A Methodology for Modular and Changeable Design Architecture and Application in Automotive Framing Systems

2015 ◽  
Vol 137 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hoda ElMaraghy ◽  
Tarek AlGeddawy

This paper presents a design methodology to modularize integrated fixtures, such as automotive framing systems, to be quickly and cost effectively reconfigured to accommodate a variety of products. Automotive assembly framing systems are used to accurately position and spot-weld the loosely pre-assembled body-in-white (BIW) car body parts. Auto-assembly systems can handle many car body styles; however, the used model-specific BIW framing systems are large, expensive, and the changeover to accommodate different car models takes considerable time. The proposed modularization design methodology aggregates a set of design structure matrices (DSMs) to represent the required changes in the fixtures, the spatial relationships between the used tools and fixtures, and the flow of exchanged information between them. The best granularity level of the modular fixture design architecture is determined using “Cladistics”: a hierarchical biological classification tool. Different tools within the framing system are combined into switchable modules, which allows these integrated systems to be easily reconfigured between different car body styles (product variants). A case study involving four car body styles is used for illustrating the presented design methodology. Results show the validity of the proposed methodology and demonstrate the obtained design of new modular automotive BIW framing system and the methods used for postprocessing and redesigning to improve the framing system's changeability.

Author(s):  
Stefan Sandberg ◽  
Mats Na¨sstro¨m

Today’s automotive industry produces more new car models in a shorter time than ever before. Every car model comes in many different versions regarding number of doors, engine, transmission etc while being built on a platform strategy. This leads to a lot of different knowledge and information that needs to be tracked for the different components in addition to other information e.g. what function does design features have, why is this radius not smaller etc. Volvo Car Corporation (VCC) is in need of an effective method to save and present all this knowledge and information today. This paper describes a new method, to gather and save knowledge and information about car body parts also called body-in white, which was implemented in a demonstrator and tested and evaluated on VCC.


2010 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-25
Author(s):  
Andrea Jain

This paper is an exploration of preksha dhyana as a case study of modern yoga. Preksha is a system of yoga and meditation introduced by Acarya Mahaprajna of the Jain Svetambara Terapanth in the late twentieth century. I argue that preksha is an attempt to join the newly emerging transnational yoga market whereby yoga has become a practice oriented around the attainment of physical health and psychological well-being. I will evaluate the ways in which Mahaprajna appropriates scientific discourse and in so doing constructs a new and unique system of Jain modern yoga. In particular, I evaluate the appropriation of physical and meditative techniques from ancient yoga systems in addition to the explanation of yoga metaphysics by means of biomedical discourse. I will demonstrate how, in Mahaprajna’s preksha system, the metaphysical subtle body becomes somaticized. In other words, Mahaprajna uses the bio-medical understanding of physiology to locate and identify the functions of metaphysical subtle body parts and processes in the physiological body.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 487-496
Author(s):  
Pavan Tejaswi Velivela ◽  
Nikita Letov ◽  
Yuan Liu ◽  
Yaoyao Fiona Zhao

AbstractThis paper investigates the design and development of bio-inspired suture pins that would reduce the insertion force and thereby reducing the pain in the patients. Inspired by kingfisher's beak and porcupine quills, the conceptual design of the suture pin is developed by using a unique ideation methodology that is proposed in this research. The methodology is named as Domain Integrated Design, which involves in classifying bio-inspired structures into various domains. There is little work done on such bio-inspired multifunctional aspect. In this research we have categorized the vast biological functionalities into domains namely, cellular structures, shapes, cross-sections, and surfaces. Multi-functional bio-inspired structures are designed by combining different domains. In this research, the hypothesis is verified by simulating the total deformation of tissue and the needle at the moment of puncture. The results show that the bio-inspired suture pin has a low deformation on the tissue at higher velocities at the puncture point and low deformation in its own structure when an axial force (reaction force) is applied to its tip. This makes the design stiff and thus require less force of insertion.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-91
Author(s):  
Kerstin Kuyken ◽  
Mehran Ebrahimi ◽  
Anne-Laure Saives

