Modular Precision Research Articles

The Textual Research on the Constructive System of the Porcelain Pagoda Inside of the Great Bao'en Temple

In 1412, Zhu Di, the emperor of Ming dynasty, built the Nanking porcelain pagoda to construct the legitimacy of his rule and build a sense of national identity between Han and Tibetan. This paper bases on the porcelain pagoda’s new Chinese pagoda style, analyze and conclude the construction system of it from visual, craft and production perspective. Through methodologies of literature analysis, comparative study, and physical research, this paper holds the opinion that visually, the porcelain pagoda is the representative of the feudal political culture of Ming Dynasty, technically, the building of the porcelain pagoda continued the tenon and mortise structure of traditional Chinese wooden structures, yet due to the physical properties of ceramics, which are hard, fragile, and difficult to adjust once fired, its modular precision was forced to be further improved. Therefore, I contend that the mass production of glazed ceramics in Ming dynasty is the craft reaching perfection instead of the development of technology. Despite that the ruler at that time used strict management to control craftsmen, using division of labour and regional coordination to realize the mass production of glazed ceramics, Ming was still unable to achieve industrialization. To search to the bottom, The reason that Western used machines to replace human was to enlarge profit and lower the cost of labour. On contrary, the glazed ceramics industry in Ming dynasty was not people- oriented.

Исследование свойств отказоустойчивой структуры комбинационного устройства, реализованной по методу логической коррекции сигналов с контролем вычислений по модифицированным кодам Хэмминга

A fault-tolerant structure for combinational-type automation devices is considered, which does not imply the introduction of modular precision into the structure of the original device. In the fault-tolerant structure, using the method of logical correction of signals, a special block for fixing distorted signals is synthesized, and using a modified Hamming code, a concurrent error-detection circuit for the source object is synthesized. Correction is carried out using the output signal correction unit controlled by the concurrent error-detection control circuit and block for fixing distorted signals. This allows us to correct errors at any outputs of the source device, which are fixed by the concurrent error-detection circuit. Compared to parity codes used to control calculations testing, Hamming codes have improved detecting ability, which reduces the probability of error masking. An example is given demonstrating the process of modeling the operation of the fault-tolerant structure in case of occurrence of single stuck-at faults in it. The proposed method for synthesis of a fault-tolerant device could be used in implementation of automation and computer technology devices.

Evaluation of a CNN-Based Modular Precision Sprayer in Broadcast-Seeded Field.

In recent years, machine vision systems (MVS) with convolutional neural networks (CNN) for precision spraying have been increasingly investigated due to their robust performance in plant detection. However, the high computational requirement of CNNs makes them slow to be adopted in field operations, especially in unstructured working environments such as broadcast-seeded fields. In this study, we developed a modular precision sprayer by distributing the high computational load of CNN among parallel low-cost and low-power vision computing devices. The sprayer utilized a custom precision spraying algorithm based on SSD-MobileNetV1 running on a Jetson Nano 4 GB. The model achieved 76% mAP0.5 at 19 fps for weed and soybean detection in a broadcast-seeded field. Further, the sprayer targeted all weed samples and exhibited up to 48.89% spray volume reduction with a typical walking speed up to 3.0 km/h, which was three times faster than similar systems with known targeting performance. With these results, the study demonstrated that CNN-based precision spraying in a complex broadcast-seeded field can achieve increased velocity at high accuracy without needing powerful and expensive computational hardware using modular designs.

Development of a precision drive unit at K.K.K. 99 Ltd. to be universally used as robot joints with high powerdensity and modular construction

A highly innovative gear unit set has been developed and manufactured to be widely used in medical industry, manufacturing robots or high precision manipulators. The main elements of the drive unit are the gear ratio reducing strain wave gear, the torque-motor and the force-torque measuring sensor, which can be combined arbitrarily. In one unit the motor series size is given but its power output (longer motor) and the gear reduction ratio can be varied. Assembling these parts, the result of this RnD project is a high precision drive with minimal dimensions, which, on itself, is able to position rotating movement precisely and while at halt it can also keep that position with high torsional stiffness. What makes the modular precision drive unit whole, is the controlling system. The above-mentioned machine elements can be assembled into different configurations so it can become part of a SCARA, humanoid or Delta robot. As a result of this project the created precision drive prototypes could provide tests and results that may influence the mechatronic and mechanical engineering profession.

