bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basic Study on Parameters to Quantitatively Evaluate Shape Impression
Authors: Takeda Keiji , Aoyama Hideki
Published: July 2009

Manufacturing trends are gradually changing from mass production and mass consumption to “production of diverse products in small quantities”. For this reason, design is recognized as an important element with which a customer judges value. In order to employ the designer’s sensitivity and realize high quality designs, CAD systems which can carry out analysis evaluation of design properties quantitatively, and improve design based on the results is required. In the initial stage of designing, designers embody image form by repeating a sketch. In this process, if the form image of a sketch curve can be evaluated quantitatively and the design form image can be controlled based on the evaluation parameters, this will provide effective design support. In this research, we proposed parameters by which the image of sketch form can be evaluated quantitatively, and investigate the tendencies of various curves and curved surface form. We also developed a system which reconstructs design form using the proposed evaluation parameters.
Enhancing the Efficiency and Accuracy in the Quotation Process of Turned Components
Authors: Elgh Fredrik
Published: July 2009

Many small and medium sized companies base their business strategy on their manufacturing processes. They are highly specialized in areas such as: die-casting, extrusion, machining, sintering, injection molding etc. The specialization is usually also focused on a limited number of material and alloys for the manufacturing process in question. These companies are commonly acting as subcontractors to other companies, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). For the OEMs to be able to provide affordable products in a short time and to be at the competitive edge, every new design must be adapted to existing production facilities. In order to ensure this, collaboration between engineering design, at the OEM, and production engineering, at the subcontractors, has to be supported. With the dispersed organizations of today and the increasing amount of information that has to be shared and managed in the product realization process, this collaboration is a critical issue for many companies. A more intense collaboration is sought by many subcontractors as it will strengthen the business relation. To provide manufacturing knowledge and to be a partner in the product realization process is a means to outplay competitors. The purpose of this work is to investigate, explore, and develop a computerized method, i.e. an application system, to support the process planning and cost estimation in the quotation process. The main objective is to reveal concepts and principles to support application system development and utilization. The results are based on the experiences from a case study at a subcontractor of turned components.
Design and Realization of Crawler Crane’s Lifting Simulation System
Authors: Wu Di , Lin Yuanshan , Wang Xin , Wang Xiukun
Published: July 2009

Most construction projects rely on crawler cranes to perform lifting and hoisting activities. In practice, crawler cranes are managed based on demand, urgency, and prioritized work tasks that must be performed within a set period of time in the field. A lifting plan is needed to make. While presently the lifting plan is made based on the conventional manners of manual computation and 2D drawings, so that much time is spent examining load charts, making drawings and planning lifts before starting a lifting job; moreover, a vivid 3D lifting simulation of the cranes lifting is not available, which can not meet the lifting requirements of swiftness and high-efficiency for large and complicated lifting. As a computer tool, simulation has proved to be effective in modeling complex construction operations and can be a substantial help in aiding practitioners in construction planning. However, the use of simulation has fallen far below its maximum potential due to a lack of appropriate support tools which would allow construction managers to use simulation tools for themselves. Therefore, a 3D virtual lifting system, based on a 3D engine SR and oriented to lifting industry, is developed here. This system integrates computation, finite element analysis (FEA), creation of job environments, creation of equipments and 3D lifting simulations. The integrated system is a mean that enable domain experts, who are knowledgeable in give domains but not familiar with simulation, to easily model operations within their domain and analyze the simulation results, and aid them to make lifting plans. Firstly the architecture of the simulation system is proposed, whose basic functions are depicted. Then the modelings of cranes and their operations are presented. Finally the integration of FEA are introduced in this paper. The simulation system is tested through some practical cases. This paper demonstrates that the simulation system is helpful in verification and validation of simulation thus improving the accessibility of simulation as a lifting plan making aid.
Topology Optimization of Poroelastic Structures to Minimize Mean Sound Pressure Levels
Authors: Yamamoto T. , Maruyama S. , Nishiwaki S. , Yoshimura M.
Published: July 2009

In optimization problems that aim to minimize noise, elastic structures have been designed so that fundamental eigenfrequencies depart from excitation frequencies. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, sound pressure responses have rarely been calculated. In this paper, we propose a new topology optimization method for the design of poroelastic material layouts that minimize sound pressure levels by sound attenuation. In this method, the surrounding air is exactly modeled, and poroelastic material is located in a space filled with air to efficiently dissipate power. The Biot’s theory is incorporated into the optimization scheme to deal with poroelastic material, and we utilize a new bi-material continuum that consists of poroelastic material combined with an equivalent representation of air in the Biot’s theory. Several design problems are presented to demonstrate that the proposed method can provide optimal layouts of poroelastic material that reduce sound pressure levels within specified frequency ranges.
Towards Design and Fabrication of a Miniature MRI-Compatible Robot for Applications in Neurosurgery
Authors: Pappafotis Nicholas , Bejgerowski Wojciech , Gullapalli Rao , Simard J. Marc , Gupta Satyandra K. , Desai Jaydev P.
Published: July 2009

