Multifunctional Aircraft Barrier Coating with Fluorescent Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional barrier coatings for aircraft interiors lack multifunctionality, requiring multiple layers for desired effects, are costly and time-consuming to apply, and difficult to detect effectively, especially in field applications, which complicates ensuring adequate coverage and necessitating reapplication.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional barrier coating composition comprising a base coating component, solvent, FST resistive component, UV resistive component, antimicrobial component, and optional dye, applied using a method that includes quantifiable measurement techniques such as contact angle and fluorescence detection to assess and reapply the coating as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple layers of specialized coatings are applied to achieve desired hydrophobicity, FST performance, antimicrobial resistance, and UV resistance, then the multifunctional performance is improved, but the application time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultifunctional performanceVSAvoidapplication time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple specialized coating functions (hydrophobicity, FST resistance, antimicrobial properties, UV resistance) into a single integrated coating composition. This merging eliminates the need to apply multiple separate coating layers, thereby reducing application time and process complexity while maintaining all required protective functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coating composition is designed as a universal multifunctional solution that simultaneously provides hydrophobicity, flame/smoke/toxicity resistance, antimicrobial protection, and UV resistance. This multi-functional formulation allows a single coating layer to replace multiple specialized coatings, streamlining the application process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple layers of specialized coatings are applied to achieve desired hydrophobicity, FST performance, antimicrobial resistance, and UV resistance, then the multifunctional performance is improved, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultifunctional performanceVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple specialized coating functions (hydrophobicity, FST resistance, antimicrobial properties, UV resistance) into a single integrated coating composition. This merging eliminates the need to apply multiple separate coating layers, thereby reducing application time and process complexity while maintaining all required protective functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coating composition is designed as a universal multifunctional solution that simultaneously provides hydrophobicity, flame/smoke/toxicity resistance, antimicrobial protection, and UV resistance. This multi-functional formulation allows a single coating layer to replace multiple specialized coatings, streamlining the application process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Shape

If clear, thin barrier coatings are applied to protect aircraft interior surfaces, then the aesthetic appearance is maintained, but the detection of coating presence and integrity becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidcoating detection
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates fluorescent indicators into the coating formulation that remain invisible under normal lighting conditions but emit visible fluorescence when exposed to UV light. This allows the coating to maintain its aesthetic appearance as a clear, thin layer while providing a reliable detection mechanism through fluorescence to verify coating presence, coverage, and integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The fluorescent indicator acts as an intermediary substance within the coating that enables detection without affecting the coating's primary protective functions or aesthetic appearance. Under UV illumination, this intermediary component provides visual feedback on coating application quality and integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a single-layer, cost-effective, and efficient application of a barrier coating that offers improved hydrophobicity, FST performance, antimicrobial resistance, and UV resistance, with detectable integrity for timely reapplication, enhancing aircraft interior protection and hygiene.

Implementation Method 1

the barrier coating forming solution may include a fluorescent indicator capable of absorption in the UV spectrum and emission in the visible spectrum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

hydrophobic surface coatings derived from polymers can be applied to improve fluid resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobe: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentEP4144804A1Multifunctional barrier coating forming solutions and methods for applying and detecting the same
Publication Date: 2023.03.08 BE AEROSPACE INC
  • EP4144804A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4144804A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4144804A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Disclosed are multifunctional barrier coating forming solutions for surface coating substrates, for instance interior surfaces in aircraft. In embodiments, the solutions include a base coating component in an amount from 5 to 40% by weight of the solution, a solvent in an amount from 50 to 70% by weight of the solution, an FST resistive component in an amount from 0.1 to 5% by weight of the solution, a UV resistive component in an amount from 0.1 to 2% by weight of the solution, an antimicrobial component in an amount from 0.1 to 5% by weight of the solution, and optionally a dye component in an amount less than 0.5% by weight of the solution. Also disclosed are methods for surface coating a substrate with a multifunctional barrier coating forming solution and detecting the same post application to determine a need for barrier coating reapplication.