Optimization of Constraint Location, Orientation, and Quantity in Mechanical Assembly

2013 ◽  
Vol 135 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonard Rusli ◽  
Anthony Luscher ◽  
James Schmiedeler
Keyword(s):  
Design Space ◽  
Design Tool ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Mechanical Assembly ◽  
Design Decisions ◽  
Performance Variables ◽  
Threaded Fasteners ◽  
Assembly Performance ◽  
Individual Design

A mechanical assembly aims to remove 6 degree-of-freedom (DOF) motion between two or more parts using features such as fasteners, integral attachments, and mating surfaces, all of which act as constraints. The locations, orientations, and quantity of these constraints directly influence the effectiveness of a constraint configuration to eliminate DOF; therefore, constraint design decisions are crucial to the performance of a mechanical assembly. The design tool presented in this paper uses an analysis tool developed by the authors to explore a user-specified constraint design space and help the designer make informed decisions based on quantitative data so as to optimize constraint locations and orientations. The utility of the design tool is demonstrated with an assembly case study that contains both threaded fasteners and integral attachments. The results identify the opportunity for significant improvements by separately exploring individual design spaces associated with some constraints and further gains through a search of a multidimensional design space that leverages interaction effects between the location and orientation variables. The example also highlights how the tool can help identify nonintuitive solutions such as nonrectilinear, nonplanar parting lines. A trade-off study demonstrates how the design tool can quantitatively aid in optimizing the total number of constraints. Adding constraints generally improves an assembly's performance at the expense of increased redundancy, which can cause locked-in stresses and assembly inaccuracies, so the design tools helps identify new/removable constraints that offer the greatest/least contribution to the overall part constraint configuration. Through these capabilities, this design tool provides useful data to optimize and understand mechanical assembly performance variables.

A Design Tool for Distributed Concept Development

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Nordland ◽  
Edward Hensel
Keyword(s):  
Design Space ◽  
Concept Development ◽  
Design Tool ◽  
Design Environment ◽  
Weighted Voting ◽  
Design Intent ◽  
Morphological Chart ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Over Time

This paper provides an overview of a database tool to support collaborative concept development in an asynchronous, distributed design environment. This paper will illustrate how an ideation method, such as as brainstorming, can be applied to a desired set of functions for a new design. The result of the brain-storming session for each articulated function can then be used in conjunction with a collaborative weighted voting tool to develop a rank-ordered morphological chart of the design space. A case study will be presented to illustrate how the information and knowledge generated in a prior working session by a design group can be introduced into a subsequent design session. The case study will illustrate how knowledge can be effectively transferred from one design project to the next, and preserve design intent over time.

Development of Product Recyclability Index Utilizing Design for Assembly and Disassembly Principles

2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Darshan P. Yadav ◽  
Deep N. Patel ◽  
Beshoy W. Morkos
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Design Space ◽  
Design For Assembly ◽  
Time Estimate ◽  
Predictive Capability ◽  
Design Decisions ◽  
Design And Manufacturing

Designing products for recyclability is driven by environmental and economic goals. Several design for assembly (DFA) rules and parameters can be used to gauge the recyclability index of product designs. These indices can be used for comparative analysis of the recyclability of different products. This assists the designer in making design choices related to the product's end of life. However, many of the existing recyclability indices are only available after design and manufacturing decisions are made. If such design decisions could be made earlier in the design process, when the design space is less bound, recyclability could be considered earlier. A case study is performed to determine if DFA parameters could be utilized to determine product recyclability. The parameters were obtained from existing DFA time estimate tables. The results of the study indicated that the recyclability of the product, as defined by established recyclability metrics, could be predicted through DFA measures. A negative correlation was realized between recyclability and insertion time. Components that required greater time to mate during assembly adversely affected the recyclability of the product. Conversely, handing time was found to have no predictive capability on product recyclability. These findings are used to develop a recyclability index that utilizes the DFA measures, allowing designers and engineers to determine recyclability earlier in the design process.

Utilizing Design for Assembly Principles to Predict Product Recyclability

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darshan P. Yadav ◽  
Deep N. Patel ◽  
Beshoy W. Morkos
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Design Space ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Design For Assembly ◽  
Assembly Rules ◽  
Time Estimate ◽  
Predictive Capability ◽  
Design Decisions ◽  
Assembly Principles

Designing products for recyclability is driven by environmental and economic goals. Several Design for Assembly rules and parameters can be used to gauge the recyclability index of product designs. These indices can then be used for comparative analysis of the recyclability of different products. This would assist the designer in making design choices related to the end of the product’s life cycle. Further, such design decisions could be made earlier in the design process, when the design space is less bound. A case study was conducted for different products to compare their recyclability indices. The parameters were obtained from existing Design for Assembly time estimate tables. The results of the study indicated the recyclability of the product, as defined by established recyclability metrics, could be predicted through design for assembly measures. A statistically significant negative correlation was realized between recyclability and insertion time. Effectively, components that required greater time to mate during assembly adversely affected the recyclability of the product. Conversely, handing time was found to have no predictive capability to product recyclability.

