PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11960173-B1
Application Number: US-202217675475-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Switchable panel with tension control components

Abstract:
A switchable panel is described that includes exterior layers, a switchable component disposed between the exterior layers, a lamination frame extending from outer edges of the switchable component to outer edges of the panel between the exterior layers, and spacers embedded within the lamination frame. The spacers are configured to prohibit the exterior layers from moving toward each other at the outer edges of the panel when a central portion of the panel experiences tension.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A panel, comprising:
 a first exterior layer and a second exterior layer; 
 a switchable component disposed between the first exterior layer and the second exterior layer; 
 a first spacer having an elongated body having an ovular shape, the ovular shape comprising distal ends, each of the distal ends of the first spacer adhered to opposing interior surfaces of the switchable component; 
 a lamination frame extending from an outer edge of the switchable component to an outer edge of the panel between the first exterior layer and the second exterior layer; and 
 a second spacer having an elongated body having an ovular shape, the ovular shape comprising distal ends, each of distal ends of the second spacer embedded within the lamination frame, 
 wherein the first spacer and the second spacer are configured to prohibit the first exterior layer and the second exterior layer from moving toward each other at the outer edge of the panel when a central portion of the panel experiences tension. 
 
     
     
       2. The panel of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first lamination layer and a second lamination layer disposed between the lamination frame and the first exterior layer and the second exterior layer. 
 
     
     
       3. The panel of  claim 2 , wherein the second spacer has a height that extends from the first exterior layer, across the first lamination layer, the second lamination layer, and the lamination frame, to the second exterior layer. 
     
     
       4. The panel of  claim 2 , wherein the lamination frame is formed from a material having a stiffness greater than a stiffness of a material that forms the first lamination layer and the second lamination layer. 
     
     
       5. The panel of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 an electrical connection extending from the outer edge of the switchable component along at least one of the first lamination layer or the second lamination layer and beyond the outer edge of the panel, the electrical connection providing control signals to the switchable component. 
 
     
     
       6. The panel of  claim 2 , wherein the lamination frame is formed from PET and the first lamination layer and the second lamination layer are formed from PVB. 
     
     
       7. The panel of  claim 2 , wherein the first lamination layer and the second lamination layer each comprise at least one of PVB, PET, or another heat-softened, adhesive, light-transmissive material. 
     
     
       8. The panel of  claim 1 , wherein the switchable component is a liquid crystal (LC) film, the LC film comprising:
 a first LC exterior layer and a second LC exterior layer; and 
 an LC interior layer disposed between the first LC exterior layer and the second LC exterior layer, formed of a viscous material, and having a cell gap height. 
 
     
     
       9. The panel of  claim 8 , wherein the second spacer is disposed within the LC interior layer, wherein the second spacer disposed within the LC interior layer extends across the cell gap height between the first LC exterior layer and the second LC exterior layer, and wherein the viscous material is able to flow around the second spacer disposed within the LC interior layer. 
     
     
       10. The panel of  claim 1 , wherein the first exterior layer and the second exterior layer each comprise at least one of glass, polycarbonate, or another solid, light-transmissive material. 
     
     
       11. A panel, comprising:
 a first exterior layer and a second exterior layer spaced apart a predetermined distance; 
 a first lamination layer and a second lamination layer disposed between the first exterior layer and the second exterior layer and extending to an outer edge of the panel; 
 a switchable component disposed between the first lamination layer and the second lamination layer; 
 a spacer having an elongated body and an ovular shape with distal ends adhered to opposing interior surfaces of the switchable component,
 wherein a position of the spacer is fixed, and 
 wherein the spacer prohibits the first exterior layer and the second exterior layer from moving toward each other at the outer edge of the panel when a central portion of the panel experiences tension to maintain at least ninety percent of the predetermined distance between the first exterior layer and the second exterior layer at the outer edge of the panel; and 
 
 a lamination frame extending from an outer edge of the switchable component to the outer edge of the panel between the first lamination layer and the second lamination layer, 
 wherein the lamination frame is formed from a material having a stiffness greater than a stiffness of a material that forms the first lamination layer and the second lamination layer. 
 