Toward a modular precision ecosystem for high-performance computing

With the memory bandwidth of current computer architectures being significantly slower than the (floating point) arithmetic performance, many scientific computations only leverage a fraction of the computational power in today’s high-performance architectures. At the same time, memory operations are the primary energy consumer of modern architectures, heavily impacting the resource cost of large-scale applications and the battery life of mobile devices. This article tackles this mismatch between floating point arithmetic throughput and memory bandwidth by advocating a disruptive paradigm change with respect to how data are stored and processed in scientific applications. Concretely, the goal is to radically decouple the data storage format from the processing format and, ultimately, design a “modular precision ecosystem” that allows for more flexibility in terms of customized data access. For memory-bounded scientific applications, dynamically adapting the memory precision to the numerical requirements allows for attractive resource savings. In this article, we demonstrate the potential of employing a modular precision ecosystem for the block-Jacobi preconditioner and the PageRank algorithm—two applications that are popular in the communities and at the same characteristic representatives for the field of numerical linear algebra and data analytics, respectively.

Design and analysis of a flexure-based modular precision positioning stage with two different materials

PurposeGenerally, the motion range of the micro scale operation is within several hundreds of microns, and the conventional joints cannot satisfy the requirements due to manufacturing and assembling errors, hysteresis and backlash in the joints. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachThe following issues should be considered: a micromanipulation stage should be designed using a small-dimensional scale driven by the small size of piezoelectric actuator and the components can be replaced due to fatigue failure caused by repeated cyclic loading. This paper proposes a modular design of a flexure-based 2-DOF precision stage made using aluminum (T6-7075) material and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene plastic material. The piezoelectric actuator is adopted to drive the stage for the fast response and large output force. To compensate the stroke of piezoelectric actuator, a bridge-type amplifier is designed with optimized structure.FindingsThe simulation results validate the advantages of modular positioning stage fabricated by two different materials.Research limitations/implicationsThe stage can be used in micro scale precision’s applications. If it will be used in nanoscale precision, then some sensors in nanoscale of measurement should be used.Practical implicationsThe designed stage can be used in biomedical engineering, such as cell injection testing, etc.Social implicationsThe designed stage will be used in micro/nanoengineering field, such as micro/nanomanufacturing or assembly, manipulation of cell, etc., which will push forward high technology to a higher level.Originality/valueTwo kinds of materials have been selected to make the positioning stage, which are seldomly found in literature on compliant mechanism field. A modular design concept is proposed for the positioning stage design.

Interval Analysis of Kinematic Errors in Serial Manipulators Using Product of Exponentials Formula

This paper proposes a methodology for analysis of kinematic errors in robotic manipulators. The approach is based on interval analysis and predicts end-effector pose deviation from its ideal model using the interval bounds on the errors of the individual axes. In contrast to sampling-based Monte Carlo methods, the proposed methodology offers guaranteed bounds for the error that accumulates at the end-effector. The forward kinematics map is extended to intervals using the product of exponentials formulation with interval joint parameters. This is a convenient method that incorporates both analytical and computational techniques and can be used for error analysis, or inversely, for manipulator design. Simulation and experimental results confirm that the calculated interval bounds fully enclose the end-effector error distribution and provide a measure of its volumetric size. An important application of this method is in the design of modular precision manipulators that can be assembled using individual linear and rotary stages.

