Design and analysis of a climbing robot for pylon maintenance

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-219
Author(s):  
Xiaolong Lu ◽  
Shiping Zhao ◽  
Xiaoyu Liu ◽  
Yishu Wang
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Adhesion Force ◽  
External Surface ◽  
Climbing Robot ◽  
Design And Development ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rotary Joint ◽  
Inspection And Maintenance ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and development of “Pylon-Climber II”, a 5-DOF biped climbing robot (degree of freedom – DOF) for moving on the external surface of a tower and assisting the electricians to complete some maintenance tasks. Design/methodology/approach The paper introduces a pole-climbing robot, which consists of a 5-DOF mechanical arm and two novel grippers. The gripper is composed of a two-finger clamping module and a retractable L-shaped hook module. The robot is symmetrical in structure, and the rotary joint for connecting two arms is driven by a linear drive mechanism. Findings The developed prototype proved a new approach for the inspection and maintenance of the electricity pylon. The gripper can reliably grasp the angle bars with different specifications by using combined movement of the two-finger clamping module and the retractable L-shaped hook module and provide sufficient adhesion force for the Pylon-Climber II. Practical implications The clamping experiments of the gripper and the climbing experiments of the robot were carried out on a test tower composed of some angle bars with different specification. Originality/value This paper includes the design and development of a 5-DOF biped climbing robot for electricity pylon maintenance. The climbing robot can move on the external surface of the electric power tower through grasping the angle bar alternatively. The gripper that is composed of a two-finger gripping module and a retractable L-shaped hook module is very compact and can provide reliable adhesion force for the climbing robot.

Pylon-Climber: a novel climbing assistive robot for pylon maintenance

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolong Lu ◽  
Shiping Zhao ◽  
Deping Yu ◽  
Xiaoyu Liu
Keyword(s):  
Adhesion Force ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Climbing Robot ◽  
Design And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Symmetrical Design ◽  
Assistive Robot ◽  
Force Closure ◽  
Inspection And Maintenance ◽  
Design Ideas

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and development of “Pylon-Climber”, a pole climbing robot (PCR) for climbing along the corner columns of electricity pylon and assisting the electricians to complete maintenance tasks. Design/methodology/approach Introduces a PCR that is composed of a simple climbing mechanism and two novel grippers. The gripper consists of two angle-fixed V-blocks, and the size of V-block is variable. The clamping method of the angle bar meets the requirement of the force closure theorem. The whole design adopts symmetrical design ideas. Findings The developed prototype proved possibility of application of PCRs for inspection and maintenance of pylon. The novel gripper can provide enough adhesion force for climbing robot. Practical implications The robot is successfully tested on a test tower composed of different specification steel angles, oblique ledges and overlapping steel struts. Originality/value Design and development of a novel climbing assistive robot for pylon maintenance. The robot is able to climb along the column of electricity pylon and pass all obstacles. The gripper can reliably grasp the angle bar with different specification and overlapping steel struts from multiple directions.

Development of insect repellent finish by a simple coacervation microencapsulation technique

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachna Sharma ◽  
Alka Goel
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oils ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Insect Repellent ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Eucalyptus Oil ◽  
Gum Acacia ◽  
Major Benefit ◽  
Natural Insecticide ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The paper focused onto the development of microcapsules by using two essential oils. It proposes the uses of eucalyptus oil and cedarwood oil as a natural insecticide. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the application of developed microcapsules to impart insect repellency on textile substrate. Design/methodology/approach The paper opted for an experimental study using two essential oils and gum in formations of microcapsules through a simple coaseravtion encapsulation technique. The developed solution was analyzed, including confirmation of size and structure through. Application of developed finish on substrate was also undertaken to prove better ability as repellent fabric. Findings The paper highlights useful invention of microencapsulated fabric developed with the combination of gum acacia and eucalyptus oil as core and shell material. The developed fabric has better ability to repel silverfish as compared to microencapsulated fabric developed with gum acacia (shell) and cedarwood oil (core). Research limitations/implications Due to the lack of time and less availability of essential oils, only two oils were used to test the insect repellent behavior. Practical implications This paper fulfills an identified need, it includes implications for the development of a very useful natural insecticide to repel silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) insect. This insect is a very common problem found in cloth wardrobes and bookshelves; it mainly attacks the fabric with cellulosic content and starch. Social implications Society will get major benefit of using these microencapsulated finished fabrics, which repel silverfish from their home and keep their clothing and books safe for longer period. The natural fragrance and medicinal benefits of these essential oils can never be ignored. Originality/value This study sets a new approach to repel insects like silverfish from the bookshelves and clothing wardrobes. A layer of insect repellent microencapsulated finished fabric can be added in these shelves and wardrobes. It is an eco-friendly approach of using natural essential oils instead of chemical insecticides.

