Panel Assembly Research Articles

Development of a prototype to evaluate and monitor energy efficiency aiming at power quality 4.0

In research and development projects, the need to implement prototypes to speed up the development and delivery process is paramount, offering tools to validate scenarios and anticipate challenges. The aim of this research is to experimentally develop a prototype for monitoring electrical power systems using a gateway that converts MODBUS-RTU communication protocols to TCP, providing useful information for technicians and managers of a company in the Manaus Industrial Estate (PIM) in the field of reflective tapes. To achieve this goal, it was necessary to specify the technical requirements for panel assembly and communication via MODBUS, acquire and research materials in accordance with the technical specifications and technological requirements, implement the monitoring system with an IMS Controller for reactive power compensation, and configure and parameterise the MODBUS protocol via the RTU to TCP converter. The prototype is expected to be able to take accurate measurements and, in the data acquisition process, obtain readings of electrical quantities such as: voltage per phase; current per phase; power factor per phase; active power per phase; reactive power per phase; apparent power per phase; frequency; voltage THD and voltage harmonics. The prototype must act intelligently to drive the capacitor bank to control and monitor reactive power. The development of the prototype included crucial stages such as the specification of technical requirements, the acquisition of suitable materials, and the implementation and configuration of the system. The specification ensured that the components were aligned with the project objectives, while the procurement of materials ensured the quality and efficiency of the system. The implementation of the Automatic Reactive Power Compensation Controller was vital for reactive power compensation and the configuration of the MODBUS protocol ensured precise communication between the components. To summarise, this project demonstrates the importance of prototypes in technological advancement, offering practical and efficient solutions for industry. The prototype developed to monitor electrical power systems through a MODBUS-RTU to TCP protocol converter gateway represents a significant advance, providing essential data and contributing to informed decision-making, improving the performance and management of the company's energy resources.

Accuracy compensation method with the combined dissimilar measurement devices for enhanced measurement quality: a digital aircraft assembly technology

PurposeThe pivotal aspect of aircraft assembly lies in precise measurement accuracy. While a solitary digital measuring tool suffices for analytical and small surfaces, it falls short for extensive synthetic surfaces like aircraft fuselage panels and wing spars. The purpose of this study is to develop a “combined measurement method” (CMM) that enhances measurement quality and expands the evaluative scope, addressing the limitations posed by singular digital devices in meeting measurement requirements across various aircraft components.Design/methodology/approachThe study illustrated the utilization of the CMM by combining a laser tracker and a portable arm-measuring machine. This innovative approach is tailored to address the intricate nature and substantial dimensions of aircraft fuselage panels. The portable arm-measuring machine performs precise scans of panel components, while common points recorded by the laser tracker undergo coordinate conversion to reconstruct the fuselage panel’s shape. The research outlines the CMM’s measurement procedure and scrutinizes the data processing technique. Ultimately, the investigation yields a deviation vector matrix and chromatogram deviation distribution, pivotal in achieving enhanced measurement precision for the novel CMM device.FindingsThe use of CMM noticeably enhances fuselage panel assembly accuracy, concurrently reducing assembly time and enhancing efficiency compared to conventional measurement systems.Practical implicationsThe research’s practical implication lies in revolutionizing aircraft assembly by mitigating accuracy issues through the innovative digital CMM for aircraft synthetic structure type product (aircraft fuselage panel). This ensures safer flights, reduces rework and enhances overall efficiency in the aerospace industry.Originality/valueIntroducing a new aircraft assembly accuracy compensation method through digital combined measurement, pioneering improved assembly precision. Also, it enhances aerospace assembly quality, safety and efficiency, offering innovative insights for optimized aviation manufacturing processes.

Nexus of natural resources exploitation, social protection, and sustainable environment: COP27 is a sufficient solution?

A pervasive threat regarding human health, ecological balance, progress, and sustainability marks the current era. Many nations are grappling with the consequences of climate change and global warming caused by excessive carbon emissions from various harmful activities. Consequently, while some nations face resource constraints, they also work hard to keep the environment clean and green to promote sustainable growth. Concerns about the effects of climate change and global warming have recently shifted the focus of national governments and policymakers. Furthermore, these issues take center stage in developed nations due to the scarcity of natural resources, leading to increased carbon emissions. This research uses a panel data set that covers the top 20 developed countries from 2000 to 2021 to examine the relationship between nature's bounty (NAT) and welfare (SP) and carbon emissions (CO2). The next-generation panel assembly root test verified that all indicators were stationarity at the first difference, and the cross-sectional dependence (CSD) mirrored the panel countries' CSD. The second-generation cointegration technique (Wester Lund and Edgerton) was used to find an equation involving the variables. The rigorous check by the Cup-BC test and long-run empirical estimates from the Cup-FM estimation highlighted that technical innovation, social protection, and higher levels of green energy contribute to greater environmental sustainability and lower CO₂ emissions. Environmental quality declines and CO2 emissions rise in developed countries due to population, natural resource availability, and economic complexity index. The study's results may illuminate the reasons for environmental deterioration and propose solutions.

