Integrated Design Research Articles

Synchronous integration method of mechatronic system design, geometric design, and simulation based on SysML

The benefits of integrated design using the Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) approach in the design process of mechatronic systems have gradually become apparent. The automatic generation of simulation models and geometric models based on System Modeling Languages (SysML) models enables system engineers to swiftly analyze and simulate system performance, visually depict design outcomes, and expedite the product development process. Due to the current system modeling's lack of model integration and geometric design functions, this paper proposes an integrated design and simulation method for mechatronic systems that can carry out complete model synchronization and verification, rapid geometric solution generation, and visual representation. Furthermore, a corresponding model synchronization integration framework is established. This framework primarily encompasses system de-sign, system simulation, and geometric design, with its model integration method being model transformation and model synchronization. The paper concludes with an example of the design process of a quadruped robot to validate the framework and its supported methods, providing a reference for other system design and integration endeavors.

The Future Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Design's Integration into Architectural and Interior Design Education is to Improve Efficiency, Sustainability, and Creativity

The Future Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Design's Integration into Architectural and Interior Design Education is to Improve Efficiency, Sustainability, and Creativity

NBTI Effect Survey for Low Power Systems in Ultra-Nanoregime

Background: Electronic device scaling with the advancement of technology nodes maintains the performance of the logic circuits with area benefit. Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) devices are the fundamental blocks for building logic circuits. Area minimization with higher efficiency of the circuits motivates the researchers of very large-scale integration (VLSI) design. Moreover, the reliability of digital circuits is one of the biggest challenges in VLSI technology. A major issue in reliability is negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) degradation. NBTI affects the efficiency and reliability of electronic devices Methods: This paper presents a review of NBTI physical-based mechanisms. NBTI's impact on VLSI circuits and techniques has been studied to mitigate and compensate for the effect of NBTI. Results: This review paper presents an idea to relate the NBTI and leakage mitigation techniques. This study gives an overview of the efficiency, complexity, and overhead of NBTI mitigation techniques and methodologies. Conclusion: This survey provides a brief idea about NBTI degradation by using reliability simulation. Moreover, the extensive aging effect is discussed in the paper.

Design method of multivariable PI controller for turboprop engine based on equivalent transfer function

Traditional centralized Proportional Integral (PI) controller design methods based on Equivalent Transfer Functions (ETFs) have poor decoupling effect in turboprop engines. In this paper, a centralized PI design method based on dynamic imaginary matrix and equivalent transfer function is proposed. Firstly, a method for solving equivalent transfer functions based on the dynamic imaginary matrix is proposed, which adopts dynamic imaginary matrix to describe the dynamic characteristics of the system, and obtains the equivalent transfer function based on the dynamic imaginary matrix characteristics. Secondly, for the equivalent transfer function, a centralized PI control gain is designed using the Taylor expansion method. Meanwhile, this paper further proves that the centralized PI design method proposed in this paper has integral stability. Considering the impact of altitude and Mach number on turboprop engines, a linear feedforward control method based on the transfer function matrix is further proposed based on the centralized PI controller, and the stability of the entire comprehensive control method is proved. Finally, to ensure the safe and effective operation of the turboprop engine, a temperature and torque limiting protection controller is designed for the turboprop engine. Simulation results show that the centralized PI controller design method and linear feedforward control method proposed can effectively improve the control quality of turboprop engine control systems.

Integrated platinum-fullerene nanocatalyst as efficient cathode kinetic promoter for advanced lithium−oxygen batteries

Efficient and robust platinum-carbon electrocatalysts are of great significance for long-term service of high-performance Li–O2 batteries. Herein we developed an ultra-low platinum loading platinum-fullerene electrocatalyst by ultraviolet-assisted method. The catalyst features crystalline platinum nanodots integrated into C60 nano-fullerene matrices (Pt–C60), which demonstrates excellent mass-activity, 28.8 times higher than that of commercial Pt/C catalysts, exhibiting an ultra-low cell overpotential of 0.43 V while maintaining an excellent cycle stability over 150 cycles. XPS and Raman spectra disclose the integrated nature of Pt–C bonding interaction, and computational modeling reveal the improved electrocatalytic activity and cathode reaction kinetics. Comprehensive investigations demonstrate that the synergistic contribution of component and structure in integrated Pt–C60 catalyst is responsible for high-efficiency and long-life of Li–O2 batteries. Notably, Pt–C covalent integrated design provides a paradigm of catalyst engineering for developing high-activity and low-cost Pt/C catalysts, and easy synthesis method allows them to be mass-produced and potentially-used in catalyst fields.

