3D CAD Environment Research Articles

Simulation of dynamic processes when a soil-throwing drum meets an obstacle

The problem of combating forest fires is very relevant to this day. The development of machines designed to extinguish and prevent uncontrolled forest fires, especially in waterless areas, is the most important area of scientific research. The article presents scientific research on simulation modeling of the interaction of a soil-marking drum with obstacles of two types: stones and logging residues. For the study, a simulation method was used in the 3D-CAD environment of the SolidWorks Simulation system, which made it possible to conduct a virtual experiment of a solid model and determine the behavior under static and dynamic loads that occur in emergency situations. The purpose of the work was to develop a 3D model of a soil-throwing drum machine for extinguishing and preventing forest fires to conduct simulation studies on a virtual stand to determine the dynamic loads in contact with obstacles of the soil-throwing drum blades based on the created solid model. For the process of studying the soil-marking drum when encountering obstacles in the form of logging residues and stony inclusions, an imitation virtual stand was created. The paper presents the results of the analysis of data obtained on the basis of simulation modeling.

Collision-free Inverse Kinematics of Redundant Manipulator for Agricultural Applications through Optimization Techniques

This article presents an optimization-based technique for solving the inverse kinematics (IK) of spatially redundant manipulators in agricultural environments (workspaces). A kinematic configuration of 9 degrees of freedom (DOF) manipulator with eight revolute and one prismatic joint has been modelled to improve the accessibility in complex workspaces. The proposed manipulator has been simulated for harvesting fruits and vegetables. To perform the desired task in the working environment, the IK solution of the robot needs to be determined. The IK problem has been formulated as a constrained optimization problem with the objective of minimizing the positional and orientational errors by avoiding obstacles. A 3D CAD environment with different fruits and vegetable plants has been modelled in Solidworks. A target location in this environment has been chosen to pluck the fruit/vegetables. The trunk, branches, and leaves are considered as obstructions. The collision avoidance technique was implemented using a bounding box approach by including a collision detection algorithm. IK simulations of the spatial redundant manipulator in a cluttered environment were performed and results are reported. The joint trajectories of the robot while reaching desired task-space location has been depicted using Simscape Multibody. The results demonstrate that the end-effector of the robot has been reached desired task location successfully with an accurate IK solution. The approach is adaptable in a wide range of working environments based on the simulation results of the IK solution of robots.

Design of an innovative new extrusion system for a printing machine for ceramics

The introduction of ceramic materials in the medical field is becoming a vital necessity because of its stable physicochemical characteristics, high biocompatibility, and good osteoconductivity. On the contrary, machining ceramic components is difficult, owing to their extreme hardness and brittleness. Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are an appropriate alternative to obtain the complex shapes of implants, which can have porous structures. Thus, since the development of 3D printing, direct ink writing (DIW) is one of the most promising and inexpensive techniques for shaping free-form ceramic medical components such as prostheses or dental implants from liquids or pastes. However, the assurance of performance criteria of the extrusion system for simultaneous usage becomes the major challenge for most direct ink writing (DIW) platforms, for instance for printing large parts, for multi-material printing, to decrease printing time, and to increase efficiency in terms of motor usage and weight of the extruders. To address the current deficiencies, a new extrusion system is designed for a 3D printing machine for ceramics that is compatible with different low-cost, open-source 3D printers. The proposed extrusion model enables printing with a loader with different syringes simultaneously, without stopping the operational process while switching the syringe. It adopts three subsystems. The automatic syringe loading system, which is operational to manually receive several syringes of the same or different volumes, allows the syringe feeding system to be loaded and unloaded once the syringe is empty. The syringes are automatically transferred to the holding system using an arm. The holding system allows the fixing of the syringe in order to perform printing with ceramic material. Pugh concept analysis was used to select the optimum design shape. After that, the 3D CAD environment was used to combine the strength of Pugh’s method and the design space. This brings a new concept into the mechanical design field for 3D printers, which is in line with the technological trends prevalent in the industry.

A method to determine the topology of custom torsional elastic element for the lightweight rotary series elastic actuator

Compact and lightweight rotary series elastic actuator (SEA) is a new scheme to realize safe and friendly human-robot interaction of exoskeletons and other human-robot interaction applications. The custom monolithic torsional elastic element is a good choice for the compact design of rotary SEA, but there is a lack of guidance on selecting the topology of elastic elements in a lightweight SEA design. In this paper, with the help of the concept of specific energy, a method based on finite element simulation environment and parametric 3D CAD environment is proposed to determine the topology of the elastic element suitable for lightweight SEA by maximizing the specific energy. By adopting this method, we come to this conclusion: The topology, Archimedes-spiral-based double spiral structure without the outer ring, can be determined as a suitable topology of elastic element for a lightweight rotary SEA.