     
     
       12. The panel of  claim 11 , wherein the lamination frame is formed from PET and the first lamination layer and the second lamination layer are formed from PVB. 
     
     
       13. The panel of  claim 11 , wherein the switchable component is a liquid crystal (LC) film, the LC film comprising:
 a first LC exterior layer and a second LC exterior layer; and 
 a LC interior layer disposed between the first LC exterior layer and the second LC exterior layer, 
 wherein the spacer is disposed within the LC interior layer, and wherein viscous material within the LC interior layer is able to flow around the spacer. 
 
     
     
       14. The panel of  claim 13 , wherein the spacer has a pair of distal ends, and wherein one of the distal ends is bonded to the first LC exterior layer of the switchable component and another of the distal ends is bonded to the second LC exterior layer of the switchable component. 
     
     
       15. The panel of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 an electrical connection extending from the outer edge of the switchable component along at least one of the first lamination layer or the second lamination layer and beyond the outer edge of the panel, the electrical connection providing control signals to the switchable component. 
 
     
     
       16. A panel, comprising:
 a first panel exterior layer spaced apart a predetermined distance from a second panel exterior layer; and 
 a switchable component disposed between the first panel exterior layer and the second panel exterior layer, the switchable component comprising:
 a first switchable component exterior layer and a second switchable component exterior layer; 
 a liquid crystal (LC) interior layer including a viscous material and disposed between the first switchable component exterior layer and the second switchable component exterior layer; and 
 switchable component spacers, each switchable component spacer having an elongated, ovoid shape with opposing distal ends that are anchored to opposing interior surfaces of the first switchable component exterior layer and the second switchable component exterior layer at a fixed location within the LC interior layer that is spaced from a location of another one of the switchable component spacers, 
 wherein the viscous material flows around the switchable component spacers, and 
 wherein the switchable component spacers prohibit tension experienced by a central portion of the panel from causing a change in the predetermined distance of greater than ten percent. 
 
 
     
     
       17. The panel of  claim 16 , wherein each of the opposing distal ends is bonded to one of the respective opposing interior surfaces of the first switchable component exterior layer or the second switchable component exterior layer. 
     
     
       18. The panel of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 a first lamination layer disposed between the switchable component and the first panel exterior layer; and 
 a second lamination layer disposed between the switchable component and the second panel exterior layer. 
 
     
     
       19. The panel of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 a lamination frame extending from an outer edge of the switchable component to an outer edge of the panel between the first lamination layer and the second lamination layer; and 
 a frame spacer embedded within the lamination frame, the frame spacer embedded within the lamination frame, having an elongated body having an ovular shape and opposing distal ends, and configured to prohibit the first panel exterior layer and the second panel exterior layer from moving toward each other at the outer edge of the panel when the central portion of the panel experiences tension. 
 
     
     
