Product Structure Design Research Articles

Bridging Theory and Practice: Application of Outcome-Based Education in Product Structure Design Courses

Bridging Theory and Practice: Application of Outcome-Based Education in Product Structure Design Courses

Simulation analysis and optimization of thermoelectric refrigeration and air conditioning

Abstract Thermoelectric refrigeration technology is mainly through the Peltier effect to achieve refrigeration, thermoelectric refrigeration air conditioning needs to be combined with a certain air flow rate to realize the separation of cold and heat, and make full use of the cold end to realize the refrigeration function, or else the refrigeration efficiency is seriously affected. Based on the ICEPAK simulation platform of ANSYS, we analyze the influence of structure and parameter settings on the conversion efficiency of thermoelectric refrigeration air conditioning fan under the established boundary conditions, establish the relationship between air flow rate and temperature drop value, and put forward the optimization of the product structure design scheme, and the results of the optimization scheme show that there is a peak in the operating current at a certain heat dissipation efficiency; and lengthening the length of the air ducts through the optimization of the structure can enhance the refrigeration effect of the air conditioner.

Prediction of human initial operation situation in confined space with a multi-task deep neural network

Most large manufacturing fields still rely on manual operations, requiring operators to enter the Confined Space (CS) to conduct assembly and maintenance tasks. The ergonomics analysis combined with the Digital Human Model (DHM) can provide valuable suggestions and guidance for product structure design and process planning. Due to the particularity of CS, the current algorithms applied to DHM operation planning are not suitable for CS operations. To address this challenge, we introduce a novel approach to predict the initial operation situation in CS. The Restriction State Expression Model for Bi-Directional Confined Space (RSEMfBDCS) is introduced to quantify the restricted degree, and a novel multi-task deep neural network, as the Human Operation Situation Prediction Network in CS (HOSPNiCS) is developed to predict the initial operation situation in CS, which includes operation reachability, the initial OPI, and the initial OPII of the operators. Training and Verifying by the data collected from the real operation cases, HOSPNiCS distinguishes whether the manual operation is reachable with an average accuracy of 0.996, and the average accuracy for initial OPI prediction can reach 0.957. For initial OPII prediction, HOSPNiCS has an average distance error of 0.036 m and an average angle error of 0.395°. Based on the proposed approach, the engineering designers can swiftly ascertain operation reachability and get the initial OPI and OPII of DHM with the help of the prediction results. In light of this, the human operation simulation would be more practical for future human factor analysis.

An Eco-Innovative Green Design Method using the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving and Importance–Performance Analysis Tools—A Case Study of Marker Pen Manufacturing

This study explores innovative designs for the cap of a marker pen, aiming to address the issues of cap loss and ink evaporation during marker pen usage. This study applies intrinsic safety, universal design and TRIZ as research methods. TRIZ has great potential to address most of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relevant to conflict-oriented problem solving for innovations. The principles of simplification, foolproof design, clarity of states, and tolerance from intrinsic safety were applied to prevent cap loss and minimize the risks associated with ink evaporation. The TRIZ methodology’s contradiction matrix was utilized to identify relevant inventive principles by improving parameters and avoiding worsening parameters, providing a reference basis for product structure design. Lastly, the principles of equitable use, simplicity, intuitiveness, and effortless design from universal design were employed to enhance the marker pen’s usability for the general public. This study creates a SERVQUAL questionnaire to compare the prototype of the designed pen cap with commercially available pen caps. It utilizes the two-dimensional quality model (Kano model) and Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA) for practical design analysis. Finally, the prototype structure is visualized using graphic software. The innovative design features of this study include the following. (1) Concealable pen tip: the sliding seal hides the pen tip inside the pen body when the pen core is slid upwards, preventing cap loss and ink drying. (2) Quick retractable function: using a pressing mechanism, the pen tip can be quickly retracted with a one-handed press and slide motion. (3) Replaceable pen core: the pen core can be replaced by disassembling the pen body, removing the old pen core, and inserting a new one, thereby extending the pen’s lifespan. (4) Satisfaction evaluation of the innovative pen cap design: through questionnaire surveys and cross-analysis using the IPA and the Kano model, this study assesses the product’s manufacturing and mass production value to reduce actual product development costs and time.

