Switchable polarized displays

• US 10,824,004 B2
• Filed: 10/31/2018
• Issued: 11/03/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 11/27/2017
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Original Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Inventors: Cammenga, David J., Heintzelman, Adam R., Niu, Xiaoxu
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Thanh Nhan P
• Application Number:
  US16/176,622
• Publication Number:
  US 20190163013A1
• Time in Patent Office: 734 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2665 on rear-view mirrors lighting devices for vehicle interior on or for rear-view mirrors B60Q3/258
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/088 using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133528 Polarisers
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133536 Reflective polarizers G02F1/13362 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133548 Wire-grid polarisers
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133638 Waveplates, i.e. plates with a retardation value of lambda/n

Abstract

A vehicular rearview assembly includes an electro-optic element. A first substrate defines a first element surface and a second element surface. A first polarizer is coupled to the second element surface. A second substrate is spaced away from the first substrate and defines a third element surface and a fourth element surface. An electro-optic material is positioned between the first and second substrates. A second polarizer is coupled to the second substrate. A display is configured to emit light having a first polarization toward the second polarizer.

Claims

1. A vehicular rearview assembly, comprising:

an electro-optic element, comprising;

a first substrate defining a first element surface and a second element surface;

a first polarizer coupled to the second element surface;

a second substrate spaced away from the first substrate and defining a third element surface and a fourth element surface;

a second polarizer coupled to the second substrate; and

an electro-optic material positioned between the first and second substrates, wherein the first polarizer is in direct contact with the electro-optic material and the second polarizer is in direct contact with the electro-optic material; and

a display configured to emit light having a first polarization toward the second polarizer.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the second polarizer is coupled to the third surface of the second substrate.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second polarizers are each configured to transmit the first polarization of light.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first polarization is vertically polarized light.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the second polarizer is a reflective polarizer.

6. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a concealment layer positioned on the second element surface.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the electro-optic material comprises a liquid crystal material.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second polarizers comprises a wire grid polarizer.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first polarizer is an absorbing polarizer.