductive layer <NUM> such that the first electrically conductive layer <NUM> is divided into a first conductive portion <NUM> and a second conductive portion <NUM>. In various embodiments, the first and second electrically conductive layers <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed of at least one of indium-tin-oxide, aluminum-doped zinc-oxide and indium-doped cadmium-oxide, carbon nanotubes, graphene, silver nanowires, a conductive polymer, a patterned metal mesh, patterned metal lines or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second electrically conductive layers <NUM>, <NUM> may be applied to the first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> after a thin adhesion enhancing layer such as chrome and/or a metal oxide, nitride or oxynitride such as SiO<NUM>, SiN and/or SiON is applied. The isolation area <NUM> is electrically isolating, thus preventing the first and second conductive portions <NUM>, <NUM> from being in electrical contact with each other. As such, the first isolation area <NUM> may be defined or so created with or without removing portions of electrode materials on the second surface <NUM>. It should also be understood that the isolation area <NUM> and the second conductive portion <NUM> are not necessary in all aspects of this disclosure.

Referring again to the depicted embodiment of <FIG>, a portion of the first isolation area <NUM> is shown to be extending parallel within a portion of the primary seal <NUM> located near the center thereof. It should be understood that the primary seal <NUM>, as used herein within this disclosure, may also include a plug that is introduced after the electro-optic medium <NUM> has been introduced within the electro-optic element <NUM>. In various embodiments, the primary seal <NUM> may be applied to the first or second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> by methods commonly used in the liquid crystal display (LCD) industry, such as by silkscreening or dispensing. This portion of the isolation area <NUM> may lie such that a viewer would not readily perceive a line between a first spectral filter portion <NUM> and a second spectral filter portion <NUM>. The first and second spectral filter portions <NUM>, <NUM> may incorporate a hiding layer such as a chrome ring, or other similar finish, to conceal the primary seal <NUM>. Accordingly, the first and second spectral filter portions <NUM>, <NUM> can be fabricated or otherwise contain opaque or mirror-like constituents (e.g., chrome-containing coatings, lustrous metals or other mirror-like coatings) with low optical transmissivity. For example, a portion of the isolation area <NUM> may be substantially aligned with an inboard edge of the second spectral filter portion <NUM>. It should be understood that when any portion of the isolation area <NUM> is located inboard of the primary seal <NUM>, a discontinuity in the coloring of the electro-optic medium <NUM> and/or clearing may be observed. This operational characteristic may be manipulated to derive a subjectively visually appealing element <NUM>. The isolation area <NUM> may also be of a dimension smaller than the eye can readily see, e.g., less than <NUM> wide. The primary seal <NUM> may also be applied to a perimeter of the first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM>, as explained in greater detail below.

In various embodiments, the first substrate <NUM> may be dimensionally mismatched (e.g., wider, longer or of a different shape) with the second substrate <NUM> to create an offset along at least a portion of the perimeter of the electro-optic element <NUM>. Similarly, the second substrate <NUM> can be the same size as, or larger than, the first substrate <NUM>. In some aspects, the first substrate <NUM> can be shaped, (e.g., with an edge having a continuously arcuate shape), to hide or mask the second substrate <NUM>, as detailed in <CIT>. The perimeter of the first or second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> of the electro-optic element <NUM> may have a molded edge, a cut edge, a ground edge, a beveled edge, a seamed edge, a laser cut edge, or combinations thereof. The first and/or second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> may include glass, plastic, glass-ceramic, ceramics, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> may have different compositions than one another. Plastic embodiments of the first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> may be advantageous in providing a weight reduction to the electro-optic element <NUM> or providing a chemical resistance to the electro-optic element <NUM>. Plastic embodiments of the substrates <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed via casting, injection molding, extrusion, or combinations thereof. Plastic embodiments of the substrates <NUM>, <NUM> may be in a rigid form, semi-flexible form, flexible form, or be a film form. According to the claimed invention, the first and/or second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> include a moisture resistant polymer, particularly a moisture resistant polymer including at least one of cyclo olefin, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyimide, high density polyethylene, polysulfone, acrylic, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyphenylene sulfide, poly(methyl methacrylate), other moisture resistant polymers and combinations thereof. Additionally, the first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> may be resistant to the penetration or transmission of gases (e.g., atmospheric gases, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, noble gases and/or combinations thereof). Further, in various embodiments, the polymer selected for the first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> may have a high melting temperature and/or glass transition temperature such that the first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> may withstand hot vacuum coating operations (e.g., to apply the first and second electrically conductive layers <NUM>, <NUM>). Some polymers exhibiting low oxygen or gas permeation may be moisture sensitive. Accordingly, in embodiments of the electro-optic element <NUM> utilizing moisture sensitive polymers (e.g., polymeric barrier <NUM>), the entirety of the polymer is placed inboard of the primary seal <NUM> or the polymer is positioned such that a portion of the seal <NUM> covers the perimeter edges of the polymer.