Brain tumors are among the most feared complications of cancer and they occur in 20–40% of adult cancer patients. Despite numerous advances in treatment, the prognosis for these patients is poor, with a median survival of 4–8 months. The primary reasons for poor survival rate are the lack of good continuous imaging modality for intraoperative intracranial procedures and the inability to remove the complete tumor tissue due to its placement in the brain and the corresponding space constraints to reach it. Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) supplements the surgeon’s visual and tactile senses in a way that no other imaging device can achieve resulting in less trauma to surrounding healthy brain tissue during surgery. To minimize the trauma to surrounding healthy brain tissue, it would be beneficial to operate through a narrow surgical corridor dissected by the neurosurgeon. Facilitating tumor removal by accessing regions outside the direct “line-of-sight” of the neurosurgical corridor will require a highly dexterous, small cross section, and MRI-compatible robot. Developing such a robot is extremely challenging task. In this paper we report a preliminary design of 6-DOF robot for possible application in neurosurgery. The robot actuators and body parts are constructed from MRI compatible materials. The current prototype is 0.36” in diameter and weighs only 0.0289 N (2.95 grams). The device was actuated using Flexinol® which is a shape memory alloy manufactured by Dynalloy, Inc. The end-effector forces ranged from 12 mN to 50 mN depending on the robot configuration. The end-effector force to robot weight ratio varied from 0.41 to 1.73. During trials the robot motion was repeatable and the range of motion of the robot was about 90 degrees for the end-effector when one side shape memory alloy (SMA) channel was actuated. The actuation time from the start to finish was about 2.5 s.
Optimal Formation of Supplier Network for Product Design Phase to Realize an Evolving Product Family
Authors: Pakala Padmavathi K. , Allada V.
Published: July 2009

Due to rapid changes in end-user requirements and vast improvements in technology, many product development companies identified strategies like time-to-market (TTM) compression and product family development as critical for attaining success in today’s hyper-competitive environment. Further, the companies are increasingly investing on involving suppliers in various activities of a product realization process. The present paper facilitates this trend of the market by adopting supplier involvement in product design phase. Product design phase has been chosen because 70–80% of the product cost is locked in during this phase. A methodology for optimal supplier network formation is proposed so that the product development projects are completed on time and on budget, while catering to the evolving end-user requirements over a given planning horizon. The present methodology selects the detail design of the product families while forming the supplier network. In this methodology, apart from cost and time, inter-supplier communication has been modeled as one of the supplier selection criteria. This criterion is based on the effect of product architecture on integrator-supplier-supplier communication and the nature of supplier organization. The present problem has been illustrated using the case example of insulin delivery device product families and the proposed methodology has been solved using a goal programming approach.
Evaluation of Product Family Architectures From Multiple Perspectives
Authors: Siddique Zahed , Adupala Rajeshwar Reddy
Published: July 2009

Specifying components in a product platform and family architecture to support product varieties can be a challenging task for companies. Especially when various viewpoints have to be considered, which include product variety, materials, manufacturing complexity, assembly complexity, average component count commonality, assembly sequence, and late point differentiation. In order to identify or select a product platform and family configuration, evaluation of alternative configurations need to be performed. In this paper several product family evaluation criteria are presented for configuration evaluation. The application of product family configuration evaluation and a design approach is demonstrated using a Computer Mouse family.
The Effects of Nonlinearity on Parametric Amplifiers
Authors: Rhoads Jeffrey F. , Shaw Steven W.
Published: July 2009

Mechanical and electromechanical parametric amplifiers have garnered significant interest, as of late, due to the increased need for low-noise signal amplification in resonant micro/nanosystems. While these devices, which are traditionally designed to operate in a linear range, potentially represent an elegant, on-chip amplification solution, it is not readily apparent that this technical approach will suffice in all micro/nanoresonator implementations, due to the scale-dependent nature of a mechanical or electromechanical amplifier’s dynamic range. The present work investigates whether the aforementioned linear dynamic range constraint is truly a practical limitation, by considering the behavior of a representative degenerate parametric amplifier driven within a nonlinear frequency response regime. The work adopts a comparatively simple lumped-mass model for analysis and proceeds with the characterization of pertinent performance metrics, including gain/pump and gain/phase behaviors. Ultimately, the work concludes that parametric amplification can be realized in a nonlinear context, but such implementations generally lead to inferior amplifier performance.
Workspace Analysis for the Limbs of a Hexapedal Robot Walking Gait Generation Algorithm Development
Authors: Showalter Mark , Hong Dennis
Published: July 2009

