Showing papers on "Design tool published in 2016"
TL;DR: In this paper, a simulation and design tool for Soft pneumatic actuators (SPAs) using finite element method, compatible and extensible to a diverse range of soft materials and design parameters is presented.
Abstract: This work presents a comprehensive open-source simulation and design tool for Soft pneumatic actuators (SPAs) using finite element method, compatible and extensible to a diverse range of soft materials and design parameters. Thorough characterization of the hyperelastic and viscoelastic behavior is illustrated using a sample soft material (Ecoflex 00_30), and an appropriate material constitutive law. SPA performance (displacement and blocked-force) are simulated for two types of SPA and validated with experimental testing. Real-world case studies are presented in which SPA designs are iteratively optimized through simulation to meet specified performance criteria and geometric constraints.
210 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reviewed the developments in the methodologies used to create reduced scale models as a design tool, including those based in the use of: dimensional analysis, differential equations and energetic methods.
133 citations
07 May 2016
TL;DR: RetroFab is an end-to-end design and fabrication environment that allows non-experts to retrofit physical interfaces and demonstrates the versatility and novel opportunities of the approach by retrofitting five domestic objects and exploring their use cases.
Abstract: We present RetroFab, an end-to-end design and fabrication environment that allows non-experts to retrofit physical interfaces Our approach allows for changing the layout and behavior of physical interfaces Unlike customizing software interfaces, physical interfaces are often challenging to adapt because of their rigidity With RetroFab, a new physical interface is designed that serves as a proxy interface for the legacy controls that are now operated by actuators RetroFab makes this concept of retrofitting devices available to non-experts by automatically generating an enclosure structure from an annotated 3D scan This enclosure structure holds together actuators, sensors as well as components for the redesigned interface To allow retrofitting a wide variety of legacy devices, the RetroFab design tool comes with a toolkit of 12 components We demonstrate the versatility and novel opportunities of our approach by retrofitting five domestic objects and exploring their use cases Preliminary user feedback reports on the experience of retrofitting devices with RetroFab
75 citations
16 Oct 2016
TL;DR: Reprise is described--a design tool for specifying, generating, customizing and fitting adaptations onto existing household objects that allows users to express at a high level what type of action is applied to an object.
Abstract: Everyday tools and objects often need to be customized for an unplanned use or adapted for specific user, such as adding a bigger pull to a zipper or a larger grip for a pen. The advent of low-cost 3D printing offers the possibility to rapidly construct a wide range of such adaptations. However, while 3D printers are now affordable enough for even home use, the tools needed to design custom adaptations normally require skills that are beyond users with limited 3D modeling experience.In this paper, we describe Reprise--a design tool for specifying, generating, customizing and fitting adaptations onto existing household objects. Reprise allows users to express at a high level what type of action is applied to an object. Based on this high level specification, Reprise automatically generates adaptations. Users can use simple sliders to customize the adaptations to better suit their particular needs and preferences, such as increasing the tightness for gripping, enhancing torque for rotation, or making a larger base for stability. Finally, Reprise provides a toolkit of fastening methods and support structures for fitting the adaptations onto existing objects.To validate our approach, we used Reprise to replicate 15 existing adaptation examples, each of which represents a specific category in a design space distilled from an analysis of over 3000 cases found in the literature and online communities. We believe this work would benefit makers and designers for prototyping lifehacking solutions and assistive technologies.
72 citations
TL;DR: 3D topology optimization model developed in this work was used to design a thermoelectric system, complete with insulation and heat sink, that was produced and tested and was able to maintain the load at more than 33K below the oil well temperature.
64 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a design for energy minimization (DfEM) approach, which is intended to provide increased transparency with respect to the energy consumed during manufacture in order to help inform design decisions.
63 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a case study using BPM is presented to evaluate various what if scenarios on a proposed multi-use building and the output revealed that BPM delivers information needed for enhanced design and building performance.