Simulation and design of isostatic thick origami structures

Thick origami structures are considered here as assemblies of polygonal panels hinged to each other along their edges according to a corresponding origami crease pattern. The determination of the internal actions in equilibrium with the external loads in such structures is not an easy task, owing to their high degree of static indeterminacy, and the likelihood of unwanted self-balanced internal actions induced by manufacturing imperfections. Here, we present a method for reducing the degree of static indeterminacy which can be applied to several thick origami structures to make them isostatic. The method utilizes sliding hinges, which allow relative translation along the hinge axis, to replace conventional hinges. After giving the analytical description of both types of hinges and describing a rigid folding simulation procedure based on the integration of the exponential map, we present the static analysis of a series of noteworthy examples based on the Miura-ori pattern, the Yoshimura pattern, and the Kresling pattern. Our method, based on kinematic-static duality, provides a novel design paradigm that can be applied for the design and realization of thick origami structures with adequate strength to resist external actions.

Prediction of aircraft panel assembly deformation using a combined prediction model

Prediction of aircraft panel assembly deformation using a combined prediction model

Coupled vibration analysis of the spacecraft with the flexible shaft and solar panels assembly

Dynamical characteristics of the spacecraft with flexible components are investigated in this paper. The component consists of a flexible shaft and solar panels, where solar panels are completely fixed on the shaft. A novel power series multiplier polynomial method is proposed to describe the connecting condition between the shaft and solar panels. The deformation and force matching conditions between the one dimensional shaft and two dimensional panels are established, which is the major contribution about the multidimensional combined structure of this study. According to constraining boundary conditions of the shaft and solar panels, the bending-torsion coupled deformation of the component is expressed. The attitude maneuvering of the central platform and the elastic vibration of the component cause the rigid-flexible coupled effect. Then the discrete dynamical equation of the spacecraft is obtained by using the rigid-flexible coupled modal shapes. The correctness of the proposed method is verified by comparing the natural characteristics with that of the finite element model. The relative error of the higher order frequency is not more than 4%. Numerical results show that the degree of the bending angle polynomial should be at least quadratic to ensure the accuracy of the calculation. The proposed power series multiplier polynomial breaks through the barriers that the traditional Lagrange multiplier cannot express the continuous constraint. It is an effective method to fit the constrained boundary by the polynomial rather than by the discrete multipoint method.

Pengaplikasian Panel Surya dan Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) untuk Menggerakkan Pompa Tanaman Hidroponik sebagai Sumber Energi Terbarukan

Solar panels are renewable energy which is very useful for agricultural needs to meet electricity needs, one of which is its application in agriculture, namely as a pump driver for hydroponic plants. Hydroponics is farming with an emphasis on meeting the nutritional needs of plants using water as a medium with a nutrient solution as fertilizer. In the hydroponic system the pump must be on continuously, for this reason the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) tool is used to substitute the electrical energy of the State Electricity Company (PLN) with the electrical energy of solar panels in the event of a power outage from the State Electricity Company (PLN) which aims to drain nutrient water. This research aims to apply solar panels to a hydroponic plant system and apply the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) tool as a substitute for the State Electric Company's (PLN) electrical energy and solar panels. This research was carried out on Jalan Polonia no.11 fresh water east, North Padang District, Padang City, West Sumatra in January – March 2024, with the initial stages (1) preparation, (2) solar panel assembly, (3) analysis of test results , (4) preparation of reports. The results of this research can determine the power output required by solar panels as a renewable energy source as well as the application of the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) in hydroponic plant cultivation.

