bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Should Teams Collaborate During Conceptual Engineering Design? An Experimental Study
Authors: Gyory Joshua T. , Cagan Jonathan , Kotovsky Kenneth
Published: November 2018

A commonly held presumption is that the production of a team is superior to that of individual performance. However, in certain scenarios, such as during brainstorming activities and in configuration engineering design problems, it has been shown that individuals working alone are more effective than teams working together. This research considers whether the same outcomes hold for a more open-ended scenario, in conceptual engineering design. Thus, a behavioral study is run with freshman engineering students solving a conceptual design problem working in teams or individually. Results corroborate previous findings, showing that individuals outperform teams in the quality of their design solutions. One of the primary differences between individuals and group problem solving is the fact that groups need to verbalize to communicate ideas. Consequently, this study also analyzes how verbalization, which may be one disadvantage of team problem solving, affects the performance of individuals in this context of conceptual engineering design. Individuals who verbalize throughout problem solving, however, perform similarly to those who did not. Overall, the results from this study suggest that, individuals are still better performers and teams may not always be the optimal circumstance. Moreover, verbalization does not seem to act as a cognitive barrier to problem solving, and further investigation needs to be done to diagnose the potential impediments which put teams at a disadvantage to individuals during conceptual design.
Use of Machine Learning and Computational Linguistics to Understand Technical Instruction Authorship
Authors: Bustos Jaimes Javier , Powell Taylor , Hanson Lynn , Renu Rahul S.
Published: November 2018

This article describes the use of machine learning and Natural Language Processing to determine the quality of existing technical instructions. Technical instructions were gathered from publicly available, online sources and analyzed to determine their usability and adherence level to published guidelines in the engineering and in the technical communication fields. Although some organizations have established guidelines unique to their industries, analysis of the randomly-selected instruction sets shows that documents often fall short of targets associated with usability, clarity, and benefit to the audience. The performed analyses show that over fifty percent of the instructions lack compliance with at least one established guideline.
The Effect of Pulse Compression Chirp Parameters on Profilometry Information and Resolution
Authors: Sun Zuwen , Baddour Natalie
Published: November 2018

Recent developments in imaging systems have seen the implementation of a radar matched-filtering approach. The goal of the imaging system is to obtain information about an unknown object embedded in the system, by controlling the parameters of the input and measuring the response to the known input. The main merit of using matched filtering in imaging systems is the improvement of Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). However, the correlation process used in matched filtering may result in a loss of resolution. One way to compensate for lost resolution is via pulse compression. Linear frequency modulated sinusoidal waveforms (chirps) have the property of pulse compression after correlation. Hence, both SNR and resolution can be enhanced by matched-filtering and pulse compression with a chirp. However, the theory behind the effect of chirp parameters on resolution is still not clear. In this paper, a one-dimensional theory of matched-filter imaging with a pulse compressed linear frequency modulated sinusoidal chirp is developed. The effect of the chirp parameters on the corresponding signal is investigated, and guidelines for choosing the chirp parameters for resolution considerations are given based on the developed theory and simulations. The results showed that by manipulating the center frequency, bandwidth, and duration of the chirp, the resolution can be easily enhanced.
Five Axis Swept Profiles of Torus Like Cutters via Separation of Inner and Outer Characteristic Curves
Authors: Aras Eyyup
Published: November 2018

A broadly applicable formulation for identifying the swept profiles (SWP) generated by subsets of a toroidal surface is presented. While the problem of locating the entire SWP of a torus has been extensively addressed in the literature, this rarely addressed problem is of significance to NC machining with non-standard shape of milling tools. A torus, generated by revolving a circle about an axis coplanar with the circle, is made up of inner and outer parts of a tube. The common use of the torus is in a fillet-end mill which contains only the fourth quadrant of a cross section of the tube. However, in the industrial applications the different regions of the torus geometry appear. Especially we can see this on the profile cutters, such as the corner-rounding and concave-radius end mills. Also to the best of our knowledge, the interior of the torus-tube is either neglected or represented by B-spline curves in literature. In case of common milling tool surfaces such as sphere, cylinder and frustum there exists only one SWP in any instance of a tool movement. But, in case of the toroidal surface there exist two sophisticated SWPs and we need to consider only one of them in tool swept envelope generation. Therefore, considering the complexity of five-axis tool motions there is a need not only to distinguish the front from the rear of the cutter but also the exterior from the interior of a tube. This paper presents a methodology and algorithms for analytically formulating the SWP of any sub-set of the torus in five-axis tool motions. By introducing the rigid body motion theory, two moving frames along with a fixed frame are defined. Arbitrary poses of a tool between tool path locations are interpolated by a spherical linear interpolation (slerp) whose effect is a rotation with uniform angular velocity around a fixed rotation axis. For the problem of NC simulation, by using the envelope theory the closed-form solutions of swept profiles are formulated as two-unit vector functions.
Integrating Multi-Vehicle Routing and Control: A Comparison of Three Solution Strategies
Authors: Liu Tianchen , Azarm Shapour , Chopra Nikhil
Published: November 2018

