Connection Technology Research Articles

Investigation of angular deformation control for T-joint rib using multi-point constraint method

The circular rib is a crucial component of large pressure vessels, and its cross-section is primarily a T-joint structure. The double-sided arc welding (DSAW) process is an advanced technology for T-joint connection. However, during the T-joint welding process, harmful deformation still occurs in the form of angular deformation, including web and flange angular deformation. This paper proposes an innovative multi-point array constraint method to control the angular deformation of the rib based on the DSAW process for circular ribs. The welding deformation of the T-joint rib under multi-point constraints is studied using both numerical and experimental methods. The results of the numerical and experimental are consistent, with a relative error of no more than 12%. The multi-point constraint method is found to control angular deformation effectively, with the maximum angular deformation of the web not exceeding 1.77 mm and that of the flange not exceeding 0.45 mm after welding and releasing the constraint. The deformation control is significantly better than that of the rigid jig. Moreover, the coupling deformation of the web and flange caused by double-sided heat source and multi-point constraint forms an overall bending deformation. The deformation trend of each welding process is the same, with the main deformation occurring in the stage of releasing the constraint.

Edge computing for critical environments: Vision and existing solutions

With the increasing connectivity of critical infrastructures through wireless technologies, the importance of edge computing is increasing manyfolds. Edge computing has become an important phenomenon combining the strengths of distributed computing technologies with those of telecommunication technologies. Therefore, new technological breakthroughs are happening in the realm of edge computing for critical environments, such as the next generation underground and open-pit mining. Since the mining technologies are moving at a faster pace towards digitization leveraging connectivity technologies, edge computing plays a crucial role in bringing computing and connectivity into mines to provide latency- and security-critical services on site. In this article, we study how edge computing fulfills the needs of critical environments, focusing on mining environments, and provides important insight into future research directions.

Qualitative data collection to identify truck drivers’ attitudes toward a transition to platooning systems

The platooning technology allows for two or more trucks running in convoy at a pre-defined distance between each other, being virtually connected using connectivity technology and automated driving support systems. It is recognized that truck platooning systems bring economical and environmental advantages. Thus, it is time for a transition from the existing truck freight activity towards truck platooning systems. This requires an important improvement in terms of in-vehicle technology, together with infrastructure improvement and truck drivers’ acquisition of new technology-related skills.A holistic approach is previewed to identify both the requirements for the development of truck platooning services and the requests for their safe deployment in the real world. Then, qualitative data were collected from truck drivers working for two different Portuguese freight companies using Focus Groups (FG). Thus, three FG sessions were organized and carried out with a total of 22 truck drivers.Considering that age and experience on the job are important factors to take into consideration for technological changes on the job, their potential impact on truck drivers’ activity was addressed on the focus group discussions. Anyway, the potential users’ attitudes regarding any innovation on the job were addressed as a prevention of further negative attitudes or misuse.Having safety in mind as a permanent attitude toward on job innovation is actually the most important factor toward success.

Intelligent Robotic Electromagnetic Riveting Interference Connection Technology for Aircraft Assembly

Aiming at the problem that the existing automatic electromagnetic riveting equipment is difficult to adapt to the riveting of complex structures such as narrow space, an electromagnetic riveting interference connection technology based on intelligent robots is proposed. An industrial robot carrying an end-effector is used in electromagnetic riveting. First, the overall design of the electromagnetic riveting system with each integrated module is presented; Then the composition form of the electromagnetic riveting module and riveting operation principle is elaborated in detail, and the system process flow is designed; Finally, the test pieces are subjected to hole-making and interference bolt riveting tests, and the results show that the designed system can complete the electromagnetic riveting task, and the rivets and the riveted plates realize a better interference fit.

