Coating Process Defect Mapping Using Machine Learning Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quality control in paint shops is prone to errors and heavily dependent on expert experience, lacking a systematic and efficient method to identify and correct coating defects in automotive body components.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a machine learning algorithm to predict and detect coating defects by analyzing component-specific process values, providing graphical representation and optimization proposals to improve coating quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual quality control by expert is used, then quality assessment can be performed, but it is prone to errors and highly dependent on expert experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality control reliabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical quality control process with an automated computer-based system that captures process data, compares it against reference values, and generates optimization proposals automatically. This substitution eliminates human error and dependency on expert experience while maintaining reliable quality assessment.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service quality control by automatically monitoring process values, comparing them to reference data, identifying deviations, and generating correction proposals without requiring expert intervention. The coating system becomes self-diagnosing and self-correcting through automated feedback loops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If trial-and-error method is used to determine process parameters, then quality improvement can be achieved, but it requires significant time and resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating qualityVSAvoidprocess optimization time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing reference process values and quality data from successful coating operations. When a coating task is executed, the system immediately compares real-time data against these pre-established references and generates optimization proposals without requiring time-consuming trial-and-error experimentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous feedback by monitoring process values during coating operations, comparing them against reference values, and automatically generating optimization proposals based on detected deviations. This real-time feedback loop enables rapid quality improvement without iterative trial-and-error cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If process values are monitored manually, then quality defects can be identified, but the detection accuracy and efficiency are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoidquality control efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual monitoring with automated computer-based detection that continuously captures and analyzes process data. This automated system achieves superior detection accuracy and efficiency by processing multiple parameters simultaneously without human limitations, generating precise defect identification and location information.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4338024B1Operating method for a coating system and coating system for carrying out the operating method
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 DUERR SYST AG
  • EP4338024B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4338024B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4338024B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an operating method for a coating system for coating components (e.g. vehicle body components) with a coating agent (e.g. paint) by means of an applicator (e.g. a rotary atomiser), comprising the following steps: • coating the components with the coating agent, wherein component-related process values occur which reproduce operating variables of devices of the coating system when coating the individual components, and wherein the coating of the individual components results in a specific component-related coating quality, • ascertaining the component-related process values of the coating system, • optionally ascertaining quality-related abnormalities of the process values in order to detect coating defects (19) when coating the individual components in the context of a prediction operation when coating the components, and • ascertaining the position of the coating defects (19) corresponding to the abnormalities on the component surface of the coated component by evaluating the process values. The invention further relates to a corresponding coating system for carrying out the operating method.