       20. The panel of  claim 19 , wherein the frame spacer embedded within the lamination frame has a height that extends from the first panel exterior layer, across the first lamination layer, the second lamination layer, and the lamination frame, to the second panel exterior layer.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/751,636, filed on Jan. 24, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/806,088, filed on Feb. 15, 2019. The content of the foregoing application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to switchable panels and in particular to switchable panels used to control light transmission through laminated glass or glazing. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Panels or glazings, such as those made of glass, polycarbonate, plastic, composite, or other light-transmissive material, have optical properties that determine functionality of the panel, such as panel transmittance. Switchable materials, such as flexible liquid crystal (LC) films, can be used in combination with other materials within a laminated glazing or panel to selectively modify various optical properties of the panel, such as to selectively provide a shield from sunlight or privacy within a vehicle cabin or office, thus serving as a switchable panel. The lamination process to form a switchable panel inclusive of the LC film can subject the LC film to potential defects that negatively impact both aesthetics and function of the switchable panel. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a panel that includes exterior layers, lamination layers extending between the exterior layers to outer edges of the panel, a switchable component extending between the lamination layers and having a switchable component height, and a tension control component that prohibits a change of greater than ten percent to the switchable component height when tension is applied to the panel. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a panel that includes exterior layers, lamination layers extending between the exterior layers to outer edges of the panel, a switchable component extending between the lamination layers and having a switchable component height, an electrical connection extending from an edge of the switchable component along at least one of the lamination layers and beyond an outer edge of the panel, the electrical connection providing control signals to the switchable component, and a lamination frame extending from outer edges of the switchable component to the outer edges of the panel between the lamination layers. The lamination frame is formed from a material that prohibits tension and compression during lamination from causing a change in the switchable component height greater than ten percent. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a panel that includes panel exterior layers, lamination layers extending between the panel exterior layers to outer edges of the panel, and a switchable component extending between the lamination layers and having a switchable component height. The switchable component includes switchable component exterior layers, a liquid crystal (LC) layer extending between the switchable component exterior layers and having a cell gap height that forms a portion of the switchable component height, and spacers disposed within the LC layer that extend across the full cell gap height and are bonded at opposing ends to the LC exterior layers to prohibit tension and compression during lamination from causing a change in the cell gap height greater than ten percent. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a panel that includes exterior layers, a switchable component disposed between the exterior layers, a lamination frame extending from outer edges of the switchable component to outer edges of the panel between the exterior layers, and spacers embedded within the lamination frame. The spacers are configured to prohibit the exterior layers from moving toward each other at the outer edges of the panel when a central portion of the panel experiences tension. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a panel that includes exterior layers, lamination layers disposed between the exterior layers and extending to outer edges of the panel, a switchable component disposed between the lamination layers, and spacers adhered to an interior surface of the switchable component. Positions of the spacers prohibit the exterior layers from moving toward each other at the outer edges of the panel when a central portion of the panel experiences tension. The panel also includes a lamination frame extending from outer edges of the switchable component to the outer edges of the panel between the lamination layers. The lamination frame is formed from a material having a stiffness greater than a stiffness of a material that forms the lamination layers. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a panel that includes panel exterior layers and a switchable component disposed between the panel exterior layers. The switchable component includes switchable component exterior layers, a liquid crystal (LC) interior layer including a viscous material and disposed between the switchable component exterior layers, and spacers anchored within the LC interior layer. The viscous material flows around the spacers. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a plan view illustration showing a switchable panel. 
         FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional view of the panel of  FIG.  1    taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  are detail views of an LC film embedded in the panel of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  are detail views of the LC film of  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  including various tension control components. 
         FIGS.  5 A,  5 B,  5 C,  5 D, and  5 E  are cross-sectional views of the panel of  FIG.  1    taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG.  1    including various tension control components. 
         FIG.  6    is a block diagram that shows a panel control system. 
         FIG.  7    is an illustration showing an example of a hardware configuration for a controller. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Switchable panels for use in vehicle cabins or office buildings can be formed using lamination of glass or other light-transmissive materials with light-transmissive switchable devices or components, such as suspended particle devices, electrochromic devices, polymer dispersed liquid crystal (LC) devices, and guest host liquid crystal (LC) devices. Avoiding defects that become visible during use of the switchable panel requires an overall height of the switchable component to be maintained both during and after the lamination process, that is, defect-free functionality requires managing both compressive and tensile forces applied to the switchable component during temperature and pressure cycling experienced during the lamination and glazing process. 
     Minimizing height changes to a switchable component caused by compressive forces can be accomplished using spacers that float, for example, within a liquid crystal (LC) layer between exterior layers that contain the LC layer. Minimizing height changes caused by tensile forces during lamination and curing can require additional tension control components. These tension control components can include lamination frames that surround the switchable component, changes in height to layers of the switchable component and/or the panel, changes in width of the overall switchable component, changes to materials forming various lamination components, and bonding or adhesion of the spacers within the switchable component to its exterior layers. Other tension control components are also described below. The tension control components can be used either individually or in various combinations to best minimize height changes of the switchable component caused by tensile forces and thus to minimize defects. 
       FIG.  1    is a plan view illustration showing a switchable, laminated glazing or panel, designated generally as panel  100 . The panel  100  may be used, for example, in a vehicle windshield, side window, sunroof, backlight, or in another application, such as in building construction as an office window. The panel  100  can include various internal layers having optical properties, safety properties, and adhesive properties in a stack-up further described below. The panel  100  can have outer edges  102  and can include a switchable component such as an LC film  104  designated in dotted line to indicate its internal position within the panel  100 . The LC film  104  can extend near or adjacent to the outer edges  102  of the panel  100  without reaching the outer edges  102  as shown. In other embodiments, described below, the LC film  104  can extend to the outer edges  102  of the panel  100 . The panel  100  can also include an edge treatment (not shown) suitable for allowing the panel to be held, for example, in a frame (not shown). 
     The panel  100  can include an electrical connection  106 . The electrical connection  106  is connected to a power source and/or to a controller to provide electrical power and/or control signals to the LC film  104  that is incorporated in the panel  100 . Electrical power and/or control signals passing through the electrical connection  106  to the LC film  104  can be used to modify a degree of light transmission through the panel  100 . For example, an amount of light transmitted through the panel  100  may be controllable by a voltage of a control signal delivered to the LC film  104  by the electrical connection  106 , producing, for example, a tint or darkening of the panel  100  as perceived by an occupant inside a vehicle or a pedestrian outside the vehicle. The electrical connection  106  may incorporate transparent electrodes, such as indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes, to allow control of the variable light-transmissive properties of the LC film  104  within the panel  100 . 
       FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional view of the panel  100  of  FIG.  1    taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG.  1   . For clarity, the cross-section in  FIG.  2    will be described as panel  200 . The panel  200  includes outer edges  202 , an embedded switchable component, e.g. LC film  204 , that does not extend to the outer edges  202  of the panel  200 , and an electrical connection  206  similar to those described in reference to  FIG.  1   . The panel  200  also includes exterior layers  208 ,  210 , lamination layers  212 ,  214 , and a lamination frame  216 . 
     The LC film  204  is generally thin, having a height, for example, between 10 microns and 30 microns (micrometers). Construction of the LC film  204  is described further below in respect to  FIGS.  3 A to  3 C . The LC film  204  can be laminated between the exterior layers  208 ,  210  of the panel  200  using heat, pressure, and adhesion of the lamination layers  212 ,  214  and the lamination frame  216  to the exterior layers  208 ,  210  according to a traditional lamination and curing process, for example, using vacuum bagging and autoclaving. Other lamination processes to adhere the components are also possible. 
