Color measurement

Abstract

Methods and assemblies are provided for aligning an optical device with a surface configured to receive a liquid coating layer and measuring a liquid coating parameter. An exemplary method of measuring a liquid coating parameter includes providing a mechanical slide connected with a surface configured to receive a liquid coating layer. The exemplary slide is configured to move to and from a working configuration positioned at a set distance and orientation relative to the surface. The method also includes positioning an optical device in the mechanical slide. Additionally, the method also includes adjusting the orientation of the optical device in the mechanical slide to an aligned orientation based on a relationship between the surface and a mechanical alignment feature on the optical device. The method also includes performing a parameter measurement operation while the optical device is in the aligned orientation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] In general, this technical field relates to methods and components for measuring wet color parameters, and more specifically, to the alignment (calibration) of apparatus for performing wet color measurements. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, during the manufacture of coating compositions such as automotive OEM or refinish paints, aliquots of such coating compositions being manufactured are periodically taken, applied as a layer of the desired thickness to a test substrate, dried and / or cured into a coating, and measured. The process parameters are then adjusted and the described test procedure is repeated until the adjusted coating composition meets the measurement requirements.

[0003] The aforementioned testing procedures are not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but also lead to frequent interruptions in the production process. Therefore, the batch-to-batch quality of the resulting coating compositions can be adversely affected. Several methods have been developed to measure the optical properties of the coating composition in its wet state, which are related to the gloss that may be produced when such a layer dries and / or cures into a coating.

[0004] However, problems exist regarding the standardization and repeatability of wet-layer testing, as well as the time required to ensure standardized testing. Therefore, there is a need to develop components and methods for performing parameter measurement operations in a standardized alignment manner. Furthermore, there is a need to provide such components and methods for rapid use. And, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical and background information, other desired features and characteristics become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the invention and the appended claims. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment, an exemplary method for measuring parameters of a liquid coating is provided. The method includes providing a mechanical carriage connected to a surface configured to receive a layer of liquid coating. An exemplary mechanical carriage is configured to move to and away from a working configuration relative to the surface to be positioned at a set distance and orientation. The method also includes positioning an optical device within the mechanical carriage. Additionally, the method includes adjusting the orientation of the optical device within the mechanical carriage to an aligned orientation based on a relationship between mechanical alignment features on the surface and the optical device. The method further includes performing parameter measurement operations using the aligned optical device.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method is provided for aligning an optical device with a surface configured to receive a liquid coating layer. The method includes positioning a removable mechanical alignment feature between a face and a surface of the optical device. Additionally, the method includes moving the optical device and / or the surface to establish a selected distance therebetween. The method further includes adjusting the orientation of the optical device to an alignment orientation based on the relationship between the removable mechanical alignment feature, the optical device, and the surface. Furthermore, the method includes increasing the distance between the optical device and the surface and removing the removable mechanical alignment feature. The method also includes moving the optical device and / or the surface back to re-establish the selected distance therebetween.

[0007] In another embodiment, a component for performing standardized parameter measurements is provided. The component includes a plurality of optical devices, each having an end face. The component also includes a mechanical carriage connected to a surface configured to receive a liquid coating layer, wherein the mechanical carriage is configured to move to and away from a working configuration relative to the surface for a set distance and orientation, and wherein the mechanical carriage is configured to accommodate each optical device. Furthermore, the component includes a removable mechanical alignment feature configured to be temporarily retained on the end face of each optical device. Additionally, the component includes an adjustment feature configured to adjust the orientation of each optical device within the mechanical carriage to an alignment orientation based on the relationship between the surface and the removable mechanical alignment feature.

[0008] This summary of the invention is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to serve as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the following figures, wherein the same numerals denote the same elements, and wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus for maintaining a liquid coating on a surface to be tested, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0011] Figure 2 According to the exemplary implementation scheme Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the surface and the optical device for measuring the parameters of the liquid coating on the surface;

[0012] Figure 3 According to the exemplary implementation scheme Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the end face of the optical device;

[0013] Figure 4 According to the exemplary implementation scheme Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the end face of the optical device, on which mechanical alignment features are applied;

[0014] Figure 5 This illustrates the implementation of the exemplary scheme. Figure 4 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a method for aligning an optical device with a surface;

[0015] Figure 6 This is an explanation Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a cross-section showing the optical device misaligned with the surface;

[0016] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for measuring liquid coating parameters according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0017] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for aligning an optical device with a surface configured to receive a liquid coating, according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The following detailed description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the apparatus and methods described herein. Furthermore, it is not intended to be construed as being bound by any theory set forth in the foregoing background or invention overview or the following detailed description of the invention.

