Mechanical Product Development Research Articles

Assessment of structural defects and mechanical characteristics of IN718/St6 functionally graded material produced by direct laser deposition

Functionally graded materials (FGM) do not show special processing in the composite structure due to the combination of mechanical, thermal, magnetic and stress gradient properties. The aim of this study is to produce IN718/St6 FGM samples by direct laser deposition method. The product of this model should enable the development of mechanical products. Best of all, this can be done without significant reduction in texture and case to residual stress that are a consequence of rapid changes in mechanical and thermal properties in non-FGM samples. To fabricate part, direct laser deposition system equipped with a 1 kW continuous fiber laser is used, SEM/EDS analysis and microhardness testing to measure porosity, chemical composition, and quantify gradient mechanical properties is used. In this study, the cladding composition is selected from 100% IN718 to 100% St6 with a 25% change in St6 composition. To prevent the formation of defects, both single-parameter modes and individual layering are examined, considering the diverse nature of the combination. The result shows that using an individual layering structure, reduces 100% Lack of fusion defects in the IN718/St6 structure. EDS analysis confirmed that the St6 content gradually increased from the first to the fifth layer. The substrate hardness gradually increases from 200 Vickers hardness to 550 Vickers hardness, showing an almost linear trend. Moreover, by using individual layering, the coaxial structure is reduced by 55% and the relative orientation of the vertical line is reduced by 18° compared to using the St6 directly (non-FGM).

INTEGRATING THE HUMAN FACTOR AND ENVIROMENTAL NEEDS IN THE DESIGN OF A NEW PRODUCT

Nowadays, to ensure the durability of their activities, companies have to innovate continuously. However, designing and development of multi-physical mechanical systems or products, namely integrating different fields of science and technology, has the purpose to make them “intelligent”, “reliable” and “ecological”. Moreover, to be able to obtain a winning product, the company managers should be innovative. The technology, but also the needs and the desires of the users, can achieve innovation. Changing people’s beliefs is a critical part of the business when a new product appears. In this perspective, our article intends to determinate how to better involve the users in the design process. Communication is a dynamic process, in a permanent transformation. The aim of our work is to show the challenge of managing innovation led by users. The design of a product, a manufacturing process, a production line continuously drives a team to improve. Putting people first, keeping energy and environment issues in mind: innovation takes up multiple challenges. To achieve this, many skills must be activated: innovative processes, quality, mechanical design, management, logistics. To take into account the environmental aspects is a difficult task, but it’s the key to design the best product and to release it on the market at the right time. In order for our work to be placed in a general context of eco-design, it is required that this field of research must be defined. So, before presenting the design, first we must develop the eco-design detail as a response to a necessary integration of the environmental factor. Because of the innovative nature of the project, a first study to indicate the subject of the project has been done. Before starting the design project, it is essential to propose a planning for every stage of the project from the defining of needs to the creation of CAD models. The first stage consists of defining the users’s needs of the product. This could be done by collecting all the necessary information to get a clear vision about the project. The next stage is the functional analysis; its purpose is to define the functions of the future product by analysing its different lifecycle situations. After that, in the creativity phase the design team starts to find solutions and pick the best one. Finally, the solution is described and evaluated using a set of predefined specifications. Based on this evaluation, several modifications are imported to the design. The research in industrial, technological and scientific engeneering represents the purpose of our work.

A Methodology for the Systematic Selection of Human-Machine Interface Device Types in Production Machinery Development

Progressive digitization accelerates the evolution of human-machine interface (HMI) technologies. In mechanical engineering, HMIs are decisive for accomplishing user-friendly, efficient, and effective machine control. Although various technologies, such as AR-glasses, have already been applied in industrial practice, mechanical engineering companies still face tremendous challenges in selecting and implementing suitable HMI devices. Therefore, this paper presents a novel methodology for systematically evaluating and selecting a suitable HMI device type for production machinery in mechanical engineering product development. The methodology provides a use case-specific process considering the company's resources, innovation strategy, and other relevant criteria enabling the systematic selection of a suitable HMI device type out of a predefined set of existing options. A case study demonstrates the applicability and practicability of the methodology.

