Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Sabrina Louise Peczonczyk

Mark Edward Nichols

Cindy Anne Peters

Kerrie Nikaido Holguin

Ann Marie Straccia

Larry Paul Haack

Steven J Simko

Shannon Christine Bollin

Patricia Karen Konopka

Elyssa Kayser

A sensor apparatus includes a housing, a LIDAR sensor attached to the housing, a window attached to the housing, and a film covering the window and removable from the window. The window may be cylindrical. The film may be a first film, and the sensor apparatus may include a second film covering the first film and removable from the first film.

Sensor apparatus

A sensor apparatus includes a housing, a LIDAR sensor attached to the housing, and a window releasably coupled to the housing. The window may be cylindrical. The housing may be a first housing, and the sensor apparatus may include a second housing. The window may be releasably coupled to the second housing.

A vehicle system includes a processor programmed to receive sensor signals from a LIDAR sensor. The processor estimates frost accumulation on the LIDAR sensor from the sensor signals and compares the estimated frost accumulation to a predetermined threshold. The processor further prevents a host vehicle from operating in an autonomous mode if the estimated frost accumulation exceeds the predetermined threshold.

LIDAR sensor frost detection

Methods and systems are disclosed for analyzing the adhesiveness of enamel frits using topography. One method includes analyzing a topography of a defined area of an enamel frit surface having a plurality of peaks and determining a topographical parameter of the defined area based on peak shape and/or density. The determined topographical parameter may be compared to a threshold value. The method may then include applying an adhesive to the enamel frit and bonding the enamel frit to a substrate if the determined topographical parameter is below the threshold value. The analysis of the topography may be performed using a non-contact profilometer, such as an optical profilometer. In one embodiment, the topographical parameter may be developed interfacial roughness (S). The method may be integrated into a manufacturing/assembly line for vehicle glass components, such as windshields or side windows.

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Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Sabrina Louise Peczonczyk