Original Equipment Manufacturers Research Articles

Advanced multimaterial shape optimization methods as applied to advanced manufacturing of wind turbine generators

AbstractCurrently, many utility‐scale wind turbine generator original equipment manufacturers are dependent on imported rare earth permanent magnets, which are susceptible to market risks from cost instability. To lower the production costs of these generators and stay competitive in the market, several small wind manufacturers are pursuing continuous improvements to both generator design and manufacturing. However, traditional design and manufacturing methods have yielded marginal improvements in wind power performance. This work presents novel methods to redesign a baseline 15‐kW wind turbine generator with reduced rare‐earth permanent magnets by leveraging cutting‐edge three‐dimensional (3D) printed polymer‐bonded permanent magnets and steel. Symmetric, asymmetric, and multimaterial‐magnet parametrization methods are introduced for shape optimization. We extend the symmetric and asymmetric methods to the back iron in the stator to further investigate the impact and opportunities for performance improvements with lesser active materials. We employ a design‐of‐experiments approach with parametric computer‐aided design for shape generation and evaluate different designs by magneto‐thermal modeling and finite‐element analysis. We use adaptive sampling technique to identify better performing designs with lesser magnet mass, higher efficiency, and lower cogging torque when compared with the baseline generator. Asymmetric pole designs resulted in a magnet mass in the range of 4.77–5.37 kg, which was 27%–35% lighter than the baseline generator, suggesting that a new design freedom exists that can be enabled by advanced manufacturing, such as 3D printing. Shaping the back iron in the stator resulted in material savings in electrical steel of up to 14.62 kg, which was 20% lighter than the baseline stator. We conducted a structural analysis to evaluate an optimized asymmetric rotor design from the point of view of mechanical integrity and air‐gap stiffness. The magnetically optimal shape profile was shown as having a positive impact on the radial stiffness, and an optimal solution was discovered to reduce the structural mass by nearly 30 kg, which was 29% lighter than the baseline.

Adversarial Service Networks: A Study of Service firms

This study examines the adversarial dynamics that emerge when service firms assess that manufacturers' servitization initiatives pose an existential risk to their survival as independent organizations. Adopting an industrial networks perspective, this investigation explores how service firms respond to manufacturers' servitization initiatives that threaten to disintermediate them. The study explores how Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul firms (MROs) in the aviation industry respond to servitization initiated by Original Equipment Manufacturing firms (OEMs). Empirically, interviews with 49 experienced managers were conducted in the service network to understand their strategic pathways. Their responses reveal that MROs can resist servitization by strengthening their relationships with airlines or developing service-led advanced services. Alternatively, MROs can support OEMs' servitization by becoming subcontractors or licensed resource integrators. This study shows that servitization depends on the orchestration of service network actors with differing interests, making it contingent and multilateral.

A Survey of Mobile Application Based Collision Detection Alert System for Motor Vehicles

Accidents involving motor vehicles are a big problem on a global scale, and they frequently result in terrible deaths. Responding to emergencies in a timely manner is absolutely necessary in order to improve survival rates in instances like these. Alternatively, this reaction time is dependent upon the presence of automatic in-vehicle crash detection and reporting approaches, which are commonly seen in high-end or luxury automobiles. Due of this, there is a gap in safety, particularly in low-end automobiles, which are widespread in developing nations. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) do not often install such devices in their vehicles. This research provides a unique way to solve this important issue, which is an autonomous collision detection system which uses smartphones. Our method makes use of the sensor capabilities of cellphones, such as Accelerometer, Gyroscope,GPS and GSM , in order to correctly detect collisions. This is accomplished despite the limits of the sensors, which includes range and sensitivity. As a result of this, this system presents an option that is more cost-effective than the expensive collision detection systems that are combined with the premium automobiles. In addition, this method eliminates the cost barrier, which enables it to be compatible with Android devices whereas it was previously only compatible with iPhones. The focus of this approach is mainly placed on the significance of minimising reaction times in the event of traffic accidents. It highlights the disparity between different car categories in terms of safety features and provides the solution that is based on smartphones.

