Problem Solver
Michael Kardauskas
Areas Michael Kardauskas is Knowledgeable in:
Photovoltaics, coatings, electronic materials, polymers, manufacturing processes
Techniques Michael Kardauskas Uses:
I assess new problems based on my years of experience and education in a number of fields - architecture, graphic arts, electrical engineering, materials science, chemistry. Typically, I quickly envision what I believe to be a good approach, and develop it as far as it will go. Along the way, I often find a possibly better approach, and pursue it as well, or switch. It is not unusual for me to pursue 3 incompatible solutions concurrently, in the belief that 1 of them will end up being the best. This approach to problem solving does not fit the standard corporate model, which is why I left the corporate world - and became much more successful. I find that this approach usually leads to a solution very rapidly, and often to unexpected ones which significantly exceed requirements. When faced with a new problem, I start out by searching for existing solutions, and I often find that a new solution is not needed, so that I finish the project ahead of schedule and below budget.
Michael Kardauskas's Problem Solving Skills:
- Years of experience using vacuum systems, e.g. sputtering; member of American Vacuum Society
- University education in architecture, but no degree
- 20+ years development & manufacturing experience in solar energy (photovoltaics)
- 20+ years experience in photovoltaics, including designing processes & manufacturing plants
- Using my chemistry background, have solved several Open Innovation problems in Food Science
- Not a metallurgist, but have significant experience with metals through Materials Science and past employment
- PhD in Solid State Science (Penn State), similar to Materials Science at other universities
- Have been supplementing my income through Open Innovation for past 3 years - inventing
- Have been supplementing my income through Open Innovation for past 3 years - problem solving
Michael Kardauskas's Problem Solving Experience:
- I designed a vacuum deposition process (PECVD) that reduced process time by more than half, doubling manufacturing throughput.
- I invented a patterned material which, when incorporated into a solar panel, reduces the number of solar cells needed to produce a given amount of electricity by as much as 25%.
- I developed a new transparent polymer composition for solar panels with improved resistance to yellowing over the course of 20 years.
- I developed a conductive thick-film paste that dissolves an underlying layer of silicon dioxide when it is fired.
- I solved an Open Innovation problem for a company trying to dry coatings at high temperatures without forming cracks.
- I solved an Open Innovation problem for a company searching for food-safe low-sodium ingredients that produce a salty taste.
- I solved an Open Innovation problem for a company that needed to remove chemical residues from very delicate organic substrates.
- I developed (with 2 others) a solder composition which extended the life of solder bonds by about a factor of 100.
- I solved an Open Innovation problem for a Food Manufacturer looking to reduce energy usage during a cooking process by 80%.
- I solved an Open Innovation problem for a company needing a suitable filler for a polymer film.