Disposed within the second electrically conductive layer <NUM> is a second isolation area <NUM>. The second isolation area <NUM> splits the second electrically conductive layer <NUM> into a third conductive portion <NUM> and a fourth conductive portion <NUM> which are shown proximate to the third surface <NUM> and substantially electrically insulated via the second isolation area <NUM>. A portion of the second isolation area <NUM> is shown to be extending parallel within a portion of the primary seal <NUM> located near the center thereof. Further, this portion of the second isolation area <NUM> may lie such that a viewer would not readily perceive a line within the spectral filter material. For example, a portion of the second isolation area <NUM> may be substantially aligned with an inboard edge of a third spectral filter portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the second isolation area <NUM> may extend to the outbound edge of the second substrate <NUM> in such a way as to eliminate the fourth conductive portion <NUM>. In other implementations, the second isolation area <NUM> and the fourth conductive portion <NUM> may not be present. An optional optical layer <NUM> may be applied between an overcoat <NUM> (also optional) and the third conductive portion <NUM>. The optical layer <NUM> may be reflective (e.g., through use of a metal reflector), transmissive, or may have a combination of partially reflective and partially transmissive properties. In some embodiments, the optical layer <NUM> may be configured as any of the partially reflective, partially transmissive ("transflective") coatings disclosed in <CIT>.

With further reference to the exemplary electro-optic element <NUM> depicted in <FIG>, the first isolation area <NUM> cooperates with a portion of the primary seal <NUM> to define the second conductive portion <NUM> and the second spectral filter portion <NUM>, each substantially electrically insulated from the first conductive portion <NUM> and the first spectral filter portion <NUM>. This configuration allows for placement of a first conductive material <NUM> (e.g., a silver-containing conductive epoxy, a conductive solder, ultrasonic solder, metal solder, conductive frit, a wire or other material capable of electrical transfer) adjacent to the primary seal <NUM> such that a first electrical clip <NUM>, which is in contact with the primary seal <NUM>, is further in electrical communication with the first conductive material <NUM>, the third conductive portion <NUM>, the second conductive portion <NUM>, and the electro-optic medium <NUM>. The material, or composition of materials, forming the third conductive portion <NUM> and the first conductive material <NUM> may be chosen to promote durable electrical communication between the first electrical clip <NUM> and the materials leading to the electro-optic medium <NUM>.