Application of Regression Analysis in Forecasting Mobile Broadband Subscriptions Growth for Malaysia

This paper forecasts the growth of Mobile Broadband Subscriptions in Malaysia using regression analysis, specifically focusing on linear regression to model trends. The analysis considers factors such as Mobile Broadband Traffic usage and Fixed Broadband Traffic, especially as the 5G network expands and Mobile Broadband becomes a potential alternative for enterprise and education sectors seeking faster broadband solutions. The study also examines Fixed Broadband Traffic in the context of Fixed Mobile Convergence, which impacts Mobile Broadband Subscription growth rates, necessitating the use of multiple linear regression analysis. This work provides a strategic growth plan for Mobile Broadband Subscriptions, highlighting the potential impact of growth trends. Exponential regression is also applied, offering readers a better understanding and the ability to choose results and analyses that best suit their business needs. Trendline reliability is assessed to measure how well the trendline fits the data, enhancing the accuracy of the regression model. For telecommunication companies, this analysis can help identify potential addressable markets and guide network expansion decisions, as well as inform the development of new mobile broadband plans. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) can use this information to introduce cost-effective mobile broadband devices, while enterprises can strategize their digital transformation efforts based on the findings. The forecast suggests that Mobile Broadband Subscriptions in Malaysia will reach 45.6 million by the second quarter of 2024.

Evaluation of Centrifugal Pump Availability Trends and Analysis

Centrifugal pumps are essential elements in industrial systems, facilitating fluid transfer and pressure generation across various applications. This study explores the vital task of evaluating centrifugal pump availability trends, focusing on three United Pumps crude delivery centrifugal pumps (P-90A, P-90B, and P-90C) over a span of seven years (2009-2015). With the use of derived equations and annual run-hours data from the facility's operations and maintenance database, the study ascertained the availability of the pumps. The findings and analysis showed that pumps P-90A and P-90B had significant decline in availability over the evaluation period (2009-2015), with P-90A finally failing in 2014. P-90C on the other hand, demonstrated relatively higher availability levels even though it was trending downward. The main cause of the decline in availability is attributed to the Original Equipment Manufacturers' decision to discontinue production of the pump model and its spares, which led to the substitution of locally made components for OEM parts. The study highlights the critical role, OEM support and its genuine spare parts play in optimising pump availability, reliability, and continuous operation—all of which prolong the pump's operating lifespan. It suggests improved methods, regular inspections, preventive maintenance, re-evaluating the quality of spare parts, and investigating replacement options. The study provides recommendations for improving pumping station performance and efficiency, based on empirical data and analysis, to industry stakeholders involved in crude oil delivery operations.

Design Optimization of LCV CAB for Frontal Pendulum Test: Enhancing Survival Space Improvement Through Frugal Load Path Transfer Techniques

In the fiercely competitive landscape of the automotive industry, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) encounter substantial challenges in the realm of Research and Development (R&D), particularly in the pursuit of lightweight design without compromising safety. As a result, the automotive sector continuously seeks innovative tools and methodologies to substantially optimize the structural composition of Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segments. The design of lightweight cabins, while simultaneously ensuring crashworthiness, not only plays a pivotal role in determining the market success of a new LCV but also holds significant legal implications. One well-established and indispensable evaluation tool to ascertain compliance with critical homologation requirements is the frontal pendulum test. This test serves as a litmus test for the appropriate design of Body in White (BIW) architecture, crucial for safeguarding occupant safety in unforeseen emergency scenarios.Within the context of adhering to styling themes and the design intent governing the three-dimensional (3D) geometry, a notable deviation emerged in the form of a 33 mm extension of the front panel in the newly stylized cabin. This deviation presented CAB engineers with a formidable challenge, as it disrupted the conventional load path of the frontal pendulum, rerouting it to the CAB itself instead of the intended transfer to the frame via the bull bar. The primary objective of this work is to restore the load path to the frame, all the while adhering to the original styling intent and refraining from introducing any additional modifications to major adjacent components such as the bumper and bumper reinforcement. Furthermore, this undertaking extends to encompass an exploration of cost reduction opportunities within the ambit of the newly styled CAB.
 Keywords: LCV CAB, Frontal Pendulum, Frugal Load, Occupant safety regulation, Styling impact, Pendulum impact, CAE simulation