This paper presents the results of a comparison study of three solution strategies for integrating a routing and a control model for a fleet of vehicles planned to visit a number of customer locations. The three strategies considered are: (i) shortest route followed by a constant speed model, (ii) shortest route followed by an optimal control model, and (iii) optimal control-based route. The objective is to compare and contrast optimized costs, a combination of vehicles’ travel time and control cost (or energy consumption), following these different strategies. The routing problem considers a capacitated multi-vehicle routing without time windows but with capacity and customer demand requirements. The control problem considers a continuous-time optimal control problem. Using the data from a benchmark multi-vehicle routing problem, as an example, it is shown that when compared with using a commonly used constant speed model for all vehicles, the optimized cost can be reduced by incorporating optimal control strategies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in the literature that compares solution strategies for control-based vehicle routing, and in particular, formulates and explores continuous time optimal control combined with capacitated multi-vehicle routing. Furthermore, the effect of existence of wind on the vehicle dynamic equations is considered, and optimal results of the routing problem with different wind directions are compared.
Experimental and Computational Methods for Investigating Automotive Door Closure Sounds
Authors: Garro Giuseppe T. V. , Mechefske Chris K.
Published: November 2018

The focus of this investigation was to examine the acoustic trends present during operation of an automotive door closure at two impact speeds through experimental methods. Transient sound pressure of five different door closure mechanisms were collected in a semi-anechoic chamber using a three-element condenser microphone array. Post-processing methodologies such as Sound Pressure Level versus 1/3 Octave band and Continuous Wavelet Transform computations were conducted. These procedures provided an in-depth analysis on the overall generated sound in addition to identifying which frequencies dominate the response at specific impact events during latch operation. Computational model analyses of the closure system using Rigid Body Dynamic and Explicit Dynamic methods using ANSYS to obtain a clearer understanding of the latch component interactions. Recorded average sound pressure level, frequency decomposition, and impact reaction forces are presented in addition to the notable trends between both impacting speeds.
Gaussian Kernel Controller for Path Tracking in Mobile Robots
Authors: Sebastian Bijo , Williams Adam , Ben-Tzvi Pinhas
Published: November 2018

This paper describes the design of a Gaussian kernel based path tracking controller for mobile robots. In order to achieve successful navigation under hybrid navigation architectures, it is critical for the robot to follow the path provided by a highlevel planner even while moving between waypoints. This is particularly difficult in real life situations involving robot motion in challenging terrains. Existing controllers for this purpose such as the pure pursuit does not ensure smooth motion of the robot or accurate tracking while moving between path segments. This paper describes the design of a controller that can ensure accurate path tracking even in the presence of disturbances, by utilizing the gradients of moving Gaussian kernels. In order to characterize the performance of the proposed controller, two different sets of simulations are conducted. Based on the results of the simulations, the Gaussian kernel controller ensures accurate tracking of the provided reference path while addressing the shortcomings of existing controllers. The paper concludes with a discussion on future directions for improvement.
Using the Field Flow Design Methodology to Create Safe Consumer Products
Authors: Laughlin Scott , Niutanen Valtteri , Stone Robert , Otto Kevin
Published: November 2018

Energy powered devices often contain sufficient energy levels to require safety considerations. These are typically addressed in latter design phases through failure and safety assessments and mitigation strategies, after the concept is determined and design freedom is restricted. We introduce here an approach to consider safety in the early, initial conceptual design phases. We do this by considering the energy and material flow fields necessary for a design concept, and the effects these fields have. With this understanding, partitioning metrics can produce relative field layouts that can be used as a basis for new product concepts. The objective is to reduce user injury and material waste. Relative field layouts are generated by partitioning a product into its constituent fields and assigning values to them according to safety risk and relative connectivity. Then a layout is computed to provide necessary connectivity but also to reduce human interaction with high safety concern fields. A function structure layout can then be more readily developed from the field connectivity layout. The approach computes and presents the engineer with a field template for the product. This prevents internal product modules from dangerously combining high value fields with low value fields, which can thereby reduce exposure of the user to danger.
Graph Partitioning Technique to Identify Physically Integrated Design Concepts
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Praveen Kumare , Kain Helen , Jahanbekam Sogol , Behdad Sara
Published: November 2018

