Main Design Solutions Research Articles

Force–Torque Sensors for Minimally Invasive Surgery Robotic Tools: An Overview

Robot-assisted surgery is a multidisciplinary research field, which includes many subjects (e.g., medicine and surgery, engineering, mechanics, electronics, computer science, physics, chemical, material science, robotics and many others). Sensors for physical interaction, during robot-assisted surgery, integrate some of these disciplines and are an open challenge. In this survey, we analyse some of the main design solutions of force-torque sensors for surgical instruments with a critical approach, including design and application constraints: robotic surgery environment, surgeon perception, general design architectures of force-torque sensors and force-torque sensors used in robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery. The crucial aspects are analysed in detail, defining technological limitations and future perspectives of sensing instruments in surgical applications.

A Method of Spatial Processing for a Railway Crossing Control Radar System

Introduction. Railway crossing is a source of increased danger for vehicles and pedestrians. To increase the safety of traffic at railway crossings, radar systems based on antenna arrays (AA) can be used. The important requirements for radar at a railway crossing are a wide field of view (up to 90 degrees) and, at the same time, a high accuracy in determining coordinates. Therefore, an analysis of methods for constructing AAs and spatial processing for an automatic traffic control system at a railway crossing seems to be a relevant research task. Aim. Design of a method for constructing the topology of an AA and spatial processing of a radar system for monitoring traffic at a railway crossing, providing a wide field of view with a high accuracy in determining the coordinates of targets. Materials and methods. The considered method was developed based on the theory of space-time signal processing. The design of the analyzed AA topologies was carried out by the finite element method (FEM) and the finite differ-ence time domain method (FDTD) based on segments of a microstrip transmission line. Results. A method for constructing a filled transceiver antenna array and a beamforming algorithm, which provide high angular resolution and unambiguous measurement of the target's angular coordinates in a wide field of view with relatively low computational complexity, was developed. Mathematical and electrodynamic modeling of the designed AA topologies was performed. Adjusted values of the radiation patterns (RP) of the transmitting and receiving AA were obtained, which showed good agreement with the calculated values. The main design solutions regarding the construction of AA radar for a railway crossing control system are presented to provide a wide field of view when determining the coordinates of targets. Conclusion. It was shown that the width of the resulting RP can be reduced by several times compared to the width of the receiving RP when using two transmitting antennas located at the edges of the aperture. This approach is similar to that used in the MIMO technology, although requiring no coherence of transmission channels and use of a system of orthogonal signals. The findings determine the prospects of using the developed method.

Principles of the Flexible Office Concept in the Context of Co-working Center Design

The article deals with the concept of the flexible office as a modern type of workspace designed to provide a variety of places and ways to work and identifies the main design techniques used to implement the concept and philosophy of "flexibility” on the example of the interior design of the co-working centre. The purpose of the article is to define the specifics of implementing the flexible office concept in the context of the co-working center design. Research methodology. A complex of general scientific methods and methods of contemporary art history are applied: generalisation and systematisation of materials on the problems of flexible office design; the system analysis method, which facilitated the study of the characteristic features of the flexible office design as elements of a single whole; the method of structural and functional analysis, which revealed features of the flexible office as one of the most popular types of working space; classification method through which the basic principles of the flexible office concept are established and analysed through the prism of the co-working centre design. Scientific novelty. The main trends of flexible office design are theorised; the specifics of the design approach to the formation of co-working centre space are examined as an example of the embodiment of the basic principles of flexible office design. Conclusions. The study of design approaches for the co-working centre space formation proved their compliance with the main principles of flexible office design – smart space architecture, functional adequacy and ergonomic perfection of the furniture, inclusiveness, acoustics, air conditioning, natural components, maintaining the possibility of changing lighting level, colouring scheme aimed at maintaining and enhancing attention and ability to work.
 It is found that although the main planning type in the co-working centre is universal, combining open and cubicle types, their design suggests adherence to the concept of a flexible office.
 The key elements of flexible office design have a huge impact on the working atmosphere of the co-working center and are used by designers to support efficient work. Main design solutions to optimize the co-working center space in line with the flexible office philosophy, which includes adaptation to the residents’ needs and establishing communications, are the main driving force behind the workflow.
 The concept of the flexible office in the context of the specifics of a co-working center supports the trend towards the transformation of activities and behavior, provides the resident with the space that best meets his needs and the ability to choose where he wants to work and/or rest at any moment.
 The co-working center design forms a unique communicative space for inspiration, creativity, and reflection by creating interiors that inspire and reflect the visual trends of the socio-cultural space of the beginning of the 21st century. Stimulation of creative and cognitive work patterns following the main trends of the flexible office concept contributes to increased work capacity.
 The subject-spatial environment of the flexible office creates a characteristic emotional state and intensifies communication in the co-working center, becoming one of the factors in mobilizing the creative process and enabling residents to make bold professional decisions.

