Innovative Design Concepts Research Articles

Single Molecular Nanomedicines Based on Macrocyclic Carrier-Drug Conjugates for Concentration-Independent Encapsulation and Precise Activation of Drugs.

Nanomedicines often rely on noncovalent self-assembly and encapsulation for drug loading and delivery. However, challenges such as reproducibility issues due to the multicomponent nature, off-target activation caused by premature drug release, and complex pharmacokinetics arising from assembly dissociation have hindered their clinical translation. In this study, we introduce an innovative design concept termed single molecular nanomedicine (SMNM) based on macrocyclic carrier-drug conjugates. Through the covalent linkage of two chemotherapy drugs to a hypoxia-cleavable macrocyclic carrier, azocalix[4]arene, we obtained two self-included complexes to serve as SMNMs. The intramolecular inclusion feature of the SMNMs has not only demonstrated comprehensive shielding and protection for the drugs but also effectively prevented off-target drug leakage, thereby significantly reducing their side effects and enhancing their antitumor therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the attributes of being a single component and molecularly dispersed confer advantages such as ease of preparation and good reproducibility for SMNMs, which is desirable for clinical applications.

A Microactuator Array Based on Ionic Electroactive Artificial Muscles for Cell Mechanical Stimulation.

Mechanical stimulation is prevalent within organisms, and appropriate regulation of such stimulation can significantly enhance cellular functions. Consequently, the in vitro construction and simulation of mechanical stimulation have emerged as a research hotspot in biomechanics. In recent years, a class of artificial muscles named electroactive polymers (EAPs), especially ionic EAPs, have shown promising applications in biomechanics. While several techniques utilizing ionic EAPs for cell mechanical stimulation have been reported, further research is needed to advance and enhance their practical applications. Here, we prepared a microactuator array based on ionic EAP artificial muscles for cell mechanical stimulation. As a preliminary effort, we created a 5 × 5 microactuator array on a supporting membrane by employing laser cutting. We evaluated the electro-actuation performance of the microactuators through experimental testing and numerical simulations, affirming the potential use of the microactuator array for cell mechanical stimulation. The devised approach could inspire innovative design concepts in the development of miniaturized intelligent electronic devices, not only in biomechanics and biomimetics but also in other related fields.

Dual Doping of B and Fe Activated Lattice Oxygen Participation for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction Activity in Alkaline Freshwater and Seawater

AbstractThe exploitation of highly activity oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts is critical for the application of electrocatalytic water splitting. Triggering the lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM) is expected to provide a promising pathway to overcome the sluggish OER kinetics, however, effectively enhancing the involvement of lattice oxygen remains challenging. In this study, the fabrication of B, Fe co‐doped CoP (B, Fe─CoP) nanofibers is reported, which serve as highly efficient OER electrocatalyst through phosphorization and boronation treatment of Fe‐doped Co3O4 nanofibers. Experimental results combined with theoretical calculations reveal that simultaneous incorporation of both B and Fe can more effectively trigger the participation of lattice oxygen in CoFe oxyhydroxides reconstructed from B, Fe─CoP nanofibers compared to incorporating only B or Fe. Therefore, the optimized B, Fe─CoP nanofibers exhibit superb OER activity with low overpotentials of 361 and 376 mV at 1000 mA cm−2 in alkaline freshwater and alkaline natural seawater, respectively. The present work provides significant guidelines and innovative design concepts for the development of OER electrocatalysts following the LOM pathway.

Unraveling charge transfer dynamics in AgBr/Bi4Ti3O12/Bi2Sn2O7 ternary S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst

In this study, AgBr/Bi4Ti3O12/Bi2Sn2O7 (ABr/BTO/BSO) composites were successfully synthesized to facilitate multi-channel fast charge transfer. This directs the charge carriers to travel along multichannel pathways and suppresses carrier recombination. The mechanisms underlying charge transfer in the dual S-scheme heterojunction composites were elucidated using density functional theory (DFT) and in situ irradiated X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ISI-XPS). Furthermore, electron spin resonance (ESR) and burst experiments verified h+, ·O2 -, and ·OH as the primary active species in the catalytic process. The ABr/BTO/BSO composites demonstrated exceptional photocatalytic redox capabilities, completely degrading rhodamine B (RhB) and achieving degradation rates of 77.21% for tetracycline (TC) and 81.04% for Cr (VI). Both experimental and theoretical analyses confirmed the intrinsic efficacy of photo-induced electron movement within the composites. This research introduces innovative design concepts and strategies for the advanced exploration of electron channel transfer in ABr/BTO/BSO ternary composites and the development of novel composite photocatalytic systems.