     The exterior layers  208 ,  210  can be formed from glass or polycarbonate. Other exterior materials are also possible, with the exterior materials generally being solid in form as well as having light-transmissive material properties. The exterior layers  208 ,  210  can also have strength and safety properties, such as anti-shatter or bulletproof-type construction. 
     The lamination layers  212 ,  214  and the lamination frame  216  can be formed from polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Other lamination materials are also possible, with the lamination materials (e.g., the lamination layers  212 ,  214  and the lamination frame  216 ) generally having light-transmissive, heat-softening, and adhesive-bonding material properties. 
     The lamination layers  212 ,  214  can extend the length of the exterior layers  208 ,  210  as shown. The lamination frame  216  can extend from outer edges of the embedded LC film  204  to the outer edges  202  of the panel  200  between the lamination layers  212 ,  214  as shown. A width of the lamination frame  216  can be, for example, 10 mm to 30 mm. Thus, a width of the lamination frame  216  can be hundreds or thousands of times a height of the LC film  204  (i.e., when the height of the LC film  204  is between 10 microns and 30 microns). The lamination frame  216  can protect edges of the LC film  204  from damage by environmental elements and protect surfaces of the LC film  204  from tensile and compressive forces during lamination processes by resisting any bending of the exterior layers  208 ,  210  at the outer edges  202  of the panel  200 . 
       FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  are detail views of the LC film  204  embedded in the panel  200  of  FIG.  2   . For clarity, the detail views in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  will be described as LC film  304 . The LC film  304  includes exterior layers  318 ,  320 , a liquid crystal (LC) layer  322 , and spacers  324 . The distances between the exterior layers  318 ,  320  are denoted as cell gaps  326 ,  326 ′ to denote height differences in the cell gaps  326 ,  326 ′ in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B . 
     The exterior layers  318 ,  320  can be formed, for example, of PVB or PET lined with an ITO coating or other type of electrode-based coating or framework. Other light-transmissive materials for forming the exterior layers  318 ,  320  are also possible. The exterior layers  318 ,  320  are designed to both electrically communicate with and contain the LC layer  322  either with or without an additional seal (not shown). The spacers  324  are disposed, generally free floating, within the LC layer  322  and can be formed, for example, of glass, polycarbonate, or other substantially solid materials with light-transmissive properties. 
     As best shown in  FIG.  3 A , the spacers  324  can be sized and shaped to prohibit compressive forces (e.g., designated by arrows heading toward each of the exterior layers  318 ,  320  in  FIG.  3 A ) from collapsing the cell gap  326  more than ten percent of its overall height during lamination or use of the LC film  304 . That is, the cell gap  326  has a design-intent height sufficient for function of the LC film  304  and avoidance of defect visibility during operation of the LC film  304 , changes to which may risk occurrence of defects. Though shown in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  as ovular, other shapes for the spacers  324  such as circular, square, rectangular, etc. are also possible. As best shown in  FIG.  3 B , use of the free-floating spacers  324  alone can fail to prohibit tensive forces (e.g., designated by arrows heading away from each of the exterior layers  318 ,  320  in  FIG.  3 B ) from increasing a height of the cell gap  326 ′ during lamination. 
     In comparing  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , the cell gap  326 ′ can increase to a value between five percent and twenty-five percent larger than the cell gap  326  due to tension experienced during lamination. When the expanded cell gap  326 ′ increases in height over the design-intent cell gap  326  in this manner, defects can form in the LC film  304 . For example, discolored areas, dark splotches, variations in shading, or other visible deformities can occur if the expanded cell gap  326 ′ is more than ten percent greater than the design-intent cell gap  326 . The expanded call gap  326 ′ of  FIG.  3 B  can be caused by the LC film  304  experiencing tension due to hardening and softening of components, such as the lamination layers  212 ,  214  within the panel  200  of  FIG.  2    during the lamination process. Any defects that may occur generally have a symmetric geometric pattern due to the symmetric construction of the panel  200  and the symmetric application of tension and compression during lamination. 
       FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  are detail views of the LC film  304  of  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  including tension control components. For clarity, the detail views in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  will be described as LC film  404 . The LC film  404  includes exterior layers  418 ,  420  in  FIGS.  4 A and  418   ′,  420 ′ in  FIG.  4 B , a liquid crystal (LC) layer  422 , and spacers  424 ′ in  FIGS.  4 A and  424    in  FIG.  4 B . The distance between the exterior layers  418 ,  420  is denoted as cell gap  426  which has a design-intent height conducive to avoiding visible defects in the LC film  404 . 
