Vehicle panel having a heated panel outer surface

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a panel of a vehicle, the method comprising: sensing a vehicle condition, communicating the vehicle condition to a controller, correlating the vehicle condition with a temperature control requirement, generating a temperature control signal based on the temperature control requirement, communicating the temperature control signal to a beam generator; and generating a beam within the near infrared band of 800 nm to 2000 nm in association with the control signal, the beam selected to be substantially transmitted through a base layer and not an outer layer.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to automotive panels, and in particular to panels having a heatable outer surface, and systems to selectively heat the heatable outer surface from behind the panel. BACKGROUND

[0002] Various driver assist technologies have emerged to help drivers and / or automated controllers control vehicles. These systems can use sensors to collect information for characterizing the environment. Various sensors use electromagnetic information. Cameras, radar, lasers (including lidar), and other sensors can form part of a driver assist system.

[0003] Typically, such sensors are shielded from the environment with some sort of protective cover. The sensor assembly itself can be constructed with sensor devices, such as silicon devices, disposed in a housing. The sensor assembly can be disposed in or behind other housings such as a windshield (i.e., glazing), a bumper fascia, or another protective device.

[0004] Accumulation of foreign matter on such protective covers can undesirably affect the performance of the sensor. An illustrative example is when frost obscures a window, which can impede the ability of the optical device to collect information in the human visible spectrum. Some systems are relatively intolerant of a reduction in fidelity of the sensed information, and thus are interested in reducing the effects of foreign matter, such as by removing foreign matter from the cover.

[0005] Heating devices have been developed to assist in this endeavor. For example, defrosting can be accomplished using a conventional wire grid disposed on the protective cover. However, these typically interfere with the sensing. If the sensor is a camera, the image is reduced because the wires block some information. If the sensor senses some other information, such as the amount of reflected laser energy in the case of a lidar sensor, it can be undesirable for the defroster grid to block, reflect, or absorb some of the sensor information. Other ways have been used to clear foreign matter, but these suffer from inconvenient packaging, inability to localize the effect, and / or are inefficient.

[0006] International patent application publication number WO / 2019 / 169077 by SABIC demonstrates a transparent panel and a defrosting approach that uses a radiation source mounted at the edge to deliver excitation energy to an emitter to cause the emitter to deliver energy to foreign matter, causing the foreign matter to heat itself. This is a clever approach because only the foreign matter is heated in general. However, this approach undesirably places the exciter far from the area to be treated in some applications, which can reduce efficiency.

[0007] SABIC’s international patent application publication no. WO / 2020 / 104668 Al exhibits a panel that uses a selected material that absorbs radiation that travels through the material. This is a simple way of heating the panel, but it has the disadvantage that the entire thickness of the material being heated absorbs energy, which can be inefficient and can delay heating of the outer surface of the panel.

[0008] It is desirable to provide a way to address foreign matter without these disadvantages. SUMMARY

[0009] In various embodiments, the present subject matter addresses these disadvantages by providing a stacked material that is specifically selected to absorb energy at certain wavelengths while allowing others to pass through. Along with these materials, a device is used that is capable of projecting energy at certain wavelengths, and a controller is provided to control the system.

[0010] For example, an outer layer of the stack can absorb energy at certain wavelengths, while the substrate or inner layer does not, so only the outer layer can be heated, which provides improved efficiency. One or more of the outer layer, substrate, or inner layer can be transparent or translucent to a second device that transceives energy at a second wavelength that is not absorbed. If the signals interfere with each other, they can be independently controlled to provide compatible operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments discussed in the present disclosure. The drawings are for purposes of illustration only and can not be to scale.

[0012] Figure 1 A perspective view of a panel of an automobile is shown, according to some examples.

[0013] Figure 2 A prior art way of heating foreign matter is shown, according to examples.

[0014] Figure 3 A cross-section is shown taken along line A-A in Figure 1 and illustrates a structure that can be applicable to several examples.

[0015] Figure 4 A cross-section is shown taken along line A-A in Figure 1 and illustrates an optional structure that can be applicable to several examples.

[0016] Figure 5A A close-up of cross-section 5A is shown, according to some examples. Figure 1

[0017] Figure 5B A cross-section is shown taken along line 5B-5B in Figure 5A , according to some examples. ​

[0018] Figure 6 Wavelength absorption is shown for several materials.

[0019] Figure 7 Systems including controllers are shown according to several examples.

[0020] Figure 8 Methods of controlling the temperature of a control panel are shown according to some examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Systems and methods are provided for defrosting or otherwise clearing a portion of a vehicle panel so that sensor information can pass through the panel without unnecessary interference. Various examples take advantage of the phenomenon that polymers absorb electromagnetic radiation at a greater rate when the radiation is emitted at a particular wavelength. The panel of the vehicle is provided with an outer layer that is selected to absorb electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength at a certain rate. The outer layer can be disposed on a base layer that absorbs little, if any, of the same electromagnetic radiation. The outer layer can be painted on the base layer, injection molded on the base layer, or formed using some other method. Thus, a heating beam can be projected through the vehicle panel, passing through the base layer substantially unabsorbed, to the outer layer where it is absorbed to generate heat to warm any foreign matter disposed thereon. In a sense, the energy of the heating beam is focused primarily on the outer layer, thus allowing for lower energy consumption and faster heating, as the entire thickness of the panel does not need to be heated. This can also contribute to faster heating because the thermal mass of the outer layer can be lower. Other options provide for even more efficient use of thermal energy, such as the heating exterior can be limited to a particular target area.

[0022] This multi-layer approach can allow for construction of a panel including a base layer that is suitably thick and tough for use on an automotive bumper cover, and an outer layer that can be less thick or tough, but provides the desired energy absorption and heat generation properties. Some of the disclosed examples feature a polyurethane outer layer disposed on a polycarbonate base layer. The heatable outer layer can form part of a colored exterior of a vehicle.

[0023] Figure 1A perspective view of a panel of a vehicle is shown according to some examples. The panel assembly 100 can be a front end panel assembly. The panel assembly 100 can be a flat panel, a glazing, a lens of a lighting module, or another panel. The panel assembly 100 can be used to one or more of defog, defrost, deice, or otherwise remove foreign matter. The panel can be used in several applications such as: exterior lighting, automotive exterior lighting (e.g., head and tail lights), airport lighting, street lighting, traffic lights and signals; glazing, e.g., for transportation (e.g., automotive) or architectural applications (e.g., skylights); appliances, e.g., for defrosting the interior walls of refrigerator doors, freezer doors, freezers, and / or refrigerator chambers; for signage, and similar applications. Such a panel assembly 100 allows one or more of defogging, defrosting, and deicing to be accomplished without the use of resistive heating conductors. The panel assembly 100 can be used to heat a surface such as a mirror (such as one located in a bathroom, a gym, a pool facility, and a locker room), a floor, a door (such as a refrigerator door and a freezer door), a shelf, a counter, and the like. When the heated surface is a mirror, the mirror can be "silvered" on a surface other than the outer layer.