Research on the Challenges and Countermeasures of Post Practice for Students Majoring in Design

This article delves into the various challenges that design major students encounter during their on-the-job internship. One of the significant challenges is the lack of practical experience. Design students often find it difficult to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, resulting in a sense of uncertainty and inefficiency in their work. Additionally, they may face difficulties in communication and collaboration. Interacting with colleagues and clients from diverse backgrounds can be challenging, as they struggle to convey their ideas effectively and understand the needs of others. Moreover, the high work pressure can be overwhelming for these students, as they are required to meet tight deadlines and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Another issue is the lack of creative inspiration. Coming up with innovative design concepts on a regular basis can be mentally exhausting, and students may find it hard to stay motivated and inspired. in response to these challenges, several countermeasures can be implemented. Firstly, students should actively participate in practice. By engaging in more practical projects and seeking opportunities to gain hands-on experience, they can enhance their skills and confidence. Secondly, improving communication skills is crucial. Students should learn how to express themselves clearly, listen attentively to others, and build effective relationships. Thirdly, it is important to reasonably arrange time. Creating a schedule that balances work and rest can help students better manage their workload and avoid burnout. Lastly, broadening the vision is essential. By exploring different design styles, trends, and cultures, students can expand their creative horizons and generate more innovative ideas.

Design, Analysis and Manufacturing of Continously Variable Transmission of all Terrain Vehicle

This project focuses on the integration of Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) technology into All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) to enhance their adaptability and performance. The aim is to design, analyse, and manufacture a specialized CVT system tailored to the unique requirements of ATVs. Recognizing the challenges faced by conventional transmission systems in off-road environments, the project seeks to optimize power delivery, improve acceleration, and enhance fuel efficiency through the implementation of a well-designed CVT. The project begins with a comprehensive literature review, providing insights into the existing knowledge on CVT technology and its relevance to off-road vehicles. The conceptual design phase involves generating innovative design concepts, aligning with the specific needs of ATV applications. Engineering analysis, a critical aspect of the project, utilizes simulation tools and mathematical modelling to ensure the reliability, durability, and efficiency of the proposed CVT system under diverse operating conditions.

Research on the Application of Chinese Traditional Carved Symbols in Cultural and Creative Product Design

This paper delves into the utilization of Chinese rich traditional carved symbols in the realm of Cultural and creative product design. Initially, it traces the historical journey and evolution of these symbols, highlighting their classification and distinct characteristics. This exploration reveals the profound cultural significance and the inherent advantages they offer in enhancing the aesthetic and symbolic value of cultural and creative products. the paper delves into the methodologies and strategies for effectively incorporating these traditional symbols. It outlines key application principles that serve as guidelines for designers, alongside innovative design concepts that blend tradition with modernity. Case studies are presented to illustrate the practical implementation and impact of these symbols in various product designs. the paper summarizes the key findings, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting Chinese cultural heritage through such design interventions. It also acknowledges the limitations of the current research and provides directions for future explorations in this fascinating field.

Design of Intelligent Home Lighting System Based on Digital Twin Technology

This article proposes an innovative design concept for lighting systems using digital twin technology. The proposed system utilizes digital twins to construct virtual models and rapidly develop and improve lighting solutions in simulated environments. In addition, digital twin technology can monitor and predict the operational status of analysis systems in real time, thereby improving reliability and security. This article provides an overview of the architecture design of a digital twin lighting system, detailing the design of each module, and providing insights into the experimental results of optimizing system performance. The experimental results clearly emphasize the significant improvement in efficiency and overall performance of smart homes through the application of digital twin technology in lighting systems.

Study on durable icephobic surfaces modified with phase change oil impregnation

The build-up of ice on critical infrastructure could cause severe disruptions and substantial economic consequences. The application of ice-repellent surfaces has been identified as a promising approach to tackle and mitigate the problem. The main challenge is to ensure they can endure harsh environmental conditions and maintain long-term mechanical durability. This study presents an innovative design concept that incorporates phase change liquids with Ni scaffolds and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in a multi-phase ice-repellent construction. Incorporating phase change liquids within the oil-infused surface construction facilitates the absorption and subsequent release of heat during the icing process. The supercooled droplets took significantly longer (7–8 times) to ice on the sample surfaces compared to aluminum alloy, attributed to the solidification of phase change liquids at low temperatures, resulting in decreased oil depletion during de-icing. Furthermore, the durability enhancement effect was validated by the weight maintenance ratio of samples, which remained almost unchanged after undergoing 50 cycles of icing/de-icing tests, providing a practical solution for addressing concerns on oil depletion in prolonged service conditions.