Intelligent design of reconfigurable flexible assembly fixture for aircraft panels based on smart composite jig model and knowledge graph

The current demand for aircraft panel assembly fixtures necessitates agile manufacturing solutions. Traditional welding fixtures struggle to meet diverse panel types, high quantities, and short manufacturing cycles. Conversely, reconfigurable flexible assembly fixtures offer universality, efficiency and ease of maintenance but heavily rely on designers' experience, hindering knowledge reuse. Existing research on computer-aided fixture design (CAFD) primarily addresses specialized fixtures, neglecting reconfigurable flexible ones, lacking fixture design knowledge systems. Aiming at the above problems, the study proposes an intelligent design method for the reconfigurable flexible assembly fixture for aircraft panels based on the smart composite jig model (SCJM) and knowledge graph (KG). Firstly, based on the SCJM of the aircraft panel type assembly fixture (PSCJM), a configuration design method is proposed to carry out the multi-level design of reconfigurable assembly fixture to instantiate PSCJM containing fixture configuration rules and a module library based on model definition (MBD). Then, a knowledge retrieval method is proposed to search the suitable fixture design knowledge based on KG, assisting designers in achieving the flexible design of aircraft panel reconfigurable assembly fixtures. Finally, practical engineering design validation confirms the method's feasibility and effectiveness in obtaining the reconfigurable flexible assembly fixture design scheme for aircraft panels.

Pelatihan Penggunaan Trainer Solar Panel Untuk Guru Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan Teknik Ketenagalistrikan Sumatera Barat Menuju Era Energi Baru Terbarukan

Background: Teachers in vocational schools play an essential role in integrating renewable energy education into the curriculum, but limited tools and knowledge in assembling solar panels hinder practical learning. The program aims to provide teachers with practical knowledge and skills in assembling solar panels. Method: This activity was attended by productive teachers of SMK in the field of expertise in Electrical Power Installation Engineering throughout the province of West Sumatra. Activities are carried out in 4 stages, Preparation, Implementation, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Follow-up. Written tests and practical tests are conducted to find out the extent of the teacher's ability to use solar panel trainers. Result: The result of this program is an increase in knowledge and skills, teachers in solar panel assembly. This program contributes to trained teachers, to provide an interactive and interesting learning approach for students in the use of renewable energy. Conclusion: This training program not only meets the needs of education in facing the development of renewable energy technology, but also makes a real contribution in creating human resources who are ready to work in the renewable energy sector.

Tandem-ABALONE™ photosensors with [formula omitted] acceptance for neutrino astronomy

The primary goal of the novel photosensor technology called ABALONE™ (U.S. Pat. 9,064,678) has been to enable the next-generation of astroparticle physics experiments to open new windows on the universe with large-area detectors of unprecedented performance, including radio-purity, robustness, and integration flexibility. This foundational technology provides the means for modern, scalable and cost-effective production. The wide range of possible application-specific detector configurations can also make a difference in homeland security and medical imaging. Thus far, we have reduced to practice two such detector configurations: (i) the composite sandwich Panel assembly that hosts matrices of closely packed ABALONE units (U.S. Pat. 10,823,861), and, quite differently, the Tandem Detector Modules that host two back-to-back oriented ABALONE photosensors. This article for the first time presents the latter configuration, specifically designed to provide 2×2π angular acceptance for neutrino astronomy and other large-area radiation detectors.

Digital twin-driven assembly accuracy prediction method for high performance precision assembly of complex products

The high performance precision assembly (HPPA) of complex products such as aerospace, aircraft and high-end machine tool has demanding requirements for assembly accuracy. Achieving the accurate prediction of assembly accuracy for these complex products before assembling is the premise of improving the assembly quality and performance, and also has always been a challenge. Existing assembly accuracy prediction methods focus on acquiring the assembly deviation based on CAD model and manufacturing errors of parts, but rarely involve the multidimensional error coupling of parts and the influencing factors in the assembly process, which inevitably cause a certain gap between the prediction result and the actual condition, affecting the reliability of the prediction result. To address the above problems, this paper presents a digital twin (DT)-driven assembly accuracy prediction method for the HPPA of complex products. Firstly, this paper introduces the methodology overview and proposes an overall framework for DT-driven assembly accuracy prediction. Secondly, three key enabling technologies realizing the DT-driven assembly accuracy prediction, including the construction of part digital twin model, the generation of DT-based assembly process model, and assembly deviation propagation and accuracy analysis are introduced in detail. Finally, an application implementation of a prototype system and a case study involving a simplified satellite structure panel assembly process are used to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.