A knowledge-driven, integrated design support tool for additive manufacturing

AbstractIncreasing adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) makes software support for design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) more relevant. This paper presents a novel, knowledge-driven design support tool for AM that leverages a central knowledge base to provide extensible and powerful DfAM support early in the development process. The approach was implemented using Python for the knowledge base and as a plugin for Siemens NX. It offers automated design checks, optimizations, and further information through an integrated Wiki. Evaluation confirms the feasibility and benefits of the approach.

Severe accident analysis induced by secondary pipeline break in a small modular PWR

The small modular PWR (SMPWR) usually adopts integral design. Under severe accident, the system responses are different from those large PWRs. It is necessary to study the severe accident behavior of the SMPWR. A MELCOR model is developed for SMPWR and its steady-state results are in good agreement with the design values. Severe accidents induced by secondary pipeline break accidents are simulated, and no pressure relief measures are taken to keep the primary loop under high pressure. The mitigation effects of passive containment air cooling system (PAS) and passive cavity injection system (PCIS) are evaluated under different cases. The results show that under high pressure conditions, PCIS can effectively cool the lower head. The earlier the PCIS operates, the more significant the mitigation effect can be. In addition, PAS can effectively reduce the peak pressure and temperature in the containment. This study can provide a reference for the formulation of severe accident management guidelines on SMPWRs.

Design of information management model based on multiobjective optimization algorithm in intelligent electric financial system

The electric power infrastructure is the cornerstone of contemporary society’s sustenance and advancement. Within the intelligent electric power financial system, substantial inefficiency and waste in information management persist, leading to an escalating depletion of resources. Addressing diverse objectives encompassing economic, environmental, and societal concerns within the power system helps the study to undertake a comprehensive, integrated optimal design and operational scheduling based on a multiobjective optimization algorithm. This article centers on optimizing the power financial system by considering fuel cost, active network loss, and voltage quality as primary objectives. A mathematical model encapsulates these objectives, integrating equations and inequality constraints and subsequently introducing enhancements to the differential evolutionary algorithm. Adaptive variation and dynamic crossover factors within crossover, variation, and selection operations are integrated to optimize algorithm parameters, specifically catering to the multiobjective optimization of the electric power system. An adaptive grid method and cyclic crowding degree ensure population diversity and control the Pareto front distribution. They experimentally validated the approach and the comparisons conducted against AG-MOPSO, INSGA-II, and NSDE algorithms across standard test functions: ZDT1, ZDT2, ZDT3, and DTLZ4. The convergence evaluation indices for this study’s scheme on ZDT1 and ZDT2 are 0.000938 and 0.0034, respectively. Additionally, distribution evaluation indices on ZDT1, ZDT2, ZDT3, and ZDT4 stand at 0.0018, 0.0026, 0.0027, and 0.0009, respectively. These indices indicate a robust convergence and distribution, facilitating the optimization of electric power financial information management and the intelligent handling of the electric power financial system’s information, thereby enhancing the allocation of material and financial resources.