Application Research of Low-density Polypropylene Materials on Door Trim Panels

Lightweight design is an important indicator in the process of automobile development, including product structure design, using plastic instead of steel and low density materials and other technical solution, this paper studies low density material technology to achieve lightweight automotive parts. The material system of polypropylene (PP)/elastomer/talc blends(PP+EPDM-TD)was selected to study the combination of different types of PP (homopolymer PP and random PP) and talc powder (mesh number and content) in the material formula. With the goal of the performance of the door panel parts, PP materials with 5% (PP+EPDM-TD5), 10% (PP+EPDM-TD10) and 20% (PP+EPDM-TD20) talc content were developed to verify the material properties. 10% and 20% talc content can meet the requirements. Then, the two materials were comprehensively evaluated from the aspects of parts forming analysis, size verification and application cost, and the low-density material (PP+EPDM-TD10) was finally selected for application to meet the lightweight design requirements of parts.

An integrated simulation method for analyzing mechanical properties of injection molded fiber‐reinforced polymers

AbstractInjection molded fiber‐reinforced polymers have been widely used for their excellent comprehensive properties. Due to the high cost of injection molds, how to improve the strength of the products in the design stage is a problem worthy of researching. This study presents a novel method for predicting the product strength via analysis of weld line and fiber orientation, which are two key factors in injection molding. In this study, injection molding simulation was carried out in commercial software Moldex3D to obtain the information about weld line, fiber orientation and other factors which were used for prediction of strength of products. Based on the healing theory and interdiffusion model, a weld line strength model for injection molding is established. The effects of fiber orientation distribution on strength were investigated through Abaqus structural analysis. The proposed method was used to verify the experimental results in the existing literatures and the simulation results were in good agreement with the experiments. The method was applied in the gate design of an aerospace product. This study indicated that the proposed method has great potential for mold design, product structure design and process optimization.

Towards the evolution characteristics of product structural properties based on the time-dependent network

Product structural properties are fundamental in product structure optimisation and design. Due to the inevitable evolution of products, product structural properties also change accordingly. Although the evolution of the product structure has been preliminarily investigated, it is mainly analyzed from the viewpoint of commonalities for product generations, and the evolution trend of product structure across product generations has not been well explored. To provide product development direction for designers, this study aims at uncovering the evolution characteristics of product structural properties based on the time-dependent network model. Firstly, weighted time-dependent networks are constructed to represent the cross-generation product structures. Secondly, product structural properties (including complexity, importance, and robustness) are analyzed benefited from topology similarities between product structures and complex networks. Thirdly, 25 generations of iPhones are selected to analyze the evolution characteristics of product structural properties. The results show that in the evolution of product structures, the complexity of the product is decreasing while core components are becoming more complex owing to scale-free property. And the core components are always important in each product generation. Additionally, the evolving product structural networks are highly robust in random failure of components (RFC) and vulnerable in the failure of core components (FCC).

T01067* Series Fuel Pump Pulp Molded Package Dynamic Drop Simulation

In this paper, combined with the actual situation encountered in the process of product transportation, the finite element analysis software ANSYS/LS-DYNA was used to simulate the dynamic drop process of the buffer packaging structure of T01067* series fuel pump, and the simulation results were analyzed, and a conclusion was drawn. According to the fuel pump weight calculation buffer material thickness, according to the product size and structure design of the pulp molded cushion structure, simulation of static cushioning performance, and dynamic drop simulation, for the subsequent structural optimization cost reduction to provide early warning [,]. Check the simulation production cost, reduce many times a large number of experiments and time, structure is ideal type prediction, find out the ideal optimization total, physical test, further optimization and improvement [].

Research on Online CAD Course Teaching Mode Based on N+X Mode

In order to further enhance the design and innovation ability of students, students are taught hierarchically through the online learning teaching platform and the knowledge module setting of product structure design. Meanwhile, based on the curriculum research of the mixed classroom teaching model, this paper is composed to enhance the initiative of students in learning, realize layered teaching, and enhance the effectiveness of teaching. Classrooms are not the only place to give a lecture, and the diversification of teaching locations and learning time can be achieved, which makes communication and guidance between teachers and students as well as cooperation and communication between students and students more convenient, so that students' team assistance ability can be effectively improved. Therefore, on the online learning platform, curriculum resources can realize the quantification of resources, which enriches the classroom and achieves the process and data evaluation of students so as to implement the objectivity and effectiveness of the evaluation.

Size-dependent enhancement in salt perception: Spraying approaches to reduce sodium content in foods

There is a rising need to come up with scalable approaches for reducing the salt content in foods. The product structure design is one of the mechanisms to reduce sodium content without impacting the taste of food. Here we report a new approach involving modification of the size and structure of common salt using two techniques: spray drying (SD) and electrohydrodynamic atomized drying (ED). We characterized the properties of the SD and ED produced salts; with size ranges of 1.21 μm and 520 nm, 2-fold and a 3-fold increase in saltiness were observed, indicative of around 58.67 and 65.34% reduction in sodium levels respectively, to achieve similar levels of saltiness for control salt. Finally, these findings were supported with time-intensity analysis and dissolution characteristics of these salts, demonstrating a promising approach for reducing sodium content in foods, particularly for surface-salting applications.

