bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Finishing Using Carbon Nanotube Forest
Authors: Wu Tsung-Cho , Chang Neng-Kai , Su Chi-Chung , Huang Ping-Kung , Tsai Yao-Yang , Lin Hung-Yi , Chang Shuo-Hung
Published: July 2009

The use of carbon nanotube forest as a brush tool to refine the surface roughness of brass in nanometer scale was reported. The carbon nanotube with a height of 700∼800 μm was first synthesized on silicon wafer by chemical vapor deposition. The carbon nanotube forest on silicon wafer was then transferred and bonded onto a stainless steel wheel. The wheel with carbon nanotube forest was installed on a precision milling machine and used to brush the surface of a brass specimen. The influence of various feed amount, brushing speed and brushing time on the surface roughness of the brass specimen were experimental evaluated. The results show that the increasing feed amount effectively reduces surface roughness of the brass specimen from 20 nanometers to 1 nanometer. Scanning electron microscopy images reveal the evidence of the bushing process that brass chips were melted on the tip of carbon nanotube forest.
Characterizations of Fully Constrained Poses of Parallel Cable-Driven Robots: A Review
Authors: Gouttefarde Marc
Published: July 2009

The pose of the mobile platform of a parallel cable-driven robot is said to be fully constrained if any wrench can be created at the platform by pulling on it with the cables. A fully constrained pose is also known as a force-closure pose. In this paper, a review of three useful characterizations of a force-closure pose is proposed. These characterizations are stated in the form of theorems for which proofs are presented. Tools from linear algebra allow to derive some of these proofs while the others are more difficult and can hardly be obtained in this manner. Therefore, polyhedral cones, which are special cases of convex cones, are introduced along with some of their well-known fundamental properties. Then, it is shown how the aforementioned difficult proofs can be obtained as direct consequences of these properties.
Development of Self-Optimizing Systems: Domain-Spanning and Domain-Specific Models Exemplified by an Air Gap Adjustment System for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Henkler Stefan , Hirsch Martin , Kahl Sascha , Schmidt Alexander
Published: July 2009

Future mechanical engineering systems will consist of configurations of many highly distributed system elements with inherent partial intelligence. The complexity of self optimizing systems will grow enormously. These complex mechanical systems are characterized by the strong integration of the domains mechanical-, electrical-, control-, and software-engineering. One of the main problems while developing such a system is the coordinated way of specifying the overall systems specification and the systematic way of mapping this overall specification in the specific domains. In this paper we present the end to end development of a self-optimizing air gap adjustment system, beginning with the overall specification towards the domain-specific approach of the software engineering. First, we show the overall specification by the so called “principle solution”. Basing on this principle solution we specify the software of the system. Additional to the self-optimizing aspect, we consider also safety aspects which are typical for these systems, too.
Low Cost Automation for Candy Manufacturing: A Case Study
Authors: Ni Da Feng , Derby Stephen J.
Published: July 2009

To fulfill a low cost required solution for automation in replacing human labor efforts in a candy factory, this paper focuses on the design and building of a low cost machine. Simplicity was the key requirement of the design. Tray motion is analyzed and different design concepts are brainstormed and evaluated. The final machine prototype was built and tested for its functionality.
Micropump With Six Vibrating Membranes: Design Analysis
Authors: Koombua Kittisak , Pidaparti Ramana M. , Longest P. Worth , Atkinson Gary M.
Published: July 2009

In this study, a novel design of multiple vibrating membrane micropump has been investigated. The micropump is composed of six membranes and three nozzle/diffuser elements. The membranes were vibrated out-of-phase simultaneously to create pressure difference in the pump chamber. The characteristics of this micropump were analyzed using the finite volume method. The commercial computational fluid dynamics software, FLUENT, with the dynamic mesh algorithm was employed to study velocity field and flow rate during the operating cycle. The simulation results showed that the movement of these membranes combined with the rectification behavior of three nozzle/diffuser elements can minimize back flow and improve net flow in one direction. The average mass flow rate from the micropump increased when the maximum membrane displacement and membrane frequency increased. However, the average mass flow rate from the micropump decreased when pressure head increased. Increases in maximum pressure head were associated with increases in membrane frequency.
Method of Design Through Structuring of Meanings
Authors: Georgiev Georgi V. , Taura Toshiharu , Chakrabarti Amaresh , Nagai Yukari
Published: July 2009