     In  FIG.  4 A , the tension control component is the spacers  424 ′ in that the spacers  424 ′ include an adhesive or other bonding material (not shown) in addition to longer or larger bodies as shown. The spacers  424 ′ are adhered or bonded at opposing ends to the exterior layers  418 ,  420  of the LC film  404  during manufacture of the LC film  404  so that neither tension nor compression will cause a change in a height of the LC gap  426  sufficient to generate defects in the LC film  404 . Since the LC layer  422  is formed of a movable, or viscous, material that is able to flow around the bonded or secured spacers  424 ′, the switchable properties of the LC film  404  are maintained. The secured or bonded spacers  424 ′ are formed from glass, acrylic, photo-resistive, and/or inert materials that do not impact function of the LC film  404 . 
     In  FIG.  4 B , the tension control component is a height or thickness increase of the exterior layers  418 ′,  420 ′ of the LC film  404  as compared to a height of the exterior layers  418 ,  420  shown in  FIG.  4 A . For example, by doubling or tripling the height of the exterior layers  418 ′,  420 ′ of the LC film  404 , the LC film  404  becomes more rigid and is less likely to experience an increase in height of the cell gap  426  when under tension during lamination of the panel  200 . For example, the increase in thickness of the exterior layers  418 ′,  420 ′ can be sufficient to prohibit tension and/or compression during lamination from causing more than a ten percent change in height of the cell gap  426 . 
     As is true of the exterior layers  418 ,  420  of  FIG.  4 A , the taller or thicker exterior layers  418 ′,  420 ′ of  FIG.  4 B  can be formed for example, of PVB, PET, or other light-transmissive material that is lined with an ITO coating or other type of electrode that allows electrical communication, for example, with the electrical connection  206  of the panel  200  of  FIG.  2    when the LC film  404  is embedded within the panel  200  in a manner similar to that shown in  FIG.  2   . 
       FIGS.  5 A,  5 B,  5 C,  5 D, and  5 E  are cross-sectional views of the panel  100  of  FIG.  1    taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG.  1    that describe various tension control components. For clarity, the cross-sectional views in  FIGS.  5 A to  5 E  will be described as panel  500 . The panel  500  includes outer edges  502  and an embedded switchable component, e.g. LC film  504  in  FIGS.  5 A,  5 B,  5 D , and and LC film  504 ′ in  FIG.  5 C . Though described as LC films  504 ,  504 ′, other switchable component types such as suspended particle devices or electrochromic devices can be used as the embedded switchable component. 
     The panel  500  includes exterior layers  508 ,  510  in  FIGS.  5 B,  5 C,  5 D, and  5 E and  508   ′,  510 ′ in  FIG.  5 A , lamination layers  512 ,  514 , and lamination frame  516  in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 E,  516   ′ in  FIGS.  5 B, and  516   ″ in  FIG.  5 D . Finally, the panel  500  includes spacers  524  in  FIG.  5 E . The distance between the exterior layers  508 ,  508 ′ and  510 ,  510 ′ is denoted as switchable component height  526  which has a design-intent height conducive to avoiding defects in the LC films  504 ,  504 ′. The construction of the similarly named components between  FIG.  2    and  FIGS.  5 A to  5 E  is similar. Thus, mostly the differences between  FIG.  2    and each of the  FIGS.  5 A to  5 E  will be highlighted below, with these differences directed to various tension control components that prohibit a defect-inducing change to the switchable component height  526  when tension is applied to the panel  500 . 
     In  FIG.  5 A , the tension control component is a height or thickness increase of the exterior layers  508 ′,  510 ′ of the panel  500  as compared to a height of the exterior layers  508 ,  510  shown in  FIGS.  5 B,  5 C,  5 D, and  5 E . For example, by adding ten to thirty percent to the height of the exterior layers  508 ′,  510 ′, the panel  500  becomes more rigid and is less likely to cause an increase in the switchable component height  526  when the panel  500  is under tension during lamination. For example, the increase in thickness of the exterior layers  508 ′,  510 ′ can be sufficient to prohibit tension and/or compression during lamination from causing more than a ten percent change in the switchable component height  526 , avoiding defects in the LC film  504 . 
     In  FIG.  5 B , the tension control component is a change in material used to form the lamination frame  516 ′ as compared to the material used for the lamination layers  512 ,  514  and the lamination frames  516 ,  516 ″ shown in  FIGS.  5 A,  5 D, and  5 E . That is, the lamination frame  516 ′ and the lamination frames  516 ,  516 ″ have different material properties as shown using different shading in the cross sections. For example, the lamination frame  516 ′ can be formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) while the lamination frames  516 ,  516 ″ are formed from polyvinyl butyral (PVB). A width of the lamination frame  516 ′ can be, for example, 10 mm to 30 mm. 