scholarly journals Putting resilient sustainability into strategy decisions – case studies

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (7) ◽  
pp. 1598-1612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Winnard ◽  
Jacquetta Lee ◽  
David Skipp
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Real World ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Strategic Decision ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industrial Companies ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Strategic Decision Support ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report the results of testing a new approach to strategic sustainability and resilience – Sustainable Resilient Strategic Decision-Support (SuReSDS™). Design/methodology/approach The approach was developed and tested using action-research case studies at industrial companies. It successfully allowed the participants to capture different types of value affected by their choices, optimise each strategy’s resilience against different future scenarios and compare the results to find a “best” option. Findings SuReSDS™ enabled a novel integration of environmental and social sustainability into strategy by considering significant risks or opportunities for an enhanced group of stakeholders. It assisted users to identify and manage risks from different kinds of sustainability-related uncertainty by applying resilience techniques. Users incorporated insights into real-world strategies. Research limitations/implications Since the case studies and test organisations are limited in number, generalisation from the results is difficult and requires further research. Practical implications The approach enables companies to utilise in-house and external experts more effectively to develop sustainable and resilient strategies. Originality/value The research described develops theories linking sustainability and resilience for organisations, particularly for strategy, to provide a new consistent, rigorous and flexible approach for applying these theories. The approach has been tested successfully and benefited real-world strategy decisions.

Closing the delivery gap

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 327-336
Author(s):  
Kevin Peter Fiori ◽  
Jennifer Schechter ◽  
Sesso Christophe Gbeleou ◽  
Sandra Braganza ◽  
Joseph Rhatigan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Continuous Quality ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Comprehensive Mapping ◽  
Hiv Aids

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the authors’ experience operationalizing the care delivery value chain (CDVC) as a management and continuous quality improvement (QI) approach to strengthen HIV/AIDS services provided in Northern Togo through addressing gaps across a care continuum. Design/methodology/approach The authors led a series of discussions to develop a CDVC specific to existing HIV/AIDS services in Northern Togo. Using the CDVC framework, 28 specific gaps in service delivery were identified and integrated into a strategic QI plan. Findings At 12 months, 92 percent of delivery gaps had demonstrated improvement. The CDVC framework proved to be valuable in the following ways. First, it facilitated the first comprehensive mapping of HIV/AIDS services in the Kara region of Togo. Second, it enabled the identification of gaps or insufficiencies in the currently available services across the full continuum of care. Third, it catalyzed the creation of a strategic QI plan based on identified gaps. Research limitations/implications This case description is the authors’ experience in one setting and should not be considered comparative in nature. Furthermore, the approach described may not be applicable to all initiatives and/or organizations. As described, the lack of sophisticated and comprehensive data collection systems limited the authors’ ability to collect reliable data on some of the QI initiatives planned. Practical implications The operationalization of the CDVC framework is an effective approach to drive continuous QI. Originality/value Through the operationalization of the CDVC, the authors developed a new approach for assessing existing services, identifying gaps in service delivery and directing continuous QI initiatives in a strategic manner.