This study proposes a graph partitioning method to facilitate the idea of physical integration proposed in Axiomatic Design. According to the physical integration concept, the design features should be integrated into a single physical part or a few parts with the aim of reducing the information content, given that the independence of functional requirements is still satisfied. However, no specific method is suggested in the literature for determining the optimal degree of physical integration of a design artifact. This is particularly important with the current advancement in Additive Manufacturing technologies. Since additive manufacturing allows physical elements to be integrated, new methods are needed to help designers evaluate the impact of the physical integration on the design success. The objective of this paper is to develop a framework for determining the best way that functional requirements can be assigned to different parts of a product.
Decision Support for R&D Activities of Innovative Technologies
Authors: Bekhradi Alexandre , Yannou Bernard , Cluzel François , Kokkolaras Michael
Published: November 2018

Experimentation and validation tests conducted by or for technology startups are often costly, time-consuming, and, above all, not well organized. A review of the literature shows that existing tools and methods are either oriented towards lean iterative tests or strongly focused on technology improvement. There is therefore a gap to bridge by providing tangible decision-making supports involving both market and technology aspects. This paper introduces a new quantitative methodology called RITHM (Roadmapping Investments in TecHnology and Marketing), which is a structured process that enables startups to systematically experiment and reach, with relatively small effort, adequate maturity level for the most promising markets. The objective of this methodology is to model and optimize tests in the front end of innovation to progressively reduce uncertainties and risks before the launch of the product. A case study of a shape shifting technology is presented in this paper to illustrate the application of RITHM.
OAPS: An Optimization Algorithm for Part Separation in Assembly Design for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Deka Angshuman , Behdad Sara
Published: November 2018

Additive Manufacturing (AM) provides the advantage of producing complex shapes that are not possible through traditional cutting processes. Along with this line, assembly-based part design in AM creates some opportunities for productivity improvement. This paper proposes an improved optimization algorithm for part separation (OAPS) in assembly-based part design in additive manufacturing. For a given object, previous studies often provide the optimal number of parts resulting from cutting processes and their corresponding orientation to obtain the minimum processing time. During part separation, the cutting plane direction to generate subparts for assembly was often selected randomly in previous studies. The current work addresses the use of random cutting planes for part separation and instead uses the hill climbing optimization technique to generate the cutting planes to separate the parts. The OAPS provides the optimal number of assemblies and the build orientation of the parts for the minimum processing time. Two examples are provided to demonstrate the application of OAPS algorithm.
Rate of Variety and its Relation to Creativity Factors
Authors: Weaver Morgan B. , Bennetts Caleb , Caldwell Benjamin W.
Published: November 2018

Individual designers demonstrate different styles of ideation in conceptual design. These styles have been quantified and described primarily through protocol, think-aloud studies that examine a designer’s thought sequence during ideation. In this paper, we examine ideation style with an outcome-based approach, examining style on a continuum of rate of variety, or solution space exploration rate. We investigate the relationship between this exploration rate and creativity factors of quality and novelty using a quantitative study of problem-solving skills. We found a significant positive correlation between broad-search style and novelty and a significant positive correlation between detail-search style and quality of ideas. These correlations are in agreement with protocol studies found in literature. We also identified quantity of ideas as a possible confounding factor and discuss potential improvements to these types of studies.
A Product Family Design Method for Configuration and Spatial Layout Requirements
Authors: Hansen John-Travis , Rosen David
Published: November 2018

Product platforms allow companies to compete in the global marketplace by facilitating product variety, by adding, removing, or substituting components and features across a product family, while reducing costs and lead times. In many cases, developing a common platform involves determining which components are in a product family, their connections, and their spatial layouts. The development of product configurations and layouts is a complex problem and involves both discrete and continuous mathematical processes. This paper presents algorithms and an implementation to address the problem of configuring products and component layouts. The algorithms will describe the processes used to generate the product configurations based on constraints on combinations and the layout of components within the products. The implementation presents software developed to present the algorithms for the configuration and layout processes.
Preventing Lower Back Pain Among Truck Drivers: Design and Performance of a Controlled Slippage Magnetorheological Actuator for an Active Seat Suspension
Authors: Chouinard Patrick , Bégin Marc-André , Marchetta Fortin Jérémy , Berry Alain , Masson Patrice , Plante Jean-Sébastien
Published: November 2018