The conceptual design of the high-efficiency 400 kW solid-state power station at 352 MHz for the European spallation source

Abstract This paper introduces an innovative conceptual design of a 400 kW solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) station and presents preliminary measurements for the key components. Recent advancements and benefits of solid-state technology have made the prospect of replacing vacuum tubes increasingly appealing. Historically, a significant challenge was the limited output power capacity of individual solid-state transistors, necessitating the integration of numerous units to generate high-power microwave signals in the range of hundreds of kilowatts. However, modern transistors capable of producing over 2 kW of output power have emerged, facilitating this transition. Another weak point was low power efficiency in high-power operating mode. The advanced rugged technology (ART) of solid-state devices enables the utilization of these transistors in nonlinear and switching operating classes, thereby enabling the creation of high-efficiency high-power amplifiers. In this conceptual design, 264 SSPA modules based on ART, each with a power output of 1.6 kW, are combined. The measurements revealed a single SSPA capable of delivering up to 2 kW output power with a power efficiency of 73% at frequency of 352 MHz. Due to the minimal losses during module combination and working SSPA in Class-C operation mode, the power efficiency of the station is expected to closely mirror that of a single module.

Hierarchical heterogeneities engineering towards sustainable high-performing alloys

High-performing alloys are the backbone of decarbonising innovations in manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, and transportation. There is an increasing demand for superb structural materials to tackle the significant economic, energy-efficient, and environmental issues. However, after decades of exploration, many engineering alloys seem to have approached their performance limits because the fundamental challenges lying in mutual exclusion among material properties, particularly in materials with homogeneous microstructures, are not readily surmounted. It is progressively realised that intentionally deploying structural or chemical heterogeneities into metals can produce noticeably improved global properties that are not attainable in traditional homogeneous materials. In this perspective, we briefly introduce the recent relevant progress and propose an innovative design concept of hierarchical heterogeneity engineering to develop sustainable high-performance alloys. This novel design strategy aims to enable an intelligent modulation and integration of the hierarchical chemical/structural heterogeneities with length scales spanning several orders of magnitude, breaking the existing ceilings of the attainable combinations of exceptional properties. Developing such a “do more, with less, for better and longer” design strategy would allow us to exploit most of the material potency to mitigate environmental burden and improve long-term sustainability.

Achieving pure room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) in phenoselenazine-based organic emitters through synergism among heavy atom effect, enhanced n → π* transitions and magnified electron coupling by the A-D-A molecular configuration.

The weak spin-orbit coupling (SOC) in metal-free organic molecules poses a challenge in achieving phosphorescence emission. To attain pure phosphorescence in RTP organic emitters, a promising molecular design concept has been proposed. This involves incorporating n → π* transitions and leveraging the heavy atomic effect within the spin-orbit charge transfer-induced intersystem crossing (SOCT-ISC) mechanism of bipolar molecules. Following this design concept, two bipolar metal-free organic molecules (PhSeB and PhSeDB) with donor-acceptor (D-A) and acceptor-donor-acceptor (A-D-A) configurations have been synthesized. When the molecular configuration changes from D-A to A-D-A, PhSeDB exhibits stronger electron coupling and n → π* transitions, which can further enhance the spin-orbit coupling (SOC) together with the heave atom effect from the selenium atom. By the advanced synergism among enhanced n → π* transitions, heavy atom effect and magnified electron coupling to efficiently promote phosphorescence emission, PhSeDB can achieve pure RTP emission in both the solution and doped solid film. Thanks to the higher spin-orbit coupling matrix elements (SOCMEs) for T1 ↔ S0, PhSeDB attains the highest phosphorescence quantum yield (ca. 0.78) among all the RTP organic emitters reported. Consequently, the purely organic phosphorescent light-emitting diodes (POPLEDs) based on PhSeDB achieve the highest external quantum efficiencies of 18.2% and luminance of 3000 cd m-2. These encouraging results underscore the significant potential of this innovative molecular design concept for highly efficient POPLEDs.

Innovative Integration: Exploring AI Art Platforms in Architectural Education for Mosque Facade Design

This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of implementing the mentoring model in Mosque facade design presents a unique challenge in the field of architecture due to their importance as the mosque's front-facing feature and their role in representing Islamic identity. In this study, an AI art platform was introduced as a tool to improve the creativity and design process for architecture students and professionals. The study investigated the platform's novel application in the context of architectural learning for mosque façade design. The research methodology was divided into three parts: a description of the platforms used, identification of common use cases in mosque architectural design, and query analysis using NLP methods in Midjourney AI art platform. According to the findings of the study, the AI art platform is a valuable tool for architectural learning, allowing students and professionals to generate diverse and innovative designconcepts. The Midjourney AI art platform has flaws such as difficulty recognizing architectural styles from specific regions.