Reflections on civil culpability and accountability in the destabilization of financial institutions

2010 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-336
Author(s):  
Mario Serio
Keyword(s):  
Financial Markets ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Private Law ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to try and trace a new itinerary in the matter of the destabilization of financial institutions, i.e. the identification of a catalogue of measures that private law can offer in order to make sure that all unlawful initiatives resulting in the loss of credibility of financial markets and prejudice to the public at large do not escape the imposition of all possible liabilities.Design/methodology/approachThe matter here applied consists of the recourse to a number of experiences deriving from European legal systems that have tackled the phenomenon of unlawful attacks on the integrity of the financial markets through individual or organized acts. This comparative approach also benefits from the scrutiny of both legislation and judicial decisions: the latter are also looked at from the perspective of legal authors.FindingsThe most striking result of the research is that the instruments provided for by the private law remedies seem to be very efficient in the contrast of unlawful practices adversely affecting financial markets: the new spirit emerging from this survey is that it is imperative to set aside all contracts and agreements aimed at creating illicit ways to make profits and hide their origins.Practical implicationsThe practical implication should be to encourage all institutions with the task of checking the good functioning of financial markets to avail themselves of the tools here described to stabilize markets and deprive illegal contracts of their ill effects: it would be most desirable if such an approach were to be taken.Originality/valueThe novelty lies in the new approach described above (practical implications).

Menu engineering and activity-based costing

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 1417-1440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rossano Linassi ◽  
Anete Alberton ◽  
Sidnei Vieira Marinho
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Traditional Approach ◽  
Operating Costs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Based Costing ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Menu Analysis ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Abc Methods

Purpose This paper aims to examine whether using menu engineering (ME) together with activity-based costing (ABC) for menu analysis provides new insights into true menu profitability. The traditional ME approach only uses food costs to determine the contribution margin (CM) of individual menu items. This combined approach uses both food and traceable operating costs to estimate CMs more accurately. Design/methodology/approach An improved ME model was developed and tested in an oriental restaurant in Brazil. Direct observation of restaurant activities allowed most costs to be traced (not simply allocated) to individual menu items. Findings The results revealed small differences in the rankings between the traditional approach and ABC/ME, demonstrating that the integration of ABC with ME made it to possible to identify increased food-costs and lower CMs for all groups of menu items. The results also show that ABC methods are applicable to an oriental-style restaurant. Research limitations/implications Just one restaurant and only 80 per cent of the menu were examined in this study. Future research should apply the model used here to other restaurant types located in different geographical areas to validate the approach. Practical implications The results suggest that ME can be improved upon by first assessing variable costs using ABC methods. Originality/value This paper combines two different analytic techniques (ME and ABC) into a new approach that reveals the true picture of profit and loss for a menu from a restaurant in Brazil.

Collaboratives to improve industrial maintenance contract relationships

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 545-562
Author(s):  
Arjan De Jong ◽  
Klaas Smit
Keyword(s):  
Research Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Technical System ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Expert Opinions ◽  
Performance Contracts ◽  
Contract Type ◽  
Industrial Maintenance ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how collaborative contracts can improve industrial maintenance contract relationships. Design/methodology/approach The research compares performance contracts with collaborative contracts, a new contract type whereby the contract parties align their objectives. The study uses game theory and describes the contract types as mechanism designs to compare the contract types. The mechanisms are validated with case studies. The utility of the contract types is verified with Monte Carlo simulations using expert opinions. Findings The research demonstrates that, under certain conditions, collaborative contracts result in a higher utility than performance contracts for all contract parties. Practical implications The use of collaborative contracts between an operator of a technical system and a maintenance organisation reduces maintenance costs and improves the availability of the technical system, increasing the utility for all contract parties. Originality/value The collaborative contract is a new contract type for maintenance services and the research method provides a new approach to optimise industrial maintenance contract relationships.