This research shows a new approach and development of a design methodology, based on the perspective of meanings. In this study the design process is explored as a development of the structure of meanings. The processes of search and evaluation of meanings form the foundations of developing this structure. In order to facilitate the use and operation of the meanings, the WordNet lexical database and an existing visualization of WordNet — Visuwords — is used for the process of meaning search. The basic tool used for evaluation process is the WordNet::Similarity software, measuring the relatedness of meanings in the database. In this way it is measuring the degree of interconnections between different meanings. This kind of search and evaluation techniques are later on incorporated into our methodology of the structure of meanings to support the design process. The measures of relatedness of meanings are developed as convergence criteria for application in the processes of evaluation. Further on, the methodology for the structure of meanings developed here is used to construct meanings in a verification of product design. The steps of the design methodology, including the search and evaluation processes involved in developing the structure of the meanings, are elucidated. The choices, made by the designer in terms of meanings are supported by consequent searches and evaluations of meanings to be implemented in the designed product. In conclusion, the paper presents directions for developing and further extensions of the proposed design methodology.
Kinematic Synthesis of One-DOF Geared Mechanisms According to Specified Gain Types
Authors: Shieh Win-Bin , Chen Dar-Zen , Chen Yen-Chun
Published: July 2009

Although the atlas of the geared kinematic chains (GKCs) had been enumerated decades ago, few studies had focused on how these synthesized GKCs can be applied according to the kinematic requirements of geared mechanisms in practice. In this paper, the kinematic behaviors of one-DOF, single-output geared mechanisms of up to six links are analyzed based on the concept of kinematic fractionation and the formulas of global gains are established. Classification of the geared mechanisms is obtained according to the gain types, ordinary, subtractive, fractional and composite. A set of rules for the assignment of ground, input and output links of single-KU and multiple-KU geared mechanisms without redundant links are proposed according to gain types. As a result, the kinematic synthesis of the one-DOF, single-output geared mechanisms of up to six links according to their associated gain types can be easily accomplished. An exemplary design of a geared mechanism with subtractive gain type is provided for the illustration of the proposed methodology.
Cognitive Control Technology for a Self-Optimizing Robot Based Assembly Cell
Authors: Brecher Christian , Kempf Tobias , Herfs Werner
Published: July 2009

In the face of global competition there is a great danger for countries with high labor costs (e.g. Germany) to lose more and more production plants to low-wage countries. Almost inevitably there will be a relocation of after-sales services as well as of research and development. Eventually this will cause a significant decline of wealth. For this reason especially high-wage countries are always striving for higher productivity of production processes. On the other hand the products have to be of high-end quality to ensure an advantage in the market. Thus there is an obvious dilemma between planning-orientation and value-orientation which has to be resolved. This could possibly be obtained by shifting planning efforts to the runtime system and at the same time enabling the system to adapt to changing requests and circumstances. In order to get there, automation technology is definitely playing a key role in present-day highly automated production processes. Unfortunately classical automation technology has not been supporting this kind of self-organizing, self-controlling and self-optimizing behavior. This paper introduces an approach to make production systems more “intelligent” based on the idea of a cognitive control architecture. At first the motivation and the research vision are introduced followed by an outline of the research approach. As a concrete example of an application a robot based assembly cell is described. The methods used and insights gained so far are presented in the second part, followed by an outlook towards future activities.
A Hybrid Models Deformation Tool for Free-Form Shapes Manipulation
Authors: Pernot J.-P. , Falcidieno B. , Giannini F. , Le´on J.-C.
Published: July 2009

This paper addresses the way models mixing various types of geometric representations (e.g. NURBS curves and patches, polylines, meshes), potentially immersed in spaces of different dimensions (e.g. NURBS patch and its 2D trimming lines), can be deformed simultaneously. The application domains range from the simple deformation of a set of NURBS curves in a 2D sketcher to the simultaneous deformation of meshes, patches as well as trimming lines lying in parametric spaces. The deformation itself results from the solution of an optimization problem defined by a set of geometric constraints and deformation behaviors. This new breakthrough on how geometric models can be manipulated has been made possible thanks to our linear mechanical model of deformation that can be coupled to manifolds of dimension zero (e.g. points, vertices) and one (e.g. edges, segments) whatever the spaces dimension. An extended constraints toolbox is also proposed that enables the specification of both characteristic points/curves and continuity conditions between the various geometric models. The link between the semantics of the deformation behaviors and the geometric models is ensured through the use of multiple minimizations. The approach is illustrated with several examples coming from our prototype software.
On the Relationship Between the Harmonic Amplitudes of the Output Motion of Closed-Loop Linkage Mechanisms
Authors: Rastegar Jahangir , Feng Dake , Hua Lin
Published: July 2009