Machine learning and CBR integrated mechanical product design approach

Many works based on case-based reasoning (CBR) and rule-based reasoning (RBR) have been done to obtain a product concept intelligently, but researches on automatic and intelligent methods for the detailed design process are still lacking. To achieve the intelligent design of the whole process for mechanical product development, an approach based on cases and knowledge is proposed. First, considering that the actual product cases sample is small, correlations among product features and relationships between product features and requirements are evaluated based on design knowledge. According to these correlations and relationships, a design problem is decomposed into multiple parallel small-scale sub-problems not only to increase data samples but reduce data dimensions. Moreover, a hybrid method that combined Hamming distance with Euclidean distance is generated to retrieve similar cases, which can address both numerical and encoding factors. In addition, K-Nearest-Neighbor (KNN) algorithm and Linear regression are adopted to adapt the classification and numeric parameters, respectively, so that the detailed design process can be achieved without fixed knowledge template. Finally, a tool design software is developed based on Visual studio 2015 to verify the practicability of the proposed method.

Complex Network–Based Change Propagation Path Optimization in Mechanical Product Development

Change propagation is a process in which a change to one part or element of a developed mechanical product tends to induce additional changes to other elements of the product, and the changes can propagate further iteratively. Different change propagation paths yield different change fulfillment costs (development expenditures, lead times, quality losses, etc.). In this study, we seek an optimal change propagation path based on complex theories, and by using this approach the cost of the change can be minimized. In particular, we introduce a modified Dijkstra algorithm coupled with a complex network described based on two variables: change probability and change impact. The network depicting the components of a mechanical product and their dependencies is directional while considering both node weights and edge weights. The roles of the components such as change absorbers, carriers, and multipliers are identified. Moreover, the loop change propagation paths and “AND” logical relations between sibling components are investigated. The practical application of the proposed models and methods is assessed using an industrial case example of an elevator system, and satisfactory results are obtained. The proposed method can be employed for analyzing different change propagation paths and their optimization in terms of overall costs.

Task allocation optimization model in mechanical product development based on Bayesian network and ant colony algorithm

A task allocation optimization model in mechanical product development was proposed. First, Bayesian network was introduced and used to describe quality characteristic (QC) relations of mechanical products. The quality characteristic importance was then analyzed based on the Bayesian network. Weights were assigned to QCs according to the QCs importance. QCs are generally manufactured by different types of manufacturing resources, such as machine tools, cutting tools, measuring tools, and fixtures. For convenience, these manufacturing resources were encapsulated as manufacturing cells. QCs were considered as tasks to be completed by manufacturing cells. Numerous tasks and manufacturing cells were involved in mechanical product development; therefore, the core problem was to allocate these tasks to manufacturing cells in an optimal way to achieve better product quality. Time and cost were considered as the main constraints. The ant colony algorithm was used to solve the task allocation optimization problem. A numerical case study was also presented to indicate the effectiveness of the proposed model.

Application of Computer Technology in Optimal Design of Overall Structure of Special Machinery

With the transformation and upgrading of my country’s industrial structure, the level of manufacturing automation has gradually improved. According to research, the design of mechanical products is mostly completed by improvement or innovation on the basis of existing design knowledge. Knowledge reuse is a technique to ensure the maximization of design resource utilization by reusing design knowledge. This article applies knowledge reuse technology to the development and design of mechanical products. By integrating the technical logic of the functional analysis system with the development of quality functions, the transformation of customer demand information and product function design is realized, and the task of the product design plan analysis phase is completed. This paper uses the finite element analysis software ANSYS to explore a new nonlinear finite element modeling method and conducts simulation experiments. At the same time, this paper improves the genetic algorithm, which effectively improves the optimization efficiency and completes the parameter optimization under multiobjective and multistructure conditions. From the experimental results, it takes 328.64 seconds for the basic genetic algorithm to search for the optimal solution of the complex problem. The improved time is shortened to 86.31 seconds, and the efficiency is increased by 73.74%. This shows that the improved genetic algorithm has better robustness and can find the optimal solution in a shorter calculation time. For complex problems such as the optimization of the overall structure of special machinery, the improved genetic algorithm obviously helps to improve the optimization efficiency and improves the effectiveness and pertinence of product design schemes.

CAD-based design for welding (DFW) method

The paper provides a method to integrate Design for Welding (DFW) method with CAD systems. The method is based on three main phases: (i) definition of DFW rules for the development of mechanical products, (ii) link of DFW rules with product geometrical features that are available by the investigation of the 3D model, and (iii) integration with CAD systems to support product design review. A method and a software tool are described including their features to help designers in the product development process. Case study aims to validate the proposed method in the identification of assembly issues early in the product development process. The CAD-based DFW tool is a useful assistant to avoid design problems related to the welding technology.