Delayed Response and Random Backoff First for Low-Power Random Access of IoT Devices with Poor Channel Conditions

As IoT services become more active, the density of IoT devices is increasing, and massive connectivity technology is needed to support numerous devices simultaneously. In addition, IoT devices are often battery-powered, and during random access, it is necessary to reduce the power consumption to extend the lifetime of the devices. In particular, devices with poor channels need to send at a very low transmission rate through a large number of repetitions, and longer packet lengths can increase the probability of collisions, increasing the power consumption while shortening the lifetime of the IoT system. Dividing devices into groups based on the number of repetitions and allocating different resources to each group can reduce collisions for bad-channel devices, but it can be difficult to support large connections, due to the inefficient use of resources. This paper proposes schemes to reduce the collision probability of bad-channel devices while allowing IoT devices to use shared resources, instead of dividing resources by groups. There are two versions of the proposed schemes. The first method reduces collisions by delaying the response of a bad-channel device, and in the meantime, eliminating interference from other devices, assuming that the bad-channel device is not sensitive to delay. Instead of checking the response, and then, performing a random backoff when no acknowledgement packet is received, the second proposed method reverses the order of response checking and random backoff, that is, it first performs a random backoff, and then, checks the response to decide whether to retransmit. The proposed method can increase the lifetime of the IoT system by reducing the collision probability of a bad-channel device, without degrading the performance of other devices.

A novel technique for constructing prefabricated subway stations under open excavation

Prefabricated construction is essential for realising green, efficient and sustainable development of rail transit. However, limited space in foundation pits and cross-interference with inner struts mean that the advantages of existing prefabrication technology cannot be leveraged effectively to build subway stations under open excavation with inner support. In this paper, this problem is addressed by introducing a modular design method and two novel connection technologies. The proposed modular design method is sufficiently adaptable to balance the use of space between the station structure and the inner struts. The two proposed connection technologies provide efficient ways to assemble different concrete segments with two newly developed joints – namely, a CHC joint (comprising two C-shaped and one H-shaped steel members) and a flexible lock joint – in the circumferential and longitudinal directions, respectively. The first application of this fully prefabricated scheme in the Shenzhen Metro shows the huge potential of this technology for constructing subway stations under open-cut conditions, and its advantages in technical, economic and social aspects reveal wide application prospects in rail transit.

A Comparative Study of Longitudinal Vehicle Control Systems in Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Connected Corridor

<div>Vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) connectivity technology presents the opportunity for vehicles to perform autonomous longitudinal control to navigate safely and efficiently through sequences of V2I-enabled intersections, known as connected corridors. Existing research has proposed several control systems to navigate these corridors while minimizing energy consumption and travel time. This article analyzes and compares the simulated performance of three different autonomous navigation systems in connected corridors: a V2I-informed constant acceleration kinematic controller (V2I-K), a V2I-informed model predictive controller (V2I-MPC), and a V2I-informed reinforcement learning (V2I-RL) agent. A rules-based controller that does not use V2I information is implemented to simulate a human driver and is used as a baseline. The performance metrics analyzed are net energy consumption, travel time, and root-mean-square (RMS) acceleration. Two connected corridor scenarios are created to evaluate these metrics, including one scenario reconstructed from real-world traffic signal data. A sensitivity analysis is also performed to quantitatively identify key parameters that have the highest impact on the three metrics of interest.</div>

Perspectives on a telepresence robot at an independent living facility: lessons learned and implications

PurposeTelepresence robots have gained prominence as a novel technological modality for mobile videoconferencing. Although the technology has mass appeal in the realm of telehealth and patient–health provider communication, its integration in community living settings for older adults has not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was to gather the perspectives of residents, trainers and staff at a retirement facility on their experience with a telepresence robot during and following a five-week wellness program.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed semi-structured interviews with ten stakeholders who were involved in the wellness program followed by a qualitative content analysis of the data. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology served as the interview framework to explore the facilitators and barriers to the implementation of the robot.FindingsIndependent coding of the data by the study investigators identified discrete as well as interconnected categories among the stakeholders. Residents expressed their changing ideation of the robot, affinity toward the technology, preference for human connection and future value. Perspectives of the trainers, the fellow residents (ambassadors) and staff pertained to their need for increased engagement, growing comfort with the technology, usability challenges and importance of coordination and training.Originality/valueOlder adults' outlook and comfort with telepresence robots improve with continuing exposure to the technology for healthcare and social connectivity needs. However, in-person care is also preferred initially and periodically to engage with their health providers meaningfully and effectively via the robot. To address long term feasibility and usability, the authors propose a hierarchical approach when integrating telepresence robots in community living facilities for older adults. Information technology education, staff training and reliable internet connectivity are the precursors to optimizing the value and perceived usefulness of the technology.