It is well known that due to the nonlinearity of the kinematics of linkage mechanisms, their output motion contains harmonics of the input motion. In most mechanisms, the generated high harmonic components in the output motion are the main source of vibration excitation that the mechanism imparts on the overall system, including its own structure. For simple linkage mechanisms such as slider-cranks and four-bar linkage mechanisms, the amplitudes of the harmonics of the output motion for constant input rotation have been derived. In the present study, it is shown that certain relationships exist between the amplitudes of the harmonic of the output motions. In particular, odd and even harmonic amplitudes are shown to be related through an inequality relationship. These relationships are due to the basic characteristics of the linkage mechanisms motions, which are significantly simplified for certain linkage geometries. The relationships between the amplitudes of the output velocity harmonics are derived for slider-crank and four-bar linkage mechanisms.
Redesign of a Two and a Half Stage Subsonic Turbine Using a New Viscous Inverse Design Method
Authors: Roidl Benedikt , Ghaly Wahid
Published: July 2009

The midspan section of a multi-stage subsonic turbine that is built and tested at the University of Hannover is redesigned using a new inverse blade design method where the blade walls move with a virtual velocity distribution derived from the difference between the current and the target pressure loading on the blade surfaces. The prescribed design variables are the blade loading and thickness distribution. This new inverse method is fully consistent with the viscous flow assumption and is implemented into the time accurate solution of the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations that are expressed in an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) form to account for mesh movement. A cell-vertex finite volume method of the Jameson type is used to discretize the equations in space; time accurate integration is obtained using dual time stepping. An algebraic Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model is used for turbulence closure. The mixing plane approach is used to couple the blade row regions of the multistage. The CFD analysis formulation is first assessed against the multi-stage turbine experimental data. The method is then used to redesign the second and third stators of the 2.5 stage turbine so as to reduce the blade suction side diffusion. The results show that by carefully tailoring the target pressure loading, some improvement can be achieved in the turbine performance.
Excitation of Vibrational Eigenstates of Coupled Microcantilevers Using Ultrasound Radiation Force
Authors: Huber Thomas M. , Ofstad Eric T. , Barthell Samuel M. , Raman Arvind , Spletzer Matthew
Published: July 2009

A coupled pair of 500 μm length microcantilevers was excited using the ultrasound radiation force. The excitation was produced using the difference frequency between the two sidebands of a double-sideband suppressed carrier AM (DSB-SC-AM) waveform centered on 500 kHz that was emitted by a focused ultrasound transducer. A laser Doppler vibrometer measured the frequency response and deflection shapes of the cantilever pair. The measured frequencies of the symmetric and antisymmetric eigenstates of the first transverse mode at 10 kHz excited using the ultrasound radiation force were consistent with frequencies measured using a scanning-probe microscopy system. The ultrasound radiation force was also used to excite the symmetric and antisymmetric eigenstates of the 60 kHz second transverse and 86 kHz first torsional modes. These results demonstrate the capability of using the ultrasound radiation force for excitation of structures in air that are significantly smaller, and with higher resonance frequencies, than in any previous study.
Towards Autonomous Cargo Deployment and Retrieval by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Using Visual Servoing
Authors: Kuntz Noah R. , Oh Paul Y.
Published: July 2009

This paper presents the design and implementation of systems for autonomous tracking, payload pickup, and deployment of a 1/10th scale RC vehicle via a UAV helicopter. The tracking system uses a visual servoing algorithm and is tested using open loop velocity control of a three degree of freedom gantry system with a camera mounted via a pan-tilt unit on the end effecter. The pickup system uses vision to control the camera pan tilt unit as well as a second pan tilt unit with a hook mounted on the end of the arm. The ability of the pickup system to hook a target is tested by mounting it on the gantry while recorded helicopter velocities are played back by the gantry. A preliminary semi-autonomous deployment system is field tested, where a manually controlled RC car is transported by a UAV helicopter under computer control that is manually directed to GPS waypoints using a ground station.
Considerations for Finding the Optimal Design Parameters for a Novel Pole Climbing Robot
Authors: Goldman Gabriel , Hong Dennis
Published: July 2009

HyDRAS (Hyper-redundant Discrete Robotic Articulated Serpentine) is a novel serpentine robot comprising a serial chain of actuated universal joints for climbing structures such as poles or scaffoldings. To do so, it wraps its body around the structure in a helical shape, and rotates its body along its own central body axis to roll up the structure. This paper presents a method and considerations for selecting the optimal design parameters for the development of HyDRAS. The geometry equations derived in this paper will allow for a parametric approach that will aid in the selection of the appropriate design parameters such as module length, module diameter, helical pitch, and allowable range of motion for the given task of climbing pole like structures. Several examples are used to illustrate the method. The results obtained will be used in the analysis of the mechanical advantage of the mechanism and future research on the motion planning of HyDRAS.
Topology Optimization of a MEMS Resonator Using Hybrid Fuzzy Techniques
Authors: Senousy Mohamed S. , Hegazi Hesham A. , Metwalli Sayed M.
Published: July 2009

