US 12,420,427 B1
Robotic systems and methods for objectively evaluating coating compositions and applicators
Stacy L. Conte, Bath Township, OH (US); and Mark A. Schubert, Broadview Heights, OH (US)
Assigned to SWIMC LLC, Cleveland, OH (US)
Filed by SWIMC LLC, Cleveland, OH (US)
Filed on Oct. 2, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/904,470.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/587,834, filed on Oct. 4, 2023.
Int. Cl. B25J 11/00 (2006.01); B05B 12/08 (2006.01); B05C 11/00 (2006.01); B05C 11/10 (2006.01)
CPC B25J 11/0075 (2013.01) [B05B 12/084 (2013.01); B05C 11/1005 (2013.01)] 21 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for objectively quantifying at least one of coating composition and coating composition applicator properties comprising:
a test bed to which a coating composition is applied;
a controlled sensing arm including an extender coupled to a coating composition applicator, and a sensor capable of measuring force, torque, or combinations thereof, the sensor coupled to the extender and the coating composition applicator, wherein the extender is configured to apply, using the coating composition applicator, a coating composition to the test bed according to one or more pre-programmed movement routines for the controlled sensing arm;
a controller coupled to the extender by a wireless or wired communication link, the controller having one or more processors and memory configured to direct the extender to move and apply the coating composition to the test bed according to the one or more pre-programmed movement routines;
a rigid frame connecting the test bed and the controlled sensing arm; and
an analyzer coupled to the sensor and the controller by wireless or wired communication link, the analyzer including at least a processor and memory and configured to record data from the sensor and data from the controller;
the analyzer further configured to derive a quantitative application characteristic of the coating composition the coating composition applicator, or both;
wherein the system further includes an output device to report data from the sensor or the quantitative application characteristic to a user;
wherein the quantitative application characteristic is independent of human application variation and subjective quality criteria; and
wherein the quantitative application characteristic is suitable for objective comparison of the coating composition, the coating composition applicator, or both.