A Convolutional Neural Network-Based Patent Image Retrieval Method for Design Ideation

The patent database is often used in searches of inspirational stimuli for innovative design opportunities because of its large size, extensive variety and rich design information in patent documents. However, most patent mining research only focuses on textual information and ignores visual information. Herein, we propose a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based patent image retrieval method. The core of this approach is a novel neural network architecture named Dual-VGG that is aimed to accomplish two tasks: visual material type prediction and international patent classification (IPC) class label prediction. In turn, the trained neural network provides the deep features in the image embedding vectors that can be utilized for patent image retrieval and visual mapping. The accuracy of both training tasks and patent image embedding space are evaluated to show the performance of our model. This approach is also illustrated in a case study of robot arm design retrieval. Compared to traditional keyword-based searching and Google image searching, the proposed method discovers more useful visual information for engineering design.

Two-Dimensional Team Lifting Prediction With Different Box Weights

A novel multibody dynamics modeling method is proposed for two-dimensional (2D) team lifting prediction. The box itself is modeled as a floating-base rigid body in Denavit-Hartenberg representation. The interactions between humans and box are modeled as a set of grasping forces which are treated as unknowns (design variables) in the optimization formulation. An inverse-dynamics-based optimization method is used to simulate the team lifting motion where the dynamic effort of two humans is minimized subjected to physical and task-based constraints. The design variables are control points of cubic B-splines of joint angle profiles of two humans and the box, and the grasping forces between humans and the box. Two numerical examples are successfully simulated with different box weights (20 Kg and 30 Kg, respectively). The humans’ joint angle, torque, ground reaction force, and grasping force profiles are reported. The joint angle profiles are validated with the experimental data.

System Design Method of Complex Product Based on Heterogeneous Language Information Environment

In the product design process, early system design often plays an important role. Although the existing system design methods are very effective, the preference information of different stakeholders and the subjective uncertainty of their existence have not been processed well. Because different stakeholders have different backgrounds and different personalities, the language preferences are expressed differently. Therefore, it is difficult to select a system scheme that meets the performance requirements and is approved by various stakeholders. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a system design method based on heterogeneous language information environment. First, the theoretical system schemes set is constructed through the morphological matrix, and the multi-objective programming model is constructed through the performance indicators to select the system schemes set that optimizes each performance objective and meets the performance constraints. Then, a trapezoidal asymmetric cloud model is used as an intermediate for heterogeneous language information to integrate each stakeholder’s preference information expressed by their favorite linguistic term set to select the best system solution. The effectiveness of the method is verified by a system design example of a horizontal directional drilling machine (HDDM).

Multi-Objective Implementation of Additive Manufacturing in Make-to-Stock Production

As additive manufacturing (AM) develops and matures over the years, it has reached a stage where implementation into a conventional production system becomes possible. With additive manufacturing currently suitable for product personalization/high customization yet small volume production, there are various ways of implementation in a conventional production line. This aim of this paper is to explore the implementation of additive manufacturing in a complementary manner to process internal job orders of large quantities in make-to-stock (MTS) production. Splitting of production orders is allowed and production can be carried out by both injection moulding and additive manufacturing processes simultaneously, with the latter being able to produce various MTS parts in a single build. NSGA-III together with scheduling and rule-based heuristic for allocation of parts on build plate of additive manufacturing process is used to solve the multi-objective implementation problem, with performance measures being cost, scheduling and sustainability. The algorithm will be incorporated with scheduling and rule-based heuristic for allocation of parts on build plate of additive manufacturing process. An experiment using an industry case study is conducted to compare the performance measures with and without implementing additive manufacturing.

Cyber-Physical Infrastructures for Advancing Pyrolysis Conversion Process: A Case Study of Biochar Production

Biomass-based products (bioproducts) have been introduced as a means to address food-energy-water nexus challenges. However, the existing approaches have not been integrated to convert biomass into market-competitive bioproducts (e.g., biochar and bio-oil). Pretreatment and conversion processes represent the most substantial portion of the total bioproduct cost. This study proposes a portable conversion process for high-quality biochar and bio-oil production, using mixed reactors and advanced cyber-physical infrastructures to promote cross-cutting technological and commercialization opportunities. The proposed portable process converts biomass to bioproducts near the collection sites, which can address collection, staging, and logistics challenges. The fundamental novelty of this study lies in utilizing cyber-physical technologies for advancing pre-/post-conversion processes and crossing the boundaries to meet the market needs. A case study for biochar production from various biomass feedstocks is used to demonstrate and verify the application of the conversion process and the cyber-based advances. The results indicate that the integrated cyber-physical conversion pathway can increase process yield and quality. It is also found that biomass properties and conversion process configurations play a crucial role in determining the process yield and biochar quality in terms of the physical-chemical structure.