[0024] The panel assembly 100 can be a panel on a vehicle, such as a front or rear panel having a sensor disposed on an inner (cabin side) surface. The panel assembly 100 can be a bumper having a sensor. The sensor can be a lidar sensor. The sensor can assist in the autonomous driving of the vehicle. The sensor can detect objects proximate to the vehicle. The sensor can detect a level of ambient light.

[0025] The panel assembly 100 can be provided as an assembly of a front fascia 304 of a vehicle 300. The panel assembly 100 can be provided as a stand-alone assembly attached to the front end of the vehicle 300. The panel assembly can be located between a pair of headlamps 302 disposed on its sides. A hood 308 of the vehicle can be located proximate to the top of the panel assembly 100. A bumper assembly 306 can be provided proximate to the bottom of the panel assembly 100. The panel assembly can be formed of a polymer such as a thermoplastic and / or thermoset material.

[0026] Various devices can be attached to the vehicle behind one or more portions 110, 112, 114 of the panel assembly 100, particularly safety devices such as cameras, lidar, radar, or various other transducers. In addition, radiation sources to heat these portions can be attached to the panel assembly 100 and / or the vehicle. As set forth hereinabove and elsewhere, the energy emitted by one or more of these radiation sources can be absorbed primarily in a selected region such as an outer zone of the panel assembly, thereby heating it.

[0027] The panel assembly 100 can include an accent panel 104. The accent panel 104 can be inserted into an aperture 106 and can contain a grille, or can be a panel that occupies the space that is traditionally reserved for a grille. The accent panel 104 can form a solid or near-solid panel that can be used to style the panel assembly 100. The accent panel 104 can include lighting or can be illuminated. Devices (including one or more of the devices described herein Figure 7 One or more of the devices described (and other devices) can be integrated with the accent panel 104, such as via integration as part of a panel assembly that includes various components such as structures and electronics (i.e., a "smart panel"). Heating can be used to clear the signal path of a sensor, among other things, such as clearing foreign matter from a trademark, indicator, or other component of a smart panel.

[0028] The panel assembly 100 can define a sheet 108. The sheet can be formed as a unitary component with other portions of the panel assembly 100, such as the accent panel 104, the frame 102, or other pieces, or can include a small molded component that is fastened to the panel assembly 100, as discussed in more detail herein. The sensors disclosed herein can be aligned with the sheet 108. The sheet can be formed from a selected polymer that supplements the sensor functionality and / or a radiation source that heats the sheet 108. Figure 4

[0029] Figure 2 A prior art approach to heating foreign matter is shown according to International Patent Application Publication No. WO / 2019 / 169077 by SABIC. The device shown can be used to defrost a transparent panel, such as a window or glazing. In such a panel, the radiation source 4 is not placed behind the transparent panel in order to provide an unobstructed view, and thus the radiation source is placed on the edge of the layer 2 of the window / glazing 1. One or both of radiation or heat is emitted from the emitter, at least through the first surface 6 in the emission area 101. The emitter can include one or both of a luminescent agent and an absorber. This approach relies on a special additive material, emitter, or absorber placed in a localized heating area, along with a radiation source mounted at the edge, and does not take advantage of the innate ability of a selected material to absorb a selected heating wavelength to generate heat.

[0030] The sensor 40 can be located across from the surface-localized emission area 120. The sensor can be a light detection and ranging (i.e., lidar) sensor. For lidar applications, the emitter can include a luminescent agent that does not absorb or emit at the lidar wavelength, and thus does not interfere detrimentally with the lidar.

[0031] ​In the device, light (including infrared light) from the radiation source propagates through total internal reflection (TIR) in the non-emitting region 114 to the emitting region 120. When the emitting agent comprises a luminescent agent, photons of light that strike the luminescent agent can be absorbed and re-emitted from the luminescent agent as a so-called escape cone to be emitted from the broad surface of the device. That is, the luminescent agent can in part act to deflect light from TIR (about the state of the beam within the device) to the broad surface from which it can escape and be absorbed by water (e.g., liquid water or ice) on the surface of the device, which in turn heats the water. Because this deflection arises from the interaction of light with the luminescent agent, it is primarily present in the emitting region where the luminescent agent is concentrated. When the emitting agent comprises an absorber, photons of light that strike the absorber can be absorbed and the absorber can heat. The emitting device can heat the surface by heating the emitting layer and conducting the heat to the surface, which in turn heats the surface, or can heat the surface by radiation. In either case of luminescent agent or absorber, energy from the light source coupled at the edge is in turn projected to the emitting region, such that at least one of defrosting, de-icing, or de-fogging occurs in that region.

[0032] Figure 2 One disadvantage of this is that it requires edge coupling of the radiation source. If the panel is a large component, such as a fascia, the energy must travel a long distance before striking the emitting region 120. This can be unacceptably inefficient. Figure 2 Another disadvantage of this approach is that the emitting region 120 must include an emitter or absorber. Such materials can interfere with the effectiveness of the sensor 40. Furthermore, they can be too expensive to be practically used in the automotive market.

[0033] International patent application publication number WO / 2020 / 104668 Al by SABIC approaches the problem of heating the panel material as a whole in different ways that provide for the radiation source to be closer to the area to be defrosted (e.g., the area directly in front of a sensor such as a lidar sensor). This approach can benefit from less expensive materials. However, this approach requires heating the whole, which can consume an undesirable amount of energy, and this can take extra time because the whole material inevitably conducts heat to places that do not need to be heated. For example, the back side of the panel can not need to be heated.

[0034] Figure 3 The claimed subject matter is shown via a cross-section taken along line A-A in Figure 1 The claimed subject matter is shown via a cross-section taken along line A-A in Figure 1section A-A in FIG. 1 and can be used elsewhere, but this section can be used to illustrate certain aspects. The panel assembly 100 of the vehicle can be functional to transmit sensor beams 316. The sensor beams 316 can be formed by a transmissive sensing energy, such as a lidar, that transmits and receives at a sensing wavelength. The panel assembly 100 can also be functional to absorb thermal energy, which can be in the form of electromagnetic beams 318. The heating beams 318 can take various modes, such as a laser or infrared with a selected wavelength. The heating wavelength can be different than the sensing wavelength.