Особенности проектирования многоцелевого судна обеспечения

Object and purpose of research. This paper discusses a multi-role support vessel working as a supply ship, a tug and an anchor handler. The purpose of the study was to obtain an optimal design that could be of interest for potential customers, like oil and gas companies and offshore fleet operators. Materials and methods. The paper describes design peculiarities of multi-role support vessels, methodological approach to justification of main design solutions and principal results of these justifications in terms of selecting main dimensions, lines and structures for hull, architecture and arrangement of main equipment, propulsion system components, etc. It also describes model tests undertaken as part of this project in order to obtain high propulsion, seakeeping, maneuverability and ice performance parameters. The study outlines technical solutions adopted to widen the ship’s functionality, i.e. modular payloads and detachable equipment. Main results. As part of Russian State Program Development of offshore shipbuilding and technology for the years 2013-2030, Krylov State Research Centre completed a design of multi-role support vessel. This work was performed in two stages. The first stage was intended to develop the technical proposal (further transformed into the Technical Assignment for Detailed Design) and to justify principal design solutions with participation of possible customers. The second stage was dedicated to model tests, update of design solutions and detailed design development of multi-purpose support vessel in the scope sufficient to obtain the approval from Russian Maritime Register of Shipping. Conclusion. This multi-role support vessel is intended as a baseline variant for further modifications to the needs of the customers (oil and gas companies and offshore operators) which will enable its large-batch construction and eventually reduce lead ship construction costs, as well as make this ship a good replacement for the fleet of foreign service companies currently contracted for support of oil and gas facilities in Russian offshore areas.

DESIGN SOLUTIONS OF ATYPICAL REHABILITATION CENTERS

The purpose of the research is to analyze the foreign and domestic experience of atypical rehabilitation centers, to study the design solutions of these facilities. To find out the importance of art therapy as an atypical type of rehabilitation in modern conditions. The article presents the general results of the importance of art therapy in today’s rehabilitation, the most common types of therapy used around the world and their features are given. The main design solutions of various types of rehabilitation centers are considered. The article presents the generalized results of the state of art therapy in modern rehabilitation in the conditions of non-typical medical care facilities, including individual examples of foreign experience. The analysis of design and architectural solutions of rehabilitation centers shows that in the development of the rehabilitation center, more attention is paid to the creation of comfortable conditions that contribute to the effective work of medical personnel and the rapid recovery of patients. In addition, architectural projects include complex solutions to support the structural, functional and natural requirements of the project, as well as economic, social, environmental, sanitary, engineering and technical aspects developed in the architectural part. The study of the importance of art therapy in modern conditions of rehabilitation showed that there are different models of art therapy in different countries, it is worth noting that this technique has no contraindications and limitations. Art therapy gives a person in any condition the opportunity to express his inner world through creativity. There are four main types of therapy: dance therapy, drama therapy, visual art therapy, music therapy