High performance photodegradation resistant PVA@TiO2/carboxyl-PES self-healing reactive ultrafiltration membrane

The occurrence of ultrafiltration (UF) membrane fouling frequently hampers the sustainable advancement of UF technology. Reactive self-cleaning UF membranes can effectively alleviate the problem of membrane fouling. Nevertheless, the self-cleaning process may accelerate membrane aging. Addressing these concerns, we present an innovative design concept for composite self-healing materials based on self-cleaning UF membranes. To begin, TiO2 nanoparticles were incorporated into the polymer molecular structure via molecular design, resulting in the synthesis of TiO2/carboxyl-polyether sulfone (PES) hybrid materials. Subsequently, the nonsolvent-induced phase inversion technique was employed to prepare a novel of UF membrane. Lastly, a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel coating was applied to the hybrid UF membrane surface to create PVA@TiO2/carboxyl-PES self-healing reactive UF membranes. By establishing a covalent bond, the TiO2 nanoparticles were effectively and uniformly dispersed within the UF membrane, leading to exceptional self-cleaning properties. Furthermore, the water-absorbing and swelling properties of PVA hydrogel, along with its capacity to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, resulted in UF membranes with improved hydrophilicity and active self-healing abilities. The results demonstrated that the water contact angle of PVA@5%TiO2/carboxyl-PES UF membrane was 43.1°. Following a 1-h exposure to simulated solar exposure, the water flux recovery ratio increased from 48.16% to 81.03%. Moreover, even after undergoing five cycles of 12-h simulated sunlight exposure, the UF membranes exhibited a consistent retention rate of over 97%, thus fully demonstrating their exceptional self-cleaning, antifouling, and self-healing capabilities. We anticipate that the self-healing reactive UF membrane system will serve as a pioneering and comprehensive solution for the self-cleaning antifouling challenges encountered in UF membranes while also effectively mitigating the aging effects of reactive UF membranes.

Metal-faced sandwich composite panels: A review

This review paper discusses the challenges in improving the mechanical and structural performance of metal-faced sandwich composite panels while reducing weight and cost. It focuses on the core and facesheet structural trends of metal-faced sandwich panels, highlighting innovative design concepts and mechanical performance with respect to failure modes. The paper categorizes recent core geometries used in metal-faced sandwich structures into three types: cellular foam cores, two-dimensional periodic cores, and three-dimensional periodic cores, each with unique characteristics and advantages. The performance of metal sandwich panels with different core structures in response to various mechanical tests is also summarized, including high and low-velocity impact, flexural, and blast and fire resistance. The review emphasizes that the core geometry, facesheet thickness, and core-face interfacial bonding of sandwich composites play a critical role in determining their structural performance and potential applications. Overall, this review paper provides valuable insights into the challenges of improving the mechanical and structural performance of metal-faced sandwich composite panels and highlights the importance of innovative design concepts for achieving optimal performance.

A Double‐Charged Organic Molecule Additive to Customize Electric Double Layer for Super‐Stable and Deep‐Rechargeable Zn Metal Pouch Batteries

AbstractThe electrochemical performance of aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs) is highly dependent on the electric double layer (EDL) properties at Zn electrode/electrolyte interface. Herein, a novel reconfigured EDL is constructed via a double‐charged theanine (TN) additive for super‐stable and deep‐rechargeable AZMBs. Experiments and theoretical computations unravel that the positively charged TN not only serves as preferential anchor to form a water‐poor Helmholtz plane onto the Zn anode, but also its anionic end could coordinate with Zn2+ to tailor the solvation structure in the diffusion layer and further reconstruct the inner H‐bonds networks, thus effectively guiding uniform Zn deposition and suppressing the water‐induced side reactions. Consequently, the Zn//Zn cells acquire outstanding cycling stabilities of nearly 800 h at a high depth of discharge of 80%. Moreover, the Zn//VOX full cells deliver substantial capacity retention (94.12% after 1400 cycles at 2 A g−1) under practical conditions. Importantly, the designed 2.7 Ah Zn//VOX pouch cell harvests a recorded energy density of 42.3 Wh Kgcell−1 and 79.5 Wh Lcell–1, with a remarkable capacity retention of 85.93% after 220 cycles at 50 mA g−1. This innovative design concept to reshape the EDL chemistry would inject fresh vitality into developing advanced AZMBs and beyond.