Research on Human-Computer Interaction Design of Office Chair Based on QFD Method

Based on quality function deployment (QFD) and emotional design theory, the psychological needs of users are explored, and the interactive design system of office chairs is developed centering on users, thus solving the problems of space efficiency, office mode and human-computer interaction. First of all, through the relationship between the emotional concept and “function-behavior-benefit” in QFD method, from the perspective of emotional experience, the man-machine relationship is analyzed, and the principles and methods of contemporary office chair comfortable and healthy experience design are summarized. Secondly, based on the product structure and human-computer interaction design, the internal demand of consumers is transformed into the actual demand of products, and the QFD house of quality model is output to obtain the best design scheme. Finally, through design demonstration, the integrated application of emotional design and QFD method is feasible and effective, which can form a mapping relationship between product benefits and user needs, thus realizing the man-machine interaction design of multi-adaptive office chairs.

Structure-function correlations analysis and functional semantic annotation of mechanical CAD assembly model

PurposeThree-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) assembly model has become important resource for design reuse in enterprises, which implicates plenty of design intent, assembly intent, design experience knowledge and functional structures. To acquire quickly CAD assembly models associated with specific functions by using product function requirement information in the product conceptual design phase for model reuse, this paper aims to find an approach for structure-function correlations analysis and functional semantic annotation of mechanical CAD assembly model before functional semantic-based assembly retrieval.Design/methodology/approachAn approach for structure-function correlations analysis and functional semantic annotation of CAD assembly model is proposed. First, the product knowledge model is constructed based on ontology including design knowledge and function knowledge. Then, CAD assembly model is represented by part attributed adjacency graph and partitioned into multiple functional regions. Assembly region and flow-activity region are defined for structure-function correlations analysis of CAD assembly model. Meanwhile, the extraction process of assembly region and flow-activity region is given in detail. Furthermore, structure-function correlations analysis and functional semantic annotation are achieved by considering comprehensively assembly structure and assembled part shape structure in CAD assembly model. After that, a structure-function relation model is established based on polychromatic sets for expressing explicitly and formally relationships between functional structures, assembled parts and functional semantics.FindingsThe correlation between structure and function is analyzed effectively, and functional semantics corresponding to structures in CAD assembly model are labeled. Additionally, the relationships between functional structures, assembled parts and functional semantics can be described explicitly and formally.Practical implicationsThe approach can be used to help designers accomplish functional semantic annotation of CAD assembly models in model repository, which provides support for functional semantic-based CAD assembly retrieval in the product conceptual design phase. These assembly models can be reused for product structure design and assembly process design.Originality/valueThe paper proposes a novel approach for structure-function correlations analysis and functional semantic annotation of mechanical CAD assembly model. Functional structures in assembly model are extracted and analyzed from the point of view of assembly structure and function part structure. Furthermore, the correlation relation between structures, assembled parts and functional semantics is expressed explicitly and formally based on polychromatic sets.

Research of the Principle and Method for the Long-term Preservation of the Product Structure Design Information of the Launch Vehicle

Aimed at the long term preservation of the product structure design information in the launch vehicle 3D model, the article researches the feasibility of long-term preservation solutions for the product 3D model information, and raises a suitable method to preserve the structure design information of the 3D model . At the end of the article, an information automatic reading module and 3D model visualization module is developed which is based on the OpenCascade to solve the long term preservation of the product 3D model structure design information.

Adaptive Path Planning of Fiber Placement Based on Improved Method of Mesh Dynamic Representation

Path planning for fiber placement is one of the research hotspots on composite fiber placement forming technology. The problem how to realize adaptive planning of placement path has great significance in improving the efficiency of automatic fiber placement and shortening product manufacturing period. Firstly, with the numerical simulation of moving interface, the iterative generation and wave propagation of reference path are simulated on the mesh surface, and the mesh dynamic representation (MDR) of fiber placement paths is realized. Then, through improvement on proposed algorithm, an optimal reference path which assures all the fiber directions to meet the requirements of product structure design is sought automatically, and thus adaptive planning of placement path is realized. The simulated automatic fiber placement mechanism can generate a series of equidistant paths through the equidistant propagation of reference path, by which the overlap and gap of fiber tows are avoided, and the quality of fiber placement is improved. Finally, the simple and complex surfaces for fiber placement are analyzed with finite element in the numerical experiment, and the obtained equidistant paths and fiber directions show the efficiency of the proposed method.