Discussing strategy in heritage conservation

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioannis Poulios
Keyword(s):  
Business Strategy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Heritage Conservation ◽  
Community Group ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Innovation ◽  
New Strategy ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the concept of strategy in the field of heritage conservation, with a focus on a new conservation approach that promotes the empowerment of local communities and sustainable development: a living heritage approach. Design/methodology/approach – The approaches to heritage conservation are outlined: a material-based approach defines the principles of western-based conservation, a values-based approach expands these principles, while a living heritage approach clearly challenges the established principles. These approaches are, then, analysed from the perspective of strategy, and a living heritage approach is seen as an example of strategic innovation. The process by which ICCROM develops a living heritage approach at an international level is also examined. Findings – Choosing the “appropriate” conservation approach depends on the specific conditions of each heritage place. Yet, for the cases of living heritage in particular (with communities with an original connection with heritage) a living heritage approach would be more preferable. Living heritage approach can be seen as an example of a strategic innovation in the field of heritage conservation: it proposes a different concept of heritage and conservation (a new WHAT), points at a different community group as responsible for the definition and protection of heritage (a new WHO), and proposes a different way of heritage protection (a new HOW). Practical implications – A living heritage approach (presented in the paper) may potentially influence the theory as well as the practice of heritage conservation in a variety of parts and heritage places in the world, especially in terms of the attitude towards local and indigenous communities. Originality/value – Developing a new approach is, in a sense, developing a new strategy. In this context, the paper aims at bringing the insight of business strategy into the field of heritage conservation.

Design thinking is ambidextrous

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 736-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan-Ling Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Theoretical Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Management Education ◽  
Business World ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Micro Foundations ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the theoretical gap between design thinking (DT) and management. DT is a strategic concept in the current business world whereas the discussion of it is still insufficient. Ambidexterity could be a promising concept to explain the benefits of DT in the realm of management and strategy. Design/methodology/approach This paper conducts a thorough literature review and theoretical analysis, and offers propositions that engage the outcome of DT and the ambidextrous learning and innovation. Findings The author suggests the connection between DT and ambidexterity. By thoroughly discussing the effect of the traits of DT on ambidexterity, the author proposes that DT can facilitate ambidextrous learning, and ambidextrous learning could mediate the relationships between DT and ambidextrous innovation. Research limitations/implications This paper offers a preliminary ground for the operationalization of it. Besides, ambidexterity could provide a lens to discuss DT with other strategic concept. Furthermore, the discussion extends understanding of the pursuit of individual ambidexterity. Practical implications This paper provides a clearer reason for managers to adopt DT. Furthermore, it might facilitate the management education in management schools to incorporate DT as a section topic, and subsequently propagate education of DT in management schools. Originality/value The paper offers a theoretical platform for the study of DT in the field of management and strategy, which was rare before. The integration of DT and ambidexterity offers a decision support to the managers. Furthermore, it serves as a new approach to obtain ambidexterity in organization, which addresses the call of the research on the micro-foundations of management.

Reframing construction within the built environment sector

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 740-745 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerard de Valence
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Professional Services ◽  
Special Role ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Official statistics on the output of the construction industry capture on-site activities of contractors and sub-contractors; however, the role of the industry linking suppliers of materials, machinery, products, services and other inputs is also widely recognised. These two views have been called broad and narrow, with the narrow industry defined as on-site work and the broad industry as the supply chain of materials, products and assemblies, and professional services. An argument is made for using the term “built environment sector” (BES) for the broad industry definition of construction. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Construction industry statistics capture the on-site activities of contractors and sub-contractors. This paper reviews research that adds to construction output the contributions of suppliers of materials, machinery and equipment, products and components, professional services and other inputs required to deliver the buildings and structures that make up the built environment. Findings The same term, “construction”, has been used in a number of ways in different definitional studies of the narrow and broad industry. The term that best encompasses the large number and range of participants in the creation and maintenance of the built environment, from suppliers to end users, is the BES. Research limitations/implications Construction economics makes an important contribution to researching the macroeconomic role of the BES. There is also a special role for construction economics in researching both the boundaries of the BES and the data available on the industries that contribute to the BES. Practical implications Measuring the BES would improve the understanding of its macroeconomic role and significance. Social implications Measuring the BES would contribute to city policies and urban planning. Originality/value The paper proposes a new approach to defining and measuring the industries that contribute to the production, maintenance and management of the built environment. It introduces a new name for the combination of those industries.

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