LiDAR-Visible Coating With NIR Converter Layers for Dark Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR systems struggle to detect low-reflectivity and non-NIR-reflective objects such as plastics, composites, concrete, cement, wood, and masonry, leading to navigation inaccuracies and safety issues in autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A coating system comprising a converter layer and an NIR transmitting layer, where the converter layer has an L* value ranging from 0 to 80, making the substrate LiDAR-visible by reflecting NIR light, thereby enhancing detection by LiDAR sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coatings are used on low-reflectivity substrates, then the substrate appears in desired colors, but LiDAR detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The coating system is divided into multiple functional layers: a converter layer containing NIR-reflective pigments for LiDAR visibility, and an NIR-transmitting basecoat layer for color appearance. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between LiDAR detection and color options.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite coating materials combining NIR-reflective pigments (such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or specialized ceramic pigments) with conventional color pigments in a multi-layer structure. This composite approach enables the coating to simultaneously provide LiDAR reflectivity and desired color appearance, resolving the technical contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If white or light colored primer is used to improve LiDAR visibility, then detection accuracy improves, but color matching and aesthetic options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The converter layer is designed with localized NIR-reflective properties while the basecoat layer provides the desired color appearance. This local quality differentiation allows the coating to optimize LiDAR reflectivity in the converter layer while maintaining full color matching versatility in the basecoat layer, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and color options.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a functional dimension by introducing a separate converter layer dedicated to NIR reflectivity, while the basecoat layer handles color appearance. This dimensional separation allows independent optimization of LiDAR detection accuracy and color matching options without compromise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dark colored coatings are applied directly to substrates, then aesthetic preferences are met, but LiDAR detection capability is severely reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coating system segments functions into a converter layer for NIR reflectivity and a basecoat layer for color appearance. This allows dark aesthetic colors to be applied in the basecoat layer without compromising LiDAR detection, as the converter layer maintains NIR-reflective properties independent of the basecoat color.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter layer acts as an intermediary between the substrate and the basecoat, providing the NIR-reflective function that enables LiDAR detection while allowing the basecoat to provide any desired aesthetic color, including dark colors, without interfering with detection reliability.
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 coating system improves LiDAR visibility on low-reflectivity substrates, providing wear resistance, adhesion, weather resistance, and gloss retention while maintaining color options, ensuring accurate navigation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one converter layer is an NIR reflective layer, allowing that converter layer to be LiDAR-visible
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a LiDAR-visible coating system comprising at least one converter layer and at least one NIR transmitting layer at least partially coating the at least one converter layer, wherein the converter layer at least partially coated by the NIR transmitting layer has an L* value ranging from 0 to 80 according to the CIELAB L*a*b* system. In many embodiments, at least one converter layer is an NIR reflective layer. The coating system described herein may be detectable by a LiDAR sensor at various wavelengths, including 905 nm and 1550 nm. A method of preparing the coating system and an article with the coating system are also disclosed.