[0019] Unless otherwise stated, “a,” “an,” or “the” as used herein means one or more. The term “or” can be conjunction or non-conjunctive. Open-ended terms such as “include,” “including,” “contain,” “containing,” etc., mean “comprising.” In some embodiments, figures indicating quantities, ratios of materials, physical properties of materials, and / or uses in this specification may be understood to be modified by the word “about.” The term “about” in relation to numerical values ​​and claims indicates an accuracy range familiar and accepted by those skilled in the art. Generally, such an accuracy range is ±10%. All figures indicating quantities, ratios of materials, physical properties of materials, and / or uses in this specification may or may not be modified by the word “about.” Unless otherwise stated, “%” or “percentage” as used herein and described in this disclosure means weight percentage.

[0020] The embodiments described herein relate to methods and components for performing wet color measurements. While embodiments for performing such measurements on liquid coatings formed as layers on a rotating disk are provided, these embodiments are descriptive and not limiting.

[0021] Furthermore, the methods and components described herein for measuring the optical parameters of liquid coatings are not limited in terms of the properties of the liquid coatings. Exemplary methods can be used to measure the optical parameters, especially colorimetric parameters, of any type of liquid coating. Liquid coatings can be, for example, varnishes colored with absorbent pigments (so-called ordinary paints), metallic effect paints colored with metallic pigments such as aluminum pigments and optionally other pigments, or special effect paints colored with interference pigments or any other special effect pigments. Liquid coatings can contain any desired type of pigments combined with each other. Measurements can be performed on solvent-based and water-based liquid coatings. Further composition of liquid coatings, such as binders, additives, and other components, is not important. Liquid coatings simply need to be such that they can be applied to a cylindrical carrier without difficulty and ensure the formation of a uniform film.

[0022] The exemplary method allows measurements such as wet color measurements to be performed quickly and efficiently on a wet liquid coating with the desired measurement accuracy, regardless of the color measuring device used.

[0023] The exemplary method can be used in the coatings industry, both for quality assurance in coating manufacturing and standardization, and for various development stages of coating development. For example, the method can be used to evaluate intermediate results in the coloring process during coating manufacturing and standardization, such as the production of standardized mixed coatings or standardized pigment pastes. In such processes, the determined intermediate values ​​may differ significantly from the final results; therefore, it is necessary to quickly and effectively determine the intermediate values ​​with the required accuracy.

[0024] For example, the exemplary method can also be used in the field of printing inks. Of course, the exemplary method and the apparatus for performing this method can also be used in principle in any other application field where, in general, optical measurements, especially colorimetric measurements, of colored liquid media are required.

[0025] Generally, wet color measurement can save significant time compared to dry measurement because users can compare wet batches to ensure proper color placement without waiting for drying. Exemplary wet color measurement hardware includes a spectrophotometer, a mechanical carriage that maintains a fixed distance between the spectrophotometer and the wet paint layer, and a rotating disk that flattens the wet paint layer. The distance between the spectrophotometer port and the wet paint layer must be consistent across all spectrophotometers to ensure operation within the required testing tolerances.

[0026] Currently, an iterative process is used to set the measurement distance, which requires measuring a reference wet paint and then manually adjusting the slide relative to the liquid surface. This measurement configuration requires a very complex alignment procedure that is time-consuming, error-prone, and difficult to repeat without considerable training.

[0027] Therefore, embodiments of this document provide a simplified method and components for providing repeatable alignment of devices and for testing these devices. For example, embodiments of this document include a movable, temporarily fixed mechanical alignment device positioned between the spectrophotometer end face and the disk surface, which ensures that the spectrophotometer port is parallel to and appropriately distanced from the surface of the wet paint surface.

