Volatile Diamondoid Coating for 3D Scanning Surface Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical measurement technologies, such as 3D scanning, photogrammetry, and LIDAR, face challenges when measuring surfaces that are transparent, translucent, absorbing, reflective, glossy, or black, as they struggle to produce high-quality and accurate measurements. Additionally, existing antireflective coatings based on pigments are difficult to remove, contaminate equipment, and can interact negatively with protective coatings on objects, leading to measurement errors and health risks.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising one or more substituted diamondoids, such as ketones of adamantane, combined with a solvent system that includes solvents A and B, which are designed to form a thin, homogeneous, and mar-resistant antireflective coating that can be easily removed without cleaning, even from oiled surfaces, while maintaining the quality of optical measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pigment-based coatings are applied to surfaces for optical measurement, then the surface becomes opaque and suitable for scanning, but the coatings contaminate equipment and are difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the coating material from conventional pigments to perfluoropolyether compounds. This parameter change enables the coating to be volatile at room temperature, allowing it to evaporate completely after measurement without leaving residues that would contaminate equipment. The coating transitions from a permanent pigment-based layer to a temporary volatile layer that disappears after serving its purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The volatile coating acts as a disposable, short-lived solution for optical measurement. It is applied temporarily to enable scanning, performs its function during the measurement process, then evaporates completely without requiring removal. This eliminates the need for cleaning procedures and prevents equipment contamination, embodying the concept of a temporary, single-use coating solution.
2Reliability
If pigment-based coatings are applied to create opaque surfaces, then measurement is enabled, but the coatings interact negatively with protective coatings on objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters from conventional pigments to perfluoropolyether compounds with specific properties (volatility, chemical inertness). These parameter changes ensure the coating does not chemically interact with or degrade protective coatings on objects. The volatile nature allows application over protective layers without causing damage, as the coating can be applied as a vapor that condenses on the surface without requiring aggressive solvents or chemicals.
Solution Approach 2:
The volatile coating acts as a temporary intermediary layer that enables optical measurement without permanently affecting the object's protective coating. It provides the necessary optical properties for scanning temporarily, then evaporates completely, leaving the original protective coating intact and undamaged. This intermediary approach avoids direct harmful interactions between measurement requirements and object protection needs.
3Reliability
If thick pigment-based coating layers are applied to ensure opacity, then measurement is possible, but measurement precision decreases due to granularity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the coating material to a volatile compound that forms extremely thin, uniform layers. This parameter change eliminates granularity issues inherent in thick pigment-based coatings. The volatile coating can be applied as a thin vapor layer that condenses uniformly on the surface, providing sufficient opacity for optical measurement without the thickness and granularity problems of conventional coatings, thereby maintaining high measurement precision.
4Ease of operation
If coating removal procedures are performed after measurement, then the object can be retrieved in original condition, but the process is time-consuming and may damage the object
Solution Approach 1:
The volatile coating is designed as a temporary, single-use layer that evaporates automatically after measurement. It requires no removal procedures, cleaning agents, or additional processing steps. The coating performs its function during scanning then disappears on its own, eliminating the time-consuming and potentially damaging removal processes associated with permanent coatings. This disposable approach simplifies the workflow and prevents object damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The volatile coating is self-removing through evaporation at room temperature. It does not require external intervention, chemicals, or mechanical removal processes. After serving its purpose during optical measurement, the coating spontaneously evaporates and disappears, leaving the object in its original condition without human intervention. This self-service characteristic eliminates the need for separate removal procedures and associated time losses.
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 proposed composition achieves high-quality optical measurements by providing a thin, uniform, and durable coating that enhances light diffuseness and surface smoothness, while offering prolonged residence time, excellent adhesion for reference dots, and ease of removal, thus overcoming the limitations of existing coatings.
Implementation Method 1
The coating layer is sublimable such that the coating layer can be retrieved from the surface without the need for cleaning or other post-treatment measures
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to novel compositions suitable for use in, inter alia, optical measurement technology applications and, in particular, 3D scanning technology as well as methods for the manufacture and methods of use of said compositions.