This paper introduces a new methodology for the design of structures by geometry and topology optimization accounting for loading and boundary conditions as well as material properties. The Fuzzy Heuristic Gradient Projection (FHGP) method is used as a direct search technique for the geometry optimization, while the Complex Method (CM) is used as a random search technique for the topology optimization. In the proposed method, elements are designed such that they all have the same amount of stresses using the Fuzzy Heuristic Gradient Projection method. On the other hand, the complex method is used for the topology optimization step satisfying any constraint other than the stress constraint. The developed hybrid fuzzy technique is applied for different applications ranging from micro-scale to macro-scale applications. The method is applied to a micro-mechanical resonator as a microelectro-mechanical system (MEMS). The resonator is solved for minimum weight and is subjected to an equality frequency constraint and an inequality stress constraint. The proposed method is compared with the Multi-objective Genetic Algorithms (MOGAs) on solving the MEMS resonator. Results showed that the proposed hybrid fuzzy technique converges to optimum solutions faster than (MOGAs). The time consumed is improved by a 77%.
A Tool to Integrate Design for Assembly During Product Platform Design
Authors: Pandit Amar , Siddique Zahed
Published: July 2009

To survive in the current market, many companies are moving toward design and development of product families using a platform approach. To effectively develop a family of products, companies have to consider both component and assembly perspectives. The assembly perspective has many issues associated with it for developing common platforms, which includes assemblability evaluation for the entire family. Application of Design for Assembly techniques to evaluate product family will require modifications to the current single product DFA method. In this paper a product family DFA tool and guidelines are presented. The application of this product family DFA tool is illustrated using Walkman® and Coffeemaker product family.
Focused Product Family Improvement
Authors: Ye Xiaoli , Gershenson John K.
Published: July 2009

Manufacturers in various industries are seeking to redesign their existing product families to better satisfy their diverse customer needs while maintaining competitive cost structures. Failure to carefully balance the commonality/variety tradeoff during product family redesign will catastrophically hamper the widely sought benefits of both appropriate commonality and variety. Existing product family redesign approaches often focus on increasing the degree of commonality or variety unilaterally and to their utmost, without considering the appropriate commonality/variety tradeoff based on both marketing and engineering resource concerns. The result is redesigned product families that are unachievable or much delayed. In this paper, the Focused Product Family Improvement Method (FPFIM) is proposed to help manufacturers utilize their limited engineering efforts to efficiently respond to market needs using their own competitive focus and commonality/variety tradeoff analysis. This method uses a graphical evaluation tool, the Product Family Evaluation Graph, to determine the necessary direction of improvement for product family redesign — either increasing appropriate commonality or increasing appropriate variety. A set of indices, the Commonality Diversity Index for commonality and variety, support the FPFIM in identifying components with undesirable commonality or undesirable variety, prime targets of redesign to satisfy the redesign intent. To illustrate the proposed method, an example application with four single-use camera families is presented.
Design of Compliant Thermal Actuators Using Structural Optimization Based on the Level Set Method
Authors: Yamada Takayuki , Yamasaki Shintaro , Nishiwaki Shinji , Izui Kazuhiro , Yoshimura Masataka
Published: July 2009

Compliant mechanisms are a new type of mechanism, designed to be flexible to achieve a specified motion as a mechanism. Such mechanisms can function as compliant thermal actuators in Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) by intentionally designing configurations that exploit thermal expansion effects in elastic material when appropriate portions of the mechanism structure are heated. This paper presents a new structural optimization method for the design of compliant thermal actuators based on the level set method and the Finite Element Method (FEM). First, an optimization problem is formulated that addresses the design of compliant thermal actuators considering the magnitude of the displacement at the output location. Next, the topological derivatives that are used when introducing holes during the optimization process are derived. Based on the optimization formulation and the level set method, a new structural optimization algorithm is constructed that employs the FEM when solving the equilibrium equations and updating the level set function. The re-initialization of the level set function is performed using a newly developed geometry-based re-initialization scheme. Finally, several design examples are provided to confirm the usefulness of the proposed structural optimization method.
Virtual Prototype Modeling Technology of Crawler Crane Based on Theory of Rigid-Flexible Coupling
Authors: Wang Xin , Du Hanping , Teng Rumin , Cao Xuyang
Published: July 2009

For the complexity of the system modeling, a method of rigid-flexible coupling modeling is proposed based on some software. The virtual prototype model of 350t crawler crane is established. The simulation environment of Pro/E, Adams and Ansys is integrated in order to combine advantages of all three software, by which the dynamics property of virtual prototype model is analyzed. And the simulation results confirm the feasibility of the virtual prototype in product design.
A Global Constraint on Relative Rotation to Avoid Lumped Compliant Mechanisms in Topology Optimization
Authors: Deepak Sangamesh R.
Published: July 2009

