Multi-angle coating color strength measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current color strength measurement techniques for coating compositions, especially those containing effect pigments, are inadequate as they do not account for angle dependence, leading to inconsistencies and subjective evaluations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving coating a colored batch onto a substrate, illuminating it at various angles, measuring reflected or absorbed light intensity, calculating color strengths at multiple angles, and applying non-uniform weighting factors to determine a composite color strength, allowing for adjustments to achieve consistent batch-to-batch color strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional single-angle color strength measurement is used, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is poor due to angle dependence of effect pigments
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is segmented into multiple discrete angle measurements (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°) rather than using a single measurement. Each angle provides specific information about the effect pigment's optical properties, and the results are combined to achieve comprehensive color strength evaluation that accounts for angle dependence.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement approach transitions from a single-point measurement to a multi-dimensional measurement by introducing the angular dimension. By measuring at multiple angles, the system captures the three-dimensional optical behavior of effect pigments, transforming a one-dimensional measurement into a multi-dimensional characterization.
2Reliability
If subjective technician evaluation is used, then the evaluation method is simple, but the reliability is poor due to subjective variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where measured color strength values at multiple angles are processed through computational algorithms to generate objective evaluation results. This feedback loop replaces subjective technician judgment with automated, consistent calculations that can be replicated across different batches and laboratories.
Solution Approach 2:
The subjective human evaluation system is replaced with an automated optical measurement and computational analysis system. The mechanical and cognitive processes of technician assessment are substituted with instrumented measurement and algorithmic processing, eliminating human variability while maintaining evaluation capability.
3Measurement precision
If multi-angle measurement with weighting factors is implemented, then the color strength measurement accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system performs self-service by automatically executing the multi-angle measurement sequence and computational analysis without requiring operator intervention at each step. The instrument autonomously collects data at multiple angles, processes the information through predefined algorithms, and generates the final color strength evaluation, reducing the operational burden on the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages operational complexity by standardizing measurement parameters (angles, weighting factors, calculation methods) as fixed settings. These parameters are pre-configured based on scientific principles and industry standards, allowing the complex multi-angle measurement process to be executed with simple standardized procedures rather than requiring manual optimization of each parameter.
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 method enables more accurate and consistent color strength measurements for coatings with effect pigments, improving batch-to-batch uniformity and reducing subjective variations among technicians.
Implementation Method 1
illuminating the test film and measuring the intensity of light reflected or absorbed by the test film at a plurality of combinations of illumination angle and measurement angle
Implementation Method 2
illuminating the test film and measuring the intensity of light reflected or absorbed by the test film
Data Source
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AI summary
The color strength of a colored batch containing effect pigments can be measured and corrected using one or more non-uniformly weighted factors to determine, at a plurality of combinations of illumination angles and measurement angles, and at one or more wavelengths, the color and intensity of light reflected or absorbed by a coating film made from the batch in comparison to a reference color strength. Based on such comparison, let-downs or batches may be passed, rejected, mixed or otherwise dispersed. The composition of such let-downs or batches may also or instead be adjusted by adding non-effect pigments, effect pigments, binder, carrier, binder, or non-effect or effect pigments dispersed in either or both of a carrier and binder, in order to correct the let-down or batch color strength to within a desired tolerance of the reference color strength.