Passive air-spring suspensions are widely used in modern heavy vehicle seat suspensions because they provide a fair isolation from road vibrations while remaining relatively cheap. However, only expensive active suspensions can completely relieve drivers from serious health risks due to whole body vibration as prescribed by the ISO-2631-1 standard. This article sets out the design and experimental validation of a simple and affordable active seat suspension that uses a controlled slippage magnetorheological (MR) actuator. The open-loop dynamic performance of the actuator is assessed experimentally in accordance with the requirements of an active seat suspension actuator. Results show that the actuator can develop a maximum vertical force of 1000 N, has a force cutoff frequency of 15 Hz and displays a high level of transparency that can match the dynamic requirements of an active seat suspension. This force cutoff frequency is about three times higher than that of commercially available hydraulic active seat suspensions. Experimental results of on-road tests performed in a long-haul truck using an LQG controller also confirm that the performance of the active seat suspension can match that of commercial alternatives, thus reducing drivers’ exposure to vibrations below upper safety limits.
Piezoelectric Nonlinear Energy Sink for Energy Harvesting With Rectifying DC Interface Circuit
Authors: Xiong Liuyang , Tang Lihua , Liu Kefu , Mace Brian R.
Published: November 2018

In order to improve the performance of vibration energy harvesters over a broad frequency range, this paper proposes a use of piezoelectric nonlinear energy sink (NES) for energy harvesting from ambient vibrations. A standard rectifying direct current (DC) interface circuit is considered to generate DC power from the piezoelectric NES under harmonic excitation. Harmonic balance method is used to obtain the dynamic response and energy harvesting performance of the proposed piezoelectric NES, verified by the equivalent circuit simulation. Analytical and numerical results show that the design, by applying NES, improves the efficiency of energy harvesting without increasing the vibration of the primary structure in a broadband manner. The effects of the electromechanical coupling, excitation level and load resistance on the magnitude and bandwidth of the output DC power are investigated.
Multi-Criteria Mission Planning for a Solar-Powered Multi-Robot System
Authors: Wang Di , Hu Mengqi , Gao Yang
Published: November 2018

Recent years have witnessed a tremendous growth of interest in multi-robot system which can execute more complex tasks compared to single robot. To improve the operational life of multi-robot system and address challenges in long-duration mission, the solar-powered multi-robot system has been demonstrated to be an effective solution. To ensure efficient operation of solar-powered multi-robot system, we propose a multi-criteria mixed integer programming model for multi-robot mission planning to minimize three objectives including traveling distance, traveling time, and net energy consumption. Our proposed model is an extension of multiple vehicle routing problem considering time window, flexible speed, and energy sharing where a set of flexible speeds are proposed to explore the influence of robot’s velocity on energy consumption and solar energy harvesting. Three sets of case studies are designed to investigate the tradeoffs among the three objectives. The results demonstrate that heterogeneous multi-robot system: 1) can more efficiently utilize solar energy and 2) need a multi-criteria model to balance the three objectives.
Application of the Transfer Matrix Method for Multibody Systems in Dynamics of the Self-Propelled Artillery
Authors: Zha Qicheng , Rui Xiaoting , Liu Feifei , Yu Hailong , Zhang Jianshu
Published: November 2018

Transfer Matrix Method for Multibody Systems (MSTMM) has the advantages of no need to establish the global system dynamics equations, low order of the system matrix, high programming, and fast calculation speed compared to the ordinary dynamics methods. In this paper, the topological graph of the dynamics model, transfer equations, transfer matrix of overall system and the simulation program of dynamics of the self-propelled artillery system are established by using the new version of the transfer matrix method for multibody systems and the automatic deduction theorem of overall transfer equation of systems. Realize the rapid calculation of the deviation of the pitch angle and the revolution angles of the turret versus time in the self-propelled artillery. It provides a theoretical basis and simulation means for the dynamics analysis of the self-propelled artillery.
Inspired Internal Search: Using Neuroimaging to Understand Design Ideation and Concept Generation With Inspirational Stimuli
Authors: Goucher-Lambert Kosa , Moss Jarrod , Cagan Jonathan
Published: November 2018

While a large subset of work within the design research community has demonstrated that supportive stimuli (e.g., analogies) are a powerful assistive tool for designers, little is known about the cognitive processes enabling inspiration during design activity. To provide insight into this open question, a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment was developed to study design concept generation with and without support from inspirational stimuli (N = 21). The stimuli provided in this work were words given at varying levels of abstraction from the design problems and were meant to support cognitive processes similar to analogical reasoning. Results from this work demonstrate that inspirational stimuli of any kind (near or far from the problem space) improve the fluency of idea generation and illustrate the moments during ideation that such stimuli can be used as a supportive tool. Furthermore, neuroimaging data help to uncover distinct brain activation networks based upon reasoning with and without inspirational stimuli. We find that the successful application of inspirational stimuli during concept generation leads to a specific pattern of brain activation, which we term “inspired internal search.” Prior work by the authors has demonstrated an impasse-based activation network that is more prevalent in the absence of inspirational stimuli. Together, these brain activation networks provide insight into the differences between ideating with and without inspirational stimuli. Moreover these networks lend new meaning to what happens when a presented stimuli is too far from the design problem being solved.
Assessing the Impact of Product Use Variation on Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Tensa Melissa , Ferrero Vincenzo , Ross Donovan , DuPont Bryony
Published: November 2018

