Switchable glass structure for a vehicle

US11904665B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

• Stuart C. Salter · White Lake, US
• Hussein H. Berry · Dearborn, US
• Tom Boettger · Dearborn, US
• Paul Kenneth Dellock · Northville, US
• Harry Kon · South Lyon, US
• Terry Vandenbrink · Carleton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 16, 2020
• Grant date: Feb 20, 2024
• Expiry date: Nov 3, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B32B2605/00
• WIPO field: Surface technology, coating
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

An apparatus and method, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a switchable glass structure supported within a vehicle and comprised of a plurality of layers. A power source is selectively applied to the switchable glass structure to change the switchable glass structure from opaque to clear. Markings are formed within at least one of the plurality of layers to identify user input areas. A control system includes a circuit configured cooperate with the power source to allow the switchable glass structure to act as a capacitive sensor such that user input to the user input areas can be sensed to change the switchable glass structure between opaque and clear modes.