Computer System for Coating Composition Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The development of new compositions for paints, varnishes, printing inks, and other coating materials is time-consuming and costly due to the complexity of interactions between raw materials, making it difficult to predict chemical, physical, and optical properties, and requiring numerous manual tests.

Innovation Solution

A computer-based method that utilizes a database of known compositions and formulations to search for suitable combinations of solids and dispersants, allowing for the generation of new compositions by substituting components based on similarity criteria, thereby reducing the need for extensive testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If empirical testing and manual synthesis methods are used to develop new compositions, then comprehensive property evaluation can be achieved, but the development process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproperty evaluation accuracyVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-collecting and storing interaction data between raw materials in a database before actual composition development. This pre-established knowledge base allows the system to predict composition properties without extensive manual testing, significantly reducing development time while maintaining evaluation accuracy through the use of pre-analyzed interaction patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating virtual models of composition properties through computer-based simulations that replicate the effects of physical testing. The system generates predicted composition formulations by copying and applying known interaction patterns from the database, eliminating the need for numerous physical prototypes and manual tests while preserving comprehensive property evaluation capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If comprehensive manual testing of composition interactions is performed, then reliable property prediction can be achieved, but the complexity and cost of the development process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproperty prediction reliabilityVSAvoidtesting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical testing system with an information-based computer system. Instead of physically mixing and testing numerous composition variations, the system uses software to calculate predicted properties based on stored interaction data. This substitution maintains prediction reliability through accurate computational models while dramatically reducing the complexity of the development process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer between the raw materials and the final composition evaluation. The computer system acts as an intermediary that processes raw material properties and interaction data to generate predicted composition characteristics, simplifying the overall system by mediating the complex interactions through algorithmic processing rather than direct physical experimentation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If numerous raw materials and dispersants are combined to achieve desired properties, then composition performance can be optimized, but the number of possible combinations and testing requirements increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomposition performance optimizationVSAvoidformulation development efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses copying to replicate successful composition patterns and dispersant combinations from the database when developing new formulations. Instead of testing all possible combinations of raw materials and dispersants, the system copies proven effective pairings and adapts them to new requirements, maintaining composition performance optimization while dramatically improving formulation development efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by creating a multi-functional computer-based system that handles composition design, property prediction, and optimization simultaneously. The system can evaluate multiple dispersants and raw material combinations using the same computational framework, enabling versatile composition optimization without proportionally increasing development work, as the single system performs multiple evaluation functions

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

Data Source

PatentEP3712579B1Method for generating a composition for paints, varnishes, inks, grinding resins, pigment concentrates or other coatings
Publication Date: 2021.12.29 EVONIK OPERATIONS GMBH
  • EP3712579B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3712579B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3712579B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for generating a composition for paints, varnishes, printing inks, abrasive resins, pigment concentrates, or other coating materials, wherein the composition for paints, varnishes, printing inks, abrasive resins, pigment concentrates, or other coating materials comprises solids and dispersants, wherein the composition is generated by a computer system, the computer system having access to a database in which known compositions are stored and in which measurement points are stored for combinations of a solid and a dispersant of known compositions, wherein a rheological property and a coloristic property are stored for each measurement point. The method comprises: inputting a specification of a desired combination of a first component and a second component of a composition,wherein the components are a solid and a dispersant, via a user interface of the computer system; execution of a database query with the desired combination of the first component and the second component as the search criterion, wherein if the database query yields a known composition that satisfies the search criterion, the known composition is output, wherein, contrary to this, a further database query of a composition with the first component and the second component as the search criterion is carried out to find a candidate composition that includes one of the two components and, in place of the other component, a replacement component, and further steps to generate the formulation and output the composition.