Die Design for Main Bearing Cap of Engine Block Based Semi-Solid Die Casting Process and the Comparison Analysis with Squeeze Casting Process

There are two new processes to development automobile structural components which have certain thickness. In the present paper, taking a main bearing cap product as an example, analyses die design by comparing the experimental and computational numerical simulation results. For the main bearing cap, product structure and mold design were designed to be suitable for characters of SSM die casting and squeeze process. Semi-solid slurry has significantly higher viscosity than liquid metal. This character of fluidity and solid fraction phase make the flow condition more laminar than liquid squeeze casting with the partial fill experiment. And compared with squeeze casting process, the globular shape grain size is smaller than dendritic structure. And mechanical property result shows that the elongation of SSM die casting can achieve more than twice than squeeze casting.

A Bayesian Network Based Adaptability Design of Product Structures for Function Evolution

Structure adaptability design is critical for function evolution in product families, in which many structural and functional design factors are intertwined together with manufacturing cost, customer satisfaction, and final market sales. How to achieve a delicate balance among all of these factors to maximize the market performance of the product is too complicated to address based on traditional domain experts’ knowledge or some ad hoc heuristics. Here, we propose a quantitative product evolution design model that is based on Bayesian networks to model the dynamic relationship between customer needs and product structure design. In our model, all of the structural or functional features along with customer satisfaction, manufacturing cost, sale price, market sales, and indirect factors are modeled as random variables denoted as nodes in the Bayesian networks. The structure of the Bayesian model is then determined based on the historical data, which captures the dynamic sophisticated relationship of customer demands of a product, structural design, and market performance. Application of our approach to an electric toothbrush product family evolution design problem shows that our model allows for designers to interrogate with the model and obtain theoretical and decision support for dynamic product feature design process.

Enhancing product structure design for an automation mechanism, by involving axiomatic design theory

The research presented in the paper is part of a larger approach concerning the enhancing of Product Development Sustainability by involving advanced design theories for effectiveness and efficiency of Product Design and CAD/CAE/CAM activities. The particular idea is to apply some principles from the Axiomatic Design theory within Concept Design and System Level Design stages, in order to enhance the Product Structure Design and to streamline the CAD activities and to study how a decomposition model obtained by applying AD theory affects the capture of Design Intent into a 3D CAD parametric product model structure. An applied project is exemplified as a case study, particularly referring to developing the Product Structure Design activities for the mechanical structure of an automated dimensional sorting system. Related discussions, conclusions and some further research directions are included.

Research on the Strategy of Product Ecological Structure Design under Global Ocean Pollution

Serious pollution problems in the global offshore area are caused by a large number of municipal wastes from land. The reason is that there are many unenvironmental structure designs in the product design, which brings a lot of waste of resources and environmental pollution and other problems. Based on the principle of 3R, this article integrates the thought of ecological structure design into the "human-machine-environment" ecosystems; establishes the ideological system of product ecological structure design; confirms the feasibility of product ecological structure design with analysis of relevant design cases. Then to establish the assessment system of the economical system to evaluate the ecology of the product structure design.

Construction and Research of Digital Product Design Platform

With the development of electronic information technology, digital design platform design has become mainstream. To build a platform for digital product design is in line with the current development trend. In order to adapt to market personalized, customized direction of rapid development, shorten the development cycle and reduce research costs and enhance the quality ,we should devote human resources to carry out research and implementation, use digital technology as a tool, digitizing product structure and product design, the key is to design products integrated information system.

A Functional Platform Strategy for Integrated Machine Tools

Product modularization enables a combination of standardization and cost reduction without neglecting the concept of individualization. The major benefit is to maximize external diversity and minimize internal complexity by modular product structures. For a modular product structure and interface design of machine tools combining complementary manufacturing processes in a single machine system, a detailed understanding of the individual technologies and mutual interdependencies is essential to identify complexity and estimate the imminent development effort. Product configuration and conceptualization for integrated machine tools basically depend on the interactions of the manufacturing technologies and the required effort for realization. Platform concepts carry high potential for rationalization, due to similar structures and components and facilitate a fast and low-risk product development process in general.Consequently, a platform strategy from a functional point of view is presented to reduce the effort for product development in order to open up new manufacturing technology combinations. Complexity drivers and technological barriers preventing technology integration are included in the assessment for a methodical combination. Therefore, a holistic requirements management forms the basis for sustainable developing activities for integrated machine tools and enables a detailed description of functional dependencies. An evaluation is carried out by an established process chain for a machining process.