Assembly and Installation of SDP Lighting Panels

Assembly and Installation of SDP Lighting Panels

Capacitor Bank Panel Design to Improve Industrial Power System Efficiency and Safety

Industrial loads generally use control equipment and power electronics that use semiconductor materials that are very sensitive to voltage fluctuations. As reactive power compensation, industries usually use capacitor banks to increase power factor, reduce losses and increase line capacity. But it turns out that the use of capacitor banks also causes problems related to capacitor bank switching during the energizing process. During the energizing process, transient voltages and currents will be generated which can potentially damage control equipment, power electronic equipment, switching equipment and the capacitor bank itself. The Capacitor Bank panel assembly process involves the preparation of components such as MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker), MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker), Capacitor Bank, and other components. After that, these components are carefully assembled according to the pre-prepared design. Next, the installation of the Capacitor Bank panel involves mounting the panel to the location according to the plan and connecting it to the building's main power system. Accurate wiring and meticulous testing are required to ensure that the panels function properly. Therefore, a good understanding of the assembly and installation process of Capacitor Bank panels is essential to ensure efficient, and safety.

Robotic compliant assembly for complex-shaped composite aircraft frame based on Gaussian process considering uncertainties

Robots are finding increasing application in aircraft composite structure assembly due to their flexibility and the growing demand of aircraft manufacturers for high production rates. The contact force of the composite frame in a robotic assembly of the aircraft composite fuselage panel can hardly be controlled due to the multi-surface variable contact stiffness caused by compliance and complex shape with multiple mating surfaces. The paper proposes a robotic assembly system for the aircraft composite fuselage frame with a compliant contact force control strategy using the Gaussian process surrogate model. First, a robotic assembly system is introduced, and the global coordinate system transformation model is built. Then, a compliant force control architecture is designed to generate the desired output force. Subsequently, a Gaussian process surrogate model with uncertainties is utilized to model the complicated relationship between the robot’s output force and the normal contact force acting on the mating surface of the composite frame. Furthermore, an optimal contact force control strategy is implemented to improve the contact quality. Finally, an experiment demonstrates that the proposed methodology can ensure that the contact force on each surface is within the limit of the engineering specification and uniformly distributed, improving the quality compared to the traditional assembly process.

An Integrated Architecture for Robotic Assembly and Inspection of a Composite Fuselage Panel with an Industry 5.0 Perspective

Aeronautical robotic applications use quite large, heavy robots with huge end effectors that are frequently multifunctional. An assembly jig to hold a fuselage panel and two medium-sized six-axis robots fixed on linear axes, referred to as the internal and the external robot with respect to the curvature of the panel, make up the Lean robotized AssemBly and cOntrol of composite aeRostructures (LABOR) work cell. A distributed software architecture is proposed in which individual modules are developed to execute specific subprocesses, each implementing innovative algorithms that solve the main drawbacks of state-of-the-art solutions. Real-time referencing adopts a point-cloud-based strategy to reconstruct and process the part before drilling, avoiding hole positioning errors. Accurate concentric countersink diameters are made possible through the automatic adjustment of the drilling tool with respect to the skin panel, which guarantees its orthogonality, as well as the implementation of process parameter optimization algorithms based on historical results that compensate for the wear of the drilling bits. Automatic sealing and fastening strategies that involve the measurement of the main fastener quality parameters allow for the complete verification of the entire assembly process of each part. Additionally, an advanced multimodal perception system continuously monitors the collaborative workspace to ensure safe human–robot collaboration (HRC) tasks. Through this integrated architecture, LABOR substantially reduces expenses and facilitates maintenance and programming.

A deep learning approach for balance optimisation of patch panel assembly line

This paper introduces an integrated methodology to enhance the efficiency of patch panel assembly lines by harnessing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. The primary objective is to minimise the total completion time of patch panels, a pivotal metric for manufacturing efficiency. The study employs the Assembly Line Production Optimisation (ALPO) model to analyze and enhance the production capacity of the bottleneck station. Existing challenges related to patch panel assembly line task distribution, process content, and tooling layout are scrutinised against production process standards for operational measurements. To achieve improvement, Deep Neural Network (DNN) and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) models are employed in hidden layers, supplemented by deep feed-forward (DFF) layers for output, in adherence to engineering design principles. The bottleneck station's load rate is successfully reduced to below 80%, contributing to an overall balance rate increase from 73% to 88%. These outcomes signify a notable enhancement in production efficiency and employee satisfaction. The research utilises a dataset derived from the Microsoft Azure AI-based PdM dataset. The paper illustrates how AI techniques offer a comprehensive solution to address the inherent complexities in patch panel assembly line optimisation.