Probing local adhesion: A miniaturized multi-photon lithography design demonstrated on silanized vs. untreated surfaces

As multi-photon lithography technology matures, advanced integrated device design concepts become possible, positioned onto small surfaces, such as optical fibres. Only local adhesion anchors the printed object on the surface and ensure proper print-development without structure loss and long-term usability. Although surface treatments such as silanization are well known to considerably increase adhesion strength, quantification of adhesion is not straightforward and commonly assessed indirectly by surface characteristics and technological methods. The present work aims to quantify adhesion on a micrometer scale through SEM in situ tension experiments, that utilize a newly developed specimen geometry. Multiple specimens, with various footprints, were manufactured on both silanized and untreated fused silica substrates, allowing the comparable quantification of adhesion stresses between different surface conditions. Specimens on an untreated substrate failed with a high scatter in detaching force, whereas specimens on a silanized substrate tend to fail within the photoresist, either at the gauge section or just above the substrate, rather than at the interface itself. Thus, the adhesion stress was increased at least by a factor of 1.4 by the silanization treatment. Generally, a novel approach was developed, that can quantify local adhesions properties in realistic packaging or integrated circuits.

Radiological Crossroads: Navigating the Intersection of Virtual Reality and Digital Radiology through a Comprehensive Narrative Review of Reviews

The integration of Virtual Reality with radiology is the focus of this study. A narrative review has been proposed to delve into emerging themes within the integration of Virtual Reality in radiology by scrutinizing reviews gathered from PubMed and Scopus. The proposed approach was based on a standard narrative checklist and a qualification process. The selection process identified 20 review studies. Integration of Virtual Reality (VR) in radiology offers potential transformative opportunities also integrated with other emerging technologies. In medical education, VR and AR, using 3D images from radiology, can enhance learning, emphasizing the need for standardized integration. In radiology, VR combined with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) shows promising prospectives to give a complimentary contribution to diagnosis, treatment planning, and education. Challenges in clinical integration and User Interface design must be addressed. Innovations in medical education, like 3D modeling and AI, has the potential to enable personalized learning, but face standardization challenges. While robotics play a minor role, advancements and potential perspectives are observed in neurosurgery and endovascular systems. Ongoing research and standardization efforts are crucial for maximizing the potential of these integrative technologies in healthcare. In conclusion, the synthesis of these findings underscores the opportunities for advancements in digital radiology and healthcare through the integration of VR. However, challenges exist, and continuous research, coupled with technological refinements, is imperative to unlock the full potential of these integrative approaches in the dynamic and evolving field of medical imaging.

Approach Integration Design Sprints to Design Thinking in Learning Management System Sakattaku

The Ministry of Education and Culture has introduced a new phase of its independent learning policy called the Movement Organization Program (POP). As a participant in POP, the Sakata Innovation Center Foundation offers a Saung Coding training program that combines hybrid learning methods, including utilizing the Sakattaku Learning Management System (LMS) platform. However, feedback from teachers and school principals indicates that 45% of the respondents (20 out of 45) faced difficulties and discomfort while using the LMS. The user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) are crucial in enhancing the system's functionality and overall user satisfaction. Hence, this research aims to analyze and develop a plan to implement improvements in the UI/UX of the sakattaku.com LMS. The study also involves testing the system and recommending design enhancements. By prioritizing UI and UX, the research combines the compatibility of Design Thinking and Design Sprint methodologies. The final findings indicate that 9 of 15 expert users completed the assigned scenario tasks successfully. The User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ), administered to a sample of 45 individuals, yielded positive impressions across all assessment aspects, with particular improvement noted in the clarity aspect, which transformed from a below-average rating to an excellent rating. Additionally, the novelty aspect exhibited the highest positive difference, with a value of 75.6%.

Mechanical properties and functionalization of Graphene oxide‐Thermoplastic polyurethane polymer composites regulated by internal microstructure: From disorder arrangement to nacre‐like laminated structure