[0035] The base layer 320 can define a base inner major surface 322 and a base outer major surface 324. The outer layer 312 can be formed on the base outer major surface 324 of the base layer 320. The base layer 320 can be formed of a base layer polymer selected to have a transmittance of one or more of the following group: equal to or greater than 40% when the base layer thickness is 3 mm; equal to or greater than 50% when the base layer thickness is 2 mm; and equal to or greater than 60% when the base layer thickness is 1 mm, of a heating wavelength band (Delta) in the near infrared wavelength band of 800 nm to 2000 nm. The outer layer 312 can be formed of an outer layer polymer selected to have a transmittance of one or more of the following group: equal to or less than 60% when the base layer thickness is 4.0 mm; and equal to or less than 50% when the base layer thickness is 5.4 mm, of the heating wavelength band (Delta).

[0036] The base layer 320 can include a number of materials, including but not limited to: polycarbonates such as bisphenol A polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, polyarylate, phenoxy resins, polyamides, polysiloxanes such as polydimethylsiloxane, polyacrylics such as polyalkyl methacrylate (e.g., polymethyl methacrylate (“PMMA”)) and polymethacrylate, polyimides, polyetherimides, vinyl polymers, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, chlorovinyl-vinyl acetate copolymer, or polyurethane (“PUR”). The base layer 320 can include at least one of: polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl ethyl acrylate, polyvinyl ethyl methacrylate, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylonitrile, polybutadiene, polystyrene, polyvinyl butyral (“PVB”), or polyvinyl formal. The base layer can include one or more of the foregoing polymers. The base layer can include a copolymer containing one or more of the foregoing polymers.

[0037] The outer layer 312 can be formed from one of polycarbonate, polypropylene compounds, PMMA, PVB, and PUR. More specifically, the outer layer 312 can include at least one of polycarbonate with the lowest near-IR transmission at about 1675 nm, polypropylene compounds with the lowest near-IR transmission at about 1730 nm, PMMA with the lowest near-IR transmission at about 1760 nm, PVB with the lowest near-IR transmission at about 1800 nm, and / or PUR with the lowest near-IR transmission at about 1719 nm. The outer composition can include an adhesion promoter.

[0038] At least one of the substrate layer 320 and the outer layer 312 can be at least one of laser radar transparent and radar transparent. In some examples, both the substrate layer 320 and the outer layer 312 can be laser radar transparent and radar transparent. The outer layer 312 can include a pigment that at least partially reflects visible light. The outer layer 312 can be coated with a material that includes a pigment that at least partially reflects visible light.

[0039] The heating beam 318 can be generated by the radiation source 310. The radiation source 310 can generate one or more wavelengths within a specific band (Delta) of the thermoplastic material. More preferably, the radiation source 310 can generate only one or more wavelengths within a specific band (Delta) of the thermoplastic material. The wavelengths can be closely tailored to the absorption characteristics of the outer layer 312. This phenomenon is shown in Figure 6 Many thermoplastics, such as polycarbonate, polyetherimide, polystyrene, polyester, and acrylics, tend to absorb infrared wavelengths at a greater rate starting at 1600 nm and higher wavelengths. Some absorb up to 90% for certain wavelengths. The absorption curve of each thermoplastic has its own characteristics, but generally the transmission of electromagnetic radiation for such materials decreases at wavelengths above 1600 nm. As shown for the polyurethane material (at 4.0 mm and 5.4 mm thickness), energy can be absorbed at a greater rate at 1200 nm, 1487 nm, 1719 nm, or other shown minima. The minima for polycarbonate (LS1-111H 1 mm, LS1-111H 2 mm, LS1-111H 3 mm available from SABIC) include 1130 nm, 1190 nm, 1380 nm, and particularly 1675 nm. Other minima include 1900 nm, 2150 nm, and other values as shown in Figure 6 It should be noted that other materials exhibit similar phenomena, such as certain polypropylenes exhibiting minima at 1200 nm, 1400 nm, and 1750 nm. These materials include 108MF, 595A, 8102, and 8122 from SABIC. PMMA has a minima of interest at 1200 nm. UV Acrylic has minima of interest at 1150 nm and 1660 nm.

[0040] The radiation source 310 can emit radiation having a wavelength of 100 to 2500 nm. The radiation source can emit radiation having a wavelength of 300 to 1800 nm. The radiation source can emit near infrared radiation having a wavelength of 700 to 1500 nm. The radiation source can emit near infrared radiation having a wavelength of 800 to 1200 nm. The radiation source 310 can emit radiation having a wavelength equal to or greater than 800 nm, preferably greater than 1000 nm and / or greater than 1600 nm and / or greater than 1800 nm. Preferably, the radiation can have an intensity maximum in the wavelength range of 1100 nm to 1300 nm and / or in the wavelength range of 1400 nm to 1600 nm and / or in the wavelength range of 1600 nm to 1800 nm. The radiation source can emit at a wavelength of about 1190-1210 nm, 1480-1500 nm, or 1710-1730 nm. The radiation emitted by the radiation source can be filtered to the desired wavelength before being introduced to the substrate layer.

[0041] The radiation source can be, for example: a laser diode, a light emitting diode (LED), a light bulb (such as a tungsten filament light bulb); ultraviolet light; a fluorescent light (such as a light emitting white, pink, black, blue, or blue-black (BLB)); an incandescent light; a high-intensity discharge light (such as a metal halide light); a cold cathode tube, a fiber optic waveguide; an organic light emitting diode (OLED); or an electroluminescent (EL) device.

[0042] The sensor beam 316 can be generated by a sensor 326. The panel system can include a lidar transceiver disposed in relative outer layer appropriate coupling to the panel or coupled to the panel, the lidar transceiver configured to transceive lidar energy through the thickness of the panel to the substrate layer to the outer layer. As used herein, the term "coupled" shall not be limited to the term "abutting," and can accommodate various intermediate fasteners and structures, such as where the transceiver can be supported by the vehicle rather than directly by the panel. The lidar can disseminate lidar beams at wavelengths different from the heating wavelength or other wavelengths. The lidar wavelength can be a 905 nm or 1550 nm lidar wavelength. The sensor beam can be 900 nm to 1100 nm, 1100 nm to 1300 nm, 1300 nm to 1400 nm, 1400 nm to 1600 nm, or 1600 nm to 1800 nm.

[0043] In some examples, an optional inner layer 328 can define an inner surface 330 of the panel assembly 100, which can be cleared of foreign matter such as ice or water by the radiation source 310. The inner layer 328 can be formed of a different material than the outer layer 312 and the substrate layer 320. The outer layer 312 and the inner layer 328 can be formed of the same material. The layers can be molded over one another, such as by overmolding. In one example, the system can detect whether foreign matter has accumulated or formed on one or both of the inner layer 328 and the outer layer 312. With respect toFigure 7 Systems that enable this are discussed.