Some of the well known formulations for topology optimization of compliant mechanisms could lead to lumped compliant mechanisms. In lumped compliance, most of the elastic deformation in a mechanism occurs at few points, while rest of the mechanism remains more or less rigid. Such points are referred to as point-flexures. It has been noted in literature that high relative rotation is associated with point-flexures. In literature we also find a formulation of local constraint on relative rotations to avoid lumped compliance. However, it is well known that a global constraint is easier to handle than a local constraint, by a numerical optimization algorithm. The current work presents a way of putting global constraint on relative rotations. This constraint is also simpler to implement since it uses linearized rotation at the center of finite-elements, to compute relative rotations. I show the results obtained by using this constraint on the following benchmark problems — displacement inverter and gripper.
Mechanical Design of the Jasper Mobile Manipulator
Authors: Willis Darrin , Nokleby Scott B. , Pop-Iliev Remon
Published: July 2009

This paper describes the mechanical design and analysis of a mobile-manipulator system comprised of a robot manipulator and a mobile base. The combination of the two is known as a mobile manipulator and combines the maneuverability of the mobile base with the accuracy of the robot manipulator. The mechanical design of a new mobile-manipulator system with the robot manipulator mounted on the front is discussed. The device features an innovative 2-DOF (degree-of-freedom) parallelogram coupling device that allows the base of the robot manipulator to translate vertically and roll longitudinally relative to the mobile base. The coupling device has dampers to reduce the vibrations caused by the motion of the mobile base on the robot manipulator and vice versa. The design features the use of omni-wheels that eliminate the problems inherent with traditional caster wheels.
Defining Plan Metrics for Multi-Agent Planning Within Mechatronic Systems
Authors: Klo¨pper Benjamin , Romaus Christoph , Schmidt Alexander , Vo¨cking Henner , Donoth Jo¨rg
Published: July 2009

The paradigm of self-optimization introduces flexible systems of objectives to the area of mechatronics. From this flexiblity new coordination problems arise. Such a problem is the coordination of function modules in such a way that the overall system of objectives is met as good as possible. Multi-agent planning offers mechanisms to provide this coordination. In this paper we introduce the application of an established method from the area of decision analysis (value tree anaylsis) to define a common and coherent system of plan metrics for the multi-agent based coordination of function modules. The application of this approach is demonstrated on example of function modules within a railway vehicle.
A Compilation of Design for Environment Principles and Guidelines
Authors: Telenko Cassandra , Seepersad Carolyn C. , Webber Michael E.
Published: July 2009

Public policy is becoming increasingly stringent with respect to the environmental impacts of modern products. To respond to this tightened scrutiny, product designers must innovate to lower the environmental footprints of their concepts. Design for Environment (DfE) is a field of product design methodology that includes tools, methods and principles to help designers reduce environmental impact. The most powerful and well-known tool within DfE is Life-Cycle Analysis (LCA); however, LCA requires a fully specified design and thus is a retrospective design tool, only applicable as the end of the design process. Because the decisions with the greatest environmental impact are made during earlier design stages, it is important to develop concurrent design tools that can implement DfE principles at conceptual and embodiment design stages, thereby achieving more substantial environmental improvements. The goal of this work is to compile a set of DfE principles that are useful during the design process; explain select principles through examples; and provide an example of applying DfE principles concurrently during the design process.
Visualization and Verification Method for Failure Network Analysis of Space Launch Vehicles
Authors: Fujimoto Keiichiro , Oyama Akira , Fujii Kozo , Iizuka Nobuyuki , Okita Koichi
Published: July 2009

Comprehensive failure network analysis method was studied for liquid rocket engine development which includes failure propagation through various types of component interfaces in order to achieve exhaustive enumeration of possible failures and to identify actions to eliminate or reduce the potential failure. New failure network visualization method was developed in order to make it easier to understand complicated failure propagation mechanism among multiple system levels. Verification analysis method is developed in which it is verified all of user-specified component interfaces are contained in the failure network analysis result. The perceived component interface is specified by the analyzer and the failure propagation in the result of failure analysis is summarized in two separate N2 charts. By comparing with these two N2 charts, unperceived component interface and the unconsidered failure propagation can be found. It is found to be promising approach to achieve exhaustive enumeration especially for forgettable component interface.
A Hybrid Self-Stressed Cable-Driven Mechanism
Authors: Behzadipour Saeed
Published: July 2009