The Multi-Appendage Robotic System (MARS) is a hexapedal robotic platform capable of walking and of performing manipulation tasks. Each of the six limbs of MARS incorporates a three-degree of freedom (DOF), kinematically spherical proximal joint, similar to a shoulder or hip joint, and a 1-DOF distal joint, similar to an elbow or knee joint. The generation of walking gaits for such robots with multiple limbs requires a thorough understanding of the kinematics of the limbs, including their workspace. Since the entire limb workspace cannot be used in a statically stable alternating tripedal gait for such a robot, a subset of the general limb workspace is defined to be used for walking gait generation algorithms. The specific abilities of a walking algorithm dictate the usable workspace for the limbs. Generally speaking, the more general the walking algorithm is, the less constricted the workspace becomes. In this paper we develop the workspaces for the limb of MARS in the knee up configuration, which range from simple 2D geometry to complex 3D volume, and analyze its limitations for use in walking on flat level surfaces. Next we discuss the case when the robot body is not parallel to the ground. The results from this paper can be applied to the development of walking gait generation algorithms.
Topology Optimization of Micromachined Structures With the Manufacturing Constraints of KOH Etching of (110) Silicon
Authors: Hegde Sudarshan , Ananthasuresh G. K.
Published: July 2009

The focus of this paper is on designing useful compliant micro-mechanisms of high-aspect-ratio which can be microfabricated by the cost-effective wet etching of (110) orientation silicon (Si) wafers. Wet etching of (110) Si imposes constraints on the geometry of the realized mechanisms because it allows only etch-through in the form of slots parallel to the wafer’s flat with a certain minimum length. In this paper, we incorporate this constraint in the topology optimization and obtain compliant designs that meet the specifications on the desired motion for given input forces. Using this design technique and wet etching, we show that we can realize high-aspect-ratio compliant micro-mechanisms. For a (110) Si wafer of 250 μm thickness, the minimum length of the etch opening to get a slot is found to be 866 μm. The minimum achievable width of the slot is limited by the resolution of the lithography process and this can be a very small value. This is studied by conducting trials with different mask layouts on a (110) Si wafer. These constraints are taken care of by using a suitable design parameterization rather than by imposing the constraints explicitly. Topology optimization, as is well known, gives designs using only the essential design specifications. In this work, we show that our technique also gives manufacturable mechanism designs along with lithography mask layouts. Some designs obtained are transferred to lithography masks and mechanisms are fabricated on (110) Si wafers.
Classification and Solution Space Atlases for the Design of Planar Serial Manipulators
Authors: Guo W. Z. , Gao F.
Published: July 2009

The study presents a detailed discussion on the classification and solution space atlases for planar serial manipulators. Similar to closed-loop planar linkage with one prismatic joint, a planar manipulator is categorized into three classes with further several subclasses based on link lengths in terms of orientation capability. Furthermore, by introducing the non-dimensional length, an improved physical model of the solution space is proposed to display global performances of the manipulators which facilitates the design of the manipulator with global optimization. Examples are given to illustrate the method.
Feature-Based Crystal Construction in Computer-Aided Nano-Design
Authors: Qi Cheng , Wang Yan
Published: July 2009

Providing nano engineers and scientists efficient and easy-to-use tools to create geometry conformations that have minimum energies is highly desirable in material design. Recently we developed a periodic surface model to assist the construction of nano structures parametrically for computeraided nano-design. In this paper, we present a feature-based approach for crystal construction. The proposed approach starts to create models of basic features by the aide of periodic surfaces followed by operations between basic features. The goal is to introduce a rapid construction method for complex crystal structures.
Semantic Product Requirement Network as Approaches for a Requirement Terminology and Tool for Linguistic Analysis of Requirements in Continuous Text
Authors: Chahadi Youssef , Birkhofer Herbert
Published: July 2009

The Collaborative Research Center 666 (CRC666) is concentrated on the research of methods and procedures for the optimized illustration of branched structures in integral sheet metal construction by regarding their functions and strains [1]. The virtual development of such branched structures emphasizes the found methods and procedures with regard to make them based on algorithms. This paper describes several approaches, which help to identify customer requirements based on algorithms. A standardized structure for the requirements is developed that builds the basis for a system of requirement terms. Product requirements can have relations among themselves. To make these relations directly and automatically available for the stakeholders during the identification process a semantic product requirement network was developed. This network helps the stakeholders to clearly identify and handle the requirements. This semantic product requirement network is based on the graph theory. A mathematical model for the access to the graph nodes (requirement) is introduced in the system for requirement terms that helps with the identification of requirements by using algorithms. Today requirements for a product are also collected in the form of a continuous text. For this case an approach is shows how requirements can be extracted from the continuous text by using linguistic procedures within the semantic product requirement network.
High-Stiffness, Lock-and-Key Heat-Reversible Locator-Snap Systems for the Design for Disassembly
Authors: Shalaby Mohammed , Saitou Kazuhiro
Published: July 2009

