Active Steering Wheel System for Ultra-Compact Mobility Vehicles: Operability Evaluation with Steering Burden in Various Drivers

In ultra-compact electric vehicles, the satisfactory installation of an assist mechanism for steering operation is difficult. To address this problem, in this paper, we propose an active steering wheel system in which the steering wheel and tires are electrically connected, without a mechanical connection. Furthermore, in ultra-compact mobility vehicles where the driving position is restricted, steering burden is likely to occur depending on the physique of the driver. However, whether the effects of the steering reaction torque and the amount of steering increase the burden on the driver in such vehicles has not yet been clarified. Therefore, in this study, we developed an upper limb burden model using inverse kinematics and muscle activity to investigate the burden of steering on the driver by considering the driver physique.

Anther cones increase pollen release in buzz-pollinated Solanum flowers

The widespread evolution of tube-like anthers releasing pollen from apical pores is associated with buzz pollination, in which bees vibrate flowers to remove pollen. The mechanical connection among anthers in buzz-pollinated species varies from loosely held conformations, to anthers tightly held together with trichomes or bio-adhesives forming a functionally joined conical structure (anther cone). Joined anther cones in buzz-pollinated species have evolved independently across plant families and via different genetic mechanisms, yet their functional significance remains mostly untested. We used experimental manipulations to compare vibrational and functional (pollen release) consequences of joined anther cones in three buzz-pollinated species of Solanum (Solanaceae). We applied bee-like vibrations to focal anthers in flowers with (“joined”) and without (“free”) experimentally created joined anther cones, and characterised vibrations transmitted to other anthers and the amount of pollen released. We found that joined anther architectures cause non-focal anthers to vibrate at higher amplitudes than free architectures. Moreover, in the two species with naturally loosely held anthers, anther fusion increases pollen release, while in the species with a free but naturally compact architecture it does not. We discuss hypotheses for the adaptive significance of the convergent evolution of joined anther cones.

Investigation of seismic response of rocking column with a novel mechanical connection device

<p>The rocking column is a kind of excellent seismic-resistant and resilient structure. However, during the rocking process, local pressure on the rocking interface may result in spalling and crushing of concrete at the toe. In order to reduce the local damage of the rocking interface, as well as accelerate the connection between prefabricated column and footing, a kind of mechanical connection device (MCD) was proposed in this research. The MCD is used at the bottom of column and ofters rapid connection of the column to the footing. The recentering force of MCD column is provided by PT strands and axial force of superstructure, and the energy dissipation is provided by U-shaped dissipaters. A simplified analytical method based on interface section analysis is proposed to study the hysteretic behavior of column with MCD. The results suggest that the MCD column has stable hysteretic behavior and can achieve small residual drift after earthquakes by appropriate design.</p>

Designing of a BLDC motor bench

This paper deals with designing and development of a bench for the test of a brushless DC motor. The bench contains a hydraulic circuit, which provides a controllable load for the motor. The hydraulic system is equipped with a hydraulic pump and choke valve and a manometer. The mechanical connection between the hydraulic pump and the BLDC motor is designed with two clutches and structure of two sheet plates. The bench contains a torque meter, which is built between the two shafts of the motor and pump. The system can determine rotational speed, torque, current and voltage with respect of the load.