A new hybrid cable-driven manipulator is introduced. The manipulator is composed of a Cartesian mechanism to provide three translational degrees of freedom and a cable system to drive the mechanism. The end-effector is driven by three rotational motors through the cables. The cable drive system in this mechanism is self-stressed meaning that the pre-tension of the cables which keep them taut is provided internally. In other words, no redundant actuator or external force is required to maintain the tensile force in the cables. This simplifies the operation of the mechanism by reducing the number of actuators and also avoids their continuous static loading. It also eliminates the redundant work of the actuators which is usually present in cable-driven mechanisms. Forward and inverse kinematics problems are solved and shown to have explicit solutions. Static and stiffness analysis are also performed. The effects of the cable’s compliance on the stiffness of the mechanism is modeled and presented by a characteristic cable length. The characteristic cable length is calculated and analyzed in representative locations of the workspace.
Bayesian Reliability Analysis With Evolving, Insufficient, and Subjective Data Sets
Authors: Wang Pingfeng , Youn Byeng D. , Xi Zhimin , Kloess Artemis
Published: July 2009

A primary concern in product design is ensuring high system reliability amidst various uncertainties throughout a product life-cycle. To achieve high reliability, uncertainty data for complex product systems must be adequately collected, analyzed, and managed throughout the product life-cycle. However, despite years of research, system reliability assessment is still difficult, mainly due to the challenges of evolving, insufficient, and subjective data sets. Therefore, the objective of this research is to establish a new paradigm of reliability prediction that enables the use of evolving, insufficient, and subjective data sets (from expert knowledge, customer survey, system inspection & testing, and field data) over the entire product life-cycle. This research will integrate probability encoding methods to a Bayesian updating mechanism. It is referred to as Bayesian Information Toolkit (BIT). Likewise, Bayesian Reliability Toolkit (BRT) will be created by incorporating reliability analysis to the Bayesian updating mechanism. In this research, both BIT and BRT will be integrated to predict reliability even with evolving, insufficient, and subjective data sets. It is shown that the proposed Bayesian reliability analysis can predict the reliability of door closing performance in a vehicle body-door subsystem where the relevant data sets availability are limited, subjective, and evolving.
Role of Agent Based Financial Market Models in Global Product Development
Authors: Inchiosa Mario E. , Chadha Bipin
Published: July 2009

This paper describes the need for understanding the role of financial markets in successful product development in the global context. Agent-based models distinguish themselves by their ability to generate many real world phenomena endogenously, rather than as a result of ad-hoc assumptions. We report on a model of global financial markets employing the following agents: countries, firms, stock traders, country banks, and a global bank. These agents interact with goods, credit, currency, and stock markets. The model endogenously generated quantitative and qualitative features of real economies, including skewed firm sizes, skewed country GNP’s, skewed stock trader portfolio values, and heavy-tailed non-Gaussian firm growth rate, exchange rate fluctuation, and stock return distributions. Multiple runs were performed with different random number generator seeds to investigate the stability or instability of the economies grown by the model. Both stable and unstable country economies were detected. The multiple runs also verified conclusions drawn from analyzing individual runs showing how small countries could be buffeted by fluctuations in larger countries. Such a model can be used by product development organizations to understand the impacts of their product development decisions in the context of dynamic and unpredictable financial markets.
Evaluating the Performance of Visual Steering Commands for User-Guided Pareto Frontier Sampling During Trade Space Exploration
Authors: Carlsen Dan , Malone Matthew , Kollat Josh , Simpson Timothy W.
Published: July 2009

Trade space exploration is a promising decision-making paradigm that provides a visual and more intuitive means for formulating, adjusting, and ultimately solving design optimization problems. This is achieved by combining multi-dimensional data visualization techniques with visual steering commands to allow designers to “steer” the optimization process while searching for the best, or Pareto optimal, designs. In this paper, we compare the performance of different combinations of visual steering commands implemented by two users to a multi-objective genetic algorithm that is executed “blindly” on the same problem with no human intervention. The results indicate that the visual steering commands — regardless of the combination in which they are invoked — provide a 4x–7x increase in the number of Pareto solutions that are obtained when the human is “in-the-loop” during the optimization process. As such, this study provides the first empirical evidence of the benefits of interactive visualization-based strategies to support engineering design optimization and decision-making. Future work is also discussed.
The Accurate Modeling and Performance Analysis of Cross-Spring Pivot as a Flexure Module
Authors: Zhao Hongzhe , Bi Shusheng , Yu Jingjun , Zong Guanghua
Published: July 2009

The load-displacement behavior of a cross-spring pivot as a kind of rotational element or module in compliant mechanisms is a subject of keen interest for many researchers. The model allowing not only quick design but also characteristics capture is pursued. This paper addresses some accurate closed-form results via approximations. These expressions are simple for a designer to understand the parameters without resorting to a tedious iterative procedure. The rotational displacement and center shift of the pivot are analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively, with a general-purposed load applied including bending moment, horizontal and vertical forces. Meanwhile, a concise expression for center shift without approximations is proposed. The validity of the model is verified by finite element analysis (FEA). The relative error of the rotational displacement is less than 1.8% even if the rotational angle reaches ±20° the relative errors for the two components of center shift are less than 6% and 4% respectively, in the case of typical but general configurations and loads.
Nanopore Size Estimation Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Analysis
Authors: Wang Gou-Jen , Chien Ming-Chun
Published: July 2009