Towards Training Librarian 2.0 through A Community-based Participatory Group Project: A Case Study

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lu Xiao ◽  
Trina Joyce Sajo
Keyword(s):  
Participatory Approach ◽  
Group Project ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Design Decisions ◽  
Etude De Cas ◽  
Étude De Cas ◽  
User Centered

Librarian 2.0 adopts user-centered approach. This paper reports the case study of a community-based participatory approach for training librarian 2.0. The findings suggest that this approach allows the students to practice user-centered interactions, identify and integrate the user’s needs into design decisions, and develop ways of collecting the user’s feedbacks.Les bibliothécaires 2.0 adoptent une approche centrée sur l’utilisateur. Cet article présente une étude de cas sur une approche participative et communautaire visant à former les bibliothécaires 2.0. Les résultats suggèrent que cette approche permet aux étudiants d’interagir avec les usagers, d’identifier les besoins, de les intégrer dans leur processus décisionnel et de développer des moyens de recueillir les commentaires des usagers. 

Paper2Wire – A Case Study of User-Centred Development of Machine Learning Tools for UX Designers

i-com ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-32
Author(s):  
Daniel Buschek ◽  
Charlotte Anlauff ◽  
Florian Lachner
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Development Process ◽  
User Study ◽  
Concept Development ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Design Tool ◽  
Learning Tools ◽  
Interface Elements ◽  
Industry Partner

Abstract This paper reflects on a case study of a user-centred concept development process for a Machine Learning (ML) based design tool, conducted at an industry partner. The resulting concept uses ML to match graphical user interface elements in sketches on paper to their digital counterparts to create consistent wireframes. A user study (N=20) with a working prototype shows that this concept is preferred by designers, compared to the previous manual procedure. Reflecting on our process and findings we discuss lessons learned for developing ML tools that respect practitioners’ needs and practices.

scholarly journals Photovoltaic Cleaning Optimization: A Simplified Theoretical Approach for Air to Water Generator (AWG) System Employment

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (14) ◽  
pp. 4271
Author(s):  
Lucia Cattani ◽  
Paolo Cattani ◽  
Anna Magrini
Keyword(s):  
Energy Loss ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Optimization Procedure ◽  
System Size ◽  
Design Tool ◽  
Semiempirical Model ◽  
Photovoltaic Panel ◽  
Water Amount

Photovoltaic panel efficiency can be heavily affected by soiling, due to dust and other airborne particles, which can determine up to 50% of energy production loss. Generally, it is possible to reduce that impact by means of periodic cleaning, and one of the most efficient cleaning solutions is the use of demineralized water. As pauperization of traditional water sources is increasing, new technologies have been developed to obtain the needed water amount. Water extracted from the air using air to water generator (AWG) technology appears to be particularly suitable for panel cleaning, but its effective employment presents issues related to model selection, determining system size, and energy efficiency. To overcome such issues, the authors proposed a method to choose an AWG system for panel cleaning and to determine its size accordingly, based on a cleaning time optimization procedure and tailored to AWG peculiarities, with an aim to maximize energy production. In order to determine the energy loss due to soiling, a simplified semiempirical model (i.e., the DIrt method) was developed as well. The methodology, which also allows for energy saving due to an optimal cleaning frequency, was applied to a case study. The results show that the choice of the most suitable AWG model could prevent 83% of energy loss related to soling. These methods are the first example of a design tool for panel cleaning planning involving AWG technology.

scholarly journals Inspection planning by defect prediction models and inspection strategy maps

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Verna ◽  
Gianfranco Genta ◽  
Maurizio Galetto ◽  
Fiorenzo Franceschini
Keyword(s):  
Probabilistic Models ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Design Tool ◽  
General Interest ◽  
Manufacturing Processes ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Inspection Planning ◽  
Inspection Strategy ◽  
Defect Prediction Models

AbstractDesigning appropriate quality-inspections in manufacturing processes has always been a challenge to maintain competitiveness in the market. Recent studies have been focused on the design of appropriate in-process inspection strategies for assembly processes based on probabilistic models. Despite this general interest, a practical tool allowing for the assessment of the adequacy of alternative inspection strategies is still lacking. This paper proposes a general framework to assess the effectiveness and cost of inspection strategies. In detail, defect probabilities obtained by prediction models and inspection variables are combined to define a pair of indicators for developing an inspection strategy map. Such a map acts as an analysis tool, enabling positioning assessment and benchmarking of the strategies adopted by manufacturing companies, but also as a design tool to achieve the desired targets. The approach can assist designers of manufacturing processes, and particularly low-volume productions, in the early stages of inspection planning.