[0044] The outer layer can be formed by injection molding. For example, injection molding can include injecting a base layer material composition, such as from a first nozzle, into a mold. In examples disclosed herein, flow through the first nozzle can be discontinued before flow through a second nozzle is initiated. After flow through the first nozzle is discontinued, the mold can be opened a prescribed amount related to a desired thickness of the outer layer to provide in-mold coating, such as through the second nozzle. The mold can be opened to provide a PUR overflow, such as through the second nozzle. The process can include in-mold coating and / or PUR overflow. Depending on the application and functionality of the assembly, a sheet, such as sheet 108, can be formed as a one-shot (1K) or two-shot (2K) sheet. The outer layer 312 can be overmolded on the base layer 320. The outer layer 312 can be a package or a paint. The outer layer 312 and the base layer 320 can form part of a monolithic layer. The outer layer can include infusion of the monolithic layer. The sheet can comprise an uncoated monolithic sheet of thermoplastic material, or a laminate having one or more layers on a base material, such as a thermoplastic base material having a protective coating or layer, or a co-extruded sheet comprising two or more co-extruded layers, or combinations thereof.

[0045] Several features are set forth with solution to the shortcomings associated with Figure 2 For example, the radiation source 310 can be placed closer to the area to be heated. The subject matter can transfer heat energy to be absorbed by the outer layer 312, thus primarily or exclusively heating that layer, rather than following the Figure 2emitters or absorbers. Examples can rely on the inherent ability of the panel material to absorb limited wavelengths, rather than relying on additives to emit or absorb thermal energy, although some embodiments can implement additives to achieve the desired functionality. In some examples, the materials can be selected such that the overmolded injection molded part is provided with an outer layer 312 (selected to absorb thermal energy) overmolded on a base layer 320 (selected to not absorb thermal energy or to absorb a desirably small amount of thermal energy). The radiation source 310 can use less powerful emitters than those with a greater wavelength range, and thus can provide more heating with less energy than prior art approaches. The present subject matter is not limited, however, and can include substances or additives that can absorb radiation from the radiation source or be excited by the radiation. These can include non-radiative absorbers and / or luminescent species. The former can convert absorbed radiation into localized heating. The latter can generate heat due to incomplete quantum yield and Stokes shift, and re-emit radiation in a narrow wavelength band. Combinations of innate absorption, added absorbers, and added luminescent species can be used. Examples of absorbers can include, but are not limited to, lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6), cesium tungsten oxide (CWO), antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO), indium-doped tin oxide (ITO). Each of these absorbers can be added to polycarbonate, except for ITO. ITO can be added to silicone hardcoats, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,862,842 (SABIC). Additional absorbers include Lumogen IR 765 and Lumogen IR 788. Lumogen is a trademark of BASF.

[0046] Use of the property of absorbing infrared radiation allows the sheeting to raise temperature and accelerate defogging and / or deicing, thus resulting in an improved solution for panel assembly that is energy efficient, desirably fast, optionally homogenous (i.e., uniform), and optionally invisible defogging / defrosting / deicing. Absorption of infrared radiation can be applicable to optically transparent, translucent, and opaque thermoplastic plastics.

[0047] Optionally, the outer layer or as Figure 4The discussed insert can be formed from a thermoplastic material including scattering particles. Examples are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,168,696 to SABIC. The outer layer can include a laser marked UV stabilizer that defines a micro mark with minimal topography change in the outer layer to scatter a heating wavelength. The laser beam can have a wavelength less than or equal to 500 nanometers. The mark can result from an increased reflectivity of the thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material can have an initial L* value, and wherein the mark can have an increase in L* value greater than or equal to 20 compared to the initial L* value. The substrate can include a composition including a thermoplastic material capable of absorbing light having a wavelength less than or equal to 500 nanometers. The thermoplastic material in the form of a plaque having a thickness of 1 millimeter can have a visible light transmission greater than 70% as measured according to ASTM D1003-00 using D65 illumination and a 10 degree observer. The composition can include an ultraviolet absorbing additive capable of absorbing light having a wavelength less than or equal to 500 nanometers. The ultraviolet absorbing additive can be selected from: a hydroxybenzophenone, a hydroxybenzotriazole, a hydroxybenzotriazine, a cyanoacrylate, an oxanilide, a benzoxazinone, a malonic acid benzylidene ester, a hindered amine light stabilizer, a nanoscale inorganic, or a combination including at least one of the foregoing. The substrate can have a maximum reflection in the visible light spectrum represented by an initial L* value less than 25 when measured according to ASTM E308-08 and CIELAB 1976 with a black background. The initial L* value can be less than 20. The substrate can be uncolored. The mark can be a watermark. The watermark can have a profile height less than 15 micrometers. The profile height can be less than 10 micrometers. The mark can be a light color mark. The light color mark can have a profile height less than 35 micrometers. The profile height can be less than 30 micrometers. The composition can be colored. The mark can be a white color mark. The composition can be engraved with a laser beam having a wavelength greater than 500 nanometers to achieve a dark mark. The visible light transmission can be greater than 75%. The visible light transmission can be greater than 80%. The composition can include a material selected from the group consisting of: a polycarbonate, a polycarbonate copolymer, a polyester, a polymethyl methacrylate, a polystyrene, a polyamide, a polyolefin, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyimide, a polyetherimide, a polylactic acid, and a combination including at least one of the foregoing. The increase in L* value can be greater than or equal to 25 compared to the initial L* value. The mark can include a single laser engraved dot having a diameter less than or equal to 80 micrometers. The diameter can be less than or equal to 60 micrometers. The diameter can be less than or equal to 40 micrometers. The composition can be colored.

[0048] A method of producing a mark on an article can include bonding a first component to a second component with a laser beam having a wavelength greater than or equal to 800 nanometers. The first component can include a non-reflective thermoplastic material that can absorb light having a wavelength less than or equal to 500 nanometers, and wherein the thermoplastic material can have an initial L*. The second component can include a thermoplastic material that can absorb light having a wavelength greater than or equal to 800 nanometers. The method can include contacting the first component with a second laser beam having a wavelength less than or equal to 500 nanometers to produce a mark. The mark can result from an increase in reflectivity of the non-reflective thermoplastic material. The mark can have an increase in L* greater than or equal to 20 compared to the initial L*.

[0049] A thermoplastic material so marked in the form of a plaque having a thickness of 1 millimeter can have a percent transmission less than or equal to 9% at the laser wavelength as measured according to ASTM D 1003-00 using D65 illumination and a 10 degree observer. The substrate can include a composition including a thermoplastic material capable of absorbing light having a wavelength less than or equal to 500 nanometers. The thermoplastic material in the form of a plaque having a thickness of 1 millimeter can have a visible light transmission greater than 70% as measured according to ASTM D 1003-00 using D65 illumination and a 10 degree observer. The percent transmission can be less than or equal to 4%. The mark can have a mark L* value greater than or equal to 46 measured from the back of the substrate, and a delta L* value less than or equal to 10. The delta L* value can be the difference between the mark L* value measured from the front and the mark L* value measured from the back.