Application of Additive Manufacturing Technology for Chair Parts Connections

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a potential technology to be applied for replacing wood joints in the furniture industry. Overall, 3D-printed connectors have a lot of advantages in chair construction: the possibility of improving the design by using colored materials and new concepts with no limits of shape and size, avoiding the use of synthetic materials such as adhesives and finishing materials. The present research shows the results of the research conducted on 3D-printed connectors for a chair leg-stretchers joint. Larch (Larix decidua Mill.) wood was used for chair components and selective laser sintering (SLS) technology was employed for the 3D-printing connector designed to assemble the chair elements. Diagonal tensile and compression tests were performed on the L-type joints with 3D-printed connectors and the bending moments were determined and compared to the results obtained after testing the leg-stretchers mortise–tenon joints made of larch wood, taken as a reference. Micrograph investigation was finally performed on the broken areas of the 3D-printed connectors as a result of mechanical testing failures. The results show that the SLS printing technology applied to build the connector does not ensure enough strength to the assembly, and changes in printing parameters are needed for further research, in terms of laser power and scan speed.

The Role and Importance of Using Sensor-Based Devices in Medical Rehabilitation: A Literature Review on the New Therapeutic Approaches.

Due to the growth of sensor technology, more affordable integrated circuits, and connectivity technologies, the usage of wearable equipment and sensing devices for monitoring physical activities, whether for wellness, sports monitoring, or medical rehabilitation, has exploded. The current literature review was performed between October 2022 and February 2023 using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus in accordance with P.R.I.S.M.A. criteria. The screening phase resulted in the exclusion of 69 articles that did not fit the themes developed in all subchapters of the study, 41 articles that dealt exclusively with rehabilitation and orthopaedics, 28 articles whose abstracts were not visible, and 10 articles that dealt exclusively with other sensor-based devices and not medical ones; the inclusion phase resulted in the inclusion of 111 articles. Patients who utilise sensor-based devices have several advantages due to rehabilitating a missing component, which marks the accomplishment of a fundamental goal within the rehabilitation program. As technology moves faster and faster forward, the field of medical rehabilitation has to adapt to the time we live in by using technology and intelligent devices. This means changing every part of rehabilitation and finding the most valuable and helpful gadgets that can be used to regain lost functions, keep people healthy, or prevent diseases.

Carbon peak simulation and peak pathway analysis for hub-and-spoke container intermodal network

The global consensus on carbon peak and carbon neutral goals extends to the transport sector. This paper provides a method for simulating the carbon emission peak time and peak value within a container intermodal network (CIN). Our approach commences by capturing the fundamental network elements, including nodes, routes, and freight flows, through intermodal network modeling. We then integrate a carbon emission model with scenario analysis, utilizing Monte Carlo simulation to predict the probability of the CIN's carbon emission peak time and value. Finally, using the Yangtze River Delta regional container intermodal network (YRD-CIN) as a case study, 15 scenarios are set up to explore the effects of intermodal transport network development on carbon peaks and peak times under varying conditions in the YRD region. The findings demonstrate the significant influence of modal transport shifts, network connectivity, and energy technology levels on the carbon peak in the YRD-CIN.

Adaptive Fast XGBoost for Multiclass Classification

The popularization of sensoring and connectivity technologies like 5G and IoT are boosting the generation of data streams. Such kinds of data are one of the last frontiers of data mining applications. However, data streams are massive and unbounded sequences of non-stationary data objects that are continuously generated at rapid rates. To deal with these challenges, the learning algorithms should analyze the data just once and update their classifiers to handle the concept drifts. The literature presents some algorithms to deal with the classification of multiclass data streams. However, most of them have high processing time. Therefore, this work proposes a XGBoost-based classifier called AFXGB-MC to fast classify non-stationary data streams with multiple classes. We compared it with the six state-of-the-art algorithms for multiclass classification found in the literature. The results pointed out that AFXGB-MC presents similar accuracy performance, but with faster processing time, being twice faster than the second fastest algorithm from the literature, and having fast drift recovery time.