[0028] To ensure that the spectrophotometer end face and the flat surface of the rotating disk are parallel, an exemplary component includes a mechanical alignment feature, such as three spheres of uniform diameter, providing three contact points and having uniform critical dimensions. The use of three contact points restricts rotation along the x, y, and z axes. The uniform diameter of the spheres constrains the distance between the spectrophotometer end face and the rotating disk in the z-direction. Furthermore, the translation of the spectrophotometer in the x and y directions is constrained by the mechanical carriage on which the spectrophotometer is situated.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, alignment of the spectrophotometer and disk surface is achieved through manual mechanical adjustment, such as adjusting a micrometer screw or a similar adjustment device capable of precisely and repeatably changing the geometry, interconnecting the carriage and spectrophotometer until all three spheres are in contact with the disk surface. If the plane of the disk is not perfectly parallel to the plane of the spectrophotometer end face due to the proximity of one side to the other, the sphere on the opposite side will no longer be in contact with the disk surface. This alignment method ensures direct alignment of the spectrophotometer with the disk surface, mitigating any variability between the spectrophotometer, disk, and carriage. The embodiments described herein simplify alignment and ensure reduced waste due to the elimination of the need for wet paint. In other words, the alignment process is performed before any paint is applied to the disk surface and requires no paint application. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein eliminate variability associated with wet measurements, which is unique to current alignment processes. Specifically, by directly aligning the spectrophotometer end face with the wet measurement surface, the primary sources of variability are reduced to wet paint and spectrophotometer noise. In addition, the present invention provides quick alignment and allows for a more robust backup situation, in which damaged or malfunctioning instruments can be quickly switched to new instruments to ensure minimal downtime in high-volume production facilities.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 An apparatus 100 is shown for containing liquid coating for measuring its parameters. The exemplary apparatus 100 is a film device for producing a liquid coating film on a flat surface 120, such as the surface 120 of a rotating disk 101.

[0031] As shown, an exemplary disk 101 is connected to a rotation axis 102, which is aligned with a rotation axis 103 of the disk 101 that is perpendicular to the disk surface 120, for providing rotation of the disk 101 about the rotation axis 103.

[0032] The exemplary device 100 also includes a device frame 104 that supports the rotation shaft 102 and the disk 101. The exemplary device 100 also includes a motion device 108 coupled to the rotation shaft 102 for providing rotation to the rotation shaft 102, and a motion control device 109 for controlling the rotational speed, rotational direction, or a combination thereof of the motion device 108.

[0033] The exemplary device 100 also includes a reservoir 111 for storing liquid applied to the surface 120. The reservoir 111 may be configured such that, when liquid is present in the reservoir 111, the liquid is in contact with at least a portion of the flat surface 120. The exemplary device 100 may also include a reservoir 112 and a retainer 113. The reservoir 112 may be arranged to collect any overflow of liquid, which, when overflow occurs, is retained by the retainer 113. The retainer 113 may be fixed to a device frame 104. The device frame 104 may have a frame base 105, which may have one or more steps for arranging the reservoirs 111 and 112.

[0034] The disk 101 may be a circular disk and may also include a circular retention barrier 116 disposed at the circular edge of the disk 101. The circular retention barrier 116 may be a band surrounding the edge of the disk 101, a circular groove or arcuate edge, a protrusion surrounding the edge of the disk 101, or a combination thereof. A non-circular disk 101 may also be suitable when it has at least one circular portion that is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation 110. A thin film 102 may be formed on such a circular portion.

[0035] The disk 101 can be arranged such that, when liquid is present, the rotating disk can move the liquid against gravity from the reservoir 111 to a film-setting edge (not shown). The flat surface 120 can be made of stainless steel, polymer, plastic, glass, or a combination thereof. For at least a portion of the flat surface 120, the flat surface 120 should be suitable for forming a liquid film thereon with a substantially uniform thickness and large enough to measure the properties of the liquid.

[0036] Now for reference Figure 2 One embodiment of an optical device 200 for measuring parameters of a liquid located on surface 120 is provided. Figure 1 The liquid surface 120 on the device 100 is illustrated. An exemplary optical device is a spectrophotometer, but other optical devices may also be used.

[0037] As shown, the optical device 200 is housed in a mechanical carriage 210. The mechanical carriage 210 is movably mounted on a track 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical carriage 210 is housed and supported by the track 220 so as to move substantially parallel to the surface 120 in directions 221 and 222. Other embodiments may be arranged for the mechanical carriage 210 to move perpendicular to the surface 120.