Analysis of Selected IT Tools Supporting Eco-Design in the 3D CAD Environment

The concept of eco-design is an area of interest of many manufacturers. Its implementation provides a framework that allows companies to adapt to the requirements of sustainable development related to the design and manufacturing of environmentally-friendly products. Implementation of eco-design in the industry requires dedicated information technologies. Many types of software tools are offered which support eco-design, and the choice of the one which suits the user best is not easy. The paper describes an analysis of three selected IT tools dedicated to the environmental assessment of products, integrated with the 3D CAD environment. The analysis has been carried out on the basis of specially developed reference models of sets (assemblies) imitating small household appliances. The models have been designed to support the creation of various configurations of connections between elements (parts of the assembly). The study experiments consist in changing the configurations and observing how the changes affect the environmental parameters of the modelled structure. The results have been used to describe the scope of support offered by each of the tools under analysis and their suitability for the environmental assessment of products.

The mathematic basics of developing a 3d shoe last shape using the reverse engineering method.

A shoe making industry which can offer shoes that fit consumer needs has a decided advantage over its competitors. Next to fashion, shoe fitness and foot comfort is an important selection criterion. The shoe last is the main element that provides the of comfort shoes. Most of the scientific researches devoted to the topic of computer-aided design of lasts, are focused on finding the optimal ratio of the foot and shoe shape, on the selection of the most suitable last. However, the features of tailor made shoe production often require the creation of a new shoe last shape based on the customer's foot parameters. This paper is devoted to the development of an algorithm for the method of а new last shape designing for the tailor made shoes in a graphical 3D CAD environment and a mathematic model of its deformation in accordance with the basic parameters of the foot and the last style. The modeling of the last by reverse engineering involves scanning the original last, which is the basis for creating a new shape by performing some deformations of the original shape. Such deformations can be described mathematically as geometric transformation matrices: displacement, rotation, scale, etc. In the article for designing a new last shape, the method of calculating the parameters of deformation of the base last shape in accordance with the style and theoretical parameters of the last, obtained based on the foot sizes of the consumer, is proposed. Based on these calculations, an algorithm for the method of modeling a new shoe last using the reverse engineering method was developed and a mathematical model of the geometric deformation of its complex 3d shape, which is performed in the 3d CAD designing process, was calculated.

Efficient time-resolved 3D solar potential modelling

This study presents an efficient model for the calculation of 3-dimensional time-resolved solar potentials, based on the Perez solar model. The new model features a novel interpolation scheme for the generation of annual hourly time-series, diffuse and specular inter-reflection, a multi-layer approach to model the attenuation of solar radiation through vegetation, and snow-coverage. It is fully integrated in a 3D CAD environment to facilitate its application. Extensive validation case studies prove the high match of the new model to three other well-established programs: Radiance, Daysim and EnergyPlus. A thorough analysis of the effect of various model parameter settings highlights the importance of assessing site specific characteristics and modelling uncertainty caused by parameter selection. Our results show a significant reduction in computing times compared to Daysim and EnergyPlus, while generating less mismatches in geometric obstruction calculations when assuming Radiance as a reference. Furthermore, the considered case studies suggest that modelling the shading effect of vegetation is indispensable in solar potential analyses and should not be neglected.

ADVANTAGES REACHED BY REPLACEMENT OF 2D TO 3D PROGRAMMING TO AIM MACHINABILITY OF PRIMARY PARTS

Industrial programming is a tiresome and time-consuming task that requires technical skill. Thus, new and more intuitive ways for people to interact with CNC machines are required to make programming easier. The goal is to present two methods of programming that helps users to program a machine in an intuitive way, providing a high-level of abstraction from the machine language. Therefore, this paper presents a CAD-based system to program from a 3D CAD environment, allowing users with essential CAD skills to generate programs off-line in order to facilitate and accelerate these related tasks. This is feasible due to a relatively low cost and commercially available CAD packages that enable the user to generate machining programs. The method used to get data from CAD and techniques to manipulate, simulate and convert it into CNC machine commands are presented herein. Finally, the effectiveness of the two methods is showed when the time and wastes saved in 3D programming is compared to 2D programming to perform the same task. This presented method can also contribute to improve the quality of work, increase productivity, standardize work routines, and strive for excellence in adding value. A case study is showed to evidence the benefits reached.