Power Supply System for Vacuum-Arc Ion Source With Millisecond Pulse Length

This article deals with a vacuum-arc ion source, which generates high-intensity beams of metal ions. The power supply system largely determines the ion source parameters such as accelerating voltage, average current, and pulse current densities of the ion beam. This article proposes the power supply system for the vacuum-arc ion source intended for the generation of pulses with the length up to <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2000~\mu \text{s}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> at an accelerating voltage up to 50 kV. At the frequency of 50 Hz, the average ion current can reach 50 mA due to long pulses. This article considers the main design solutions for the generation of long pulses. A comparison is given to the novel power supply system based on insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) and the earlier thyristor power supply.

Features of Use of Rapid Prototyping Technology in the Manufacture of Wax Models of GTE Turbine Blades

The paper presents the main results related to the peculiarities of using 3D printing technology and methods of rapid prototyping in the manufacture of wax models of blades of a GTE turbine. The main design solutions that must be used in the design of a blade blank are presented in detail: the total shrinkage coefficient, equidistant rolling of the airfoil profile, allowance along tract surfaces, radial fillets, and a number of others. The results of control of geometric dimensions of the turbine blade blanks at the corresponding stages of the technological process showed deviations from the nominal value within the tolerance range for the executable dimensions, and the statistical information from the measurement of an experimental batch of wax models of blade blanks showed stability of the silicone tooling and ability to manufacture a series of wax models of the blades in the amount of 100 pieces when using one mold.

Концептуальная проработка энергоустановки на основе твердооксидных топливных элементов мощностью до 5000 Вт

&lt;b&gt;Object and purpose of research. &lt;/b&gt;The purpose of this work performed by SET Branch of KSRC was to develop the principal technological layout and main design solutions for a breadboard SOFC-based power plant with the capacity of up to 5000 W. This work relied on existing Russian and international experience in design of SOFC-based power plants. &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt; Subject matter and methods.&lt;/b&gt;In-depth review and mathematical analysis of latest Russian and international experience in design of SOFC-based power plants enabled justification of a whole class of promising designs, as well as identification of main approaches to development of breadboard SOFC-based power plant (capacity up to 5000 W) suggested by KSRC SET Branch. &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Main results. &lt;/b&gt;The study analyses calorific processes and design and technological solutions implemented in Russian and foreign SOFC-based power plants. It also suggests a technological layout for a breadboard SOFC-based power plant (capacity up to 5000 W) developed by KSRC SET Branch. &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt; Conclusion. &lt;/b&gt;The mathematical models developed and verified in this study enabled the analysis of the most efficient SOFCbased power plant design, BlueGen by Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited (CFCL). as well as identification of further ways to the improvement of promising calorific designs for the power plants based on planar SOFCs. This study also investigated the effect of pre-reforming, anode and cathode recirculation and volt-ampere properties of the fuel cell stack upon its weight, size and thermodynamic efficiency. Another result of this work was the development of control algorithms for suggested power plant, with efficiency demonstration of the longest and the most complex among them, involving a number of limitations for startup/shutdown conditions. Finally, the paper explains design principles of 500–5000 W SOFC-based power plant family suggested by KSRC SET Branch.

Механизмы принятия оптимальных решений в управлении развитием «умного города»

Sustainable development of cities and communities is supposed to be based on the innovative technologies, primarily infocommunications. These technologies should be used in the most efficient way, and the population requires proper "smart" competencies and tools to fully participate in the decision making. The article offers the appropriate methodology and the corresponding mathematical apparatus based on the methods of system analysis, mathematical and computer modeling, multi-criteria optimization for making complex decisions. Organizational and methodological procedure for modeling, optimization and coordination of decisions, the mathematical model for the reconciling stakeholders’ interests in making decisions on the urban development, and main design solutions for the city portal implementation that ensures the direct participation of the population in the coordinated decision-making were introduced in this paper. The whole approach is based on the advantages of the universal coefficient method, which allows different stakeholders, regardless of their level of education and training, to express their own preferences in their natural form and immediately see what consequences their decisions lead to. The developed mathematical model is of an optimizing nature and on the basis of the specific measures introduced into it, forms an agreed development plan for the smart city.