AbstractGraphene oxide (GO) is a two‐dimensional material known for its exceptional mechanical, chemical and electrical characteristics. Here, the mechanical properties and functionalization of GO reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polymer composites with GO content ranging from low to high were investigated. It shows that the GO can mix with TPU in any proportion. The microstructure changed from disorder arrangement to a regular nacre‐like staggered structure, accompanied by different kinds of internal defects as the content increases, resulting in multiple peaks in the tensile properties of composite materials. The tensile strength of composites containing 80 wt% GO is 194% higher than that of pure TPU. This result is closely related to the changes in internal microstructure arrangement, the corresponding stress distribution and the transformation of damage mechanisms. Simultaneously, it shows that the composites exhibited shape memory function at low GO content of 1.5 wt% with about 100% shape recovery at 70°C, and electrical conductivity and deicing function at high GO content of 80 wt% after chemical reduction, which can reach a temperature of 107°C at 10 V AC. These findings will help to comprehensively understand the structural and functional integration design of GO reinforced polymer composites.Highlights Mechanical properties and functionalization of GO/TPU composites were studied. Increased GO causes the arrangement to change from disorder to a nacre‐like structure. Stress distribution and damage mechanisms transformed as the GO content changed. The GO/TPU composites exhibited shape memory and deicing function.

Factors Influencing the Provision of Healthcare Professional-Led Sexual Support to Patients with Cancer and Their Partners: An Integrative Review of Studies from 2017 to 2022

Abstract Introduction Patients with cancer and partners often face difficult and enduring sexual concerns. Reviews up to 2017 identified that the provision of a healthcare professional (HP)-led sexual support was not routine practice. Since 2017, there has been a burgeoning growth in research and evidenced-based interventions targeting HP’s sexual support provision in cancer care. Therefore, this review presents a synthesis of HP-led sexual support and factors impacting provision in cancer care from 2017 to 2022 to ascertain if sexual support in clinical practice has changed. Methods Using an integrative review design, searches were performed on five electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed and PsycInfo), Google Scholar and manual review of reference lists from 2017 to 2022. Data extracted from studies meeting predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria was synthesised using thematic analysis. Papers were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results From the twelve empirical studies included, three themes were identified: (1) Theory–practice gap: HP’s recognition of the need to provide sexual support to patients with cancer and partners but current provision is lacking, (2) professional and organisational barriers to HPs providing sexual support for patients with cancer and (3) equipping HPs and enabling patients to discuss sexual challenges in cancer care could enhance delivery of sexual support. Conclusion Provision of HP-led sexual support in cancer care is still not routine practice and when provided is considered by HPs as sub-optimal. Policy Implications Providing HPs with education, supportive resources and referral pathways could enhance the provision of sexual support in cancer care.

Big Data-driven Decision Support: Enhancing Information Integration and User Experience with Mobile Integrated Technology

This study examines how big data-driven decision support and mobile technology interact to improve information integration and user experience. The research studies big data for digital decision-making and provides theoretical and practical suggestions to assist organizations in overcoming its challenges. This study used mixed method analysis to find the relationship between big data-driven user experience and mobile-integrated technology. Businesses require sophisticated decision support tools to navigate the digital landscape of massive data. Big data-driven decision support is examined to determine how information integration and user experience affect mobile-integrated technologies. A rigorous quantitative technique examines data volume and decision precision. Although big data volumes may have diminishing returns, decision-making generally improves. The study emphasizes the delicate balance between data volume, quality, velocity, diversity, and governance. Beyond quantitative analysis, the study examines complex decision-making. Information integration methods and user experience affect decision-making time, with more data offering strategic options. Agile integration and user-centric design boost efficiency and decision-making. The research highlights the change in mobile integrated technology. The title fits the research since mobile technology increases information integration and user experience. According to the study, mobile technology's user-friendly gadgets, quick internet connectivity, security safeguards, and app functionality boost user contentment, productivity, and decision-making accuracy. The report also emphasizes big data governance in decision quality. Decision support systems need big data governance for data access, accuracy, security, and compliance. Finally, this study provides theoretical insights into big data-driven decision support and practical suggestions for organizations navigating it. The study uses data, technology, user experience, and governance to improve business decision-making. This provides them with digital-era precision, agility, and strategic edge.

A Cross-Process Signal Integrity Analysis (CPSIA) Method and Design Optimization for Wafer-on-Wafer Stacked DRAM.