We present a simple and cost effective approach using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for accurate pore size estimation of silicon based nano-pores. This method accounts for the capacitor effects of the electrical double layer and the resistor effects of the ion concentration inside the nano-channel. The nano-pore impedance was modeled as the electrolyte charge transfer resistance Rs in a series connection with a parallel ion diffusion circuit Rf with a constant phase element (CPE) that models the behaviour of the double layer. The EIS analysis that has been widely employed to measure the energy storage and dissipation properties of a physicochemical system in frequency domain was adopted to sense the impedance parameters of the nano-pore. The nano-pore size was then estimated based on the impedance parameters. The accuracy of the estimated nano-pore size was verified by the TEM image.
Reduced Order Modeling and Direct Parameter Identification for a Complex Parallel Robot
Authors: Kroneis Jens , Mu¨ller Peter , Liu Steven
Published: July 2009

In this paper a new strategy for dynamic modeling and parameter identification of complex parallel robots including parallel crank mechanisms is presented. Based on a model reduction strategy motivated by the structure of the parallel robot SpiderMill, kinematics and dynamics are derived in a compact form by applying the modified Denavit-Hartenberg method and the Newton-Euler approach. The obtained parameter-linear dynamical description is reduced to a parameter-minimal form using analytical and numerical reduction methods. Rigid body parameters of the model are identified using optimized trajectories and linear estimators. Through the whole modeling and verification process MSC.ADAMS and Solid Edge models of the demonstrator SpiderMill are used.
Layered Product Knowledge Representation and Reasoning With OWL and SWRL
Authors: Noh Jung-Do , Suh Hyo-Won
Published: July 2009

Traditionally, product development process has required knowledge management techniques to capture information and knowledge about design. In the meantime, the necessity for sharing and exchanging not only product data but also semantics of product data has been arisen because of the use of various software tools and product data models in distributed product development environment. The main focus of this research has been on exploiting implicit engineers’ design knowledge by explicitly expressing and sharing the knowledge through terms representing semantics of product data. In particular, it considers that distributed product design data can be semantically integrated by using ontology on which implicit design knowledge can be captured in the form of IF-THEN rule. Thus, in this paper, we use the Web Ontology Language (OWL), which is a Description Logic based ontology language, to represent product data and the Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL), which is a rule based ontology language, to express design knowledge for car air purifiers in Prote´ge´. Then, this paper shows how OWL product data model and SWRL design knowledge can support design decision making of car air purifiers by their reasoning. In addition, it also demonstrates how SWRL can complement OWL to build product data model as well.
Applying User Interface-Operable 3D Digital Prototypes to Human-Centered Design of Information Appliances
Authors: Kanai Satoshi , Higuchi Taiga , Kikuta Yukiaki
Published: July 2009

One of the critical issues of realizing human centered design (HCD) for information appliances is how to efficiently find the weakness of usability of the user interfaces (UI). At present, user test is the most reliable method of evaluating usability of UI. But executing user-test costs much due to fabrication of physical prototypes, securing of test subjects and facilities and the manual-based analysis of the test results. To solve the problems, we propose a computer-supported environment for testing and usability assessment for human centered-design of information appliances in the paper. In the environment, UI-operable 3D digital prototypes can be designed and used for user tests instead of physical prototypes, and the test results can be automatically analyzed to clarify the weak points of the UI design. UI-operable 3D digital prototypes can be modeled by integrating the state-transition-based UI behavior model with 3D CAD models of the housings. A function of graphically displaying user’s operational history helps the designers identify which portions in the UI specification induce wrong operations of users. A function of indicating digital questionnaire based on cognitive walkthrough method also enables them to reveal causes of the wrong operations and to clarify point of redesign. Comparison of the test results using different types of digital prototypes showed that the proposed UI-operable 3D digital prototype could fully replace the physical prototype in early design stage.
Identification of a Spatial Field of Material Properties With Adaptive Regularization and Meshes
Authors: Puel Guillaume , Aubry Denis
Published: July 2009

It is well known that the solution of an inverse problem is unstable and not unique. In order to avoid these difficulties when solving such a problem, a Tikhonov’s regularization term is usually added to the norm quantifying the discrepancy between the model’s predictions and experimental data. However, this regularization term is often insufficient to deal with the identification of a spatially variable field of material properties. Here is discussed a general strategy using classical adaptive meshing methods in order to improve the regularization of the inverse problem in such cases. The first step consists in using two distinct meshes: one associated with the discretization of the sought spatial field, and one associated with the resolution of the mere mechanical problems. Then the introduction of usual local error estimators in a second step can drive the refinement of the coarse mesh associated with the sought parameters. This general strategy is then applied to a practical case of study: the detection of subterranean cavities using experimental data obtained by an interferometric device on a satellite.
Optimum Kinematics Error Allocation in Robotic Manipulators Using Geometric Programming
Authors: Golbayani Hami , Kazerounian Kazem
Published: July 2009