The second isolation area <NUM> of the exemplary electro-optic element <NUM> cooperates with a portion of the primary seal <NUM> to define the fourth conductive portion <NUM> (if present) that is substantially electrically insulated from the third conductive portion <NUM>, the optical layer <NUM>, the optional overcoat <NUM> and the electro-optic medium <NUM>. This configuration allows for placement of a second conductive material <NUM> adjacent to the primary seal <NUM> such that a second electrical clip <NUM> is in electrical communication with the second conductive material <NUM>, the third spectral filter portion <NUM>, the first conductive portion <NUM> and the electro-optic medium <NUM>. The material, or composition of materials, forming the second conductive material <NUM> and the first conductive portion <NUM>, may be chosen to promote durable electrical communication between the second electrical clip <NUM> and the materials leading to the electro-optic medium <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the electro-optic element <NUM> may be an electrochromic element. In such embodiments, the electro-optic medium <NUM> may be an electrochromic medium, which includes at least one solvent or plasticizer, at least one anodic material, and at least one cathodic material. Typically, both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of them is electrochromic. It will be understood that regardless of its ordinary meaning, the term "electroactive" will be defined herein as a material that undergoes a modification in its oxidation state upon exposure to a particular electrical potential difference. Additionally, it will be understood that the term "electrochromic" will be defined herein, regardless of its ordinary meaning, as a material that exhibits a change in its extinction coefficient at one or more wavelengths upon exposure to a particular electrical potential difference. Electrochromic components, as described herein, include materials whose color or opacity are affected by electric current, such that when an electrical field is applied to the material, the color or opacity changes from a first phase to a second phase. The electrochromic component may be a single-layer, single-phase component, multi-layer component, or multi-phase component, as described in <CIT> entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC LAYER AND DEVICES COMPRISING SAME," <CIT> entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC COMPOUNDS," <CIT> entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC MEDIUM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A PRE-SELECTED COLOR," <CIT>entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC COMPOUNDS,"<CIT> entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC MEDIA FOR PRODUCING A PRE-SELECTED COLOR,"<CIT> entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC SYSTEM," <CIT> entitled "NEAR INFRARED-ABSORBING ELECTROCHROMIC COMPOUNDS AND DEVICES COMPRISING SAME," <CIT>entitled "COUPLED ELECTROCHROMIC COMPOUNDS WITH PHOTOSTABLE DICATION OXIDATION STATES," and <CIT>entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC MEDIA WITH CONCENTRATION ENHANCED STABILITY, PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION THEREOF AND USE IN ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES"; <CIT> entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICE"; and International Patent Application Serial Nos. <CIT> entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC POLYMERIC SOLID FILMS, MANUFACTURING ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES USING SUCH SOLID FILMS, AND PROCESSES FOR MAKING SUCH SOLID FILMS AND DEVICES," <CIT> entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC POLYMER SYSTEM," and <CIT> entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC POLYMERIC SOLID FILMS, MANUFACTURING ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES USING SUCH SOLID FILMS, AND PROCESSES FOR MAKING SUCH SOLID FILMS AND DEVICES".