[0050] Optionally, the panel assembly 100 can include a hardcoat layer on the outer layer surface 332. The hardcoat layer can include at least one of a silicone, a polyurethane, an acrylate, and a metal oxide. The sheet material is at least semi-transparent, preferably transparent, to electromagnetic radiation in at least one of the radio frequency radiation, infrared radiation, visible light, and ultraviolet radiation ranges. For example, the sheet material can be optically transparent, i.e., transparent to visible light, and semi-transparent to at least one of radio frequency radiation, infrared radiation, and ultraviolet radiation. Other combinations of semi-transparency and / or transparency to at least two types of electromagnetic radiation are also possible.

[0051] The panel assembly 100 can include a protective layer that bounds the outer layer surface 332. The protective layer can include at least one of a UV protective layer, an abrasion resistant layer, or an anti-fog layer. The protective layer can include a silicone hardcoat.

[0052] A UV protective layer can be applied to the outer surface of the device. The UV protective layer can be applied by various means, including dipping the plastic substrate in a coating solution at room temperature and atmospheric pressure (i.e., dip coating). The UV protective layer can also be applied by other methods, including but not limited to flow coating, curtain coating, and spray coating. For example, the UV protective layer can be a coating having a thickness of less than or equal to 100 micrometers (pm). The UV protective layer can be a coating having a thickness of 4 to 65 micrometers. The UV protective layer can include: a silicone (e.g., a silicone hardcoat), a polyurethane (e.g., a polyurethane acrylate), an acrylic, a polyacrylate (e.g., a polymethacrylate, a polymethyl methacrylate), a polyvinylidene fluoride, a polyester, an epoxy, and combinations including at least one of the foregoing. The UV protective layer can include a UV blocking polymer, such as at least one of a polymethyl methacrylate or a polyurethane. Examples are disclosed in European Patent No. EP 1879739 B1 to SABIC at paragraphs 0042 and 0045. The UV protective layer can include a UV absorbing molecule. The UV protective layer can include a silicone hardcoat (e.g., AS4000, AS4700, or PHC587 commercially available from Momentive Performance Materials).

[0053] The UV absorbing molecule can include at least one of a hydroxybenzophenone (e.g., 2-hydroxy-4-n-octyloxybenzophenone), a hydroxybenzotriazine, a cyanoacrylate, a oxanilide, a benzoxazinone (e.g., 2,2'-(l,4-phenylene)bis(4H-3,l-benzoxazin-4- l), commercially available from Cytec under the trade designation CYASORB UV-3638), an aryl salicylate, or a hydroxybenzotriazole (e.g., 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(2-hydroxy-5-tert- octylphenyl)benzotriazole, or 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(l,l,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol, commercially available from Cytec under the trade designation CYASORB 5411). The UV absorbing molecule can include at least one of a hydroxyphenylthiazine, a hydroxyphenylbenzothiazole, a hydroxyphenyltriazine, a polyaroylresorcinol, or a cyanoacrylate. The UV absorbing molecule can be present in an amount of 0.01 to 1 wt.%, specifically 0.1 to 0.5 wt.%, and more specifically 0.15 to 0.4 wt.%, based on the total weight of the polymer in the respective region.

[0054] The UV protective layer can include a primer layer and a coating layer (e.g., a topcoat layer). The primer layer can assist the UV protective layer in adhering to the device. The primer layer can include, but is not limited to, acrylics, polyesters, epoxies, and combinations including at least one of the foregoing. The primer layer can also include ultraviolet absorbers in addition to, or in place of, those in the topcoat layer of the UV protective layer. For example, the primer layer can include an acrylic primer such as SHP401 or SHP470, commercially available from Momentive Performance Materials.

[0055] A wear resistant layer (e.g., a coating layer or a plasma coating layer) can be applied to one or more surfaces of the device. For example, the wear resistant layer can be located (e.g., directly located) on one or both of the outer surface 332 and the inner surface 330 of the device, or a second protective layer such as a UV protective layer can be located in between. The wear resistant layer can include a single layer or multiple layers, and can increase enhanced functionality by improving the wear resistance of the device. In general, the wear resistant layer can include an organic coating and / or an inorganic coating such as one or more of: aluminum oxide, barium fluoride, boron nitride, hafnium oxide, lanthanum fluoride, magnesium fluoride, magnesium oxide, scandium oxide, silicon monoxide, silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon carbide, silicon oxycarbide, silicon oxycarbide hydride, tantalum oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide, indium tin oxide, yttrium oxide, zinc oxide, zinc selenide, zinc sulfide, zirconium oxide, zirconium titanate, or glass.

[0056] The wear resistant layer can be applied by various deposition techniques such as vacuum assisted deposition methods and atmospheric coating methods. For example, the vacuum assisted deposition methods can include, but are not limited to, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), arc PECVD, expanding thermal plasma PECVD, ion assisted plasma deposition, magnetron sputtering, electron beam evaporation, or ion beam sputtering.

[0057] Optionally, one or more of the layers (e.g., UV protective layer and / or abrasion resistant layer and / or anti-fog layer) can be a film applied to the outer surface of the device by a process such as lamination or film insert molding. In this case, one or more functional layers or one or more coatings can be applied to the film and / or to the side of the device opposite the side having the film. For example, a co-extruded film containing more than one layer, an extrusion coating, a roll coating, or an extruded laminated film can be used as a substitute for a hard coating (e.g., a silicone hard coating) as previously described. The film can contain additives or copolymers to facilitate adhesion of the UV protective layer (i.e., the film) to the abrasion resistant layer; and / or can itself include weatherable materials such as acrylics (e.g., polymethyl methacrylate), fluoropolymers (e.g., polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl fluoride), etc.; and / or can be sufficiently barrier to transmission of ultraviolet radiation to protect the underlying substrate; and / or can be suitable for film insert molding (FIM) (in-mold decoration (IMD)), extrusion, or lamination processing of three-dimensional shaped panels. Examples are disclosed in paragraph 0045 of European Patent No. EP 1879739 B1 to SABIC.

[0058] One or more of the layers can each independently include an additive. The additive can include at least one of one or more colorants (such as one or more toners), one or more antioxidants, one or more surfactants, one or more plasticizers, one or more infrared radiation absorbers, one or more antistatic agents, one or more antibacterial agents, one or more flow additives, one or more dispersants, one or more compatibilizers, one or more cure catalysts, one or more UV-absorbing molecules such as at least one of those described above, or one or more adhesion promoters (e.g., those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application 2016 / 0222179). The type and amount of any additive added to a respective layer depends on the desired properties of the panel and the end use.