Insulation Systems of Frame Cottages

&#x0D; The article presents studies of the exploitation characteristics of the material, the results of a full-scale survey of a residential private house insulated with expanded polyethylene, as well as the main design solutions for the insulation of a frame cottage.&#x0D; &#x0D; The features of insulation systems of low-rise buildings, including those with a frame-bearing carrier system, are considered. It has been substantiated that the use as thermal insulation of mineral-wool plates used on non-loaded structures assumes the mandatory placement of vapor barrier (usually plastic film) from the inside of the insulated surface and the windproof membrane outside. The use of a rolled foamed polyethylene as an insulating material makes it possible to realize an insulating sheath without additional layers.&#x0D; Experimental determinations of diffusion moisture absorption, water absorption upon partial immersion in water, water absorption upon full immersion in water, tensile strength in the longitudinal direction, and adhesion strength of the adhesive layer to metal were performed. It was established that the diffusion moisture absorption of samples of expanded polyethylene is 0.51-0.75%, and taking into account the weld it is 0.70-0.75%. Water absorption of samples when fully immersed in water does not exceed 0.96% by volume. The tensile strength in the longitudinal direction for products with a metallized coating is 80-92 kPa, without a metallized coating - 80-87 kPa, and for a weld - 29-32 kPa.&#x0D; A field survey showed that the humidity of the pine timber is within the normative. The expediency of warming only the outer coating of expanded polyethylene of the calculated thickness without filling the frame is justified, which, with standard air exchange and observance of the conditioning conditions, will be sufficient to maintain the microclimate in the room.

Primorskaya Thermal Power Plant: Construction of Modern Pulverized Coal-Fired Boilers

The main design solutions for coal-fired boilers of the Primorskaya TPP under construction are described. Boilers E-240-13.8-560KT with a tangentially fired furnace were designed to burn Kuznetsk bituminous coal and operate as part of 65 MW units. Features of the design coals, main design solutions for coal pulverizing systems, design features of the boiler, and a low-NOx combustion system are considered. The layout of the boiler and boiler auxiliaries in the main building of the power plant is presented. Particular attention is paid to the aspects of emission reduction and the environmental compatibility of the boiler. The main design solutions for the integrated dry bottom ash removal system that allow using resulting ash and slag materials as saleable by-products are described. The results of 3D-simulation of the burning processes and expected NOx emissions and unburned carbon are given.

Management, mechanization and automation of work in the construction of high-rise buildings

The construction of high-rise buildings consists of the implementation of known technological processes for the installation of building structures: foundations, walls, columns, etc. However, the features of these structures and the high-altitude factor on which the work is done predetermine a number of differences in the technology of production of works, which are manifested in the appearance of new or other accentuation of mechanization means, types of work, technological documentation. The most obvious differences of high-rise construction from the positions of the used machines, mechanisms and devices appear in the means for transporting goods and ensuring the safety of work at altitude. On the basis of the analysis of scientific and practical works in the field of design and construction of high-rise objects, the features of the organization and technology of production at these facilities have been determined. The main design solutions of high-rise facilities that affect the technological features of high-rise buildings are revealed. Features of managing the construction of unique high-rise objects are given. The general technological sequence of the investment and construction process for the construction of high-rise buildings has been determined. Specific features of mechanization and production technology for the construction of high-rise buildings in relation to certain types of construction and erection works are worked out (excavation, production of works of the zero cycle, concreting of the foundation slab, installation and finishing works at height, construction of the above-ground part and others).