The goal of this research is to characterize the effects of use patterns on the environmental sustainability of consumer products, and to enable decision making throughout design processes that encourages product sustainability. Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) are currently used to evaluate the environmental impact of a product, but there can be considerable uncertainty in these analyses, especially relating to the use phase of the product. To better understand this uncertainty, we conducted environmental impact assessments of 20 household products, and employed two uncertainty quantification approaches to accommodate variation in the use phase of these products. The results from each product were then compared to products with similar attributes to find generalizations. This knowledge was integrated into decision trees so designers can better understand the degree to which use-phase uncertainty can affect quantitative measures of environmental impact before performing LCAs. This work enables designers to make more informed decisions about the intended use and use lifetimes of consumer products, potentially leading to a reduced environmental impact of this life cycle phase.
Human Validation of Computer vs Human Generated Design Sketches
Authors: Lopez Christian , Miller Scarlett R. , Tucker Conrad S.
Published: November 2018

The objective of this work is to explore the perceived visual and functional characteristics of computer generated sketches, compared to human created sketches. In addition, this work explores the possible biases that humans may have towards the perceived functionality of computer generated sketches. Recent advancements in deep generative design methods have allowed designers to implement computational tools to automatically generate large pools of new design ideas. However, if computational tools are to co-create ideas and solutions alongside designers, their ability to generate not only novel but also functional ideas, needs to be explored. Moreover, since decision-makers need to select those creative ideas for further development to ensure innovation, their possible biases towards computer generated ideas need to be explored. In this study, 619 human participants were recruited to analyze the perceived visual and functional characteristics of 50 human created 2D sketches, and 50 2D sketches generated by a deep learning generative model (i.e., computer generated). The results indicate that participants perceived the computer generated sketches as more functional than the human generated sketches. This perceived functionality was not biased by the presence of labels that explicitly presented the sketches as either human or computer generated. Moreover, the results reveal that participants were not able to classify the 2D sketches as human or computer generated with accuracies greater than random chance. The results provide evidence that supports the capabilities of deep learning generative design tools and their potential to assist designers in creative tasks such as ideation.
Study on the Model of a Single-Point Diamond Fly Cutting Machine Tool at Different Rotational Speed Based on Transfer Matrix Method for Multibody Systems
Authors: Chang Yu , Ding Jianguo , Zhuang Hui , Chen Peng , Wei Wei , Yang Hong
Published: November 2018

Natural vibration characteristics are important factors affecting the processing quality for an ultra-precision machine tool. The rapid and accurate calculation method for solving natural vibration characteristics has a significance in machine tool dynamics design. By applying the transfer matrix method for multibody systems (MSTMM), the dynamics model of a single-point diamond fly cutting machine tool is established and the rapid computation of natural vibration characteristics at different rotational speed is completed. The results calculated by MSTMM is compared with those by finite element software ABAQUS, the error between the first ten frequencies calculated by MSTMM and ABAQUS is less than 5.68%. However, as the rotational speed increases, the first eight frequencies and mode shapes have no obvious change, while the 9th and 10th modal change significantly. The mode shapes of 9th and 10th orders are vacillation of the spindle. The results show that the rotation of aerostatic spindle has significant effect on the spindle system and little effect on the other parts.
Sensory Glove for Dynamic Hand Proprioception and Tactile Sensing
Authors: McCaw John C. S. , Yuen Michelle C. , Kramer-Bottiglio Rebecca
Published: November 2018

The fields of soft robotics and soft electronics have introduced novel technologies for tracking dynamic pose of the human body. These new flexible sensors use material softness and elasticity to allow for high conformability, low risk of injury or discomfort, and ease of integration into other flexible materials such as clothing. Here, we present a glove embedded with soft capacitive strain sensors for measuring finger bending and fingertip pressure, while leveraging low-cost components. Previous capacitive sensing approaches have shown limitations in dimensional scalability of the sensor geometry and system-level scalability of sensors, wiring, and networking methods. We overcome these previous limitations by using sensors with novel geometry and leverage I2C communication protocol to reduce the quantity of interfacing wires to four, even for sensor counts on the order of 103. We show that the sensory glove is able to capture the salient features of hand proprioception by sensing the presence and continuous intensity of touch and finger curvature. Finally, we demonstrate the application of this glove towards the recognition of the letters comprising the American Manual Alphabet, which is used to augment the American Sign Language, and utilize the glove to perform a teleoperation task.
Topological Design of an Asymmetric 3-Translational Parallel Mechanism With Zero Coupling Degree and Motion Decoupling
Authors: Shen Huiping , Wu Chengqi , Chablat Damien , Wu Guanglei , Yang Ting-li
Published: November 2018