In the depicted embodiment, the conductive polymeric barrier <NUM> is positioned between the first conductive portion <NUM> of the first electrically conductive layer <NUM> and the cavity <NUM> and/or between the electrically conductive layer <NUM> and the cavity <NUM>. In embodiments where the polymeric barrier <NUM> is not electrically conductive, the barrier <NUM> may be placed between either substrates <NUM>, <NUM> and the conductive layers <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the depicted embodiment, the conductive polymeric barrier <NUM> is depicted as positioned between the first and third spectral filter portions <NUM>, <NUM>, but at least a portion of the polymeric barrier <NUM> may be disposed on the first and third spectral filter portions <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the polymeric barrier <NUM> may be positioned between the first conductive portion <NUM> and the first and third spectral filter portions <NUM>, <NUM>, or the polymeric barrier <NUM> may be positioned between the first and third spectral filter portions <NUM>, <NUM> and the electro-optic medium <NUM>. The electro-optic element <NUM> additionally includes a second polymeric barrier <NUM> positioned proximate the third surface <NUM>. In the depicted embodiment, the second polymeric barrier <NUM> is positioned between the third conductive portion <NUM> and the optical layer <NUM>. In other embodiments, the second polymeric barrier <NUM> may be positioned between the third surface <NUM> and the third conductive portion <NUM>, between the optical layer <NUM> and the overcoat <NUM>, or between the overcoat <NUM> and the electro-optic medium <NUM>. According to the claimed invention, the polymeric barrier <NUM> and the second polymeric barrier <NUM> are configured to resist the penetration of gases (e.g., hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and/or noble gases). The polymeric barrier <NUM> may include a crystalline polymer, polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinylidene chloride, polymers made from vinylidene chloride, polyepichlorohydrin, nylon, polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), isotactic polypropylene, atactic polypropylene, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, other polymers having low gas permeability and/or combinations thereof. The polymeric barrier <NUM> and second polymeric barrier <NUM> may have different compositions. The polymeric barrier <NUM> and the second polymeric barrier <NUM> may be composed of multiple layers of polymers or multiple layers of polymers and layers of inorganic metal oxides. In various embodiments, the polymeric barrier <NUM> and second polymeric barrier <NUM> may be "sealed" within the electro-optic element <NUM> by being placed inboard of the primary seal <NUM> and/or the first and third spectral filter portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the polymeric barrier <NUM> and second polymeric barrier <NUM> may be doped, impregnated or otherwise rendered electrically conductive with the use of a transparent conductor or conductive material. Use of polymeric materials for the polymeric barrier <NUM> and second polymeric barrier <NUM> which are not electrically conductive may result in a malfunction or failure of the electro-optic element <NUM> due to the first and/or third conductive portions <NUM>, <NUM> not having sufficient electrical contact with the electro-optic medium <NUM>. Accordingly, the polymeric barrier <NUM> and second polymeric barrier <NUM> may be doped, impregnated or mixed with the transparent conductor or conductive material. The transparent conductor or conductive material may include indium-tin-oxide, doped tin oxide, zinc oxide, conductive metals, carbon nanotubes, conductive polymer nanofibers, other conductive materials and/or combinations thereof in sufficient quantities to render the polymeric barrier <NUM> and second polymeric barrier <NUM> electrically conductive. In various embodiments, the transparent conductor may be dispersed within the polymeric barrier <NUM> and second polymeric barrier <NUM> as a multitude of nano-scale particles such that light (e.g., visible light) is not substantially scattered, a haze is not produced and the polymeric barrier <NUM> remains largely optically transparent. The haze of the barrier <NUM> may be less than about <NUM>%, less than about <NUM>%, less than about <NUM>%, less than about <NUM>% or less than about <NUM>%. It will be understood that the polymeric barrier <NUM> and the second polymeric barrier <NUM> may have different compositions and particle sizes of the transparent conductor than one another without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

Referring now to <FIG>, depicted is an embodiment of the electro-optic element <NUM> utilizing a patterned electrically conductive mesh <NUM> as the first electrically conductive layer <NUM>. The mesh <NUM> may be continuous, semi-continuous or non-continuous. As explained above, the conductive mesh <NUM> of the first and second electrically conductive layers <NUM>, <NUM> may be composed of, for example, silver nanowires, copper, carbon nanotubes and/or graphene. In some embodiments, the material of the mesh <NUM> may not be electrochemically stable. In such embodiments, the barrier layer <NUM> or the second barrier layer <NUM> may coat the patterned mesh <NUM> and be sufficiently thick to render the first and second electrically conductive layers <NUM>, <NUM> electrochemically stable to oxidation and/or reduction, or passivate the first and second electrically conductive layers <NUM>, <NUM> to protect them from damage during element <NUM> operation. The mesh <NUM> may have sufficient thickness such that conductive peaks <NUM> are formed with corresponding valleys <NUM>. The conductivity of the polymeric barrier <NUM> may be sufficient that the valleys <NUM> are electro-optically active. For electrochromic devices this may mean that oxidation and reduction of the electro-optic material <NUM> within the valleys <NUM> may take place.