[0038] As shown, track 220 is fixed to device 100 via interconnection 230. This connection restricts the spatial relationship between mechanical carriage 210 and surface 120. Specifically, mechanical carriage 210 can be positioned in a working configuration, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the mechanical slide 210 can be moved toward the observer (i.e., in a direction 221 laterally away from the device 100 and surface 120) to a non-working configuration.

[0039] As shown, the optical device 200 has an end face 201, in which the port (in) Figure 1 (Not shown) is positioned to send a light beam toward surface 120 and receive a reflected light beam from surface 120.

[0040] When in the working configuration, as shown, a distance 205 is established between surface 120 and end face 201 of optical device 200. Furthermore, when in the working configuration, as shown, a distance 215 is established between surface 120 and mechanical slide 210. Although in Figure 2 In the case of optical device 200 protruding from mechanical carriage 210, the distance 205 is less than the distance 215. However, it is possible to consider recessing optical device 200 into the frame of mechanical carriage 210, so that the distance 205 is greater than the distance 215.

[0041] It should be noted that the mechanical carriage 210 is configured to return to a precise working configuration, such that the mechanical carriage 210 can move in direction 221 and then move back in direction 222 to return the mechanical carriage 210 to a distance 215 from the surface 120.

[0042] An adjustment feature 240 is provided to adjust the distance 205 and the orientation of the end face 201 of the optical device 200. An exemplary adjustment feature is a micrometer or a similar extendable / scalable structure. In one exemplary embodiment, the adjustment feature 240 interconnects the optical device 200 and the mechanical carriage 210 and allows adjustment of the optical device 200 relative to the mechanical carriage 210. Thus, when the mechanical carriage 210 is positioned at a distance 215 from the surface 120, the distance 205 between the surface 120 and the end face 201 of the optical device 200 can be adjusted.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, three adjustment features 240 are provided, interconnecting the optical device 200 and the mechanical carriage 210. Each adjustment feature 240 is capable of independently moving the optical device 200 in either direction 241 (towards surface 120) or direction 242 (away from surface 120). Therefore, not only the distance 205, but also the orientation of the end face 201 of the optical device 200 relative to surface 120 can be adjusted. For example, a first adjustment feature 240 can be extended to push a first end of the end face 210 toward surface 120, while a second adjustment feature 240 can be retracted to pull a second end of the end face 210 away from surface 120. In this way, the end face 201 can be adjusted to a desired orientation, such as parallel to surface 120.

[0044] Now for reference Figure 3 The end face 201 of the optical device 200 is shown to include a port 240. As shown, the optical device 200 can be surrounded by the frame portion of the mechanical carriage 210.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, a mechanical alignment feature 300 can be applied to the end face 201 of the optical device 200. An exemplary mechanical alignment feature 300 includes three protrusions 320. The mechanical alignment feature 300 may optionally include a layer 310 configured to selectively secure or retain the protrusions 320 to the end face 201. For example, the layer 310 may be a double-sided adhesive layer adhered to both the end face 201 and the protrusions 320. As shown, if used, the layer 310 may include a gap at the port 240.

[0046] Other methods may be considered to secure or retain the protrusion 320 to the end face 201. For example, the protrusion 320 may be formed having one or more adhesive surfaces. Alternatively, an optical end face 201 may be formed having magnetic / metallic regions for retaining the metallic / magnetic protrusion 320. It is also possible to form an end face 201 having grooves or other features for engaging with the protrusion 320.

[0047] The exemplary protrusion 320 is a sphere, but other shapes are also contemplated. For example, the protrusion 320 may be pyramidal, cubic, cylindrical, or other shapes. The exemplary protrusions 320 have the same key dimensions, such as the diameter of the spherical protrusion or the height of the pyramidal or other shaped protrusions 320. Therefore, the plane defined by the surface of each protrusion 320 furthest from the end face 201 is parallel to the end face 201.

[0048] Furthermore, if used, layer 310 has a uniform thickness or can be compressed to a uniform thickness so that the plane defined by the surface of each protrusion furthest from end face 201 is parallel to end face 201.