Recent legislative and social pressures have driven manufacturers to consider effective part reuse and material recycling at the end of product life at the design stage. One of the key considerations is to use joints that can disengage with minimum labor, part damage, and material contamination. This paper extends our previous work on the design of high-stiffness reversible locator-snap system that can disengage non-destructively with localized heat [1, 2], to include 1) modeling for tolerance stack-up and 2) lock-and-key concept to ensure that snaps only disengage when the right procedure is followed. The design problem is posed as an optimization problem to find the locations, numbers, and orientations of locators and snaps, and the number, locations and sizes of heating areas, which realize the release of snaps with minimum heat, compliance, and tolerance stack-up. The motion and structural requirements are considered constraints. Screw Theory is utilized to pre-calculate a set of feasible types and orientations of locators and snaps that are examined during optimization. The optimization problem is solved using Multi Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA) coupled with structural and thermal FEA. The method is applied on two case studies. The Pareto-optimal solutions present alternative designs with different trade-offs between the design objectives while meeting all the constraints.
Enhancing Modular Design With Creativity Tools
Authors: Regazzoni Daniele , Rizzi Caterina
Published: July 2009

This research work regards the development of a new roadmap for complex products design based on an improved modular approach. The goal is to refine an existing method affected by some drawbacks into a to new product development paradigm, with the aim of reducing design times, mistakes and subjectivity. The best results came from integrating a set of diverse methodologies for product design and systematic innovation. The proposed design paradigm is based on an improved Modular-TRIZ-DSM approach, and the results obtained, in terms of modules definition and interfaces, have been evaluated. The most important results concern a better repeatability of design results and the capability to forecast technical evolution of a specific product family. After a short description of the methodologies of interest, the roadmap is described focusing on the differences from the traditional method.
NXT Mobile Inverted Pendulum
Authors: Le Tony , Oh Paul
Published: July 2009

The intent of this paper is to provide information on how to implement a mobile inverted pendulum using the LEGO® Mindstorms NXT platform for educational purposes in mechatronics. A description of the dynamics of a mobile inverted pendulum is first, followed by a description of the hardware and software components composing the NXT platform. Discussed are the capabilities and the limitations of the NXT system. As a demonstration, a mobile inverted pendulum is built and controlled using a simple PID controller. Sensors used include a HiTechnic gyro sensor to measure angular rate for balancing and the NXT ultrasound sensor for obstacle avoidance. Shown are the simulated and experimental results of the angular rate and velocity control. Lastly, a breakdown of a hypothetical course in mechatronics highlights the described NXT mobile inverted pendulum.
Random Fatigue Failure of MD36 and MD523 Bogie Frames Due to Rail Corrugations
Authors: Younesian Davood , Solhmirzaei Ali , Gachloo Alireza , Esmailzadeh Ebrahim
Published: July 2009

Bogies are one of the multifunctional parts of trains which are extremely subjected to random loads. This type of oscillating and random excitation arises from irregularities of the track including rail surface corrugation, rail joints, variance in super-elevation, and also wheel imperfectness like wheel flats and unbalancy. Since most of the pre-mentioned sources have random nature, a random based theory should be applied for fatigue life estimation of the bogie frame. Two methods of fatigue life estimation are investigated in this paper. The first approach which is being implemented in time domain is based on the Damage Accumulation (DA) approach. Using Monte-Carlo simulation algorithm, the rail surface roughness is generated. Finite Element (FE) model of the bogie is subjected to the generated random excitation and the stress time history is obtained and then the fatigue life is estimated using the rain-flow method. In the second approach the fatigue life is estimated in frequency domain. Power Spectral Density (PSD) of the stress is obtained using FE model of the bogie and the fatigue life is estimated using Rayleigh technique in random fatigue theory. A comprehensive parametric study is carried out and effects of different parameters like train speeds and level of the rail irregularities on the fatigue life are investigated.
Finite Element Analysis Using Uniform B-Spline Basis
Authors: Kumar Ashok V. , Burla Ravi K.
Published: July 2009

Implicit boundary finite element method uses structured grids for analysis instead of a conforming finite element mesh. The geometry of the structure is represented independently using curve / surface equations. These equations are used to apply boundary conditions even though there may not be nodes available on the boundary. In this paper, this method is applied for analysis using uniform B-spline basis defined over structured grids. Solutions can be constructed that are C1 or C2 continuous throughout the analysis domain using B-spline basis functions. Therefore, the computed stress and strain are continuous in the analysis domain thus eliminating the need for smoothing stress/strain results. Compared to conforming mesh, it is easier to generate structured grids that overlap the geometry and the elements in the grid are regular shaped and undistorted. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the performance of these B-spline elements. The results are compared with analytical solutions as well as traditional finite element solutions. Convergence studies for several examples show that B-spline elements provide accurate solutions with fewer elements and nodes as compared to traditional finite element method (FEM).
Semantic Annotation of Digital Engineering Resources for Multidisciplinary Design Collaboration
Authors: Yang Q. Z. , Zhang Y. , Miao C. Y. , Shen Z. Q.
Published: July 2009