In this paper a new asymmetric 3-translational (3T) parallel manipulator, i.e., RPa(3R) 2R+RPa, with zero coupling degree and decoupled motion is firstly proposed according to topology design theory of parallel mechanism (PM) based on position and orientation characteristics (POC) equations. The main topological characteristics such as POC, degree of freedom and coupling degree are calculated. Then, the analytical formula for the direct and inverse kinematic are directly derived since coupling degree of the PM is zero. The study of singular configurations is simple because of the independence of the kinematic chains.
Controlling Origami Stability Profile Using Magnets
Authors: Fang Hongbin , Chang Tse-Shao , Wang K. W.
Published: November 2018

Multi-stable structures and materials have attracted extensive research interests because they can provide a wide spectrum of adaptive properties and functionalities. Recently, origami has been identified as an important source for achieving multi-stability and has been exploited for developing unconventional mechanical metamaterials and metastructures. Once the crease pattern and the constituent materials have been specified for an origami structure, its multi-stability profile becomes unchangeable. On the other hand, a controllable profile would be desirable to endow the origami structures and origami metamaterials with further adaptability and versatility. This research investigates how to integrate magnets with origami to fundamentally alter the stability profiles. By embedding magnets into the origami facets or vertices, the magnetic potential energy would modify the original elastic potential energy landscape both quantitatively and qualitatively. Taking the stacked Miura-ori structures as examples, we show that different magnet assignments could either enrich the original bistable profile into a tri-stable or quad-stable profile, or simplify it into a mono-stable profile. Simultaneously, such magnet-induced evolutions of stability profile would trigger essential changes of the structure’s mechanical properties, which are promising to be used for developing multi-functional devices or metamaterials/metastructures. In this paper, in addition to the analyses, proof-of-concept design and prototype are presented. The results of this research would open up a new path for designing origami structures and metamaterials with controllable stability profiles that can be harnessed for many novel applications.
Optical PUF Design for Anti-Counterfeiting in Manufacturing of Metallic Goods
Authors: Dachowicz Adam , Atallah Mikhail , Panchal Jitesh H.
Published: November 2018

In the context of globalized supply chains, counterfeiting of manufactured goods is a growing problem. The financial, legal, and reputational costs that counterfeit goods impose on legitimate enterprises have spurred investigation into efficient and robust anti-counterfeiting methodologies. In particular, physically unclonable functions (PUFs) have been applied effectively in several manufacturing areas, especially electronics. However, anti-counterfeiting solutions for generic manufactured goods are often expensive to make and implement, or not robust to minor damage that the goods may sustain during transport and use. In this paper, a framework for developing robust, efficient, and cost-effective optical PUFs for anti-counterfeiting of manufactured metallic goods is proposed, along with an example implementation for 4140-steel parts according to standard ASTM A29. For an input library of 50 steel micrographs, the proposed example PUF is shown to have good robustness to simulated part damage and an estimated classification error rate of less than 1%.
A Practical Evaluation for Cookstove Usability
Authors: Moses Nicholas D. , MacCarty Nordica A.
Published: November 2018

While improved cookstoves have been designed and distributed for decades with the goal of addressing the human health and environmental issues caused by traditional biomass cooking methods, they often have not achieved the intended impact. One of the main reasons for this shortcoming is that engineers often focus on technical attributes of cookstove designs, such as improved fuel and combustion efficiency, but neglect usability. If a stove design does not meet a cook’s needs and preferences, the stove will likely be used only as a supplement to a traditional stove, or not used at all. To help close this gap, a testing protocol for cookstove usability was developed. The proposed protocol is based on established usability practices from fields such as software and consumer product design, and includes usability criteria taken from existing cookstove research and interviews with subject experts. The protocol includes objective and subjective testing methods, is designed to elicit user perceptions of and the relative importance of each usability criterion in a given context, and incorporates ethnographic methods to improve validity in cross-cultural applications and in diverse testing scenarios. This protocol may be useful to stove designers as a way to better understand users and validate or improve designs, to implementers as a method to assist with the selection of the most appropriate stove for a project, and to researchers as a tool to assess cookstoves and cookstove programs. Preliminary field and laboratory work to test the validity of the protocol demonstrated a mixture of meaningful and uncertain results, indicating that while it is a reasonable tool to assess cookstove usability, the protocol requires interpretation of qualitative data and assessment of uncertainty to be most effective.
Design and Simulation of High SNR Varying Thickness Embedded Strain Sensing Polymer Microcantilever for Biosensing Applications
Authors: Kasambe P. V. , Bhole K. S. , Bhoir D. V.
Published: November 2018