Automotive Kit Demand Forecasting Using Advanced Forecasting Models: A Data-Driven Approach for Optimal Demand Forecasting

This study addresses the major challenges of forecasting automotive kit items(parts of vehicles) by enhancing the delivery of the products and managing the inventory. The kit items vary as per customers and it is unique on its own, where the uniqueness determines the vehicle parts. Customers are the major role players who provide the business hence, this study highlights various factors contributing to the customer’s choice of kit items with features consisting of vehicle name, original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Item Description (collection of vehicle parts) type of product (brand of vehicle) and monthly allotment of each kit item as per customer starting from 2021 April to 2024 January. We conducted an extensive analysis to assess a range of time series analysis techniques for predicting kit demand within the automotive industry, the methods we investigated encompassed Autoregressive (AR), Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA) ,Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA), Simple Exponential Smoothing (SES), Holt's Linear Trend Method - Double Exponential Smoothing, Triple Exponential Smoothing - Holt Winters, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and advanced forecasting models such as prophet in evaluating the accuracy of these models, we employed key metrics such as Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), this study aims to drive significant progress in the automotive industry by optimising inventory management reducing storage costs and improving delivery efficiency to ensure smooth business operations moreover the integration of visually engaging dashboards for real-time analysis of projected values plays a pivotal role in identifying crucial monthly demand trends this integration not only enhances operational efficiency but also fosters enriched customer engagement thereby facilitating sustained advancement within the automotive sector.

Repair and Reuse or Recycle: What Is Best for Small WEEE in Australia?

The global and Australian trends indicate a steady increase in the generation of small waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), constituting 30% of global WEEE in 2019 with an expected 90% increase in Australia over the next 25 years. Given this fact, identifying the most suitable circular economy strategy is vital in managing this waste stream. Hence, followed by a review of the literature, a model was developed to assess the suitability of repair, reuse, and recycling of small electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) by considering the lifespan and products put on the market (PoM) as critical variables. Findings indicate that solely repairing and reusing products, without reducing PoM small EEE, minimally affects short-term waste reduction. A synergistic approach, combining high product reuse with reduced PoM small EEE, is essential to decrease small WEEE generation significantly. Regardless of lifespan changes, the study indicates a proportional relationship between small WEEE generation rates and PoM small EEE changes, emphasising the need for a holistic strategy. Considering this, within stewardship schemes, the primary focus should initially lie on repairing and repurposing small EEE, with the potential for expansion into recycling once sufficient infrastructure and achievable recovery goals are established. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) must shoulder substantial accountability, with a firm commitment to extended producer responsibility (EPR) even for historical products. The initial rollout could target four specific categories: toys, food preparation equipment, vacuum cleaners, and household tools, with the scope widening to encompass all categories following successful implementation.

Optimization of chemistry and process parameters for control of intermetallic formation in Mg sludges