This paper introduces an ontology-based approach to annotating semantics of digital engineering resources. The aim is to enhance design knowledge sharing through semantic annotation to support streamlined collaboration in multidisciplinary consumer product development. Two issues are focused: how to specify the meaning of annotations with design ontology to ensure sharability of the annotation content; and how to represent annotations in neutral encoding formats to seek mutual understanding of the annotated semantics across multidisciplinary design teams and systems. Two use scenarios of semantic annotations in multidisciplinary design of consumer products are illustrated in the paper.
Modeling and Stability Analysis of Comb-Fingers in MEMS Electrostatic Actuators
Authors: Chen Yang-Che , Chang Ian Chao-Ming , Chen Rongshun , Hou Max Ti-Kuang
Published: July 2009

This article presents a side electromechanical instability of slender comb-fingers in MEMS electrostatic devices. Two models are developed for predicting such side pull-in of comb-fingers; one is based in the lumped modeling technique and another is developed by FEM approach. In the slender finger array, the deflection of every finger and pull-in voltage can be calculated by the models. Results indicate every comb-finger bends with different amplitudes. In the finger array, few sided fingers are strongly deflected, the extreme sided fingers in particular, while other inner fingers show negligible deformations. We suggest these extreme sided fingers can dominate the side pull-in of the comb-fingers and should be considered with careful device design by employing the proposed models in this paper.
Numerical Fatigue Strength Evaluation of Inhomogeneous, Linear Flow Split Profiles
Authors: Landersheim Volker , el Dsoki Chalid , Hanselka Holger , Bruder Thomas , Veleva Desislava , Groche  , Bohn Tilman , Mu¨ller Clemens , Niesłony Adam
Published: July 2009

The innovative sheet metal forming technology “Linear Flow Splitting” offers various new options for designing profile-like components. The forming process leads to severe changes in local material properties, inhomogeneities and residual stresses within the manufactured component. These effects influence the mechanical properties of the manufactured components. If the components are designed to endure cyclic mechanical loads, it is especially important to know the components fatigue properties. This paper focuses on a method to derive the fatigue properties of Linear Flow Split Profiles by nonlinear numerical FE analysis, including durability analysis and forming simulations. This numerical approach offers the possibility to estimate the fatigue properties of components before manufacturing physical prototypes, only based on material parameters derived from tests on smooth samples. The Finite-Element analysis of the Linear Flow Splitting Process provides distributions of local material deformation and residual stresses. These results are mapped by an appropriate interface on FE models, which allow simulating the component behavior under external loads. Thus, the inhomogeneous elastic-plastic material behavior and residual stresses are considered in the computed stresses and strains. Further on, a post-processing tool was implemented to interpret the FE results considering the inhomogeneous distribution of materials fatigue properties, the mean stress distribution and the statistical size effect.
Robust Design of Bistable Compliant Mechanisms Using the Bistability of a Clamped-Pinned Beam
Authors: Oh Young Seok , Kota Sridhar
Published: July 2009

Our research investigates a new approach to design of bistable compliant mechanisms using the bistability of a clamped-free beam. Bistability plays an important role for a variety of applications since energy is applied only to move the mechanism from one stable position to another and no energy needs to be expended once a stable position is reached. Behavior of a bistable compliant mechanism, in general, is highly non-linear and relies on the buckling phenomenon. Normally, buckling is very sensitive to imperfections in manufacturing processes, operating conditions and boundary conditions. We present a method for designing bistable mechanisms that are robust against such imperfections by utilizing the behavior of a simple clamped-free beam. A solution for large deformation of a simple clamped-free beam is first obtained to study its bistable behavior under various loading conditions. If the load is greater than the critical buckling load, the beam can be deflected not only in the normal direction but also in a ‘reverse-lateral’ (RL) direction. First, an initially straight beam must be bent to a certain curvature under the action of the applied force. In the second loading condition, the partially bent beam is further loaded so that it buckles in the RL direction into a stable position. The magnitude and direction of the forces in both loading conditions that are conducive to bistability are thus determined. A compliant mechanism is then designed such that its output generates desired forces on the beam to deform it in the RL direction. We demonstrate that the RL deformation is less sensitive to the imperfections and ensures bistable behavior. Using clamped-pinned beams, two design examples (symmetric and asymmetric cases) of bistable compliant mechanisms are presented. Results show very good correlation between the finite element analysis and experimental tests on prototypes.
Algorithm-Based Product Development: Refined Concepts and Example Applications
Authors: Anderl Reiner , Rollmann Thomas , Wu Zhenyu , Chahadi Youssef
Published: July 2009