Abstract: Sustainability has become a significant aspect of real estate and has been integrated into the design, construction and operation of buildings. Now, emerging from the various initiatives around the world, the building information modelling (BIM) approach has been seen as a method that might deliver substantial gains in terms of designing and assessing the environmental cost of buildings. Various research methodologies have been adopted, including a literature review exploring the benefits and challenges of BIM and of using a building performance modelling software (BPM) called Ecotect for sustainable building design. Finally, it introduces a design tool analysis of a case study using Ecotect to evaluate various what if scenarios on a proposed multi-use building. The output revealed that BPM delivers information needed for enhanced design and building performance. Recommendations such as the establishment of proper mechanisms to monitor the performance of BPM related construction are suggested to allow for its continuous implementation. This research consolidates collective movements towards wider implementation of BPM and forms a base for developing a sound BIM strategy and guidance.
61 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the 3D design and analysis of a 5'kW micro turbo expanders for small, distributed ORC power units is proposed, starting from a recently developed 0D design tool, which was initially applied to 50'kw radial turbines.
58 citations
TL;DR: In this article, an optimization design procedure for wave energy converters (WECs) of the oscillating water column (OWC) type, where main dimensions and geometry of the wave-floater and OWC main characteristics for a given Power-Take-Off (PTO) are selected to attain the most cost effective power generation solution off the Portuguese west coast (design-point), is presented.
44 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a design tool called Evolutionary Architectural Space Layout Explorer (EASE) is proposed to facilitate the optimization of 3D space layouts. But it does not address the need to attend to many alternatives simultaneously in layout design.
38 citations
14 Feb 2016
TL;DR: The development of the Ideating in Skills (IiS) toolset: an embodied design tool aimed at supporting co-design processes and is currently used and tested in one-on-one settings all over the world and in multi-stakeholder settings in a creative hub in Sweden.
Abstract: In this paper, we show the development of the Ideating in Skills (IiS) toolset: an embodied design tool aimed at supporting co-design processes. The iterative process of developing the toolset was carried out by students. They worked individually at first, exploring their own skills and moods through movement, visualisations and poetry. These explorations were translated into objects that were able to communicate and connect with each other. In each iteration, the design of the qualities of these connections was based on the findings of the previous explorations. After several individual and team-based iterations, a final toolset was collaboratively created and evaluated in various short design sessions. Based on the potential of the first version of the toolset, a second version was created that is currently used and tested in one-on-one settings all over the world and in multi-stakeholder settings in a creative hub in Sweden.
TL;DR: In this article, a model-based control design approach is presented using simple feedback control laws, i.e. proportional controllers, which combines three main domains: tribology, dynamics and control.
16 Oct 2016
TL;DR: Ellustrate is presented, a digital design tool that enables the functional and aesthetic design of electronic circuits with multiple conductive and dielectric materials and enables a new electronic design conversation that combines electronics, materials, and visual aesthetic concerns.
Abstract: As interactive electronics become increasingly intimate and personal, the design of circuitry is correspondingly developing a more playful and creative aesthetic. Circuit sketching and design is a multidimensional activity which combines the arts, crafts, and engineering broadening participation of electronic creation to include makers of diverse backgrounds. In order to support this design ecology, we present Ellustrate, a digital design tool that enables the functional and aesthetic design of electronic circuits with multiple conductive and dielectric materials. Ellustrate guides users through the fabrication and debugging process, easing the task of practical circuit creation while supporting designers' aesthetic decisions throughout the circuit authoring workflow. In a formal user study, we demonstrate how Ellustrate enables a new electronic design conversation that combines electronics, materials, and visual aesthetic concerns.
TL;DR: The Maturity Grid as discussed by the authors provides designers and product marketers with insights on how to improve the design of their medical devices and specifically allows consideration of the complex trade-offs between decisions that influence different life-cycle stages.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used CFD for the characterisation of packings and column distribution internal development to show how CFD simulations should be performed to improve the design of gas and liquid distributors.
