Search Results

Abstract Soft actuators with pneumatic network have innovative potential applications in medical and rehabilitation areas. The performance of this kind of actuators is determined by the design of chambers and the properties of the active extensible layer and the passive inextensible layer. In this article, actuator with isosceles trapezoidal chambers is proposed. Orthogonal experiment design and finite element method are used to optimize the structure of actuators. Results indicate that adding constrain-limiting paper in the passive layer can significantly reduce the bending radius. Position of the paper in the passive layer also affects the bending radius. Actuators with trapezoidal chambers can have a smaller bending radius compared with that with rectangle chambers. The bending radius decreases as the ratio of short base to long base of trapezoid decreases. Increasing the number density of chambers can further reduce the bending radius.

Significant growth of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) has unlocked many services and applications opportunities in the healthcare sector. Aerial transportation of medical cargo delivery can be an effective and alternative way to ground-based transport systems in times of emergency. To improve the security and the trust of such aerial transportation systems, Blockchain can be used as a potential technology to manage, operate and monitor the entire process. In this paper, we present a blockchain network solution based on Ethereum for the transportation of medical cargo such as blood, medicines, vaccines, etc. The smart contract solution developed in solidity language was tested using the Truffle program. Ganache blockchain test network was employed to host the blockchain network and test the operation of the proposed blockchain model. The suitability of the model is validated in real-time using a UAV and all the flight data are captured and uploaded into the blockchain.

Nikola Tesla in the year 1920 invented a new type of one-way valve, without any moving parts. He made this possible, by virtue of the geometry of the fluid path. In this work, we have optimised the design made by Tesla and increased its efficiency. Today, these valves are used in micro-fluidic systems, pulsating heat pipes, spacecraft propulsion systems etc. Apart from this, we have found that this valve can also be used in the Intra-venous fluid administration system and also in suppressors of guns. In the IV system, the valve can be used to address the reverse blood flow issue. In suppressors, the valve can reduce the pressure of hot gas coming from the gun which in turn reduces the sound made by the gun. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was done using fluid analysis software. From CFD analysis it was observed that the efficiency of the optimised valve has increased 2 times as compared to the original tesla valve.

To improve the biofidelity of the currently available Hybrid III 10-year-old (HIII-10C) Anthropomorphic Test Device (ATD), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has developed the Large Omnidirectional Child (LODC) ATD. The LODC head is a redesigned HIII-10C head with mass properties and modified skin material required to match pediatric biomechanical impact response targets from the literature. A dynamic, nonlinear finite element (FE) model of the LODC head has been developed using the mesh generating tool Hypermesh based on the three-dimensional CAD model. The material data, contact definitions, and initial conditions are defined in LS-PrePost and converted to LS-Dyna solver input format. The aluminum head skull is stiff relative to head flesh material and was thus modeled as a rigid material. For the actual LODC, the head flesh is form fit onto the skull and held in place through contact friction.

Additive manufacturing (AM) technology, also known as 3D printing, has transitioned from concepts and prototypes to part-for-part substitution and the creation of unique AM-specific part geometries. These applications are increasingly present in demanding, mission-critical fields such as medicine and aerospace, which require materials with certain thermal, stiffness, corrosion, and static loading properties. To advance in these arenas, metallic, ceramic, and polymer composite AM parts need to be free from discontinuities. The manufacturing processes have to be stable, robust, and repeatable. And the nondestructive testing (NDT) technology and inspection methods will need to be sufficiently capable and reliable to ensure that discontinuities will be detected to prevent the components from being accepted for use. As the second installment of a six-part series of SAE EDGE™ Research Reports on AM, this one discusses the need, challenges, technologies, and opportunities for NDT in AM.

Under body blast (UBB) loading to military transport vehicles is known to cause foot-ankle fractures to occupants due to energy transfer from the vehicle floor to the feet of the soldier. The soldier posture, the proximity of the event with respect to the soldier, the personal protective equipment (PPE) and age/sex of the soldier are some variables that can influence injury severity and injury patterns. Recently conducted experiments to simulate the loading environment to the human foot/ankle in UBB events (~5ms rise time) with variables such as posture, age and PPE were used for the current study. The objective of this study was to determine statistically if these variables affected the primary injury predictors, and develop injury risk curves. Fifty below-knee post mortem human surrogate (PMHS) legs were used for statistical analysis. Injuries to specimens involved isolated and multiple fractures of varying severity.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a powerful and well recognized tool used in the analysis of heat transfer problems. However, FEA can only analyze solid bodies and, by necessity thermal analysis with FEA is limited to conductive heat transfer. The other two types of heat transfer: convection and radiation must by approximated by boundary conditions. Modeling all three mechanisms of heat transfer without arbitrary assumption requires a combined use of FEA and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has been an indispensable tool for design simulation for several decades but this wide spread use has been limited to simple types of analyses. Relatively recently, more advanced analyses have given easy-to-use interfaces enabling design engineers to simulate problems formerly reserved for analysts. FEA Beyond Basics targets the FEA users who wish to explore those advanced analysis capabilities. It will demonstrate how to move past the ubiquitous linear structural analysis and solve structural nonlinear problems characterized by nonlinear material, large displacements, buckling or nonlinear connectors.