A CAD-based Layout Environment for a Semi-automated Test Bench Assembly

ABSTRACTToday, several technical components still need to be tested physically to verify their reliability under real-life conditions. For example, automotive powertrains have to be checked in particular test benches, before they are released to market. The creation of these test benches requires the development of a functional pre-layout with a subsequently performed design of a geometrical layout within 3D-CAD. The entire process turns out as a time-consuming and iterative task, whose success primarily depends on the experience of the involved engineers. The present paper describes a method for a semi-automated creation of powertrain test bench assemblies. This method includes knowledge-based engineering methods coupled with a 3D-CAD environment and a knowledge database for semi-automated layout and part creation.

USE OF BIM APPROACH TO ENHANCE CONSTRUCTION INTERFACE MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY

Many interface events and problems occur during the construction phase of construction projects, such that tracking and controlling these are essential to construction management. Interface management (IM) has become the most important aspect of a sound project management strategy. IM affects project cost, scheduling, and quality both directly and indirectly in construction projects. Interface or changed events can be identified and tracked using IM, such that construction processes can be improved, while minimizing rework and reducing total project duration. Despite the many studies and discussions in academic and practical literature, systematic approaches and information platforms for managing interface events and problems during the construction are lacking. This study tracks and manages interface events using novel three-dimensional (3D) interface maps integrated into the building information modelling (BIM) approach. The BIM approach, which is utilized to retain interface information in a digital format, facilitates easy interface updating and transfer in the 3D CAD environment. The 3D-based interface maps provide users with an overview of interface events during a given construction project, such that users can track and manage interfaces virtually. The primary purpose of this study is to develop a web Construction BIM-based IM (ConBIM-IM) system for engineers to enhance interface information sharing and efficiency tracking in construction projects. The ConBIM-IM system is applied to a case study of a building project in Taiwan to verify its efficacy and demonstrate its IM effectiveness. Case study results show that the ConBIM-IM system is effective for managing interfaces using the BIM approach in construction.

Design and Simulation of Two Robotic Systems for Automatic Artichoke Harvesting

The target of this research project was a feasibility study for the development of a robot for automatic or semi-automatic artichoke harvesting. During this project, different solutions for the mechanical parts of the machine, its control system and the harvesting tools were investigated. Moreover, in cooperation with the department DISPA of University of Catania, different field structures with different kinds of artichoke cultivars were studied and tested. The results of this research could improve artichoke production for preserves industries. As a first step, an investigation on existing machines has been done. From this research, it has been shown that very few machines exist for this purpose. Based also on previous experiences, some proposals for different robotic systems have been done, while the mobile platform itself was developed within another research project. At the current stage, several different configurations of machines and harvesting end-effectors have been designed and simulated using a 3D CAD environment interfaced with Matlab®. Moreover, as support for one of the proposed machines, an artificial vision algorithm has been developed in order to locate the artichokes on the plant, with respect to the robot, using images taken with a standard webcam.

3D‐CAD learning environment through interactive modular system (AIMECDT‐3D)

AbstractThe herein presented application allows the betterment of the learning process of 3D‐Computer Assisted Design. In this way the student can easily develop the necessary skills as to the use of the tools by following a regular procedure for grasping the knowledge. For this she/he may use an exercise organizer. Besides, the teacher is allowed to customize the contents and control all the information. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 18: 93–107, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20203

3DCAD conceptual design of the next-generation impulse turbine using the Pugh decision-matrix

Achieving the economic and viability of power generation from wave energy requires design and development of new and improved machinery. This paper displays the design of an improved impulse turbine using a systematic method, which combines two powerful design tools, i.e. Pugh concept analysis and 3DCAD environment. Using this approach allows the user to combine the strength of Pugh’s method and the design space, allowing the concept selection process to be streamlined. This brings new concept in the mechanical design field, which is inline with the technological trends prevalent in the industry. The capabilities of the proposed approach is applied in a case study that considers impulse turbine wave energy extraction optimum design. The latter was arrived at by combining and/or refining the alternatives as the process develops. Furthermore, the optimum design has been tested for structural performance using structural analysis integrated within the 3DCAD environment. The results show a moderate design stress which would relax the manufacturing technique, and yet with a good safety factor.

Tangible Design Media: Toward An Interactive CAD Platform

This paper presents an interactive CAD platform that uses a tangible user interface to visualize and modify 3D geometry through manipulation of physical artifacts. The tangible user interface attempts to move away from the commonly used non-intuitive desktop CAD environment to a 3D CAD environment that more accurately mimics traditional desktop drawing and pin-up situations. An important goal is to reduce the apparent complexity of CAD user interfaces and reduce the cognitive load on designers. Opportunities for extending tangible design media toward an interactive CAD platform are discussed.

A 3D-CAD Environment with a Multi-Agent System and a Product Model

A 3D-CAD Environment with a Multi-Agent System and a Product Model

A 3D-CAD Environment with a Multi-Agent System and a Product Model

A 3D-CAD Environment with a Multi-Agent System and a Product Model