Application of Munich Agile Concept for MBSE by Means of Automated Valet Parking Functions and the 3D Environment-Data

In today’s complex world of development of functions for automating Driving Systems (ADS), methods, tools, systems and new approaches are necessary for a seamless application. Furthermore, it is important to apply new technics of simulation and visualization (Digital Twin) for the new ADS functions. To prototype and to test these functions in a physical manner is not only a costly and complex effort but also encounters legal and bureaucratic obstacles. The importance of simulation is very high. For that reason, this paper and corresponding research project will develop a consistent traceable System Engineering approach of autonomous driving functions and its environment based on Munich Agile Concept for Model-Based-Systems-Engineering (MBSE). MBSE is based on three important core pillar which is 1) Methods/Processes, 2) Language and 3) Systems. The purpose of the new developed Munich Agile Concept Approach is to handle the complexity over the entire ADS feature development from the system requirement definition process up to the test and validation of the system. The Munich Agile Concept contains six different levels which are System Requirement-, System Functional-, System Architecture-, System Validation-, System Test and the System-Usage-Level. For defining the first three-level, a graphical language called System Modelling Language (SysML) has been applied.

Design, Development and Characterization of a Wrap Spring Clutch/Brake Mechanism As a Knee Joint for an Assistive Exoskeleton

Over the past decade, wearable robotics and exoskeletons have been gaining recognition in the field of medical, assistive and augmentative robotics and have led to numerous new innovative mechanisms and designs. Due to fast-paced research activities, the critical importance and performance of established mechanisms such as wrap spring clutch/brake, Wafer Disc Brakes have been overlooked or used ineffectively. This paper describes a practical design approach that will enable the designer to choose a mechanism based on the application of the device, which will promote overall growth in current technology. The Legged Anthropomorphic Robotic Rehabilitation Exoskeleton (LARRE) project used this approach to design, manufacture, and test the knee joint for ground-level walking. This paper provides the reasoning behind the selection of wrap spring clutch, its evaluation, and testing standards as the knee joint. A thorough literature review was conducted to understand the current state of the art. This project collected a rich set of biomechanical data to ensure that the mechanism will produce the right moments and range of motions during walking. To ensure that our mechanism meets the requirements, the mechanism was put through a wide range of stress tests. The paper establishes a methodology to choose a mechanism for an exoskeleton’s joint based on the desired requirements. The outcome of this paper is an analytical based design approach that can be used by other researchers to impart additional traits and weights, which will aid in the development of exoskeleton design.

Survey of Digital Tools for the Generation of Ideas

During the concept phase of the industrial design process drawings are used to represent designer’s ideas. More specifically, the designer’s goal is to put the characteristics of ideas on paper so that they can later act as pivotal points in the development of a project. Sketching is also the ideal tool to continue developing an idea: because it is imprecise, the sketch guarantees a high degree of freedom, allowing for changes to made and new ideas to be added. Another possibility is to translate ideas into sketches on computer tools. This approach can allow the designer to use the created 3D model as the basis for further developing ideas. At the present moment, however, this type of solution is not extensively used by designers during the concept phase. Some researchers have identified technical problems as the reason why these instruments have been unsuccessful on the market, while for others this is related to systems still too rigid to be adapted to the often-diverse needs of designers. The research presented in this position paper aims at analyzing what has so far been understood with respect to the process of generating ideas, their initial representation in the concept phase and the tools that have been developed so far to support this phase. Consequently, a discussion on these themes and some hypotheses from which develop new research lines will be presented.

Perineum Pressure Distribution Among Various Bicycle Saddles

Cycling is a widely popular exercise that is known to provide great health benefits. However, it has been questioned if cycling is responsible for genital numbness or Erectile Dysfunction (ED) due to compression of the perineum between the rider and the bicycle saddle. This study compares the perineal pressure distribution between three saddles (ISM, 3 West, and Fizik) for healthy, active male cyclists and a saddle recommendation is made. Using their own bikes, participants perform six randomized cycling trials (two per saddle) while sitting on a piezo-resistive pressure mat. Participants were asked to qualitatively rate the saddles after each trial. The quantitative results favor the ISM saddle due to its lower perineal pressure values, but the qualitative perceived comfort from the cyclists is split.

A Computational Framework for the Inverse Identification of Temperature-Dependent Dielectric Permittivity of Materials at Giga-Hertz Frequencies

The microwave sintering of ceramics and other materials has emerged as an attractive method of manufacturing solid objects though volumetric approaches. The accurate modeling of such processes requires the knowledge of the dielectric constant, and particularly the real and imaginary parts of the permittivity, of these materials as they vary with temperature. This particular measurement becomes very challenging as the temperature rises. In this work, an experimental apparatus and an inverse approach are proposed, based on the coupling of the thermo-mechano-electromagnetic physics that can be used to measure the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant at high temperatures.