Nondestructive Coating Composition Analysis Using Reference Standards

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the composition of paint and primer coatings, such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), are destructive, leading to sample loss and requiring repair or re-application, while improper mixing can result in uneven distribution and adherence issues affecting durability and quality.

Innovation Solution

A non-destructive spectral analysis method using reference standards with varying matrix-to-additive ratios, combined with destructive analysis, allows for in-situ determination of coating composition without sample destruction, utilizing techniques like XRF, IR, and TGA to correlate and determine the matrix-to-additive ratios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If destructive analysis methods like TGA are used to determine coating composition, then accurate composition characterization is achieved, but the coating is destroyed requiring repair or re-application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomposition characterization accuracyVSAvoidcoating sample loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates reference standards that are copies or representations of the coating material with known compositions. These reference standards are subjected to destructive analysis once to establish spectral signatures, which are then used to non-destructively analyze actual coatings. This copying approach allows accurate composition determination without destroying the actual coating being tested.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces reference standards as an intermediary between the destructive analysis method and the actual coating. The reference standards serve as mediators that absorb the destructive analysis impact, allowing the actual coating to be analyzed non-destructively through comparison of spectral data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of substance

If nondestructive spectral analysis is used on coatings, then sample integrity is maintained, but accurate composition determination requires complex reference standard correlation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating sample preservationVSAvoidreference standard correlation system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary destructive analysis on reference standards with known compositions to establish their spectral signatures beforehand. This preliminary action creates a library of reference data that simplifies subsequent non-destructive analysis of actual coatings, as the complex correlation work has already been done in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent varies parameters of the reference standards, specifically the composition ratios of matrix material to additive material, to create a series of reference samples with different known compositions. This parameter variation allows the system to correlate spectral data across different compositions, making the non-destructive analysis more accurate despite the complexity of the reference standard system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If improper mixing of paint and primer occurs, then application is faster, but uneven distribution and adherence issues reduce durability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication speedVSAvoidcoating durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical mixing verification methods with spectral analysis. Instead of physically checking mixing quality through time-consuming manual inspection or destructive testing, the system uses non-destructive spectral analysis to quickly and accurately determine composition, ensuring proper mixing without sacrificing application speed or durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables accurate, non-destructive assessment of coating composition on surfaces, ensuring proper mixing and adherence, thereby improving durability and longevity by preventing issues like peeling, corrosion, and uneven finishes.

Implementation Method 1

performing nondestructive spectral analysis on each of the plurality of reference standards

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpectral analysis: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS20250305920A1Nondestructive determination of coating material composition

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A method for determining a composition of a coating material on a sample comprises creating a plurality of reference standards by applying a reference material to a reference substrate. The reference material comprises a different ratio of a matrix material to an additive material for each of the plurality of reference standards. Nondestructive spectral analysis is performed on each of the plurality of reference standards. Each of the plurality of reference standards is subjected to destructive analysis to correlate results of the destructive analysis and the nondestructive spectral analysis. The nondestructive spectral analysis is performed on the sample. The method further comprises comparing results of the nondestructive spectral analysis on the sample to the correlated results of the destructive analysis and the nondestructive spectral analysis on the plurality of the reference standards to determine the ratio of the matrix material to the additive material in the sample.