Design Property Network-Based Change Propagation Prediction Approach for Mechanical Product Development

Design changes are unavoidable during mechanical product development; whereas the avalanche propagation of design change imposes severely negative impacts on the design cycle. To improve the validity of the change propagation prediction, a mathematical programming model is presented to predict the change propagation impact quantitatively. As the foundation of change propagation prediction, a design change analysis model(DCAM) is built in the form of design property network. In DCAM, the connections of the design properties are identified as the design specification, which conform to the small-world network theory. To quantify the change propagation impact, change propagation intensity(CPI) is defined as a quantitative and much more objective assessment metric. According to the characteristics of DCAM, CPI is defined and indicated by four assessment factors: propagation likelihood, node degree, long-chain linkage, and design margin. Furthermore, the optimal change propagation path is searched with the evolutionary ant colony optimization(ACO) algorithm, which corresponds to the minimized maximum of accumulated CPI. In practice, the change impact of a gear box is successfully analyzed. The proposed change propagation prediction method is verified to be efficient and effective, which could provide different results according to various the initial changes.

机电产品的绿色制造工艺研究

随着可持续发展战略的提出，人类越来越意识到社会发展与环境友好之间相互协调的重要性，机电产品的可持续发展研究具有重要意义。对机电产品绿色制造的研究主要集中在：机电产品制造过程的能耗模型的研究、机电产品绿色制造工艺的选择及机电产品绿色制造工艺要素的研究。 With the introduction of sustainable development strategy, the humans are more and more aware of the importance of coordination between social development and environmental friendly. The research of sustainable development of mechanical and electrical products is of great significance. This paper studies the green manufacturing of electromechanical products from the energy consumption model of electromechanical products manufacturing process, the choice of green manufacturing technology of electromechanical products and the green manufacturing process elements of electromechanical products.

Evaluation of a design property network-based change propagation routing approach for mechanical product development

Design changes are unavoidable in new mechanical product development, and the propagation of changes imposes negative impacts on the design cycle and cost. Due to the non-uniqueness of changing propagation paths, searching for the optimal change propagation path with minimum change-related impact tends to be a serious challenge before the implementation of the change. In this paper, a mathematical programming model is presented to route change propagation. First, the design change analysis model (DCAM) is built based on the design property network. In the DCAM, the design properties are connected by linkages, and the weights of these linkages are objectively estimated by mining the change records. In addition, the change propagation intensity (CPI) is defined by quantifying the change propagation impact. The CPI is indicated by four assessment factors: propagation likelihood, node degree, long-chain linkage, and design margin. Furthermore, the optimal influence propagation path, which corresponds to the minimized maximum of accumulated CPI, is sought with a modified ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm. A case study and solution comparison verify the feasibility and validity of the proposed approach.

Damping Prediction Technique of the Bolted Joint Structure Considering Pretension Force

At the initial phase of the mechanical product development, it is very important to effectively obtain the modal damping ratio of the bolted joint structure for accurately predicting dynamic response. The energy dissipation has been estimated using a finite element model incorporating the effect of pretension force of the bolted joint. First, the modal damping ratios of the first four modes are extracted by experimental method. Secondly, the lap joint finite element model with pretension force parameter is constructed and based on which, modal analysis of the structure is conducted. The modal shape scaling results are used as the boundary conditions of the finite element model and the energy dissipations and modal damping ratios of the lap joint under different pretension forces are calculated out. By comparing the numerical calculation result and the experimental result, the validation of the damping prediction approach proposed in this paper is proved.

The New Knowledge of Environmentally Friendly Joints Made by Thermal Drilling

The contribution deals with possibilities of new progressive technologies in materials joining processes. By using of friction, physical factors as temperature and thermal conductivity in joining, we can increase the quality of material joining and can join of various types of material. There is also shortage the production time, provide automation in operations is possible, spare of economical expenses and also we can protect the environment. The product increasing of automobile industry, pipe industry, development of mechanical products, materials, design of joining in civil engineering force the producers to accelerate the production and to utilize new technologies.