Today’s industry faces the competing pressures of having to develop more and more innovative concepts at less cost. One possibility of supporting these rivaling tasks is leaving the idea of traditional product development and introducing an algorithm-based product development paradigm. By this approach it will be possible to quickly generate a large number of possible solutions based on the future product’s primary specifications and requirements. The result of this process is a set of discrete CAD models for each possible solution, from which the designer can select the most suitable one for his specific task. By this approach, engineers shall be able to plan and design their complete draft in an automated, computer aided way. In short, they need to specify the essential requirements and conditions for their design and subsequently will obtain a set of mathematically and functionally optimized CAD-models, from which the best fitting part geometry can be passed on for production.
Operational Forces Identification From Helicopter Model In-Flight Data With Use of Inverted Regressive Parametric Models
Authors: Mendrok Krzysztof , Kurowski Piotr , Uhl Tadeusz
Published: July 2009

The paper presents an attempt to identify forces acting on the control unit of a helicopter model during flight. The helicopter model will, according to the project assumptions, operate as an inspection robot i.e. it will autonomously fly in selected regions and monitor them with an embedded camera. It could be used for visual inspection of high masts or chimneys. Autonomous flying requires a sophisticated control system. The control unit is placed in an additional box hung under the fuselage. One of the stages of the unit development was examination of in-flight forces acting on the box and if it was necessary, a vibroinsulation selection. For this reason, an experiment was conducted. During the test, forces in the box suspension and accelerations in selected locations of the object were recorded. Having both, forces and responses in the form of vibrations accelerations, enabled to verify a force identification procedure. It is a procedure based on regressive parametric models inversion. The paper presents this method’s description and an attempt to apply it to the described forces identification.
Simplified Model of the Knee as a 2-Dimensional Spring Mechanism
Authors: Armstrong Laura , Baxter Sarah , Voglewede Philip A.
Published: July 2009

The knee joint is a very complex joint stabilized by two opposing sets of ligaments. A mathematical model of the knee with an appropriate level of complexity and accuracy is needed for valid and useful static or dynamic analysis. Existing work has focused on the knee as either a one degree of freedom pin joint (simple) or based on a more complex sliding motion of two surfaces (complex). In this work, MATLAB and Working Model© were used to design three intermediate level models describing the motion of the knee assuming only movement in the sagittal plane by changing the shape of the tibial plateau (flat, concave, or convex). From these, it was determined that the simple flat model, while not perfect, most appropriately modeled the knee joint.
A Framework for Ontology-Based Heterogeneous Data Integration for Cost Management in Product Family Design
Authors: Chang Xiaomeng , Terpenny Janis
Published: July 2009

High quality, high impact and economical products and systems are important goals for an enterprise. The usage of product families can be strategic to achieving these goals, yet defining these families can be challenging, requiring the consideration of numerous cost factors. This requires bringing together a great number of heterogeneous data sources of varying formats in a manner that allows the product development team to easily locate and reuse information in a collaborative manner across time and space. To date, our work has focused on the development and use of an Activity-Based Cost ontology (ABC ontology) to guide designers drill down to get at information for product family design. However, this ontology is built in such a way that it can only support information retrieval from the ontology and does not bring together and connect heterogeneous data resources. It does not address the problem of designers who struggle with obtaining relevant details from different departments in an enterprise. While there have been several semantic data schema integration tools for heterogeneous data resources integration, these tools cannot guide users to related information, that would lead to the root cause of the high cost. In this paper, in order to better manage cost in product family design, an ontology-based framework is put forward that builds on our prior work and combines the advantages of ABC ontology and data schema integration tools. The ontology-based framework can guide users to the proper information aspects through querying the central ontology, and give users detailed information about these aspects from heterogeneous data resources with the support of local ontologies. Ultimately, this framework will facilitate designers with better utilization of cost-related factors for product family design from a whole enterprise perspective.
Interactive Multi-Modal Visualization Environment for Complex System Decision Making
Authors: Foo Jung Leng , Winer Eliot
Published: July 2009

