Angular Colorimetry Apparatus for Architectural Glass Coatings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring angular color variation in architectural glass coatings are subjective and unreliable, particularly when used in double-paned windows, as they fail to accurately capture reflectance from both surfaces, leading to inconsistent color appearance with viewing angle.
Innovation Solution
A spectral reflectance apparatus that includes a sample stage, a light source, a detector, and a positioning device to measure reflectance properties by illuminating the object at varying angles, collecting and analyzing reflected light from both front and back surfaces, and resolving it into a color spectrum to quantify angular color variation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If visual inspection methods are used to control angular color variation, then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision and reliability are poor due to subjective judgment and color vision deficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human visual inspection system with an automated spectrophotometer that uses optical sensors to objectively measure reflectance. The instrument captures spectral data across multiple angles, eliminating subjective judgment and color vision limitations while maintaining measurement speed through automated data collection and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spectrophotometer as an intermediary measurement device between the coating sample and the observer. This intermediary instrument objectively quantifies color properties by measuring reflectance spectra, serving as a mediator that translates visual properties into measurable data without human subjectivity.
2Reliability
If multilayer interference stacks are used to improve energy efficiency, then solar transmission and heat retention are controlled, but angular color variation becomes perceptible and unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback by measuring angular color variation at multiple angles during or after coating deposition. The spectrophotometer captures reflectance data across different viewing angles, and this feedback information is used to adjust coating parameters or identify defects, ensuring uniform color appearance while maintaining energy efficiency performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by conducting angular color measurements during the coating deposition process or on test samples before final production. This allows real-time monitoring and adjustment of coating parameters to prevent angular color variation issues from arising in the first place, rather than detecting them after manufacturing.
3Device complexity
If only front surface reflection is measured, then the measurement process is simple, but the total reflected color and angular color variation are not accurately captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into separate components: measuring front surface reflection, back surface reflection, and their combined total reflection. The spectrophotometer is positioned to capture light reflected from both surfaces of the glass sample, with the ability to separately quantify each contribution and their composite effect on overall color appearance.
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
Provides objective and accurate measurements of angular color variability, enabling the development of coatings with reduced color change when viewed from different angles, thus meeting quality control standards and improving the appearance of fenestration products.
Implementation Method 1
incident light on the object is specularly reflected towards the detector
Implementation Method 2
a detector configured to detect reflected light from the object
Implementation Method 3
a positioning device configured to provide a plurality of angular positions for the light source and the detector relative to the object
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring the reflectance properties of an object having a front reflecting surface and at least one back reflecting surface. The apparatus includes a sample stage for placement of the object, a light source, a detector configured to detect reflected light from the object, and a positioning device configured to provide a plurality of angular positions for the light source and the detector relative to the object on the sample stage such that incident light on the object is specularly reflected towards the detector and the reflected light received at the detector includes a front surface reflection from the object and at least one back surface reflection from the object. The method includes illuminating the object at varying angles of incidence, collecting reflected light from the front and back reflecting surfaces of the object at respective specularly reflected angles, wavelength resolving the reflected light into a color spectrum, and analyzing an intensity of the color spectrum as a function of wavelength.