Diamond Reflective Coating Uniform Particle Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing reflective coatings with metallic particles face challenges such as uneven size distribution, difficulty in retrieving particles from dried paint, and inconsistent application, leading to undesirable appearances and wastefulness, especially when valuable particles are not recycled.

Innovation Solution

A liquid composition comprising diamond particles with specific size ranges (35-175 µm) and a transparent binder, applied in a method that allows for controlled drying and layering, providing a robust and visually appealing reflective coating, with optional protective layers for enhanced durability and appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If metallic particles are incorporated into paint to provide metallic appearance, then the coating has reflective properties, but the particle size distribution becomes uneven and appearance consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereflective appearanceVSAvoidparticle size distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a narrow particle size range of 35-175 μm for diamond particles, changing the size parameter to achieve uniform distribution. This controlled size range prevents settling and ensures consistent reflective appearance across the coated surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses diamond particles with uniform size distribution (35-175 μm) to achieve homogeneous reflective properties throughout the coating. The consistent particle size ensures even distribution and uniform appearance, eliminating the non-uniformity caused by mixed particle sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

2Illumination intensity

If paint with valuable particles is applied to surfaces, then the desired appearance is achieved, but particle retrieval and recycling becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereflective appearanceVSAvoidparticle retrieval time
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables recovery of diamond particles from wasted paint through filtration. The particles can be separated, cleaned, and recycled back into the paint formulation, reducing loss of valuable materials and minimizing retrieval time for future applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the coating from liquid paint to dried film, allowing particles to be recovered through filtration and other separation techniques. This parameter change enables efficient particle retrieval and recycling processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Illumination intensity

If reflective particles are applied to surfaces, then the coating has metallic appearance, but controlling the number of particles applied and achieving even coverage becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereflective appearanceVSAvoidapplication control
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a controlled particle size range (35-175 μm) that optimizes application behavior. This size parameter ensures proper suspension in the liquid composition, even distribution during application, and consistent coverage, making the manufacturing process easier to control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a sufficient concentration of diamond particles within the specified size range to ensure complete and even coverage of the substrate. This adequate particle quantity, combined with proper size control, achieves uniform reflective appearance without requiring excessive application time or multiple coats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Illumination intensity

If larger diamond particles are used in the composition, then the reflective appearance is enhanced, but the particles settle to the bottom of the paint batch more rapidly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereflective appearanceVSAvoidparticle suspension stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies an optimal particle size range (35-175 μm) that balances reflective appearance with suspension stability. This controlled size prevents excessive settling while maintaining the visual effects, resolving the contradiction between particle size benefits and compositional stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution achieves a consistent, appealing reflective appearance with enhanced durability and ease of application, allowing for effective recycling of diamond particles and improved surface finish on various substrates, including glass and vehicle body panels.

Implementation Method 1

The diamond particles are preferably (for best optical results) obtained by crushing larger particles. This means that they have a morphology consistent with having been crushed, which means that they have cleaved planes revealed which reflect incident light.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3383962B1Reflective coating
Publication Date: 2022.06.22 JBRD SA
  • EP3383962B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3383962B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3383962B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Diamond containing compositions Compositions containing diamond particles for producing reflective coatings and methods of wet and dry application of diamond particles to substrates to produce reflective coatings. The coatings have a desirable appearance, are robust and easy to apply.