Coverage Analysis of LoRa and NB-IoT Technologies on LPWAN-Based Agricultural Vehicle Tracking Application

This study focuses on the recently emerged Internet of Vehicles (IoV) concept to provide an integrated agricultural vehicle/machinery tracking system through two leading low power wide area network (LPWAN) technologies, namely LoRa and NB-IoT. The main aim is to investigate the theoretical coverage limits by considering the urban, suburban, and rural environments. Two vehicle tracking units (VTUs) have been designed for LoRa and NB-IoT connectivity technologies that can be used as reference hardware in coverage analysis. On this basis, the closed-form explicit analytical expressions of the maximum transmission range have been derived using the Hata path loss model. Besides, the computer simulation results have been validated via the maps from XIRIO online radio planning tool. In light of the obtained findings, several evaluations have been made to enhance the LPWAN-based agricultural vehicle tracking feasibility in smart farms.

An Ubiquitous Framework forElectronic Dd with Near Field Communication Standard

Intelligent automation now permeates almost every aspect of living in the modern world. Intelligent automation for the issue of demand draughts, which has historically been a labor-intensive operation, is one example of such an application. Demand draughts (DDs) are only occasionally available during bank business hours, making it difficult to get one manually. We suggest an automated solution that fixes the drawbacks of the present manual setup to get around these restrictions. This cutting-edge device, which is put in bank branches, is similar to an ATM. The Near Field connectivity (NFC) technology, RFID scanners, and GSM connectivity are all included in our creative solution and are all managed by an Arduino Uno microcontroller. An RFID tag or NFC card Credit or Acts as a debit card in this arrangement. The RFID reader identifies the information on the card when a user swipes it at the terminal and sends it to the microcontroller. To create an electronic demand draught, the microcontroller processes this data, and encryption techniques are used to assure safe transactions. The specified amount is then sent immediately to the appropriate accounts, and both parties involved receive credit/debit information via SMS, further encouraging an easy and quick process.

The Application Research of Distributed Interface Coordination Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning in English MOOC Platform

Developing information technology and other business management firms is not the same as technological advancement. The only way we can declare that complete technical progress is in place and operating well in the nation is if the education system has been built. The educational system is set up to instruct pupils via wireless technologies and online classes. Advancement in online classes has resulted in the Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) Platform. The advantage of the MOOC platform is that it is a platform that provides free online courses for anyone to register and continue the course at their own pace. On this MOOC platform, implementing Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) aids in choosing the course and learning through an intelligent mechanism. The transmission between students and teachers will significantly rise because of this teaching strategy through the Distributed Interface Coordination (DIC) mechanism where the resources are distributed in the wireless networking environment. Additionally, the registered students should possess privileges to access the resources. This combination of DIC with DRL can be termed as DIC-DRL model for the proposed system. The data was collected using a low packet rate and outdated wireless connection technologies. The suggested model has a 97.67 percent accuracy rate in comparison with the existing model's support vector machine (SVM) mechanism.

Innovation technology opportunity identification of civil aircraft mechanical connections based on generative topographic mapping.

In order to advance civil aircraft manufacturing to higher levels, there is an urgent need to identify technological innovation opportunities to help new technology development. This paper first analyses the current state of the research field and determines the topic. It preprocesses papers and patents within the research topic to obtain a base database. Then, the database is analyzed using the LDA (Latent Dirichlet Analysis) cluster analysis method. The TF-IDF (Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency) algorithm processes the data to obtain critical technical words. The abstracts of patents and papers are processed to construct a binary-based vector of technical keywords. The papers and patents are visualized in a two-dimensional space technology map by generative topographic mapping (GTM) to create a technology map to identify technology blank dots. The combination of technologies characterized by each technology blank dot is obtained by GTM inverse mapping. Finally, technology opportunities with a high probability of development are identified to achieve innovation opportunity identification. It also provides countermeasures for the research institution, enterprise, sector, and industry. After research and analysis, the future in the mechanical connection technology of civil aircraft is necessary to strengthen basic technology development and improve the study of intelligence, integration, and flexibility. Technology such as sensors and lasers can improve the precision and efficiency of mechanical connections.