To convert induced surface stress of a bio-functionalized microcantilever into an electrical signal; U shaped piezoresistive detection technique is mostly preferred over other techniques due to its several advantages. But the inherent disadvantage of this technique is thermal stress sensitivity as a source of noise which reduces its signal to noise ratio [SNR]. Polymer microcantilever has larger stress sensitivity due to its low youngs modulus of elasticity. Varying thickness cantilever satisfy this desired criteria as compared to other configurations of cantilever and has high resonance frequency. Taking all these aspects into consideration, the objectives of proposed study is to design and simulate multilayer varying thickness microcantilever. The numerical analysis is performed using CoventorWare a commercial MEMS design and FEM Multiphysics tool. It is observed that the SNR of the varying thickness microcantilevers design is improved by more than 70%, over normal rectangular design.
Method of Emerging Delight Design Based on KANSEI
Authors: Tanaka Yukako , Aoyama Hideki
Published: November 2018

With the intensification of international competition and diversification of customer tastes, the concept design and architectural design contributing to the function and products of the appearance shape has become an important issue in product development. Therefore, in addition to the manufacturing technology supported by high quality and high performance, the establishment of delight value-added manufacturing technology is required. In recent years, delight design has been attracting attention to create a design that enhances customer satisfaction. Delight design means a design with attractive quality, in addition to the conventional performance quality and must-be quality. However, attractive quality depends on the quality of the designer. Moreover, it is difficult to define such a concept because it is considered to exist in a state similar to an idea, which means that it is vague and difficult to express.

Therefore, in this study, we propose a method of constructing a neural network customer value model that creates a product design from KANSEI using customer KANSEI data. Additionally, we propose a method of constructing a neural network customer evaluation model as the inverse model. The customer evaluation model analyzes the KANSEI of individual customers and creates a delight design, which is more appealing to an individual customer. In this study, this proposed method was applied to the side shape of a car’s body and the shape of a beer cup.
Complex Logic Operations Based on MEMS Resonators
Authors: Alcheikh Nouha , Tella Sherif A. , Younis Mohammad I.
Published: November 2018

Complex logic functions based on micro electromechanical resonators has recently attracted significant attention. Realization of complex logic functions through cascading micro resonators has been deterred by challenges involved in their interconnections and the large required array of resonators. This paper presents a micro electromechanical system MEMS resonator with multiple input (actuation) and output (detection) that enables the realization of complex logic operations. The devices are based on a compound resonator consisting of an in-plane clamped-guided arch beam that is mechanically coupled from its guided side to two flexure beams and to another T-shaped resonant beam. As examples, we experimentally demonstrate using the device to realize a half adder and a 1:2 DEMUX, based on electrothermal and electrostatic tuning of the arch beam and side resonant beam. The logic operation is based on the linear frequency modulation. This paper demonstrates that with such compound MEMS resonators, it is possible to build more complex logic functionalities.
Fast and Flexible Visualization Using an Enhanced Scene Graph
Authors: Gebert Martin , Steger Wolfgang , Stelzer Ralph
Published: November 2018

Virtual Reality (VR) visualization of product data in engineering applications requires a largely manual process of translating various product data into a 3D representation.

Modern game engines allow low-cost, high-end visualization using latest stereoscopic Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) and input controllers. Thus, using them for VR tasks in the engineering industry is especially appealing.

As standardized formats for 3D product representations do not currently meet the requirements that arise from engineering applications, the presented paper suggests an Enhanced Scene Graph (ESG) that carries arbitrary product data derived from various engineering tools. The ESG contains formal descriptions of geometric and non-geometric data that are functionally structured. A VR visualization may be derived from the formal description in the ESG immediately. The generic elements of the ESG offer flexibility in the choice of both engineering tools and renderers that create the virtual scene.

Furthermore, the ESG allows storing user annotations, thereby sending feedback from the visualization directly to the engineers involved in the product development process. Individual user interfaces for VR controllers can be assigned and their controls mapped, guaranteeing intuitive scene interaction.