[0049] Cross-reference Figure 2 and Figure 5 This explains the use of mechanical alignment feature 300 to align the end face 201 of the optical device 200 with the surface 120. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the protrusion 320 is held to the end face 201 of the optical device 200 by the layer 310. Figure 2 As shown, the mechanical carriage 210 is positioned in a working configuration such that the mechanical carriage 210 is 215 meters away from the surface 120. Then, the adjustment feature 240 is manipulated to increase or decrease the distance 205 between the portions of the end face 201 and the surface 120. This adjustment continues until each protrusion 320 contacts the surface 120. The contact between each protrusion 320 and the surface 120 can be visually monitored. Specifically, when a protrusion 320 contacts the surface 120, its image 420 in the surface 120 appears to touch the protrusion 320. Figure 5 In this context, each image 420 appears to be in contact with a corresponding protrusion 320. Besides visual alignment using reflective images of the protrusion surfaces, alignment can also be achieved using resistivity, pressure sensors, or electronic switches.

[0050] Figure 6 An exaggeratedly inappropriate orientation of end face 201 is shown, such that a protrusion 320 does not contact surface 120. As shown, the image 420 of the uncontacted protrusion 320 appears to be at a distance from the uncontacted protrusion 320.

[0051] refer to Figure 1-6 And based on this understanding of the above structure, in Figure 7 Method 700 for measuring liquid coating parameters is described in [the document]. Figure 7 In the diagram, method 700 is shown to include, at operation 702, providing a mechanical carriage 210 connected to a surface 120 configured to receive a layer of liquid coating. The mechanical carriage 210 is configured to move to and away from a working configuration positioned at a predetermined distance 215 and orientation relative to the surface 120. Figure 2 As shown, the mechanical carriage 210 is indirectly connected to the surface 120 via interconnection 230.

[0052] At operation 704, method 700 can continue, wherein the mechanical alignment feature 300 is placed on the end face 201 of the optical device 200.

[0053] At operation 706, method 700 can be further continued, wherein the optical device 200 is positioned in the mechanical carriage 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the optical device 200 is arranged in the mechanical carriage 210 while the mechanical carriage 210 is retracted from the working configuration.

[0054] At operation 708, method 700 includes moving the mechanical carriage 210 to a working configuration, such as... Figure 2 As shown. In this working configuration, the mechanical carriage 210 is set at a distance 215 from the surface 120.

[0055] At operation 710, method 700 includes adjusting the orientation of the optical device 200 within the mechanical carriage 210 to an aligned orientation based on the relationship between the surface 120 and the mechanical alignment features 300 on the optical device 200. For example, adjustment features 240 can be manipulated to extend and retract the ends of the end faces 201 such that each protrusion 320 of the mechanical alignment features 300 contacts the surface 120. In an exemplary embodiment, adjustment feature 240 is a micrometer interconnecting the optical device 200 with the mechanical carriage 120, and adjusting the orientation of the optical device 200 within the mechanical carriage 120 includes independently adjusting the micrometer.

[0056] Operation 712 of method 700 includes checking the orientation of the optical device 200. Specifically, operation 712 may include visually inspecting the interface between surface 120 and mechanical alignment feature 300 to visually observe that the image 420 of each protrusion 320 appears to be in contact with each corresponding protrusion 320. If the optical device 200 is in an improper orientation, i.e., if end face 201 is not parallel to surface 120, method 700 returns to operation 710.

[0057] When the optical device 200 is in the proper orientation, i.e., when the end face 201 is parallel to the surface 120, method 700 continues with operation 714, which includes retracting the mechanical carriage 210 from the working configuration. For example, in Figure 2 In this configuration, the mechanical carriage 210 can move along the track 220 in the direction 221. This operation allows the user to approach the end face 201 and the mechanical alignment feature 300.

[0058] At operation 716, method 700 includes removing the mechanical alignment feature 300 from the end face 201 of the optical device 200. In embodiments using layer 310 and protrusions, both layer 310 and protrusions 320 may be removed. Alternatively, only protrusions 320 may be removed. Typically, removal of the mechanical alignment feature 300 can be simply performed by grasping protrusions 320 and / or layer 310 and pulling them from the end face 201.

[0059] After removing the mechanical alignment feature 300 from the end face 201 of the optical device 200, method 700 includes, at operation 718, moving the mechanical carriage 210 back to its working configuration, i.e., to a distance 215 from the surface 120. Figure 2 As shown, the mechanical carriage 210 moves in direction 222 when returning to the working configuration.