A multi-layer stacked Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) platform is introduced to address the memory wall issue. This platform features high-density vertical interconnects established between DRAM units for high-capacity memory and logic units for computation, utilizing Wafer-on-Wafer (WoW) hybrid bonding and mini Through-Silicon Via (TSV) technologies. This 3DIC architecture includes commercial DRAM, logic, and 3DIC manufacturing processes. Their design documents typically come from different foundries, presenting challenges for signal integrity design and analysis. This paper establishes a lumped circuit based on 3DIC physical structure and calculates all values of the lumped elements in the circuit model with the transmission line model. A Cross-Process Signal Integrity Analysis (CPSIA) method is introduced, which integrates three different manufacturing processes by modeling vertical stacking cells and connecting DRAM and logic netlists in one simulation environment. In combination with the dedicated buffer driving method, the CPSIA method is used to analyze 3DIC impacts. Simulation results show that the timing uncertainty introduced by 3DIC crosstalk ranges from 31 ps to 62 ps. This analysis result explains the stable slight variation in the maximum frequency observed in vertically stacked memory arrays from different DRAM layers in the physical testing results, demonstrating the effectiveness of this CPSIA method.

Novel energy-efficient design of side-stream extractive distillation process with intermediate reboiler for separating multi-azeotropic mixture based on multi-objective optimization

Side-stream extractive distillation is extensively employed to separate azeotropic mixtures since its energy-efficient benefits. Nevertheless, its economic effect is not always obvious due to the introduction of expensive high-pressure steam. In this article, a conventional triple-column extractive distillation process is firstly researched for separating n-hexane/ethyl acetate/acetonitrile mixture. To effectively decrease the requirement for high-pressure steam and achieve a reduction in economic costs of side-stream extractive distillation, three innovative side-stream extractive distillation processes with intermediate reboiler are proposed. A multi-objective genetic method is applied to optimize the four processes with total annual cost (TAC) and entropy production as two objective functions. Additionally, due to the presence of intermediate reboiler, heat integration design is implemented to the three side-stream extractive distillation processes with intermediate reboiler. Compared to the triple-column extractive distillation process, the heat integration of the three side-stream extractive distillation processes with intermediate reboiler exhibit better performance considering economy, energy-efficient, and entropy production. It indicates that the heat integration of the double side-stream extractive distillation process with intermediate reboiler can reduce 20.10% of TAC, 29.65% of energy consumption, and 35.63% of entropy production, respectively.

Information-integration-based optimal coverage path planning of agricultural unmanned systems formations: From theory to practice

Industrial information integration engineering (IIIE) is an innovative research subject for analyzing complicated and large-scale systems. Autonomous and efficient path coverage of unmanned systems formations is an important subject of intelligent industrial agriculture. As one typical kind of complicated systems, agricultural unmanned systems formations are urgently required to optimize their operating trajectories. In this paper, an IIIE design for coverage path planning of the agricultural unmanned systems formations is presented as an IIIE application to verify the entire performances with considering the couplings between the formations and the working environment. In this design, one key concept of field-state iteration for information coupling integration is inherited and introduced in detail. Furthermore, its simulation models were developed based on structure (unmanned system agent structure and formation structure), geometry (map model and graph theory), dynamics (unmanned system agent model and formation model), and control (formation coverage path planning, formation control and trajectory recurrence) in the practice environments. The practice results were analyzed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed information integration design. Further, this paper puts forward a coverage path planning scheme for unmanned systems formations based on the rotating beam and improved probability roadmap algorithms, which can maintain 99.8% coverage rate, 0.08% repetition rate, and 0.007% redundant coverage rate while ensuring the optimal time. Then, two types of three-dimensional practice platform software including CarSim and Gazebo, are selected to graft the proposed algorithm into agricultural tractors formation and plant protection UAVs formation respectively, and the feasibility of the algorithm is verified under the condition closest to the real environment. Multiple experimentalresults demonstrate that the algorithm proposed in this paper has superior feasibility for engineering practice.