Inner superhydrophobic materials based on waste fly ash: Microstructural morphology of microetching effects

Superhydrophobic technology in construction can effectively improve the barrier ability of the substrate to harmful water-based erosion media, among which the coating scheme is the most practical choice at present, but it may easily fail due to mechanical damage. Therefore, the current research focus has shifted to the development of internal superhydrophobic materials (ISMs) that maintain stable hydrophobicity even under harsh conditions of use and do not rely on expensive fluor-based surface modifications. In this study, the topological structure of waste denitrification fly ash (FA) was constructed using an innovative method, by precisely controlling the etching medium concentration and the form of FA, a one-step process was developed to create ISM with excellent matrix strength and strong waterproof properties. In this study, the alkaline environment generated by FA hydration was used to induce the silica-hydrogen bond dehydrogenation of polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) and the free ammonium ion deamination to toughen the film; PMHS and liquid phase are used to produce the oil-water phase, and the oil film adheres to the surface of the generated NASH and sodium silicate crystals; The porous inner surface of ISM is formed with hydrogen- and ammonia-induced rough structure; The synthesized ISM retains superhydrophobicity and less compressive strength reduction value, and its superhydrophobicity even at damaged or friction interfaces. The material preparation method provides a good foundation and innovative design concept for the seepage prevention and maintenance of concrete structures, the construction of aerated FA bricks, the preparation of foam insulation materials, and the batch utilization of waste FA.

Orbital angular momentum multiplexing holography based on multiple polarization channel metasurface

Abstract As a high-degree-of-freedom approach to manipulate the electromagnetic wave, metasurfaces are widely used in high-capacity information technology. Extensive investigations have explored multiplexing techniques using polarization, incident angle, wavelength, and infinite-dimensional multiplexing through Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM). However, due to the limited spatial resolution and array size of the metasurface, the number of multiplexing channels that can be actually realized is limited. Therefore, research on the combination of OAM multiplexing and polarization degrees of freedom is of great significance. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a metasurface holography multiplexing scheme based on multiple polarization channels combined with OAM. Taking advantage of the orthogonal independence of spin angular momentum and orbital angular momentum, multiple OAM multiplexing holograms are constructed in multiple different spin-polarization channels. Utilizing the well-established compatibility between OAM multiplexing and polarization multiplexing, we successfully integrated two multiplane holograms and 15 OAM multiplexing holograms on a single metasurface. Subsequently, we introduced an optical nested encryption framework designed for parallel communication. This work facilitates high-capacity and high-security holography by employing multiplexing metasurfaces, thereby providing innovative design concepts for optical communication, information encryption, and related domains.

A novel low-temperature evaporation wastewater treatment apparatus based on hydrate adsorption.

Heavy metal pollution is an urgent challenge worldwide due to the acceleration of industrialization. While adsorption desalination is regarded as an innovative method for wastewater treatment, the current technologies have been impeded by high costs and intensive energy consumption. In this work, a novel low-temperature evaporation wastewater treatment apparatus based on hydrate adsorption was proposed. The water vapor from wastewater evaporation reacted with CO2 to form hydrate under the pressure of 3.3 MPa, constantly promoting wastewater evaporation due to the consumption of water vapor. The effect of feeding concentration on treatment effect was analyzed in terms of removal efficiency, water yield, and enrichment factor. Remarkably, a maximum removal efficiency of 97.4% can be achieved by treating an artificial solution with a Cu2+ concentration of 500 mg/L. Furthermore, compared with the control group that only depended on evaporation and condensation without forming hydrate, the maximum water yield of purified water in the experimental group increased to 310%. This innovative design concept for a low-temperature wastewater treatment apparatus based on hydrate adsorption presents a promising solution for the green and energy-efficient treatment of heavy metal wastewater.

2D LATTICE GENERATION BY COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN METHOD

Designers often face the challenge of getting stuck with rigid and dogmatic ideas, leading to a limited number of design options being produced. While experience and talent can help overcome this, it can still take a significant amount of time and effort. This study proposes a repeatable, dynamic process that transforms all design components into parameters, creates a structural analysis model, and performs an optimization process that integrates design and structural analysis. Thus, by leveraging the power of technology, designers can generate a larger number of high-quality design options quickly and efficiently. The article evaluates the effectiveness of this proposed method in generating 2D lattice design concepts and highlights its ability to improve the quality of the design options generated and simplify the idea and concept generation process. The novelty of this method lies in its ability to create a flexible and dynamic approach to design, enabling designers to move beyond dogmatic ideas and generate a larger number of innovative design options. Another purpose of this article is to explore the potential of computer-aided computational design software in generating new and innovative design concepts.