[0060] When the mechanical carriage 210 returns to the working configuration, the end face 201 of the optical device 200 returns to the alignment orientation achieved in operation 710.

[0061] Then, at operation 720, method 700 continues, using an optical device in an aligned orientation to perform parameter measurements. For example, gloss, multi-angle color, multi-angle reflection, high-speed imaging, layer uniformity, layer opacity, pigment concentration, coating appearance, and / or glitter information can be measured. In an exemplary embodiment, the optical device is a spectrophotometer, and the measurement process using the spectrophotometer yields wet color measurement results.

[0062] Now for reference Figure 8 , combined Figure 1-6 An exemplary method 800 is described, which aligns an optical device with a surface configured to receive a liquid coating layer. Method 800 includes, at operation 802, positioning a removable mechanical alignment feature between an end face 201 and a surface 120 of an optical device 200. In some embodiments, positioning the removable mechanical alignment feature between the end face 201 and the surface 120 of the optical device 200 includes applying the removable mechanical alignment feature to the end face 201 of the optical device 200. In other embodiments, positioning the removable mechanical alignment feature between the end face 201 and the surface 120 of the optical device 200 may include applying the removable mechanical alignment feature to the surface 120. In either case, applying the mechanical alignment feature to a selected location may include retaining three protrusions at the selected location. For example, applying the mechanical alignment feature to a selected location may include adhering a substrate having opposing adhesive surfaces to the selected location and adhering the three protrusions to the substrate. Alternatively, the three protrusions have adhesive surfaces, and applying the mechanical alignment feature to the selected location may include directly adhering the three protrusions to the selected location. In an exemplary embodiment, the optical device has a port on the end face, and retaining the three protrusions in a selected position includes placing the port inside a triangle defined by the three protrusions.

[0063] At operation 804, method 800 includes moving the optical device and / or surface to establish a selected distance therebetween. For example, the optical device 200 and / or surface 120, which are located within the mechanical carriage 210, can be moved to a working configuration, wherein a distance 215 is established between the mechanical carriage 215 and the surface 120.

[0064] Method 800 can continue at operation 806, wherein the orientation of the optical device 200 is adjusted to an alignment orientation based on the relationship between the mechanical alignment feature 300, the optical device 200, and the surface 120. In an exemplary embodiment, adjusting the orientation of the optical device 200 to an alignment orientation based on the relationship between the mechanical alignment feature 300, the optical device 200, and the surface 120 includes contacting the mechanical alignment feature 300 with the surface 120 and the end face 201.

[0065] At operation 808, method 800 includes increasing the distance between optical device 200 and surface 120. For example, optical device 200, located in mechanical carriage 210, can be moved in direction 221. Alternatively or additionally, surface 120 can be removed from optical device 200.

[0066] As shown, method 800 also includes removing mechanical feature 300 from a selected location (either end face 201 or surface 120) at operation 810.

[0067] Then, method 800 includes, at operation 812, moving the optical device 200 and / or surface 120 back to re-establish the selected distance 205 therebetween. For example, the optical device 200, situated in the mechanical carriage 210, can be moved in direction 222. Alternatively or additionally, surface 120 can be moved back to its working configuration.

[0068] At operation 814, a method 800 can be further performed to align the optical device 200 with the surface 120 configured to receive the liquid coating layer, wherein the optical device 200 measures the parameters of the liquid coating received on the surface 120.

[0069] Furthermore, method 800 may include, at operation 816, replacing optical device 200 with another optical device 200, such as a second optical device 200. As shown, operations 802-816 can then be repeated for the most recently installed optical device 200. In this way, all tests using different optical devices 200 are performed at a standardized distance 205.

[0070] Cross-reference Figure 1-6 This paper describes a low-cost component 400 for performing standardized parameter measurements. The exemplary component 400 includes a plurality of optical devices 200, each having an end face 201. Furthermore, the exemplary component 400 includes a mechanical carriage 210 connected to a surface 120 configured to receive a layer of liquid coating. The exemplary mechanical carriage 210 is configured to move to and away from a working configuration positioned at a set distance 215 relative to the surface 120 and in orientation. Additionally, the mechanical carriage 210 is configured to receive and hold each optical device 200, one at a time.

