Low Solid Floor Coatings for Robotic Spray Application
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional high solid content floor coatings are unsuitable for robotic application due to agglomeration, clogging, and increased viscosity, which leads to inadequate dispersion and coating on floors, and they often result in tread marks and black heel marks.
Innovation Solution
Development of low solid content floor coatings with a polymer, solvent, and surfactant composition, specifically designed for robotic application, with a solid content of less than 15%, utilizing self-crosslinking polymers and silicone-based surfactants to achieve low viscosity and effective spray application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high solid content coatings are used, then coating durability and coverage are improved, but viscosity increases causing spray application difficulties, agglomeration, and clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solid content parameter from traditional high levels (16-60%) to low levels (5-15%), which fundamentally alters the coating's viscosity characteristics and enables spray application while maintaining durability through self-crosslinking polymer chemistry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material formulation combining self-crosslinking polymers with specific solvents and surfactants to achieve a coating that has both low viscosity for spray application and high durability through chemical crosslinking after application
2Quantity of substance
If high solid content coatings are applied by mopping, then coverage is achieved, but robotic automation becomes difficult and manual oversight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solid content parameter to low levels (5-15%), which enables the coating to be applied by spray mechanisms suitable for robotic devices rather than manual mopping, thereby increasing automation extent
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical application method (mopping) with a spray application system that can be integrated with robotic devices, substituting manual mechanical operation with automated spray mechanisms
3Manufacturing precision
If high solid content coatings are sprayed, then coating thickness is improved, but agglomeration and clogging in spray apparatus occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solid content parameter to low levels (5-15%) and controls viscosity within specific ranges (50-200 cP), which prevents agglomeration and clogging in spray apparatus while maintaining coating uniformity through proper dispersion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses surfactants as intermediary substances that prevent agglomeration of polymer particles in the coating formulation, ensuring smooth flow through spray apparatus without clogging while maintaining coating quality
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 low solid content coatings enable efficient robotic application, reduce manual oversight, and provide improved gloss and durability with fewer coats required, while being easier to remove and maintain, thus enhancing floor safety and appearance.
Implementation Method 1
the polymer comprises a self-crosslinking polymer
Implementation Method 2
the composition comprises a polymer, a solvent, a surfactant, and water
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to low solid surface coating compositions and methods of using the same. The low solid surface coating compositions comprise a self-crosslinking polymer, a solvent, a surfactant, and water. The low solid surface coating compositions can preferably have a total solid content of less than 15%.