Spectrophotometer Alignment for Standardized Wet Color Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring wet color parameters in coating compositions are time-consuming, non-standardized, and prone to errors, leading to batch-to-batch quality issues and frequent interruptions in manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical alignment feature with three protrusions is used to ensure parallel alignment of a spectrophotometer face to a spinning disk surface, constraining rotation and translation, allowing for rapid and repeatable wet color measurements without the need for iterative manual adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual alignment procedures are used for optical devices, then measurement can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and non-standardized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement standardizationVSAvoidalignment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A mechanical alignment feature serves as an intermediary component between the optical device and the measurement surface. This alignment feature includes a carriage mechanism with adjustment features that mediate the positioning relationship, enabling standardized alignment without direct manual adjustment of the optical device itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment feature is pre-configured with adjustment mechanisms that allow preliminary positioning before measurement. The carriage can be pre-adjusted to the correct distance and orientation, and the alignment feature can be removed in advance, eliminating the need for iterative manual adjustments during the measurement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If iterative manual adjustments are performed for alignment, then measurement can be conducted, but manufacturing efficiency is reduced due to frequent interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoiddowntime for alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment feature is designed to be set up in advance with all necessary adjustments pre-configured. The carriage mechanism can be positioned and locked before measurement begins, eliminating the need for iterative adjustments during production and allowing for rapid instrument swaps without downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment feature incorporates self-aligning characteristics where the mechanical structure automatically ensures proper positioning through its design. The adjustment features allow the system to self-verify and maintain alignment without requiring continuous manual intervention or iterative adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If standardized alignment procedures are implemented, then measurement consistency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement consistencyVSAvoidalignment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment system is segmented into separate functional components: a carriage mechanism for positioning, adjustment features for calibration, and an alignment feature that can be removed. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment feature is designed as a disposable or removable component that can be quickly attached and removed. This eliminates the need for complex permanent alignment mechanisms, reducing device complexity while ensuring consistent measurements through standardized alignment procedures that can be rapidly repeated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 streamlines the alignment process, reduces variability, and ensures consistent measurements across different devices, minimizing downtime and improving manufacturing efficiency by allowing for quick instrument swaps.

Implementation Method 1

A mechanical alignment feature with three protrusions is used to ensure parallel alignment of a spectrophotometer face to a spinning disk surface, constraining rotation and translation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

measuring wet color parameters... optical device... performing a parameter measurement operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250290800A1Color measurement

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 AXALTA COATING SYSTEMS IP CO LLC

AI summary

Methods and assemblies for aligning an optical device with a surface configured to receive a liquid coating are provided. A method for aligning an optical device with a surface configured to receive a liquid coating includes locating a removable mechanical alignment feature between a face of the optical device and the surface; moving the optical device and/or the surface to establish a selected distance therebetween; adjusting an orientation of the optical device to an aligned orientation based on a relationship between the removable mechanical alignment feature, the optical device, and the surface; increasing a distance between the optical device and the surface; removing the removable mechanical alignment feature; and moving back the optical device and/or the surface to re-establish the selected distance therebetween.