Removable Support Layer for Direct Coating Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring the characteristics of a target coating layer are inefficient as they require applying and curing a clearcoat layer first, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and do not allow for accurate measurement until the clearcoat is formed.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a removable front support layer and a back support layer allows for the measurement of the target coating layer characteristics without applying a clearcoat, by positioning the target coating layer between the clearcoat and the back support layer, enabling fast and accurate measurement of color and appearance characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a clearcoat layer is applied and cured before measuring the target coating layer characteristics, then the measurement reflects the final appearance accurately, but the measurement time and process complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clearcoat layer is pre-formed and stored before use. Instead of applying and curing clearcoat at the time of measurement, the pre-formed clearcoat is directly placed over the target coating layer on the support layer, enabling immediate measurement without waiting for curing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system is divided into separate functional components: a support layer for substrate preparation, a target coating layer for measurement, and a pre-formed clearcoat layer. This segmentation allows independent preparation and optimization of each layer, with the clearcoat being prepared separately in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a clearcoat layer is applied and cured before measuring the target coating layer characteristics, then the final coating appearance is protected, but the process becomes more complex and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating protectionVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clearcoat layer is pre-formed and cured in advance under controlled conditions, separating the complex curing process from the measurement process. This preliminary preparation simplifies the measurement workflow while ensuring the clearcoat provides proper protection and optical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A support layer with adhesive properties serves as an intermediary between the substrate and the target coating layer. This adhesive support layer facilitates easy handling, positioning, and removal of the coating layers during the measurement process, reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If traditional measurement methods are used requiring clearcoat application, then complete coating system characteristics are measured, but measurement efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharacteristics accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The clearcoat layer is pre-formed and ready for immediate use, eliminating the time-consuming application and curing steps that would normally precede measurement. This allows rapid deployment of the complete coating system for measurement while maintaining accurate representation of final coating characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pre-formed clearcoat layer is designed to be self-adhering to the target coating layer through the adhesive support layer mechanism, reducing the need for complex application equipment and procedures. The system essentially assembles itself through the inherent adhesive properties of the support layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2513627B1Method for coating measurement
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 AXALTA COATING SYST GMBH
  • EP2513627B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP2513627B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP2513627B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a method for obtaining characteristics of a target coating layer. Specifically, a clearcoat layer is provided over a target coating layer for measuring color and appearance characteristics of the target coating. The clearcoat layer can comprise materials from renewable resources. The present invention is also directed to a system for obtaining characteristics of the target coating layer.