Hydrogen-oxygen steam generator applications for increasing the efficiency, maneuverability and reliability of power production

The comparative feasibility study of the energy storage technologies showed good applicability of hydrogen-oxygen steam generators (HOSG) based energy storage systems with large-scale hydrogen production. The developed scheme solutions for the use of HOSGs for thermal power (TPP) and nuclear power plants (NPP), and the feasibility analysis that have been carried out have shown that their use makes it possible to increase the maneuverability of steam turbines and provide backup power supply in the event of failure of the main steam generating equipment. The main design solutions for the integration of hydrogen-oxygen steam generators into the main power equipment of TPPs and NPPs, as well as their optimal operation modes, are considered.

Design and Human Factors of Therapeutic Hyperbaric Chambers.

Hyperbaric therapeutic chambers are pressure vessels capable of accommodating one or more persons with the purpose of providing medical treatment. Therapeutic hyperbaric chambers have been in use from the mid-20(th) century, yet apparently their design has not reached their full potential and they are not compatible with current healthcare facilities design. This paper will present therapeutic hyperbaric chambers from a human-environment-machine perspective in order to highlight their specific problems and requirements, and suggest design concepts that may improve patient satisfaction, quality of treatment, and functionality of the staff. Data were collected from a literature review, a market survey, and personal observations. Main design solutions include personal space and privacy, stress- and anxiety-reducing environments, hazard mitigation, rearrangement of seating, and personalized (user-tailored) entertainment systems. It is suggested that adopting a user-centered design rather than an engineering focus will increase satisfaction and overall 'user experience' of the patients, alleviate psychological issues, and lessen workload and improve functionality of the staff. This study could be applicable and easily adapted to other confined therapeutic environments in which patients are restrained for several hours on a regular basis in receiving treatment, such as dialysis or chemotherapy rooms, and for confined nonmedical situations such as aircrafts and rapid trains.

Making the production of electricity on the basis of solid domestic wastes more efficient

Main design solutions adopted for modernizing the heat supply station and air-cooled condensing installations at the Moscow Special Plant No. 2, as well as those for the boiler and steam utilizing system at the Moscow Special Plant No. 4 of the Ekotekhprom State Unitary Enterprise, are described.

A new control valve with a push rod for intermediate-pressure cylinders of steam turbines

We describe a new design of a control valve for intermediate-pressure cylinders with a perforated cup and a push rod that ensures smaller loss under rated operating conditions and features better reliability. Model tests were carried out to check the main design solutions.

Flying wing—problems and decisions

Traditionally, one of the priority directions in TsAGI's research activity is searching for new concepts in the field of aviation technologies. In the context of these studies basic problems related to the development of advanced large-capacity aircraft of a flying-wing (FW) configuration have been studied at TsAGI since the late-1980s (Symposium on “Aeronautical Technology in XXI Century”, Moscow, September 1989; Conceptual design for passenger airplane of very large capacity in “flying wing” layout, ICAS 96-4.6.1, 1996). In the present paper primary emphasis is placed on the rationale of selecting FW main design solutions, aerodynamic configuration, structural concept as well as on development and analysis of alternative configurations. Consideration is also given to the problem, which is in the opinion of experts the most critical for this airplane type, namely, meeting FAR-25 standards with respect to airplane operation in emergency situations. At present the work on this concept is being conducted under the International Scientific and Technical Center grant No. 548. The project collaborators are AIRBUS INDUSTRIE and Boeing.

T-15 facility and tests

This paper describes, mainly, the I.V. Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy (IAE) test facility for a large-scale superconducting (SC) magnet and test results of the T-15 toroidal field (TP) Nb <inf xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</inf> Sn coils. The results of hydraulic, thermophysical and electrical tests of full-scale experimental coils under the conditions close to the operating ones in the TF magnet have confirmed the correctness of the main design solutions and allowed one to start the production of the working coils. Technological tests of the working coils preceding their installation in the T-15 magnet have been started.