Gentex‘s patent describes a medium for electro-optic elements, consisting of two electrochromic block copolymer units. Each unit includes di-block or tri-block copolymers conjugated with donor or acceptor compounds, which are polymerized together to form a repeating polymer structure. GlobalData’s report on Gentex gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Gentex, FoV enhancement sensors was a key innovation area identified from patents. Gentex's grant share as of July 2024 was 81%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Electro-optic medium using block copolymer units

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Gentex Corporation

The granted patent US12071501B2 outlines a novel medium for electro-optic elements, specifically focusing on electrochromic block copolymer units. The invention comprises two distinct electrochromic block copolymer units: the first unit includes either a di-block or tri-block copolymer conjugated with an electrochromic donor or acceptor compound, while the second unit mirrors this structure. These units are polymerized together to form a repeating polymer structure. The claims further detail that the medium can be presented in film form and may incorporate side-chain modifications to enhance processability, adhesion, or morphology. Notably, the copolymers can include various blocks such as styrene, acrylate, and methacrylate, with the potential for visibly colored chain transfer agent modifications.

Additional claims specify the chemical interactions within the copolymer units, including the alteration of oxidation states of donor compounds, which may consist of dioxythiophene or tri-phenyl amine. The patent also describes the possibility of cross-linking between blocks within the copolymers and introduces a chemical compound of Formula (I) that serves to link the first and second electrochromic block copolymer units. The claims extend to specific co-polymers that can be utilized in the medium, indicating a versatile approach to the design of electro-optic elements. Overall, this patent presents a comprehensive framework for developing advanced materials with potential applications in electrochromic devices.

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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.