     There are several benefits to using, for example, PET to form the lamination frame  516 ′. First, PET can have a greater material stiffness while undergoing pressure and temperature changes than PVB, allowing the lamination frame  516 ′ to have a stiffness sufficient to prohibit tension and/or compression during lamination from causing more than a ten percent change in the switchable component height  526 . The LC film  504  can also be formed from PET, for example, having PET-based exterior layers (e.g., such as the exterior layers  418 ,  420  of  FIG.  4 A ). This allows a continuous layer of PET, that of the LC film  504  and the lamination frame  516 ′, between the lamination layers  512 ,  514 , thus reducing any point stresses that could occur due to material changes during lamination. Other lamination materials for the lamination frame  516 ′ are also possible, with the lamination materials generally having both light-transmissive and adhesive-bonding material properties. 
     In  FIG.  5 C , the tension control component is an extension of the LC film  504 ′ along a full length of the lamination layers  512 ,  514  as shown. In other words, the lamination frame  516  of  FIG.  5 A  is eliminated, and an edge treatment or sealant (not shown) is used at outer edges of the LC film  504 ′ to protect the LC film  504 ′ from environmental elements. The full extension of the LC film  504 ′ along the lamination layers  512 ,  514  to the outer edges  502  of the panel  500  allows a continuous material presence between the lamination layers  512 ,  514 , such as a continuous layer of PET, that can reduce or eliminate any point stresses that occur due to material change locations during lamination of the panel  500 , reducing or eliminating defects in the LC film  504 ′ during lamination. 
     In  FIG.  5 D , the tension control component is a reduction in width of the lamination frame  516 ″ for example, as compared to a width of the lamination frames  516 ,  516 ′ of  FIGS.  5 A,  5 B, and  5 E . In one example, the lamination frame  516 ″ can have a width between 1 mm and where the lamination frames  516 ,  516 ′ have widths between 10 mm and 30 mm. In another example, the lamination frame  516 ″ can have a width of approximately 5 mm where the lamination frames  516 ,  516 ″ have widths of approximately 20 mm. Other widths for the lamination frames  516 ,  516 ′,  516 ″ are also possible. 
     Modification to the width of the lamination frame  516 ″ is useful when a material forming the lamination frame  516 ″ is the same as a material forming the lamination layers  514 ,  516 . For example, if the lamination frame  516 ″ and the lamination layers  512 ,  514  are both formed of PVB, the PVB could soften excessively and allow curvature of the exterior layers  508 ,  510  during the lamination process if the width of the lamination frame  516 ″ were to exceed a threshold, the threshold depending on an overall size of the panel  500 . 
     The narrower lamination frame  516 ′ can still protect edges of the LC film  504  from damage by environmental elements. In combination with use of the narrower lamination frame  516 ″, the LC film  504  can have an increased or greater width, and as described above in reference to  FIG.  5 C , a longer extension or width of the LC film  504  allows for a more continuous material property to be present between the lamination layers  512 ,  514  at the location of the LC film  504 . In turn, the use of a singular material can reduce or eliminate any point stresses that occur due to material changes during lamination, reducing or eliminating defects during lamination along the face of the LC film  504 . 
     In  FIG.  5 E , the tension control component is the spacers  524  disposed between exterior layers  508 ,  510  near the outer edges  502  of the panel  500 . The spacers  524  can be sized and shaped to prohibit both compressive forces and tensive forces from causing changes to the switchable component height  526  of more than ten percent during lamination of the panel  500 . The spacers  524  achieve this by prohibiting the outer edges  502  of the panel  500  from bending during lamination, as bending can cause tension (and/or compression) on the LC film  504 . For example, the presence of the solid, light-transmissive spacers  524  can prohibit the exterior layers  508 ,  510  from moving toward each other at the outer edges  502  of the panel  500  when the center of the panel  500  experiences tension. 
     Though shown in  FIG.  5 E  as ovular, other shapes for the spacers  524  such as circular, square, rectangular, etc. are also possible. The spacers  524  of  FIG.  5 E  are shown as embedded, for example, within the lamination layers  512 ,  514  and the lamination frame  516 , with the spacers  524  becoming a permanent component of the panel  500  after lamination. The spacers  524  could also be temporary in that the spacers  524  are moved into position at the outer edges  502  of the panel  500  between the exterior layers  508 ,  510  by a jig or fixture such that the spacers  524  can be removed after lamination of the panel  500  is complete. In the case of removable spacers  524 , the material that forms the spacers  524  need not be light-transmissive. In the case of embedded or permanent spacers  524 , the spacers  524  can be formed of solid, light-transmissive, inert materials. 