[0059] The one or more protective coatings can be selected so that it does not absorb in the near-IR range. The protective layer can have a lower refractive index than the one or more layers on which the protective layer is disposed.

[0060] The outer layer can be formed by selectively surface infusing an outer agent and optionally an adhesion promoter on the surface of the substrate to form the outer layer. The outer composition can be heated to a fluid infusion temperature prior to contacting the surface as heating to a fluid infusion temperature can facilitate infusion of the outer agent into the base layer material upon contact. The fluid infusion temperature can be greater than or equal to the melting temperature of the outer agent. The surface can be heated to a surface infusion temperature prior to contacting the surface with the outer composition as heating to a surface infusion temperature can facilitate infusion of the outer agent into the base layer material upon contact. The contacted surface can be heated to an infusion temperature to allow the outer agent to infuse into the base layer material. The fluid infusion temperature, the surface infusion temperature, and the infusion temperature can each independently be 30 to 100 °C, or 90 to 100 °C.

[0061] The outer composition can consist essentially of the outer agent. For example, the outer composition can be free of a solvent that dissolves the base layer material. The outer composition can include the outer agent and a liquid. The outer composition can include 5 to 100 weight percent of the outer agent based on the total weight of the outer composition. The liquid can include a solvent that can allow at least a surface portion of the base layer material to at least partially dissolve, thereby facilitating infusion of the outer agent into the base layer material. The solvent can include an organic solvent. The organic solvent can include at least one of ethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol butyl ether, propylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol propyl ether, tripropylene glycol propyl ether, or diethylene glycol. The liquid can include water.

[0062] The selective surface infusion can include first masking surface areas of the substrate that do not need the outer agent. The masking can include placing a contact mask on the surface of the substrate, for example, via an adhesive layer. The contact mask has the benefit of reducing the ability of the outer composition to contact areas that do not need infusion of the outer agent into the substrate. The outer composition can then be contacted with at least the unmasked areas of the surface, for example, by at least one of dip coating, flow coating, or spray coating.

[0063] The masking can include placing a non-contact mask over the surface of the substrate such that the non-contact mask does not contact the surface, thereby reducing the risk of scratching the surface or leaving adhesive residue. When using a non-contact mask, the outer composition can be contacted with at least the unmasked areas of the surface by spray coating, for example, by spraying the outer composition upward at the surface of the outer layer oriented horizontally to the ground, thereby reducing the flow of the outer composition into the masked areas. The outer composition can be sprayed onto the surface using an atomizing nozzle.

[0064] The selective surface infusion can include selectively spraying the outer composition onto the surface in only the outer zone. By selectively spraying the outer composition, the use of a mask can be avoided.

[0065] The selective surface infusion can include contacting the external composition with a selectively heated surface such that only the area in need of infusion is heated. For example, the surface can be selectively heated prior to or during contact with the external composition. Conversely or additionally, the surface can be selectively heated after contact to facilitate infusion in only the heated area. The surface can be selectively heated, for example, by using localized heating elements (such as infrared radiation sources) positioned adjacent to the second surface such that heat is transferred through the outer layer to the contacted first surface.

[0066] The selective contact method can be used to contact both the first and second surfaces in one or more contact steps. When both the first and second surfaces are contacted, the locations of the respective external zones or layers can correspond to one another, for example as shown in FIG. 5, or can be positioned independently of one another.

[0067] If the contacting includes spraying, the spraying can include spraying the external composition at a temperature of 30 to 100 °C or 90 to 100 °C and at a pressure of 5 to 50 pounds per square inch (psi) or 15 to 25 psi. During the contacting, the spray nozzle can be located 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) from the surface.

[0068] The outer layer can be formed via film insert molding. For example, a substrate comprising the base layer material can be molded onto a film comprising the external zones and non-external zones to form the outer layer. The external zones in the film can be formed via one or more of the methods described above.

[0069] The outer layer can be formed via lamination. For example, a base layer comprising the base layer material can be laminated onto a film comprising the external zones and non-external zones to form the outer layer. The external zones in the film can be formed via one or more of the methods described above.

[0070] Figure 4 A cross-section taken along Figure 1 A cross-section taken along The panel 400 can include an insert 406 extending through the panel and overmolded by the panel. The insert 406 can be formed of a thermoplastic material that is translucent or transparent to the sensor signals 408 from the sensor 410. The insert can be coated with a protective layer 414 that is a UV protective layer and / or an abrasion resistant layer and / or an anti-fog layer as described herein. The insert 406 can include a pigment that reflects at least a portion of visible light. The insert 406 can be coated with a material that includes a pigment that reflects at least a portion of visible light.

[0071] One reason to use an insert is that in some systems, when the material of the outer layer 404 is selected to absorb thermal energy from the heating beam 416 of the radiation source 412, the sensor signal 408 can be undesirably absorbed by the material. An insert that is transparent to the sensor signal 408 can thus be used, although it can also be semi-transparent or transparent to the thermal beam 416. The insert can be heated by conduction via the heating material 420 around the insert 406. In addition, if heated only by the outer layer 404, the foreign object 402 can be removed from the panel 400 because it will no longer be adhered to the outer layer 404, or differences in thermal expansion between the outer layer 404 and the insert 406 will cause sufficient stress to break the bond between the foreign object 402 and the insert 406. The heating beam 416 can be focused substantially on the perimeter of the insert 406 (e.g., the material 420).

[0072] The insert can be separate from the base layer and the outer layer. The insert 406 can be formed of the same thermoplastic material as one of the first thermoplastic material and the second thermoplastic material. Thus, in some molding operations, a strong bond can be formed between the insert 406 and one or both of the outer layer 404 and the base layer 418.

[0073] Figure 5A A close-up of a cross-section 5A is shown according to some examples. Figure 1 A close-up of a cross-section 5A is shown according to some examples. Figure 5B A close-up of a cross-section 5A is shown according to some examples. Figure 5A An outer layer 502 can be disposed on a base layer 504 of a panel 500. The sensor 514 can be configured to project a sensor beam 512 through the base layer 504, as described herein with respect to other embodiments. The base layer can be semi-transparent or transparent to the sensor beam, but the above can not apply to visible light in examples where the sensor beam is in other spectral ranges. A radiation source 508 can be aligned with the panel 500 to project a heating beam to one or both of the outer layer 502 and the inner layer 510 to heat them. As discussed herein, the outer layer 502 and / or inner layer material and the wavelength of the heating beam 518 can be selected so that the material of the inner layer 510 and / or the outer layer 502 absorbs a significant portion of the energy of the heating beam, in some embodiments. As discussed herein, the base layer 504 material and the wavelength of the heating beam can be selected so that the base layer does not absorb a significant portion of the heating beam energy. The radiation source 508 can operate at different wavelengths to heat two or more different materials. These radiation sources can be independently controlled. Thus, the inner layer 510 can be heated independently of the outer layer 502.

