Coating Layer Radar Transparency Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for coating trim parts in vehicles with radar sensors are costly and impractical due to the need for special paint layers and precise geometries, which can't be easily repaired, leading to unwanted damping of radar signals and reduced sensor performance.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method predicts the transmission and reflection properties of coated substrates by determining the permittivity of coating layers using a data-driven model, allowing for the selection of suitable coating formulations and repair of trim parts without the need for expensive special pigments or precise conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If standard pigmented coating compositions are used to coat trim parts, then uniform high-class optical appearance is achieved, but radar signal damping increases and sensor performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (conductivity/permittivity) of the coating by controlling aluminum pigment content and distribution, while maintaining optical appearance through specific pigment concentrations and coating thickness control. This allows the coating to be electrically transparent to radar waves while retaining its visual properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite coating material combining aluminum pigments with specific binders and additives that provide both optical appearance and radar wave transparency. The composite structure allows simultaneous achievement of aesthetic and functional requirements.
2Reliability
If precisely defined geometries and special pigments are used to reduce radar signal damping, then sensor performance is maintained, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the critical functional requirement (radar wave transparency) from the complex system of special geometries and materials, and addresses it through a simpler parameter control approach - specifically controlling aluminum pigment content and electrical properties of standard coating materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent simplifies the system by changing focus from geometric precision to material parameter control (conductivity, permittivity, pigment concentration), making the solution easier to manufacture and repair while maintaining radar performance.
3Reliability
If precisely defined geometries and special pigments are used to reduce radar signal damping, then sensor performance is maintained, but ease of repair decreases as overcoating changes the optimized system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the coating system universal by using standard pigmented coating materials that can be applied in routine refinish processes. The coating formulation is designed to maintain radar wave transparency regardless of application method, allowing both original coating and repair coating to work together without compromising sensor performance.
4Illumination intensity
If metallic effect pigments are used in coating layers, then optical appearance is enhanced, but radar wave reflection and absorption increase causing signal damping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (conductivity, thickness) of the aluminum pigment layer to create an optimized balance where the coating maintains metallic appearance while minimizing radar wave interaction. Specific pigment concentrations and layer thicknesses are controlled to achieve electrical transparency at radar frequencies.
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
This approach reduces the time and cost associated with determining coating properties, enables the use of standard refinish processes, and maintains radar sensor performance by optimizing coating layers for minimal signal damping.
Implementation Method 1
determining with the computer processor a measure indicating the permittivity of the coating layer CL based on the data driven model provided in step (ii), and the digital representation D1 of the coating layer CL
Implementation Method 2
determining with the computer processor at least one transmission and/or reflection property of the coated substrate based on the measure indicating the permittivity of the coating layer CL
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a computer-implemented method, a system, and a computer program product for predicting the properties of a coating layer CL or transmission and/or reflection properties of a substrate coated with a coating layer CL and optionally at least one further coating layer. Further disclosed herein is a method of using the computer-implemented method for screening coating layers CL or coated substrates including at least one coating layer CL and optionally at least one further coating layer. Additionally disclosed herein are a substrate coated with a coating layer CL, at least one further coating layer, and a client device for generating a request to initiate the prediction of at least one property of a coating layer CL or at least one transmission and/or reflection property of the substrate.