[0071] The exemplary component 400 also includes a detachable mechanical alignment feature 300 configured to be temporarily retained on the end face 210 of each optical device 200. Additionally, the exemplary component 400 includes an adjustment feature 240 configured to adjust the orientation of each optical device 200 within the mechanical carriage 210 to an aligned orientation based on the relationship between the surface 120 and the mechanical alignment feature 300.

[0072] With the structure of component 400, testing of the liquid coating on surface 120 can be performed at a standardized distance 205 from the optical end face 201 to surface 120 and to the liquid coating layer thereon. Furthermore, component 400 provides this standardization through a quick and simple process, such as temporarily maintaining a mechanical alignment feature 300 on the optical end face 201 between the optical end face 201 and surface 120. Therefore, component 400 is an inexpensive solution to the non-standardization problem of testing by different users with different optical devices.

[0073] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been given in the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should be understood that numerous variations exist. It should also be understood that the at least one exemplary embodiment is merely an example and is not intended to limit its scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description of the invention will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made to the function and arrangement of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for measuring parameters of a liquid coating, the method comprising: A mechanical carriage is provided to be connected to a surface configured to receive a liquid coating layer, wherein the mechanical carriage is configured to move to and away from a working configuration relative to the surface to be positioned at a set distance and orientation. Position the optical device within the mechanical carriage; The orientation of the optical device within the mechanical carriage is adjusted to the alignment orientation based on the relationship between the mechanical alignment features on the surface and the optical device. and Parameter measurement operations are performed using an optical device that is aligned with the target orientation; Adjusting the orientation of the optical device within the mechanical carriage to an aligned orientation includes: when the mechanical carriage is in a working configuration, making the mechanical alignment feature contact the surface.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the optical device in the mechanical carriage comprises positioning the optical device in the mechanical carriage while retracting it from the working configuration, and wherein the method further comprises: Before aligning the optical devices inside the mechanical carriage to the correct orientation, move the mechanical carriage to the working configuration; and After aligning the optical devices inside the mechanical carriage to the correct orientation, the mechanical carriage is retracted from its working configuration. Remove mechanical alignment features from the optical device; And before performing parameter measurement operations using the aligned optical device, the mechanical carriage is returned to the working configuration.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying a mechanical alignment feature to an end face of the optical device prior to extending the mechanical slide carriage to the working configuration, wherein applying the mechanical alignment feature to the end face of the optical device comprises leaving three protrusions at the end face of the optical device, wherein leaving the three protrusions at the end face of the optical device comprises: The substrate with opposing adhesive surfaces is adhered to the end face of the optical device; And adhere these three protrusions to the substrate.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting the orientation of the optical device within the mechanical carriage to an aligned orientation based on the relationship between the mechanical alignment features on the surface and the optical device comprises visually observing the mechanical alignment features and their mapping on the surface.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the micrometer interconnects the optical device with the mechanical carriage, and wherein adjusting the orientation of the optical device within the mechanical carriage to an aligned orientation based on the relationship between the surface and mechanical alignment features on the optical device comprises independently adjusting the micrometer.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the optical device is a spectrophotometer, and wherein performing parameter measurement operations with the optical device in an aligned orientation includes obtaining wet color measurement results.

7. A component for performing standardized parameter measurements, the component comprising: Multiple optical devices, each of which has an end face; A mechanical carriage connected to a surface configured to receive a liquid coating layer, wherein the mechanical carriage is configured to move to and away from a working configuration positioned relative to the surface at a set distance and orientation, and wherein the mechanical carriage is configured to accommodate each optical device; A detachable mechanical alignment feature configured to be temporarily retained on the end face of each optical device; and The configuration adjusts the orientation of each optical device within the mechanical carriage to the alignment orientation adjustment feature based on the relationship between the surface and the removable mechanical alignment feature; The adjustment feature is configured such that adjusting the orientation of the optical device within the mechanical carriage to an alignment orientation includes: bringing the mechanical alignment feature into contact with the surface when the mechanical carriage is in a working configuration.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the detachable mechanical alignment feature comprises three protrusions.

9. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the detachable mechanical alignment feature comprises three protrusions adhered to a substrate having opposing adhesive surfaces.

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