[0074] The outer layer 502 need not be coextensive with the base layer 504. In some examples, the radiation source 508 can project a heating beam 518 that can heat both the inner layer 510 and the outer layer 502 simultaneously. As shown in some embodiments, the inner layer 510 defines an aperture through which a portion of the heating beam 518 can travel. The heating beam can travel through the base layer 504 to the outer layer, so a portion of the heating beam energy can be used to heat the inner layer 510 and at least a remaining portion can be used to heat the outer layer 502.

[0075] The base layer can define a prism 506 that extends away from the outer layer. The radiation source 508 can be aligned with the prism to direct thermal energy non-perpendicularly to the outer surface of the outer layer. The prism can be shaped to redirect thermal energy to the outer layer adjacent to the passage of sensor energy, such as a lidar beam, extending through the panel, so that the radiation source can be positioned laterally to the lidar emitter. The inner layer 510 can optionally also be heated by the heating beam 512 so that condensation is controlled on the surface of the inner layer 510. Optionally, a second inner layer 528 can be disposed on or formed within the recess. In the example, the second inner layer 528 is formed as part of the inner surface 526, but the subject matter is not so limited as the second inner layer 528 can be formed on the inner surface 526. The second inner layer 528 can be formed of a material that absorbs a heating beam, such as the heating beam 518. The sensor beam 512 can be adjusted to spread in a heating mode at a wavelength selected to heat the second inner layer 528, and then adjusted to a sensing mode, as disclosed herein. The second inner layer 528 can, for example, remove condensation. The base layer 504 can have a reduced thickness in proximity to one of a heating beam portion 519 through which the heating beam can be directed and a sensor beam portion 516 through which the sensor beam 512 from the sensor 514 can be directed. The radiation source 508 can be aligned with the panel 500 to direct the heating beam generally perpendicular to the inner surface of the panel. This can be via the prism 506, or in embodiments without a prism, it can be aligned perpendicular to the outer surface 520.

[0076] Figure 5B The radiation source 508 is shown directed toward a first surface 524 of the panel 500. In this example, the first surface 524 can be partially defined by the base layer 504 and the inner layer 510. The base layer 504 can extend over a recess 522. The recess 522 can be defined as a cylinder or any other desired shape within the panel 500, and can be sized to accommodate the sensor 514. The radiation source 508 can be pointed at an angle a away from the surface of the base layer 504. The angle a can be greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees, such as having an angle of 0 degrees to 90 degrees (i.e., perpendicular) to the surface of the base layer 504. The angle between the surface of the base layer 504 and the heating beam 518 can be greater than 0 degrees to 50 degrees, or 10 degrees to 30 degrees, or 40 degrees to less than 90 degrees. Figure 5BThe angle a in the angle a can be about 40 to 50 degrees. Each radiation source 508 can be angled toward the base layer 504 at a different angle. It is also possible to align all radiation sources 508 at the same angle.

[0077] Several devices including the radiation source 508 can be integrated in one or more structures or modules. The radiation source can be placed adjacent to another device. Further, two or more radiation sources can be placed in proximity to another device, for example on opposite sides of another device, or in a ring around another device. Multiple radiation sources 508 can be distributed in a ring around the sensor 514. The recess 522 of the faceplate 500 can also be ring shaped. The ring shape can optionally house multiple sensors.

[0078] The faceplate 500 can have a pattern that can be formed with a foil having a pre-made pattern of translucent and opaque areas, and can include a peripheral opaque border at the side edges of the faceplate 500. Additionally or alternatively, the faceplate 500 can have a pattern layer of opaque lines and / or borders, thus forming opaque sections and translucent or transparent sections. The base layer 504 can be corrugated with a sawtooth wave or any other wavy wave. The corrugated base layer can add a 3D effect to the faceplate assembly. The inner surface 526 of the base layer 504 can be provided with a foil, a mirror, a silk screen, or any other surface enhancement layer to optimize the 3D effect. Additionally or alternatively, the inner surface 526 can be laser marked to include color changes due to chemical / molecular alteration, charring, blistering, melting, erosion, and more.

[0079] Figure 6 Wavelength absorption of several materials is shown. The vertical axis represents the portion of the incident beam that is transmitted. The horizontal axis indicates the wavelength of the incident beam. The curves represent the behavior of different materials. The examples disclosed herein include thermal energy configured to be generated in the form of a beam having a heating wavelength within a heating waveband (Delta) of the thermoplastic material, through the thickness of the faceplate, past the base layer to the outer layer, to heat the outer layer at a higher rate than the base layer can be heated by the thermal energy. An exemplary waveband Delta is shown, but the subject matter is not so limited.

[0080] Figure 7 A system including a controller is shown in accordance with several examples. The faceplate 700 can include a system 702. The system can include a controller 704. The controller can be a preprogrammed controller including information for controlling other portions of the system 702.

[0081] The system can include a driver assist sensor 706. The driver assist sensor can be a lidar, radar, or another sensor. The controller 704 can control the sensor 706. The driver assist sensor can have its own controller, and via an application program interface or API or some other software platform, the controller 704 can interface with the driver assist sensor 706, such to control whether the sensor is running, or how the sensor is running, such as by controlling signal strength, or to what extent the signal can be aimed or focused.

[0082] The system 702 can include a radiation source 708. The radiation source can be an IR beam emitter, a laser, or some other device that produces heat energy. The radiation source can be selected to provide one or more wavelengths that are absorbed by the panel material or by an absorber or emitter disposed in the material of the panel. If the operation of the radiation source 708 potentially interferes with the operation of the driver assist sensor 706, such as by producing electromagnetic interference that can be incompatible with the signals of the driver assist sensor 706, the controller can control the driver assist sensor 706 and the radiation source 708 to operate at different times. These can be long periods during which one can be on and the other can be off, or they can be short periods. In one example, a lidar spreads a beam for a short time and then pauses for a short time, as part of a repeating pattern used for sensing over time. In such an example, the radiation source 708 can be activated to provide heat energy during the pause, while the driver assist sensor 706 is not transmitting or receiving information.

[0083] The system 702 can include a signal fidelity sensor 712. The signal fidelity sensor 712 can sense the fidelity of the signal that passes through the panel 700, which the controller 704 can correlate with one or both of panel damage or the presence of a foreign object. The signal fidelity sensor 712 can determine whether the panel 700 has been damaged, such as by projecting light through the panel and monitoring signal loss. In some examples, the driver assist sensor 706 can perform this function. For example, when new, the driver assist sensor can perform a baseline test to determine what portion of the sensing signal it produces passes through the panel, and over time, the vehicle can perform a comparison at vehicle startup to assess whether the signal fidelity has decreased compared to the baseline assessment. The controller can be preprogrammed with various patterns correlated with damage or the presence of a foreign object, and can generate a vehicle signal 720 indicating the status of the panel assembly, such as by instructing the driver that they should remove a foreign object from the vehicle. The controller can monitor changes in signal fidelity over time, and assess whether a decrease in signal fidelity can be due to wear or the presence of a foreign object such as dust or ice.