In this paper, a simple and efficient formulation is presented to optimize the kinematic error mapping from the Cartesian space of the end-effector position and orientation to the inputs space. The results are optimized allocation of the joints’ errors for the accepted end-effector positioning errors. The linearized relation (Jacobian) between the end-effector position and the joints’ errors is used. Upper bounds of the error are developed so that the error function is defined in the form of posinomials of joint errors. An optimization problem is set up to find the optimum error allocation at each joint. The problem is then formulated as a zero degree-of-difficulty geometric programming. It is shown that the weight of each term in the total cost function is constant and independent of manipulator’s design. As a result, the solution to the error optimization is readily available. Explicit solutions to these weight factors are presented.
Large Eddy Simulations of Turbulent Flows in IC Engines
Authors: Banaeizadeh Araz , Afshari Asghar , Schock Harold , Jaberi Farhad
Published: July 2009

A new computational methodology is developed and tested for large eddy simulation (LES) of turbulent flows in internal combustion (IC) engines. In this methodology, the filtered compressible Navier-Stokes equations in curvilinear coordinate systems are solved via a generalized, high-order, multi-block, compact differencing scheme and various subgrid-scale (SGS) stress closures. Both reacting and nonreacting flows with and without spray are considered. The LES models have been applied to a piston-cylinder assembly with a stationary open valve and harmonically moving flat piston. The flow in a direct-injection spark-ignition (DISI) engine is also considered. It is observed that during the intake stroke of the engine operation, large-scale unsteady turbulent flow motions are developed behind the intake valves. The physical features of these turbulent motions and the ability of LES to capture them are studied and tested by simulating the flow in a simple configuration involving a stationary valve. The flow statistics predicted by LES are shown to compare well with the available experimental data. The DISI configuration includes all the complexities involved in a realistic single-cylinder IC engine, such as the complex geometry, moving valves, moving piston, spray and combustion. The spray combustion is simulated with the recently developed two-phase filtered mass density (FMDF) model.
Towards the Design of a Statically Balanced Compliant Laparoscopic Grasper Using Topology Optimization
Authors: de Lange Ditske J. B. A. , Langelaar Matthijs , Herder Just L.
Published: July 2009

This paper presents the design of a grasping instrument for minimally invasive surgery. Due to its small dimensions a compliant mechanism seems promising. To obtain force feedback, the positive stiffness of the compliant grasper must be statically balanced by a negative-stiffness compensation mechanism. For the design of compliant mechanisms, topology optimization can be used. The goal of this paper is to investigate the applicability of topology optimization to the design of a compliant laparoscopic grasper and particularly a compliant negative-stiffness compensation mechanism. In this study, the problem is subdivided in the grasper part and the compensation part. In the grasper part the deflection at the tip of the grasper is optimized. This results in a design that has a virtually linear force-displacement characteristic that forms the input for the compensation part. In the compensation part the difference between the force-displacement characteristic of the grasper part and the characteristic of the compensation part is minimized. An optimization problem is formulated enabling a pre-stress to be incorporated, which is required to obtain the negative stiffness in the compensation part. We can conclude that topology optimization is a promising approach in the field of statically balanced compliant mechanism design, even though there is great scope improvement of the method.
Design Achievement Model for Planning Creative and Concurrent Design Process
Authors: Nomaguchi Yutaka , Tsutsumi Daisuke , Fujita Kikuo
Published: July 2009

Planning of an upstream design process that includes creative and concurrent activities has become more important for product development in a competitive market. A significant characteristic of upstream planning is that the design process is one of knowledge creation. During this process, a designer makes progress toward a more advanced knowledge level that corresponds to a more advanced design achievement. In most cases of a creative and concurrent design process, however, a designer has to compromise design achievement because of constraints such as delivery time, cost, and another designer’s intention. Therefore, in planning a design process, it is more essential to set an acceptable level of design achievement and to predict whether or not a planned design process can ensure this level, than to predict the design time needed to totally achieve the design goals. This paper proposes a new method of design process planning that focuses on quantitative prediction of knowledge level achieved in a creative and concurrent design process. A growth curve model using fuzzy numbers is introduced to predict the final achievement of each task and final achievement of consistency between tasks after running a planned design process. The reliability model of a serial system is used to calculate the total acceptability of the design achievement. An experimental system that supports design process planning based on the proposed method is developed. This paper demonstrates its application to a student design project in order to show the power of the method.