Intermetallic formation in sludge during magnesium (Mg) melting, holding and high pressure die casting practices is a very important issue. But, very often it is overlooked by academia, original equipment manufacturers (OEM), metal ingot producers and even die casters. The aim of this study was to minimize the intermetallic formation in Mg sludge via the optimization of the chemistry and process parameters. The Al8Mn5 intermetallic particles were identified by the microstructure analysis based on the Al and Mn ratio. The design of experiment (DOE) technique, Taguchi method, was employed to minimize the intermetallic formation in the sludge of Mg alloys with various chemical compositions of Al, Mn, Fe, and different process parameters, holding temperature and holding time. The sludge yield (SY) and intermetallic size (IS) was selected as two responses. The optimum combination of the levels in terms of minimizing the intermetallic formation were 9 wt.% Al, 0.15 wt.%Mn, 0.001 wt.% (10 ppm) Fe, 690 °C for the holding temperature and holding at 30 mins for the holding time, respectively. The best combination for smallest intermetallic size were 9 wt.% Al, 0.15 wt.%Mn, 0.001 wt.% (10 ppm) Fe, 630 °C for the holding temperature and holding at 60 mins for the holding time, respectively. Three groups of sludge factors, Chemical Sludge (CSF), Physical Sludge (PSF) and Comprehensive Sludge Factors (and CPSF) were established for prediction of sludge yields and intermetallic sizes in Al-containing Mg alloys. The CPSF with five independent variables including both chemical elements and process parameters gave high accuracy in prediction, as the prediction of the PSF with only the two processing parameters of the melt holding temperature and time showed a relatively large deviation from the experimental data. The Chemical Sludge Factor was primarily designed for small ingot producers and die casters with a limited melting and holding capacity, of which process parameters could be fixed easily. The Physical Sludge Factor could be used for mass production with a single type of Mg alloy, in which the chemistry fluctuation might be negligible. In large Mg casting suppliers with multiple melting and holding furnaces and a number of Mg alloys in production, the Comprehensive Sludge Factor should be implemented to diminish the sludge formation.

A comprehensive approach to safety for highly automated off-road machinery under Regulation 2023/1230

As of January 2027, Machine Safety Regulation 2023/1230 replaces Directive 2006/42/EC, and a proposal for the regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems is soon to be ratified by the European Council. These legislative changes address hazards from increased automation and AI integration. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) face compliance challenges due to a lack of standardized guidelines, especially for off-road machinery with level 4 ‘high automation’ capabilities.At level 4 ‘high automation’, the machine operator assumes a supervisory role, intervening only in situations beyond the designed operational domain. Relying solely on supervisor intervention at this level of automation is unreasonable. Within this context, legislative safety requirements to maintain safety advocate for robust risk management systems, including both a human-in-the-loop safety option and adequate safety-related decision-making by the level 4 ‘high automation’ off-road machine, i.e., the safe reasoning software becomes paramount.In this research, conducted through a systematic mapping study, we discuss emerging safety trends and integration for the safe reasoning software a level 4 off-road machine requires. Our analyses shows the necessity of safety constraint-based design procedures. These procedures involve constraining the AI system by embedding fault management, reasoning checks, and diagnostic monitoring together with safety-related decision-making, thereby enhancing functional reliability and reducing risks. We consider these trends and patterns through the lens of changing machine safety legislative requirements, and the proposal of the regulation of AI products. Illustrating their implications alongside a case study of a level 4 tree harvesting machine, for a tangible and to industry transferable perspective on our results.

A new resistance insert spot welding method for injection-molded FRP–steel component

For weight reduction, multi-material designs comprising metal and fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) components in vehicle body structures have been increasingly used. However, the commonly used resistance spot welding (RSW) technology for car body assembly cannot be employed to join sheet metal and FRPs, limiting the use of FRPs. To solve this problem, a novel resistance insert spot welding (RISW) technique was developed in this work for RSW of steel parts and FRP structure parts made by injection molding. Small inserts were developed by using finite element method and experiments that may be welded to different micro-alloyed and dual-phase sheet steels using the projection welding method. The usual flange width of original equipment manufacturers could be kept unchanged. Using the developed insert and welding parameters, the maximum temperature in the FRPs surrounding the inserts was limited to 255 °C, minimizing the damage to polyamide 6 (PA6) material (with 40 wt% glass fiber). A weldability range between 2.5 and 7 kA could be achieved. The joining strength of RISW between a micro-alloyed HC340 steel in 0.75 mm and 1.5 mm thickness and a 2.5 mm/3.0 mm PA6-GF40 material is 20 to 80% higher than self-piercing riveting (SPR). For high-speed loading, RISW strength increases by 39 to 56% further. Finally, RISW was successfully applied to an FRP–steel roof-frame sub-assembly that consists of 19 simultaneously integrated inserts, achieving 10% weight reduction.