A Critical Review on the Role of Mechanical Connection Technology in Precast Pipe Pile

Background:: With an increase in urbanization, there is a persistent demand for prefabricated pipe pile connections, which play a crucial part in construction projects. In many engineering projects that use pipe piles, poor welding quality leads to problems like cracks, deformation, and detachment of pipe pile joints that affect the safety and stability of the project. Therefore, mechanical joints have gradually been applied in engineering projects, and exhibit a promising potential in connecting prefabricated pipe piles. Objective:: The objective of this study was to present a comprehensive description of the classification, structural characteristics, and application of mechanical connection devices for precast pipe piles in recent years. Methods:: In this study, we conducted a review of the patents related to precast pipe pile mechanical connection devices and presented the advantages of different joints. Further, we introduced the structural features, differences, and applications of precast pipe pile mechanical connection devices. Results:: This study analyzed and compared the different types of mechanical connection devices and summarized their typical characteristics, including connection form, connection quality, construction efficiency, and cost. The main problems existing in the development of precast pipe pile mechanical connection devices were assessed. Subsequently, the development trend of precast pipe pile mechanical connection devices was forecasted, and the research status and future development trend of precast pipe pile mechanical connection devices were discussed. Conclusion:: From the present study, it was found that the mechanical connection of the prefabricated pipe piles can be classified into two categories based on the joint connection range: end integral connection and steel bar connection. The end integral connection device has a large connection area, good connection solidity, and can withstand large loads, which is suitable for large bridges, tunnels, and other projects. However, for small and medium-sized engineering applications, the steel-type connection device is simple, easy to use, and has a wide range of applications that can be adapted to different geological conditions and load requirements. Currently, the application of prefabricated pipe pile mechanical connections is not widespread, both domestically and internationally. Thus, there is a need for future development in the prefabricated pipe pile mechanical connections in terms of material innovation, automation, intelligence, and sustainability.

Lightweight Cryptography for Connected Vehicles Communication Security on Edge Devices

Recent advances in mobile connection technology have been involved in every aspect of modern life. Even vehicles are becoming more connected, with the ability to communicate without human intervention. The main idea of connected vehicles is to exchange information to avoid a potential collision or to warn the driver about stop signs/lights. To achieve a wide range of connections between vehicles, they must be equipped with connected devices such as Bluetooth, wi-fi, and cellular connectivity. However, communication raises security issues with regard to cybersecurity attacks that attempt to collect confidential information or to take control of the vehicle by forcing unintended braking or steering. In this paper, we proposed a secure vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication approach by deploying a secure communication protocol based on a key management process and a cryptography system to encrypt exchanged data. The proposed key management process was designed to resist many attacks and eliminate connections to the infrastructure for key generation. Since vehicles are equipped with embedded devices with limited computation resources, a lightweight cryptography algorithm was used. The light encryption device (LED) block cipher was used to encrypt exchanged data. The LED has a low implementation area on hardware and low power consumption. It is considered to be a perfect solution for security issues in connected vehicles. The proposed data encryption algorithm was synthesized with VHDL on the Xilinx Zynq-7020 FPGA using the Vivado HLS tool. The encryption algorithm was implemented only on the logic of the device. The achieved results proved that the proposed algorithm is suitable for implementation in vehicles due to its low implementation requirements and low power consumption in addition to its high security level against cyber-attacks.

Research and Application of Prefabricated Steel Structure Inner Partition Connection Technology

Based on an example of a steel structure residential building project in Yinzhou District, Ningbo, this paper focuses on innovative methods for new connection nodes between steel beams, columns, and ALC internal partitions in steel structure buildings, standardized new installation process steps and key points for attention, and analyzes the technical points of key node connections.

Personal and ubiquitous computing, special issue: “Sonic experiences: interaction, connectivity, and multi-sensory technologies”

Personal and ubiquitous computing, special issue: “Sonic experiences: interaction, connectivity, and multi-sensory technologies”