Purpose This paper aims to develop a better understanding of intergenerational knowledge transfer (IKT) practices by adopting a context-related and comparative perspective. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative case study design involving 83 interviews and non-participative observation in German and Quebec organizations has been chosen. Findings Two distinctive archetypes of IKT emerge from both national contexts: “we-individualizing” (Germany) and “I-connecting” (Quebec), leading to an eightfold taxonomy of IKT practices. Research limitations/implications This research is limited to young and senior workers and to high-tech sectors. Originality/value Comparative and inductive study of IKT, adaptation of IKT practices to national contexts, retaining younger workers. This inductive and comparative study allows a better adaptation of IKT practices to national contexts and therefore a better retention of younger workers.


Designs ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
Daniel Moran ◽  
Atila Ertas ◽  
Utku Gulbulak

The continued displacement of refugees from their homes and homelands (now greater than 50 million people worldwide) places increased focus and attention on evolving the designs of temporary housing that is available to be provided to the refugee population, especially in rural areas where housing does not already exist and must be constructed in very little time. Complex engineering problems involving social issues, such as this case study, benefit from the use of Integrated Transdisciplinary (TD) Tools (ITDT) to effectively and efficiently address the design questions related to them. The integrated use of TD Tools such as Kano Analysis, KJ Diagrams, Critical to Quality (CTQ), House of Quality (HOQ)/Quality Function Design (QFD), Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ), Axiomatic Design (AD), Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM), and Design Structure Matrix (DSM) through an end-to-end unique design process leads to innovation and elimination of design conflicts for especially complicated design problems. The objective of this study is to examine the design of temporary refugee housing using integrated TD tools mentioned above. This research concludes that the use of the ITDT approach provides an innovative, decoupled design.


2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 744-752
Author(s):  
Sisira Dharmasri Jayasekara ◽  
Iroshini Abeysekara

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of digital forensics in an evolving environment of cyber laws giving attention to Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries, comprising Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan, in a dynamic global context. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a case study approach to discuss the digital forensics and cyber laws of BIMSTEC countries. The objective of the study was expected to be achieved by referring to decided cases in different jurisdictions. Cyber laws of BIMSTEC countries were studied for the purpose of this study. Findings The analysis revealed that BIMSTEC countries are required to amend legislation to support the growth of information technology. Most of the legislation are 10-15 years old and have not been amended to resolve issues on cyber jurisdictions. Research limitations/implications This study was limited to the members of the BIMSTEC. Originality/value This paper is an original work done by the authors who have discussed the issues of conducting investigations with respect to digital crimes in a rapidly changing environment of information technology and deficient legal frameworks.


2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (7) ◽  
pp. 2089-2103
Author(s):  
Rosario Michel-Villarreal ◽  
Eliseo Luis Vilalta-Perdomo ◽  
Martin Hingley

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore food producers' motivations and challenges whilst participating in short food supply chains (SFSCs). This paper compares findings with previous literature and investigates the topic in the context of producers' motivations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper includes a literature review concerning producers' motivations to engage in SFSCs. A case study was designed to investigate motivations underlying producers' engagement in SFSCs, as well as the challenges that they face. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in a farmers' market located in Mexico. Thematic analysis is used to identify the principal issues for producers'. Propositions based on findings are presented.FindingsFindings suggest that small, large, part-time and full-time producers are willing to engage with farmers' markets for diverse primary economic and non-economic motivations. Individual and collective challenges were also identified.Originality/valueThis research helps to explain producers' motivations and challenges within SFSCs in an under-researched context, namely a focus on producers' and in the Global South.


2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 123-126
Author(s):  
Bev White ◽  
Gary Browning ◽  
Javier Bajer

Purpose – Ten years ago Penna, the global HR services group, needed a radical business and culture re-invention if it was to survive. This article aims to tell the story behind Penna's journey and describe how a sustainable culture change intervention became the cornerstone of a successful business. Design/methodology/approach – This case study is the result of an initial ethnographical research followed by concrete and systemic interventions. Findings – The case study identifies four elements that sustained the business impact of a culture change program over a significant period of time. Originality/value – This longitudinal case study follows a culture change program in an organizational context over a period of ten years.


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