An Interactive Morphological Matrix Computational Design Tool: A Hybrid of Two Methods

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cari R. Bryant ◽  
Matt Bohm ◽  
Robert B. Stone ◽  
Daniel A. McAdams
Keyword(s):  
Computational Design ◽  
Design Tool ◽  
Design Tools ◽  
Concept Generation ◽  
University Of Missouri ◽  
Generation Algorithm ◽  
Design Theories ◽  
The University ◽  
Matrix Generator

This paper builds on previous concept generation techniques explored at the University of Missouri - Rolla and presents an interactive concept generation tool aimed specifically at the early concept generation phase of the design process. Research into automated concept generation design theories led to the creation of two distinct design tools: an automated morphological search that presents a designer with a static matrix of solutions that solve the desired input functionality and a computational concept generation algorithm that presents a designer with a static list of compatible component chains that solve the desired input functionality. The merger of both the automated morphological matrix and concept generation algorithm yields an interactive concept generator that allows the user to select specific solution components while receiving instantaneous feedback on component compatibility. The research presented evaluates the conceptual results from the hybrid morphological matrix approach and compares interactively constructed solutions to those returned by the non-interactive automated morphological matrix generator using a dog food sample packet counter as a case study.

Hider: A Methodology for Early-Stage Exploration of Design Space

1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudhakar Y. Reddy
Keyword(s):  
Design Space ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Design Tool ◽  
System Level ◽  
Complex Simulation ◽  
Machine Learning Approach ◽  
Detailed Simulation ◽  
And Performance

Abstract This paper describes HIDER, a methodology that enables detailed simulation models to be used during the early stages of system design. HIDER uses a machine learning approach to form abstract models from the detailed models. The abstract models are used for multiple-objective optimization to obtain sets of non-dominated designs. The tradeoffs between design and performance attributes in the non-dominated sets are used to interactively refine the design space. A prototype design tool has been developed to assist the designer in easily forming abstract models, flexibly defining optimization problems, and interactively exploring and refining the design space. To demonstrate the practical applicability of this approach, the paper presents results from the application of HIDER to the system-level design of a wheel loader. In this demonstration, complex simulation models for cycle time evaluation and stability analysis are used together for early-stage exploration of design space.

Integrative Modeling Platform for Design and Control of an Adaptive Wind Turbine Blade

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid Khakpour Nejadkhaki ◽  
John F. Hall ◽  
Minghui Zheng ◽  
Teng Wu
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Model ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Turbine Blade ◽  
Design Tool ◽  
Real Time Control ◽  
Time Control ◽  
Partial Load ◽  
And Control

A platform for the engineering design, performance, and control of an adaptive wind turbine blade is presented. This environment includes a simulation model, integrative design tool, and control framework. The authors are currently developing a novel blade with an adaptive twist angle distribution (TAD). The TAD influences the aerodynamic loads and thus, system dynamics. The modeling platform facilitates the use of an integrative design tool that establishes the TAD in relation to wind speed. The outcome of this design enables the transformation of the TAD during operation. Still, a robust control method is required to realize the benefits of the adaptive TAD. Moreover, simulation of the TAD is computationally expensive. It also requires a unique approach for both partial and full-load operation. A framework is currently being developed to relate the TAD to the wind turbine and its components. Understanding the relationship between the TAD and the dynamic system is crucial in the establishment of real-time control. This capability is necessary to improve wind capture and reduce system loads. In the current state of development, the platform is capable of maximizing wind capture during partial-load operation. However, the control tasks related to Region 3 and load mitigation are more complex. Our framework will require high-fidelity modeling and reduced-order models that support real-time control. The paper outlines the components of this framework that is being developed. The proposed platform will facilitate expansion and the use of these required modeling techniques. A case study of a 20 kW system is presented based upon the partial-load operation. The study demonstrates how the platform is used to design and control the blade. A low-dimensional aerodynamic model characterizes the blade performance. This interacts with the simulation model to predict the power production. The design tool establishes actuator locations and stiffness properties required for the blade shape to achieve a range of TAD configurations. A supervisory control model is implemented and used to demonstrate how the simulation model blade performs in the case study.

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