Multiple mobile robots motion control based on screw theory for aircraft panel assembly

As a crucial component of large aircraft, the assembly efficiency of aircraft skins directly impacts production efficiency. To achieve efficient manufacturing of aircraft skins, this paper proposes a multiple mobile robot control algorithm based on screw theory. The robot arm is integrated into a rail or AGV to increase its motion space, creating a mobile robot assembly system. To address the redundant degrees of freedom problem caused by the mobile manipulator, this paper adopts the screw theory to describe the motion of multiple robots. Furthermore, to ensure the constraint of the motion between multiple robots, this paper proposes a multi-robot control method based on screw constraint. Rigid body constraints are assigned to the end of each mobile manipulator, and the motion is decomposed to the mobile platform and the robot arm. Finally, the cooperative motion control of multiple mobile manipulators is realized. The proposed algorithm is applied in the multi-mobile manipulator cooperative aircraft panel assembly task, achieving efficient assembly of aircraft panel and long truss.

Optimization of Fixture Number in Large Thin-Walled Parts Assembly Based on IPSO

There are lots of researches on fixture layout optimization for large thin-walled parts. Current researches focus on the positioning problem, i.e., optimizing the positions of a constant number of fixtures. However, how to determine the number of fixtures is ignored. In most cases, the number of fixtures located on large thin-walled parts is determined based on engineering experience, which leads to huge fixture number and extra waste. Therefore, this paper constructs an optimization model to minimize the number of fixtures. The constraints are set in the optimization model to ensure that the part deformation is within the surface profile tolerance. In addition, the assembly gap between two parts is also controlled. To conduct the optimization, this paper develops an improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) algorithm by integrating the shrinkage factor and adaptive inertia weight. In the algorithm, particles are encoded according to the fixture position. Each dimension of the particle is assigned to a sub-region by constraining the optional position range of each fixture to improve the optimization efficiency. Finally, a case study on ship curved panel assembly is provided to prove that our method can optimize the number of fixtures while meeting the assembly quality requirements. This research proposes a method to optimize the number of fixtures, which can reduce the number of fixtures and achieve deformation control at the same time.

Towards utilising Artificial Intelligence for advanced reasoning and adaptability in human-robot collaborative workstations

Significant effort has been allocated recently by the research community for the seamless integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern human-robot collaborative (HRC) systems. Mainly in the context of human operator support and robotic object manipulation, the adoption of AI could become the main enabler towards the realisation of seamless HRC. This work presents the vision of the European funded project MASTERLY for an AI-based framework to enhance operator assistance and optimize robotic object manipulation. The proposed framework aims to contribute towards the realisation of intelligent, human-centric collaborative workstations focusing on two principal areas. The first area is human operator action recognition, which involves interpreting human actions to provide instructions and notifications to the operator only when it is considered necessary via Augmented Reality (AR) interfaces. The second area is the generation of a strategy for robotic manipulation of unknown objects. The proposed approach utilizes AI methods to identify optimal grasping points on unknown objects for efficient and precise robotic handling. The performance of the proposed framework is tested and validated in a case study from the elevators’ manufacturing industry, and more specifically, the assembly of the elevator's electrical panel.

Development of genomic and genetic resources facilitating molecular genetic studies on untapped Myanmar rice germplasms.

To counteract the growing population and climate changes, resilient varieties adapted to regional environmental changes are required. Landraces are valuable genetic resources for achieving this goal. Recent advances in sequencing technology have enabled national seed/gene banks to share genomic and genetic information from their collections including landraces, promoting the more efficient utilization of germplasms. In this study, we developed genomic and genetic resources for Myanmar rice germplasms. First, we assembled a diversity panel consisting of 250 accessions representing the genetic diversity of Myanmar indica varieties, including an elite lowland variety, Inn Ma Yebaw (IMY). Our population genetic analyses illustrated that the diversity panel represented Myanmar indica varieties well without any apparent population structure. Second, de novo genome assembly of IMY was conducted. The IMY assembly was constructed by anchoring 2888 contigs, which were assembled from 30× coverage of long reads, into 12 chromosomes. Although many gaps existed in the IMY genome assembly, our quality assessments indicated high completeness in the gene-coding regions, identical to other near-gap-free assemblies. Together with dense variant information, the diversity panel and IMY genome assembly will facilitate deeper genetic research and breeding projects that utilize the untapped Myanmar rice germplasms.