Decision making in a complex system requires a large amount of data, and real time interaction and visualization tools become effective solutions. Constant improvement in computer graphics technology has encouraged the research of developing better and more efficient ways of interacting and visualizing complex three-dimensional image data. This paper presents a unique software framework for interacting and visualizing complex volume image data in a virtual environment. For efficient user interactions, a wireless gamepad controller is used as the main input device. The buttons and joysticks on the gamepad controller are intuitively mapped to perform different functions depending on the feature mode that the software is currently in. Apart from the general viewer, an extension of the software also reads in standard format patient medical images such as CT/MRI scans. As an effective decision making tool, the software allows the user to apply fast pseudo-coloring and multiple interactive oblique clipping planes for an immersive detailed examination of any 3D model. In the medical imaging extension of this software, it features the ability for the user to select a specific range of tissue densities to render and an endosurgery planning mode that allows a surgeon to place simulated laparoscopic surgical instruments in a virtual model of the patient. The developed software allows for better interaction with complex volume data for use as a decision making and evaluation tool.
Parametric Design for Aesthetic Shapes by Curve-Ruler Utilization
Authors: Oya Tetsuo , Kato Hiroshi , Higashi Masatake
Published: July 2009

This paper presents a method to generate an aesthetic surface which is represented by two guide curves and a curve-ruler. A curve-ruler is an expression of a ruler whose curvature variation is monotone and aesthetic, and it is a mathematical version of the actual ruler used in the automotive industry. A ruler-surface is a surface which is a locus of the curve-ruler moving along two guide curves. First, a generation procedure of a guide curve and conditions for producing an aesthetic surface are described. Then, a ruler-surface is formulated parametrically according to the movement of the ruler along two guide curves. Examples of ruler-surfaces show that this method can generate surfaces with different characteristics by various kinds of curve-rulers. Modeling examples are presented indicating that the method could be a supportive system for designer’s intuitive work.
A New Constrained Shape Deformation Operator With Applications in Footwear Design
Authors: Xu Ying , Joneja Ajay
Published: July 2009

In this paper, we address a problem that arises in several engineering applications: the deformation of a curve with constraints on its length. Since length is an integral property, typically computed by numerical methods, therefore implementing such shape change operations is non trivial. Recently some researchers have attempted to solve such problems for multi-resolution representations of curves. However, we take a differential geometric approach. The modification problem is formulated as constrained optimization problem, which is subsequently converted to an unconstrained min-max problem using Lagrangian multipliers. This problem is solved using the Uzawa method. The approach is implemented in MATLAB™, and some examples are presented in the paper.
AFM Verification of CFn Surface Treatment Effect and Its Correlation to Stiction Reduction in Microvalves
Authors: Han Jeahyeong , Joe Daniel , Masel Rich I. , Shannon Mark A.
Published: July 2009

The purpose of this paper is to show AFM verification of adhesion reduction between valve seat/membrane interfaces by surface coatings from a C4F8/Ar plasma in an ICP DRIE. Our check valves utilize a polyimide (PI, Polyimide 5878G, HD Microsystem) membrane on a Si/SiO2 valve seat. These valves form a seal between a polished Si/SiO2 substrate and a smooth polymer membrane. PI absorbs moisture up to 3.4% wt per volume, and the SiO2 surface also has an affinity to water. The smooth PI membrane touches the SiO2 surface, giving rise to relatively strong van der Waals adhesion. Under humid conditions, hydrogen-bonded stiction can occur at the interface between the PI and SiO2 during the drying step. The C4F8/Ar plasma coating is utilized for the actual device in order to lower the interface adhesion between Si/SiO2 and PI film. The opening pressures of devices with/without CFn film are measured. The valves without non-stiction coating did not open with inlet pressures up to 210 KPa. With a non-stiction coating, the valves showed an initial opening pressure of 32.5±11 KPa. AFM pull-off measurements using nano-sized tips and micro sized tips are performed to quantify the effect of the CFn film-treated surface between solid-solid surface pairs. The original surface pair for the microvalve membrane and seat surface is Si/SiO2 and PI film. The CFn film treatment is possible on one or both sides of the surfaces. AFM pull-off testing has been performed to measure the work of adhesion between four possible surface combinations, including SiO2/PI, CFn/PI, CFn/SiO2, and CFn/CFn. The work of adhesion of the surface pairs is obtained using the Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) theory. Two types of AFM probes were used, a regular nano-sized AFM probe and a one micron particle AFM probe. The work of adhesions obtained for the pairs above are 257.6±37.1, 59.4±29.2, 89.6±18.2, and 41.0±8.2 [mJ/m2] from regular tips, and 159.48±4.0, 41.9±2.0, 65.7±12.2, and 37.4±3.7 [mJ/m2] from the particle tips. The CFn film treatment reduced the adhesion energy up to 84% for the regular AFM tip results, and up to 76.7% from the particle AFM tip results. The static contact angle of CFn film with respect to de-ionized water is 116.4 ± 0.9°. The surface coatings from a C4F8/Ar plasma in an ICP DRIE can reduce the contact adhesion forces and capillary forces during the fabrication process preventing stiction.
Extension of Modal Analysis to Decouple All Linear Systems in Oscillatory Free Vibration
Authors: Ma Fai , Imam Ali , Morzfeld Matthias
Published: July 2009