Recycling investment strategies in two‐sided competition with diverse vertical structures

AbstractThe supply chain consisting of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and a downstream retailer encounters vertical competition along with two‐sided competition from a third party remanufacturer (3PR). The two‐sided competition refers to competition in both recycling and sales. We investigate the recycling investments by the OEM and retailer in diverse vertical structures. Our findings indicate that cooperative investment is optimal when either the OEM or retailer is the Stackelberg leader, but neither party is willing to invest in recycling when they are in vertical Nash. The experiments reveal that the OEM, acting as the Stackelberg leader, and implementing the cooperative investment strategy, yields better economic and environmental benefits.

A comparative analysis of government intervention under the EPR system: Eco-design and authorized remanufacturing

The extended producer responsibility system and government intervention are among the essential requirements for constructing sustainable economies. In a closed-loop supply chain consisting of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and a third-party remanufacturer (TPR), this paper develops four Stackelberg game models for four modes of government intervention under patent licensing: no intervention, tax and subsidy, tax and subsidy plus eco-design tax deduction, and eco-design tax deduction only. The impacts of the different government interventions on the optimal production decision, social welfare, and environment are analyzed and compared. The results indicate that, compared with no government intervention, government tax and subsidy decrease the supply of new products, increase supply of remanufactured products, and raise recycling rates of end-of-life products; on top of tax and subsidy, the government’s eco-design tax deduction can further increase OEM and TPR profits; the environmental impact under different government intervention depends on the ratio of the environmental impacts of remanufactured to new products and the level of eco-design effort. This study provides decision makers (i.e., OEM and TPR) and policy makers (i.e., governments) with new managerial insights on the benefits of eco-design and effective mechanisms to promote it.

IoT-enabled coordination for recommerce circular supply chain in the industry 4.0 era

The current advances in integrating devices through the Internet of Things (IoT) have encouraged researchers to focus on the applications of IoT in the recommerce business. Recommerce and the circular economy are growing worldwide as customers and businesses prioritize sustainability. A lack of coordination between channel participants is a significant hurdle to successfully adopting Circular principles in the recommerce industry. This study explores the coordination issue for a circular supply chain consisting of a Web-based recommerce platform and an IoT-enabled original equipment manufacturer. The proposed study is analyzed using a mixed-method research strategy combining a case study with a game-theoretic model. We analyze the problem under a consignment contract with revenue sharing for different channel structures. We introduce a hybrid contract to coordinate the decentralized channel in a cooperative game model. The results show that the consignment contract cannot coordinate the business in a decentralized structure. The recommerce platform achieves perfect coordination through the hybrid contract and obtains a unique Pareto optimization. We are proposing a IoT-enabled system in which resources are not wasted, thereby providing a way for businesses to use the circular economy concept to achieve sustainability goals.

Exploring optimal outsourcing strategy with and without transfer payment

AbstractThis study investigates an original equipment manufacturer's (OEM's) outsourcing choice between a competing manufacturer (CP) and a non‐competing manufacturer (NP). We develop a benchmark self‐produce strategy and two outsourcing strategies to differentiate two manufacturing service providers, and examine the optimal strategy alongside an analysis of the respective incentives (e.g., a lump‐sum payment) from the two service providers. The optimal strategy depends on the difference in production efficiency, degree of product substitution, and joint effect of the transfer payments. The transfer payments contribute to a greater range of Pareto improvements, increasing the possibility of outsourcing cooperation while highlighting the role of competition intensity on the model and outsourcing cooperation partner. Effect analysis shows that in the absence of transfer payment, the optimal strategy is beneficial to social welfare. With transfer payment, the optimal strategy is changed and the firms will be more profitable, but at the expense of customers' surplus, which may result in worse social welfare. An extended analysis of mixed strategies, in which the OEM produces part of the products and outsources the rest to CP/NP, shows that while the mixed‐CP strategy can be an optimal choice, the mixed‐NP strategy will degenerate to either self‐produce or complete outsourcing to NP under certain conditions.