An exemplary manufacturing method is hereinafter detailed. First, moisture resistant polymeric embodiments of the first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> are provided. Next, the first and second electrically conductive layers <NUM>, <NUM> are applied to the respective second and third surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> in a hot vacuum process. Next, the polymeric barrier <NUM> and the second polymeric barrier <NUM> are applied to the respective first and second electrically conductive layers <NUM>, <NUM>. Finally, completing assembly of the electro-optic element <NUM> is performed.

Referring now to <FIG>, depicted are schematic embodiments of the electro-optic element <NUM> with different schematic embodiments of the primary seal <NUM>. The primary seal <NUM> may be positioned between the first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>) or extend on a perimeter of the first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM>. In the depicted embodiment, the primary seal <NUM> may extend onto the first surface <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the primary seal <NUM> may exist between the first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM>, exist on the perimeter of the substrates <NUM>, <NUM>, exist on the first and fourth surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, and combinations thereof. The polymeric barrier <NUM> and second polymeric barrier <NUM> may extend between the first or second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> and the primary seal <NUM>.

Use of this disclosure may offer several advantages. For example, the use of polymeric materials for the first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> may offer a weight savings over traditional glass substrates. Frequently, polymeric materials are either moisture resistant or have a low gas permeability, but not both. As such, use of a moisture resistant polymer for the first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM>, while offering a weight savings, may expose the electro-optic medium <NUM> to gases (e.g., oxygen) present in the environment of the electro-optic element <NUM> that may permeate through the substrates <NUM>, <NUM> and damage the electro-optic medium <NUM>. However, use of the polymeric barrier <NUM> and the second polymeric barrier <NUM>, in low gas permeability embodiments, prevents the penetration of gas (e.g., oxygen) into the electro-optic medium <NUM>, while still providing sufficient electrical communication to function the electro-optic element <NUM>. Additionally, selecting a high melting temperature polymer for the first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> allows for the application of the first and second electrically conductive layers <NUM>, <NUM> without damage to the first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM>. By selecting a moisture resistant polymer for the first and second substrates <NUM>, <NUM> and positioning the polymeric barrier <NUM> and the second polymeric barrier <NUM> inboard of the primary seal <NUM>, or inboard of the outermost portion of the primary seal <NUM>, a moisture resistant and gas resistant electro-optic element <NUM> may be achieved.

The present disclosure may be used with a rearview assembly such as that described in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>; <CIT> and<CIT>; and <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>. Further, the present disclosure may be used with a rearview packaging assembly such as that described in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>; and <CIT>; and <CIT>. Additionally, it is contemplated that the present disclosure can include a bezel such as that described in <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

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 unless specifically defined in the appended independent claims.

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 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.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, is 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.

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.

Claim 1:
An electro-optic element (<NUM>) comprising:
a first substantially transparent substrate (<NUM>) having first and second surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed on opposite sides thereof, wherein the second surface (<NUM>) comprises a first electrically conductive layer (<NUM>);
a second substantially transparent substrate (<NUM>) having third and fourth surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed on opposite sides thereof, wherein the third surface (<NUM>) comprises a second electrically conductive layer (<NUM>), further wherein at least one of the first and second substantially transparent substrates (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprise a moisture resistant polymer;
a primary seal (<NUM>) positioned such that the primary seal (<NUM>) and the first and second substrates (<NUM>, <NUM>) define a cavity (<NUM>) therebetween;
an electro-optic medium (<NUM>) disposed in the cavity (<NUM>), the electro-optic medium (<NUM>) being variably transmissive such that the electro-optic medium (<NUM>) is operable between generally clear and darkened states; and
a polymeric barrier (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed between the first electrically conductive layer (<NUM>) and the electro-optic medium (<NUM>) and between the second electrically conductive layer (<NUM>) and the electro-optic medium (<NUM>), wherein a perimeter edge of the polymeric barrier (<NUM>, <NUM>) is covered by the primary seal (<NUM>), and wherein the polymeric barrier (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to resist gas transmission.