Cement Pigment Metering Using L* Color-Triangle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coloring concrete are technologically expensive and result in poor durability and color fastness, with conventional and alternative cements having inherent colors that limit color design possibilities.
Innovation Solution
A device for metering paint pigments that adjusts pigment mixing ratios based on the inherent color of cement or alternative cement using a color triangle principle, incorporating brightness values (L*) to achieve desired color shades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional methods for coloring concrete are used, then color design possibilities are limited by inherent cement colors, but existing solutions are technologically expensive and result in poor durability and color fastness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying pigment concentrations and ratios (changing the concentration parameter) to achieve different color shades. The control unit adjusts pigment dosages based on desired color outcomes, transforming the discrete art of concrete coloring into a controllable parameter optimization process that maintains both versatility and durability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using color measurement devices to analyze the actual color of concrete samples and comparing it with target colors. The control unit processes this feedback information and automatically adjusts pigment dosages in subsequent batches, creating a closed-loop system that ensures consistent color fastness and durability while maintaining design flexibility
2Illumination intensity
If pigment quantities are increased to achieve more intense colors, then color intensity increases, but pigment stock requirements increase and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by optimizing pigment concentration ratios rather than simply increasing total pigment quantity. The control unit calculates precise dosage combinations of different pigments to achieve target color intensities, allowing intense colors to be produced with minimal pigment stock through efficient concentration management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple pigments in specific ratios to achieve color intensification through synergistic effects. Instead of relying on single high-concentration pigments, the system uses composite pigment formulations that produce intense colors with lower total pigment content, reducing pigment stock requirements while maintaining color intensity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple paint pigments are stored and mixed to achieve desired color shades, then color design flexibility increases, but device complexity and pigment stock requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a standardized set of pigments with varying concentrations and ratios rather than storing numerous different pigment types. The control unit achieves color design flexibility by systematically adjusting the dosage parameters of a limited pigment set, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility through mathematical color mixing models
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a metering system that can produce a wide range of colors using a small set of universal basic pigments. The control unit functions as a multi-functional device that handles dosage calculation, pigment selection, and mixing ratio optimization, eliminating the need for complex specialized equipment for each color shade and reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Device for metering color pigments as an additive for cement or alternative cement for the production of colored concrete products, comprising at least three containers for receiving respectively different color pigments, a control unit for setting the discharge quantities from the containers, and a sensor system coupled to the control unit in order to meter a color pigment composition taking into account the discharge quantities detected by the sensor system, wherein at least one brightness value L* value for the inherent color of the cement or alternative cement of the concrete product to be colored in each case is stored or storable in the control unit, and the control unit is configured to apply a color triangle as a function of the at least one L* value for controlling the output of predetermined quantities of the color pigments from the at least three containers based on a set of three standard color values X, Y, Z.