Identification and evaluation of challenges in commercial vehicle transport business in India post-implementation of BS-VI emission norms

Commercial vehicles are an indispensable part of logistics and public transport in India. It is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions too. Several countries across the world have implemented stringent statutory norms for vehicular emissions that all the automobile OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) have to adhere to while designing, producing, and after-sales the vehicle. India has also mandated BS-VI (Bharat Stage- Six) emissions norms from April 2020. Though the motive of the implementation is commendable and will prove good to society at large in the years to come, its implementation of it has created enormous challenges for OEMs and users, particularly commercial vehicles. There are several reasons attributed to it. This paper is an attempt to identify and evaluate the challenges in the commercial vehicle transport business after the implementation of BS-VI emission norms. Various challenges are identified through literature and interactions with experts and users. The challenges are then ranked according to their significance using AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process). The challenges are then grouped into cause-and-effect categories using DEMATEL (Decision making trial and evaluation laboratory). The outcomes of the analysis would help OEMs, policymakers, and automobile users to take appropriate decisions and corrective actions for overcoming especially the maintenance and human related challenges.

A Virtual Supply Airflow Rate Sensor Based on Original Equipment Manufacturer Data for Rooftop Air Conditioners

A Virtual Supply Airflow Rate Sensor Based on Original Equipment Manufacturer Data for Rooftop Air Conditioners

Contract manufacturer encroachment via the customer‐to‐manufacturer strategy under different platform selling modes

AbstractThis paper considers an outsourced supply chain comprising a contract manufacturer (CM), an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and an online platform. In addition to providing contract manufacturing services to the OEM, the CM enters the market using the customer‐to‐manufacturer (C2M) strategy. Two baseline models and four encroachment models with different selling modes are modeled to explore the interaction among CM encroachment, selling modes and the C2M strategy. We find that the CM will always encroach if brand substitution is sufficiently high. However, the CM will still encroach despite brand substitution being low if the platform charges the OEM a high commission rate in Scenario PR. The results also show that the CM may increase or decrease the wholesale price charged to the OEM according to his dependence on the OEM channel and direct channel. Finally, we find that after CM encroachment, the OEM is worse off, while the platform may be better or worse off. The profits of the CM, OEM, and platform decrease if customers are more concerned about production flexibility. Our work provides guidance for CM encroachment from the perspective of channel choice and product strategy and offers managerial insights into C2M practice.

Just transitions in the Australian automotive sector?

ABSTRACT The closure of the Australian passenger vehicle industry in 2017 ended an important phase in the nation’s economic history. Closure affected up to 100,000 employees working across the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and the supply chain, with the impacts concentrated in two Australian states. This paper examines both the processes and the outcomes of this closure, making use of a Just Transitions lens to assess the wider impacts of this change. It reviews the measures put in place to assist workers displaced by plant closure, while also drawing on three waves of data from a survey of retrenched workers. The paper argues the process of transition for former employees was shaped by the distinctive characteristics of Australia’s system of industrial relations and the ambition of its governments to have as many affected workers find employment as possible. This objective was prioritised over quality of employment or the emerging skill needs of industries. The paper finds that while former auto workers have been able to re-establish themselves in the labour market, the management of this major change does not meet the expectations of a Just Transition as too little attention was directed to the wider societal impacts of this transformation.

Dimensions of Digital Transformation for Digital Supply Chains—Evidence from an Automotive OEM Group

Overview: This article explores the implications of digital transformation on digital supply chains, particularly in a group of automotive companies. We conducted an in-depth case study in a conglomerate of companies that supply auto parts to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) located in southern Brazil. This case was intentionally chosen because of the Randon Company’s commitment to innovative practices during the digital transformation process. We identified five dimensions of digital transformation that impact digital supply chain performance: (1) digital governance, (2) smart digital networks, (3) digital empowerment, (4) digital automation, and (5) digital workforce. Demands for greater efficiency, new technologies, market differentiation, innovation, and sustainability drive digital supply chains to strongly interact with these dimensions. We propose a multidimensional framework that highlights the dynamics and interdependence of these digital transformation dimensions and how they can potentially meet digital supply chain demands. We provide managerial implications and ideas for future research.