Leadership is about more than making effective strategic decisions for business outcomes. It is also about creating a positive workplace in which leaders can adapt to change and manage conflicts effectively. Leaders can build skills that can develop their presence by adopting the mindset of an improv actor. This means learning and practicing how to show up and be ready – ready to lead, to influence, and to contribute whether things go the way they are expected or not. And to have leadership presence: something that builds the trust we need to work together through good times and bad.

The experimental investigation aims to improve natural composite materials aligned with feasible development principles. These composites can be exploited across several industries, including the automobile and biomedical sectors. This research employs date seed powder and neem gum powder as reinforcing agents, along with polyester resin as the base material. The fabrication route comprises compression moulding, causing the production of the natural composite material. This study focuses extensively on mechanical characteristics such as tensile strength, flexural strength, hardness, and impact resistance to undergo comprehensive testing. Furthermore, the chemical properties of the composites are examined using the FTIR test to gain understanding by integrating different proportions of date seed powder (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) and neem gum powder (0%, 3%, 6%, and 9%) in the matrix phase.

The “Integrated Wheelchair Bed” is an innovative assistive technology designed to address the unique needs of individuals with mobility challenges. This duality concept is born out of a deep understanding of the daily challenges faced by those who require mobility aids for transportation and also need to rest periodically throughout the day, allowing for seamless transitions between mobility and rest. This dichotomy promotes both physical well-being and emotional independence, enhancing the overall quality of life for users. The need for a new wheelchair bed hybrid arises from evolving user requirements, such as improved comfort, compactness, customization, safety, technology integration, cost-efficiency, durability, versatility, aesthetics, healthcare integration, and sustainability. To overcome these problems, we have proposed a wheelchair that can be transformed into a bed using a two-bar linkage with a slot lock mechanism.

Global 8D (G8D) is a disciplined process developed by Ford Motor Company to help product development and manufacturing engineers identify and solve problems. Solving problems results in efficient, as well as effective, resolution to "root causes" of customer satisfaction issues, and helps reduce warranty costs. With this three-hour online course, you will learn the methods and tools used to complete each step in the Ford Global 8D find-and-fix problem-solving process, including steps to define the problem, verify the root cause and escape point, and prevent occurrence.

The FDA requires employees to be trained in the current good manufacturing practice 21CFR210-211 as they relate to the employee's  functions to help assure the safety and efficacy of drug products. 

The Fundamentals of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing 2018 Using Critical Thinking Skills by Alex Krulikowski reflects the technical content found in the latest release of the ASME Y14.5-2018 Standard. This book includes several key features that aid in the understanding of geometric tolerancing. Each of the textbook's 26 chapters focuses on a major topic that must be mastered to be fluent in the fundamentals of GD&T. Each topic includes a goal that is defined and supported by a set of performance objectives that include real-world examples, verification principles and methods, and chapter summaries. There are more than 260 performance objectives that describe specific, observable, measurable actions that the student must accomplish to demonstrate mastery of each goal. Learning is reinforced by completing three types of exercise problems, along with critical thinking questions that promote application of GD&T on the job.

This interactive eLearning GD&T training course now utilizes HTML5 for better browser and device compatibility. It contains 23 robust, self-paced learning modules that explain the terms, symbols, modifiers, rules, and basic concepts of geometric tolerancing as prescribed in the ASME Y14.5-2018 Standard. Progress is easily measured with instant feedback throughout each lesson that reinforces and aids in concept retention, allowing the learner to determine where further review may be needed. Full color detailed animations that help participants clearly visualize concepts, along with audio narration and 3D solid part examples.

ISO 14001:2015 is an environmental management standard (EMS) developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The ISO 14001 standard is generic and can be used for any organization, whether it provides physical products or services. The requirements must be carefully interpreted to make sense within a particular organization. Developing automotive products and the environmental impact of this activity is not like producing food products or offering consulting services; yet the ISO 14001 standard, because it is business and management oriented can be applied to any activity.

This interactive eLearning GD&T training course now utilizes HTML5 for better browser and device compatibility. It contains 29 robust, self-paced learning modules that explain the terms, symbols, modifiers, rules, and basic concepts of geometric tolerancing as prescribed in the ASME Y14.5-2009 Standard. Progress is easily measured with instant feedback throughout each lesson that reinforces and aids in concept retention, allowing the learner to determine where further review may be needed. Full color detailed animations that help particpants clearly visualize concepts, along with audio narration and 3D solid part examples.

Created to elevate expertise in testing, verification, and validation with industry-specific terminology, readers are empowered to navigate the complex world of quality assurance. From foundational concepts to advanced principles, each entry provides clarity and depth, ensuring the reader becomes well-versed in the language of precision. This dictionary is an indispensable companion for both professionals and students seeking to unravel the nuances of testing methodologies, verification techniques, and validation processes. Readers will be equipped with the tools to communicate effectively, make informed decisions, and excel in projects. In addition, references to SAE Standards are included to direct the reader to additional information beyond a practical definition.

This self paced course reviews the important facets of ISO 9001:2015, the most widely accepted quality management standard.  The standard can be applied to any organization that, regardless of its type or size, needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide products and services that enhance customer satisfaction and provide assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

Additive manufacturing (AM), is a manufacturing process of choice for functional part production, adding to the suite of choices a designer has available when designing a part for manufacturing. Like other traditional processes like casting and machining, AM has its set of constraints. An added layer of complexity comes from the fact that there are several different AM processes, and some of the design constraints are process-specific. On the other hand, AM offers a range of opportunities in design freedom and mass customization as well as in cost and lead time reduction in some cases.