LINKING MODULARITY TO SYSTEM ASSEMBLY: INITIAL FINDINGS AND IMPLICATIONS

The existing literature on system modularity postulates several benefits of modular systems. One reason the military has taken an interest in modularity is to allow responsive design, build, and launch of space vehicles. Researchers have developed modularity metrics, but the literature acknowledges a lack of application of modularity metrics. This paper describes some of the salient modularity metrics and applies them to a case study involving two modular precision guided munitions (PGM) as an illustrative example for potential application to motivating challenge of responsive space vehicle launches. A discrete event simulation model of the assembly process for each system in the case study is described, followed by an examination of modularity metrics with respect to system assembly times. Finally, a discussion regarding the relationship between modularity and system assembly time is presented with possible implications.

Noise Trauma Induced by a Mousetrap—Sound Pressure Level Measurement of Vole Captive Bolt Devices

While ballistic parameters of vole captive bolt devices have been reported, there is no investigation on their hazardous potential to cause noise trauma. The aim of this experimental study was to measure the sound pressure levels of vole captive bolt devices. Two different shooting devices were examined with a modular precision sound level meter on an outdoor firing range. Measurements were taken in a semi-circular configuration with measuring points 0 degrees in front of the muzzle, 90 degrees at right angle of the muzzle, and 180 degrees behind the shooting device. Distances between muzzle and microphone were 0.5, 1, 2, 10, and 20 m. Sound pressure levels exceeded 130 dB(C) at any measuring point within the 20-m area. Highest measurements (more than 172 dB[C]) were taken in the 0 degrees direction at the 0.5-m distance for both shooting devices proving the hazardous potential of these gadgets to cause noise trauma.

A comprehensive investigation of noise exposure in and around an integrated iron and steel works.

A comprehensive environmental noise exposure study was carried out in and around a major iron and steel works. The works was located in the central part of the city and was surrounded by residential, commercial, and sensitive receptors. Traffic activity near the plant was significant and added to the background noise level. Considering the variety of noise sources in the plant area and in the neighborhood, a practical approach to measure noise equivalent level in the plant and in the residential, commercial, industrial, and silence zone was adopted. A modular precision integrating sound level meter with statistical analyzer module, octave filter set, and calibrator were used during the measurements. The day and night level, Ldn, was determined. Worker exposure was assessed by determining the speech interference level (SIL), loudness level, and noise rating level at one of the major sources located in the power plant of the steel works. The results indicate that SIL was 94 dBA, loudness level was 112 phons, and the noise rating was in the range of 85-95. A traffic noise index also was determined near the works gates and was in the range of 68-96. The impact on the community is significant as observed from Ldn levels. Some mitigation measures for noise control are also discussed.

Support systems for optics in the experiment stations at the Advanced Photon Source

Support systems have been designed for optics in the experiment stations of the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory. These systems utilize modular precision positioning slides and stages arranged in 3-point kinematic mount fashion for optimum mechanical stability. Through the use of novel configurations, these systems can achieve large linear motions, six degree-of-freedom motion, and large load capacities without sacrificing valuable experimental station space. This paper will discuss the designs and specifications of the positioning systems developed.

Room acoustic parameters with SLM and computer

The Schroeder method, also called the integrated impulse-response method, is implemented using application module BE 7109 with an SLM (modular precision sound level meter B&K type 2231). A noise burst is generated by the SLM and fed into an amplifier and loudspeaker. The room response is then sampled and the reverberation times EDT, T(20), and T(30) are calculated automatically for 1/1-octave or 1/3-octave bands. The system gives very reproducible and accurate results which can be displayed. By connecting the SLM to a computer running the application program ROOMAC, which is part of BX 7109, the decay curves can be transferred to the computer. From these curves the more sophisticated parameters clarity, deutlichkeit, centre time, and total sound level can be calculated. These are displayed together with the sampled decay curves, the integrated curves, and the reverberation times after each frequency measurement thus giving the user immediate feedback. The results can be stored on disk. Furthermore, up to 12 positions can be spatially averaged. Altogether this makes the system especially valuable where a portable system and in situ calculation and diagnosis are needed. Measurement of the platform parameter SUPPORT will be discussed.

Human vibration measuring instruments consisted of modular precision sound level meter

Human vibration measuring instruments consisted of modular precision sound level meter