Smart sunglasses, helmet faceshields and goggles based on electrochromic polymers
US7874666B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 26, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02C7/101
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Eyewear exhibiting a variable light transmittance functionality is achieved by including a smart lens incorporating an electrochromic (EC) polymer, switchable between a first state and a second state in response to a voltage selectively applied thereto. The smart eyewear includes the smart lens, a voltage source, and a support. The EC polymer transmits more light in the first state than in the second state, because changing the state of the EC polymer varies the light transmittance of the smart lens. The voltage source is configured to provide the voltage required to switch the EC polymer between the first state and the second state, while the support member is configured to support the smart lens and enable a user to wear the smart eyewear. Embodiments can include sensors and controllers to automate the switching, as well as energy harvesting elements to increase battery life.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.