The use of the ESG promises significant value to the visualization process as particular tasks are being automated and greatly simplified.
Data-Driven Function Network Analysis for Product Platform Planning: A Case Study of Spherical Rolling Robots
Authors: Song Binyang , Luo Jianxi , Mohan Rajesh Elara , Wood Kristin L.
Published: November 2018

A properly designed product-system platform can reduce the cost and lead-time to design and develop a product family and thus achieve the tradeoff between economy of scope from product variety and economy of scale from platform sharing. Traditionally, product platform planning uses heuristic and manual approaches and relies on expertise and intuition. In this paper, we propose a data-driven method to draw the boundary of a platform, complementing other platform design approaches and assisting designers in the architecting process. The method generates a network of functions through relationships of their co-occurrences in prior designs of a product domain, and uses a network analysis algorithm to identify an optimal core-periphery structure. Functions identified in the network core co-occur cohesively and frequently with one another in prior designs, and thus are suggested for inclusion in the potential platform to be shared across a variety of product-systems with peripheral functions. We apply the method to identifying the platform functions for spherical rolling robots, based on patent data.
Students’ Exploration Strategies in a Sustainability-Focused Structural Optimization Task
Authors: Ramanujan Devarajan , Chandrasegaran Senthil , Zhou Ninger , Ramani Karthik
Published: November 2018

This paper examines students’ design exploration strategies in a sustainability-focused structural optimization task. The task was set up as a two-criteria optimization problem with the goal of simultaneously minimizing the weight and an environmental indicator for a pedal bracket design. Forty-two students in an undergraduate computer-aided design class solved this task as a week-long, take-home assignment. Our analysis shows the number of design iterations and the number of failed iterations were significant factors in determining overall performance on the task. We also found that the final shape, the number of material changes, and experiencing conflict in the objective functions between iterations, did not significantly affect task performance. Based on these findings, we discuss implications for computer-aided optimization tools in sustainable product design.
Vortex-Induced Vibration Analysis of a Composite Riser System Based on the Transfer Matrix Method for Multibody Systems
Authors: Rui Xue , Sun Lu , Bestle Dieter , Wang Guoping , Chen Dongyang , Rui Xiaoting
Published: November 2018

Vortex-induced vibration (VIV) is one of the main reasons for failure of risers. Therefore, it is very important to predict the VIV behavior of risers by establishing an efficient model suitable for the field of ocean engineering. Based on the transfer matrix method for multibody systems (MSTMM), the main idea about simulating the vibration characteristics and fluid-structure interaction of a marine riser system is presented in this paper for the first time, using the MSTMM coupled with a Van der Pol model. The influence of different parameters, such as riser length, top tension, stream speed and steel joints, on the dynamic response of the riser is investigated.
Improved Feasible Load Range and its Effect on the Frequency Response of Origami-Inspired Vibration Isolators With Quasi-Zero-Stiffness Characteristics
Authors: Inamoto Kazuya , Ishida Sachiko
Published: November 2018

We describe a method for extending the load range of a vibration isolator using a foldable cylinder consisting of a twist buckling pattern (Kresling’s Pattern), and evaluate the vibration isolating performance through excitation experiments. In a previous study, it was determined that the foldable cylinder is bistable and acts as a vibration isolator with nonlinear characteristics in a displacement region where the spring stiffness is zero. Its spring characteristics and vibration isolating performance were clarified by numerical analysis and excitation experiments, and indicated that vibration in a certain frequency range is reduced where the spring stiffness is zero. However, this vibration isolator has a disadvantage in that it can only support an initial load that transfers to the zero-spring-stiffness region. Therefore, in this research, we improve the design variables of the isolator and the position of the linear spring attached to the isolator. As a result, the initial load range is extended by two to three times that of the conventional vibration isolator. Furthermore, the isolating performance is maintained even when the initial load is changed within a given load range.
Vibration Controller Optimization Design for Multiple Launch Rocket System With Pulse Thrusters Based on Transfer Matrix Method for Multibody Systems
Authors: Gu Lilin , Rui Xiaoting , Wang Guoping , Li Bo , Tu Tianxiong
Published: November 2018

Vibration control in launching process is an effective way to improve the dispersion characteristics of Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). In this paper, a novel methodology for MLRS vibration controller design with the application of pulse thrusters and its parameters optimization is introduced. Based on the Transfer Matrix Method for Multibody Systems (MSTMM), the dynamic model of the controlled MLRS with pulse thrusters is established and the launch dynamic simulation system of controlled MLRS is developed. To suppress vibrations of the elevation part using the annularly arranged pulse thrusters, a management scheme based on impulse equivalence approach is presented to adapt the continuous force generated by the PID control law to impulse force. Controller optimization is achieved coupling Particle Swarm Optimization-Genetic Algorithm (PSO-GA) with the established simulation system of controlled MLRS. Finally, the simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed controller and demonstrate the engineering practicability value of this methodology.