       FIG.  6    is a block diagram that shows a switchable panel system  600 . The switchable panel system  600  may include a user interface  628 , a controller  630 , sensors  632 , and one or more switchable panels  634 , such as the panels  200 ,  500  described above. 
     The user interface  628  allows a user to modify aspects of the operation of the switchable panel system  600  and to set a desired state for the switchable panel system  600 , such as a state of privacy or a state of transparency associated with the switchable panels  634 . That it, the user interface  628  can allow modification of operating parameters of the switchable panels  634 , for example, based on user preferences. 
     The controller  630  coordinates operation of the various components of the switchable panel system  600  by communicating electronically (e.g., using wired or wireless communications) with the user interface  628 , the sensors  632 , and the switchable panels  634 . The controller  630  may receive information (e.g., signals and/or data) from the user interface  628 , from the sensors  632 , and/or from other components (not shown) of the switchable panel system  600 . 
     The sensors  632  may capture or receive information related, for example, to an external environment where the switchable panel system  600  is located. The external environment can be an exterior or an interior of a vehicle or an office, and information captured or received by the sensors  632  can relate to weather, such as a presence of rain or sunshine, or lighting conditions, such as a use of lighting by occupants within the vehicle or the office. 
     The switchable panel system  600  can change an amount of light transmission through the switchable panels  634  based on a control signal, such as a signal from the controller  630 . The control signal may cause the switchable panels  634  to modify a current light transmission characteristic, for example, from a first light transmission value to a second light transmission value that is different than the first light transmission value, or from a light transmitting state to a light blocking or reflecting (mirror) state. Technologies that may be used to implement the switchable panels  634  include switchable components such as suspended particle devices, electrochromic devices, polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices, and guest host liquid crystal devices. 
       FIG.  7    shows an example of a hardware configuration for a controller  700  that may be used to implement the controller  630  and/or other portions of the switchable panel system  600 . In the illustrated example, the controller  700  includes a processor  736 , a memory device  738 , a storage device  740 , one or more input devices  742 , and one or more output devices  744 . These components may be interconnected by hardware such as a bus  746  that allows communication between the components. 
     The processor  736  may be a conventional device such as a central processing unit and is operable to execute computer program instructions and perform operations described by the computer program instructions. The memory device  738  may be a volatile, high-speed, short-term information storage device such as a random-access memory module. The storage device  740  may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive or a solid-state drive. The input devices  742  may include sensors and/or any type of human-machine interface, such as buttons, switches, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen input device, a gestural input device, or an audio input device. The output devices  744  may include any type of device operable to provide an indication to a user regarding an operating state, such as a display screen, a switchable panel, or an audio output. 
     As described above, one aspect of the present technology is the gathering and use of data available from various sources, such as from sensors  632  or user profiles, to improve the function of switchable panels such as panels  200 ,  500 . The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver changes to light-transmission through switchable panels to best match user privacy preferences. Other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also possible. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. 
     Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of user-profile-based light transmission through a switchable panel, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, changes in light transmission through switchable panels can be implemented for a given user by inferring user preferences based on non-personal information data, a bare minimum amount of personal information, other non-personal information available to the device, or publicly available information.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20220218
Publication Date: 20240416
Grant Date: 20240416
Priority Date: 20190215
Inventors: Masschelein, Peter F.
CHEN, YUAN
Scott, Derek C.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G02F1/13394", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/13452", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/13394", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/13394", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B17/10036", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B17/10761", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B17/10504", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B32B17/10302", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/13452", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 80855266