The purpose of this paper is to extend classical modal analysis to decouple all damped linear systems in oscillatory free vibration. Based upon the solution of the quadratic eigenvalue problem associated with the damped system, a process of phase synchronization is developed. This process generates a real time-shifting transformation that decouples any damped system in the configuration space. The decoupling procedure reduces to classical modal analysis for systems that are undamped or classically damped.
Innovation, Entrepeneurship and International Experience
Authors: Pinnell Margaret , Doepker Phillip , Hanna Lori , Vehar Mike
Published: July 2009

The University of Dayton (UD) Engineers in Technical Humanitarian Opportunities for Service-Learning (ETHOS), in collaboration with UD’s School of Business, UD’s Design Clinic, Grupo Fenix (Nicaragua), and the local Nicaraguan community, is currently working on an 18 month project to research and develop a solar medical device sterilizer (sterilizer) that can be used in rural areas of Nicaragua. Engineering and business students are working in a variety of capacities with the local community and Grupo Fenix in Nicaragua to research, design and develop the device. Once developed, the engineering and business students will continue to work with the community and Grupo Fenix to establish a micro-business for the manufacture and distribution of the device. Although this project will address a particular technical need, the infrastructure and unique partnerships that are being developed and optimized through its facilitation will serve as a model for other projects and programs that will be shared within the University of Dayton and with other universities.
Analysis and Synthesis of Slider-Crank Mechanisms for Automatic Machinery
Authors: Figliolini G. , Conte M. , Rea P.
Published: July 2009

This paper deals with the analysis and synthesis of slider-crank mechanisms, which are aimed to give suitable coupler curves for automatic machinery, as path generators. A practical method for the dimensional synthesis of slider-crank mechanisms is proposed by referring to a classical approach, which is based on the use of the centrodes, inflection circle, cubic of stationary curvature, cubic curve of centers and Ball’s point. Usually, in the industrial practice, the generation of a specific continuous path is not required because, very often, only the shape and the overall size of a coupler curve is sufficient to satisfy the design specifications. Thus, this paper gives a contribution to the dimensional synthesis of slider-crank mechanisms by formulating a practical and intuitive procedure, in order to obtain two different shapes of path, a symmetric egg shape path with a straight segment part and/or stationary curvature and a raindrop shape path, which both respect the required overall sizes.
Optimization of Redundant-Limb Layout in Cable-Driven Parallel Manipulators
Authors: Hassan Mahir , Khajepour Amir
Published: July 2009

Cable-driven mechanisms can be used as fast pickup-and-place manipulators due to the low inertia of the cables. Maintaining cable tension can be achieved by cylinders applying forces on the mobile platform to generate tensile forces in the cables to prevent cable slack during the operation. This paper presents an optimization approach to determine the optimum layout of the cylinders in the manipulator, i.e., the optimum positions of the cylinders connection points on the mobile platform and the base. The goal of this optimization is to achieve the desired distribution of the generated tension across the cables. An example 6-degree-of-freedom spatial manipulator is presented where this approach is applied to optimize the layout of one, two and three cylinders.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Product Configuration
Authors: Xuanyuan Sisi , Jiang Zhaoliang , Patil Lalit , Li Yan , Li Zhaoqian
Published: July 2009

In the context of globalization and mass customization, selecting the appropriate product configuration requires a simultaneous consideration of multiple criteria or objectives, which are in conflict with each other. The large solution space implies that analyzing each feasible solution is a combinatorial problem. Furthermore, no single optimal solution exists; on the contrary, there is a set of valid optimal solutions, i.e., the solution set is Pareto-optimal. We present the configuration problem from the perspective of using two types of attributes: static, i.e., the attributes that have pre-defined and constant values throughout the configuration process, and dynamic, i.e., attributes whose values vary according to decisions that are being made during the configuration process. We pose the product configuration as a multiobjective optimization problem requiring that multiple objective functions cannot be combined into a single objective function. We demonstrate the applicability of using Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithms (MOGA) to solve the problem and converge to a Pareto-optimal solution set from the large number of feasible solutions.
Towards Rules for Functional Composition
Authors: Caldwell Benjamin W. , Mocko Gregory M.
Published: July 2009

Functional decomposition is used in conceptual design to divide an overall problem with an unknown solution into smaller problems with known solutions. The procedure for functional decomposition, however, has not been formalized. In a larger effort to understand and develop rules for functional decomposition, this paper develops rules for composition of reverse-engineered functional models. First, the functional basis hierarchy is used in an attempt to compose the functional model of a hair dryer, which does not produce the desired results. Second, a set of rules for composition is presented and applied to the hair dryer functional model. This composed functional model is more similar to the desired decomposition result than the functional model developed by changing hierarchical levels. Ten additional functional models are also composed and the results shown. The findings demonstrate that composition rules can be developed empirically through analysis of functional models.