A Research of Electromechanical Products Green Design Based on Voice of Customer

The customer is the starting point for green design of electromechanical product demand, also the bridge of connecting to the market and the mechanical and electrical product development process. Enterprises effectively obtain and understand customer needs, and accurately define the demand information of mechanical and electrical products in the design process, which is the necessary precondition for the successful design of mechanical and electrical products in the global market environment. The designer obtains accurately and effectively information of demand of mechanical and electrical products, which is an important link of product design process. It will also directly affect the subsequent steps in the process of product development. Therefore, all aspects of mechanical and electrical products manufacturing enterprises work should depend on customer demand. To meet the design idea of customer demand should be fully integrated into every link in the development of mechanical and electrical products. Enterprise can not only shorten the time of mechanical and electrical products, but also have a significant impact on the design of mechanical and electrical products quality.

Product Manufacturing Technology Based on Virtual Reality Modeling Language

Virtual reality modeling language (VRML) system is a new type of human-computer interaction system. it also is the development direction of modern mechanical design. This paper expounds the characteristics of VRML, presents the key technology of VRML from the mechanical product development mode, and it probes into the VRML research direction. Key Words:Mechanical design; Virtual manufacturing; Technology; Virtual reality modeling

Research on Mechanical Product Development Based on CAD Software

This paper introduces analysis the development process of CAD technology, application of the AutoCAD software in engineering field and teaching as well as the significance of the development of two times the. This paper analyzes in detail the development of common language, and the use of Visual BASIC development and application of software based on AutoCAD. The author elaborates the software interface design and method calls AutoCAD in VB. Finally, the design and implementation of a programming language re-development system based on AutoCAD is concerned. The test results show that the developed AutoCAD two development system has good practical value.

Object-oriented Knowledge Modelling for Conceptual Design of Mechanisms

Conceptual design is an early stage of the whole mechanical product development process, which is a problem-solving activity based on knowledge engineering. Designers often have difficulty in fulfilling complex product designs due to the lack of sufficient product design knowledge. This paper is devoted to presenting a systematic object-oriented knowledge modeling for conceptual design of mechanisms. After object-oriented knowledge representation strategy is introduced, the object-oriented inheritance relationship of mechanisms is discussed in detail, and then the design catalogue for conceptual design of mechanisms is also put forward. Knowledge modeling for conceptual design of mechanisms, including function knowledge modeling, mechanism unit knowledge modeling, mapping knowledge modeling, is discussed step by step. A computer aided mechanism conceptual design software system is developed, and the system implementation of above knowledge base is proposed. The pipe racking system for the oil drilling platform is given as an example, which demonstrates that the object-oriented knowledge modelling methodology is obviously helpful for mechanical product conceptual design of mechanisms.

Research and Development of High-Quality Mechanical Engineering Products

Computer is high-tech equipment in the age of information, and has been widely applied in all industries by relying on its sharing, universality, intelligence and other characteristics. Seen from the structural composition, software and hardware are two core components of computer, and play a decisive role in the quality of computer and its system in the actual work. Software development is a process for building up software system or software of system according to the needs of users; in high-quality software research and development, multiple aspects such as market research, demand analysis, structure design and model debugging are involved, and the quality of products can be ensured only if each operation link is strictly controlled.

Variant Design of Hydraulic Support

As is known to all, new mechanical product design is always on the basis of the original product, so to better use the exiting design resource, a mechanical product variant design method is presented. The new method is based on SML and parameter CAD. According to different geological conditions of coal mine, different types of hydraulic support are needed to design. So as a typical kind of mechanical product, hydraulic support is given as an example to demonstrate the new variant design method. Finally with SOLIDWORKS as a specific application object, integrated with SQLServer2000 database, a hydraulic support variant design system is realized by Visual Basic program, which shortens the cycle of mechanical product development and reduces duplication mechanical design greatly.

Parametric feature constraint modeling and mapping in product development

This paper presents the exploration and application of a feature-based design methodology within mechanical product development cycles. Based on a review of the feature technology and previous research work, this paper focuses on the modeling of intricate relations among features of different design aspects. A concept of feature parameter map that leads to a constraint mapping method is proposed. Further, features are classified into different levels; and information management for product lifecycle support is considered. The application of this method is demonstrated with the conceptual design and optimization of a gearbox as the study case. In addition, an extended feature system for product development was explored. With a spreadsheet package and a computer aided design (CAD) tool, the product model generation, change management and final optimization of the case assembly including its bulk shape, have been achieved. Two important information chains were used to address the aspect of “design for post-manufacture services” with concurrent engineering consideration, i.e. a field installation pattern and a set of wrapping dimensions for product transport packaging. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of change management, a different product derivative model was regenerated by adopting and changing the values of a main conceptual feature. The result is promising.