Design and Simulation for Technological Integration of Bio-Based Components in Façade System Modules

Driven by environmental sustainability concerns, the integration of bio-based components in curtain wall systems is gaining traction in both research and the construction market. This paper explores the development and validation of a bio-based façade system within the Basajaun H2020 project (2019–2024). The project aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of introducing environmentally friendly bio-based components into the mature curtain wall façade industry. The paper focuses on identifying technological solutions for replacing key components such as frame profiles, insulation, and the tightness system with bio-based and less environmentally impactful alternatives, presenting the results achieved in the façade system design of the Basajaun project. These solutions aimed at creating a bio-composite-based curtain wall façade that adheres to the current building envelope standards and normative, implementing diverse façade typologies for vision panels, opaque sections, and integrated windows and, moreover, engineering the prefabrication process for industrialization and enabling wider market replication and simplified transport and installation. The results demonstrate that the Basajaun façade successfully integrates selected components and meets the performance requirements set by regulations: the façade is designed to withstand a maximum and typical wind load of 3.5 kN/m2 and a typical load of 1.5 kN/m2, the weighted sound reduction index obtained is Rw = 44 dB, and the thermal transmittance of the vision façade is 0.74 W/m2K while that of the entire opaque façade is 0.27 W/m2K (an additional internal wall is required to achieve the requested thermal transmittance)—the values are in accordance with reference standards and design requirements. However, questions remain regarding the workability of bio-based profiles as a commercially viable, ready-to-market solution that can replace traditional aluminum profiles in the curtain wall façade industry.

Integrating inverse design and partially etched platform: an ultra-compact polarization splitter and rotator as an example

Silicon photonics devices benefit greatly from a partially etched platform and inverse design. Herein, we propose a bi-layer polarization splitter and rotator with a topology pattern and demonstrate it on a silicon-on-insulator platform. Our device exhibits a significantly reduced physical footprint of only 2µm×6µm, compared to traditional directional couplers and tapered waveguides. The device accomplishes the functions of polarization conversion and separation in such a compact design without redundant tapered or bending waveguides. The tested minimum insertion loss with the fabrication batch reaches 0.57 and 0.67 dB for TE and TM modes, respectively. The TE mode demonstrates a wider bandwidth and lower ILs than the TM modes, averaging around 1 dB from 1530 to 1565 nm. The M modes exhibit approximately 2 dB ILs at the same wavelength range, decreasing to about 1 dB between 1565 and 1580 nm. Improved designs and fabrication conditions strongly suggest the potential for further performance enhancement in the device. This successful initiative validates the exceptional performance resulting from the integration of the partially etched platform and inverse design, providing valuable insights for future photonic integrated device designs.

The investigation of flame-retardant fiber mats for high performance composites: flame retardancy and structure performance

The flame-retardant performance of carbon fiber reinforced composites serves as a critical metric for structural stability. Nonetheless, the prevalent methodologies for improving the flame retardancy of composites struggle to reconcile the dual objectives of flame retardancy and mechanical robustness, due in part to the constraints imposed by the conventional additive-based approach on the material interface. This study introduced a novel method involving a glass fiber mat, which was augmented with a polyurethane-based treatment integrated with flame-retardant substances, in particular ammonium polyphosphate and nickel hydroxide. This fiber mat was strategically applied to the composite surface, conferring both flame retardancy and enhanced structural resilience. The structure performance and flame retardancy of composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and the cone calorimeter test. Experimental comparisons with nontreated controls indicated that the innovative composites exhibited a reduction in total heat release and total smoke production by 13.7% and 18.8%, respectively. Concurrently, a notable enhancement in mechanical properties was observed, with increases of 20.9% and 23.1% for tensile and flexural strength. This well-balanced performance is attributable to the structure design, with toughened glass fiber mats to protect the composite surfaces from structural failure, and flame-retardant agent composition for combustion resistance and smoke suppression. Consequently, the proposed integrative flame-retardant structural design, enriched with specific flame-retardant treatments, offers a promising avenue for fabricating high-performance composite materials with potential utility in the aviation and aerospace sectors.