[0084] The status sensor 716 can additionally provide information about the status of the panel 700, such as the temperature of the panel proximate the driver assist sensor 706 and / or the radiation source 708. The controller can use preprogrammed information to assess whether the radiation source 708 can effectively clear foreign matter from the panel 700. The signal 720 can indicate that driver warming is in progress, and thus the driver can choose to wait for the warming to end before beginning the journey.

[0085] The system can include a foreign matter sensor 710. Although foreign matter sensing can be performed by the signal fidelity sensor, it can be possible to use an additional sensing modality specifically to sense foreign matter. For example, the foreign matter sensor can use vibrational information to assess the status of the panel 700.

[0086] The indicator 714 can indicate the status of the panel 700. The indicator can be, for example, a light. The light can provide a visual indication of the status of the panel 700. For example, the visual indication can illuminate a red circle proximate the driver assist sensor 706 to indicate that the sensor is experiencing an undesirable reduction in signal fidelity, and that the system 702 is attempting to improve the signal fidelity by warming or via some other method, such as energizing the ultrasonic device, to motivate the panel 700 to remove foreign matter such as water.

[0087] Figure 8 Methods of controlling the temperature of a panel are shown, according to some examples. The methods can include sensing a vehicle condition 802. The methods can include communicating the vehicle condition to a controller 804. The methods can include associating the vehicle condition with a temperature control requirement 806. The methods can include generating a temperature control signal 808. The signal can be based on the temperature control requirement. The methods can include communicating the temperature control signal to a beam generator 810. The methods can include generating a beam within a near infrared wavelength band of 800 nm to 2000 nm. The beam generation can be associated with the control signal. The beam can be selected to include transmittance through a base layer of the panel of one or more of the group: equal to or greater than 40% when the base layer thickness can be 3 mm, equal to or greater than 50% when the base layer thickness can be 2 mm, and equal to or greater than 60% when the base layer thickness is 1 mm; and wherein the beam can be selected to include transmittance through an outer layer formed on the base layer of one or more of the group: equal to or less than 60% when the base layer thickness can be 4.0 mm, and equal to or less than 50% when the base layer thickness can be 5.4 mm.

[0088] Methods can include forming an emissive layer of a device such as any of the previous examples, including injection molding a host material composition including a host material into a mold to form a non-emissive region; after a first period of time, injection molding an emissive agent composition while simultaneously injection molding the host material composition into the mold for a second period of time to form an emissive region; wherein the emissive agent composition can include at least one of a luminescent agent or an absorber and optionally can include an adhesion promoter; and after the second period of time, discontinuing injection molding of the emissive agent composition. Thereafter, injection molding of the host material composition can be discontinued.

[0089] This detailed description of the application refers to particular aspects and embodiments of the subject matter to illustrate the disclosure by way of example. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the subject matter. References to "one" or "the" embodiment throughout this detailed description mean one or more embodiments having or including, where appropriate, such features which are described but not necessarily presented in a dependent claim. The subject matter of the present application is not to be limited to the specific embodiments described and / or illustrated herein, but is instead amenable to any alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of the subject matter employed therein to the extent not expressly contradicted by a claim as it arises from the prior art.

[0090] All cited patents, patent applications, and other references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, if a term in the present application contradicts or conflicts with a term in the incorporated reference, the term from the present application prevails.

[0091] This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the subject matter. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive, and that the scope of the subject matter should be determined without reference to the above description, including the appended claims, along with their full scope of equivalents.

Claims

1. A panel for a vehicle, the panel being used to transmit a sensor beam having a sensing wavelength and absorb a heating beam having a heating wavelength, the panel comprising: A substrate layer defining the inner and outer main surfaces of the substrate, the substrate layer being formed of a substrate layer polymer selected to transmit a heating band (Δ) in the near-infrared band of 800 nm to 2000 nm with a transmittance comprising one or more of the following: When the thickness of the base layer is 3 mm, it is equal to or greater than 40%. When the thickness of the base layer is 2 mm, it is equal to or greater than 50%. When the thickness of the substrate layer is 1 mm, it is equal to or greater than 60%. An outer layer formed on the outer main surface of the substrate layer, the outer layer being formed of an outer layer polymer selected to transmit the heating wavelength (Δ) through a transmittance comprising one or more of the following: When the thickness of the substrate layer is 4.0 mm, it is equal to or less than 60%. When the thickness of the substrate layer is 5.4 mm, it is equal to or less than 50%, and The lidar transceiver, coupled to the panel relative to the outer layer, is configured to transmit and receive lidar energy that passes through the thickness of the panel, through the substrate layer, and reaches the outer layer. The outer polymer is selected from polyurethane and polyvinyl butyral, and The base layer and the outer layer are transparent to the lidar.

2. The panel according to claim 1, wherein the sensor beam is a lidar beam having a wavelength of 900-910 nm or 1540-1560 nm, and the heating beam has a wavelength of one of 1190-1210 nm, 1480-1500 nm, and 1710-1730 nm.

3. The panel of claim 1, comprising an insert extending through the panel and being overlaid by the panel.

4. The panel of claim 3, wherein the insert is formed of a thermoplastic material comprising scattering particles.

5. The panel of claim 3, wherein the plug is transparent to the sensor beam.

6. The panel of claim 5, wherein the outer layer comprises a pigment that at least partially reflects visible light, or is coated with a material comprising a pigment that at least partially reflects visible light.

7. The panel of claim 1, wherein the outer polymer comprises absorber molecules.

8. The panel of claim 1, wherein the outer layer comprises a laser-marked UV stabilizer that defines the markings in the outer layer to scatter the heating beam.

9. The panel of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is overmolded on the base layer.

10. The panel of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is packaging or paint.

11. The panel of claim 1, wherein the substrate layer has a reduced thickness adjacent to either the heating beam portion through which the heating beam passes or the sensor beam portion through which the sensor beam passes.

12. The panel of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is not co-linear with the base layer.

13. A panel system for a vehicle, comprising the panel according to claim 1, and further comprising: A radiation source coupled to the panel behind the substrate and relative to the outer layer, the radiation source comprising a heating beam emitter configured to emit thermal energy having a heating wavelength within the heating band (Δ) of the thermoplastic material, passing through the thickness of the panel, through the substrate, and reaching the outer layer, heating the outer layer at a higher rate than the rate at which the thermal energy heats the substrate.

Images