Abstract: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is today commonly used in a wide variety of process industries and disciplines for the development of innovative technologies. The present article aims to show how CFD can be used as an effective analysis and design tool for the development and design of packed gas/liquid absorption columns. It is first shown how CFD can be used for the characterisation of packings. The different hydrodynamic and mass transfer design parameters are investigated and adapted CFD methods are suggested. Secondly, column distribution internal development is discussed to show how CFD simulations should be performed to improve the design of gas and liquid distributors. An example of the development of new distribution technologies for floating installation of a reactive absorption column is also presented.
01 Sep 2016
TL;DR: In this article, an automated design tool called cReComp is proposed to improve the productivity of ROS-compliant FPGA component by generating codes of interface software and hardware automatically.
Abstract: Autonomous mobile robots require high-performance computation to meet variety of requirements of functions, such as sensing, intelligent image processing and controlling actuators. We focus on FPGA as a hardware platform for autonomous mobile robot system. However, a FPGA-based system is not effective in development cost, since it requires HDL-based design whose productivity is relatively low. In order to solve this problem, we have already proposed a design principle of ROS-compliant FPGA component, which is effective in easy integration of a FPGA device into any robot system. Although it allows ROS-based software to access easily to hardware circuitry in FPGA, high development cost of HDL-based circuitry still remains as a large problem. So, in this paper, we propose cReComp which is an automated design tool to improve productivity of ROS-compliant FPGA component. cReComp generates codes of interface software and hardware automatically. We evaluate cReComp from two major aspects: improvements in design productivity, and operation speed of generated FPGA components by cReComp. Experimental results show that only less than one hour is enough for novice designers to implement a ROS-compliant FPGA component into programmable SoC. Furthermore, our results reveal that generated FPGA component operates 1.85 times faster than the original software-based component.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a design optimization code for the geometry of the Fish Bone Active Camber morphing airfoil concept, which has been under development at Swansea University.
Abstract: This work presents the development of a design optimization code for the geometry of the Fish Bone Active Camber morphing airfoil concept, which has been under development at Swansea University. This concept employs a biologically inspired architecture to provide highly anisotropic structural compliance, which creates smooth and continuous camber changes of large magnitude. Previous work has shown that this concept is capable of large lift coefficient control authority and significant reductions in drag over traditional trailing edge flaps. Further development of the concept requires a more robust design methodology that allows for an automated and thorough search of the available design space in order to optimize the aero-structural and system-level performance of the concept. To this end, this research extends a previously developed fluid–structure interaction analysis into a useful design tool by embedding it within a multi-objective structural optimization routine based on a genetic algorithm. The thr...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present results of an experiment to understand how designers solve parameter design problems in the context of desalination systems, in which subjects with different expertise were asked to complete design tasks involving seawater reverse osmosis plants and found that designers had difficulties understanding the sensitivity of coupled variables.
TL;DR: Based on the SizeChina database, a 3D digital design and evaluation tool that allows designers to easily access Chinese head and face shape data in the Solidworks CAD environment has been developed in this paper.
Abstract: Product fit greatly depends on the human anthropometric information. Traditional anthropometric dimensions do not describe the 3D shape of the human body that is required by product designers, especially for head fitting products. With the development of CAD software and 3D scanning technology, 3D human modeling is becoming more important in design area. Based on SizeChina database, a 3D digital design and evaluation tool that allow designers to easily access Chinese head and face shape data in the Solidworks CAD environment has been developed in this study. The various sizes of 3D head templates are generated in using reference dimensions. This digital design tool can be used to visualize, evaluate and correct product fit on screen during the development process. This method allows the creation of better fitting products for the head and face.
TL;DR: The main contribution and originality of the paper is the seamless integration of two known technologies (feature modelling and meta-programming) in designing robot-oriented GLOs and their supporting tools.
TL;DR: The MHD tool was used to design a polishing step for two proteins, a monoclonal antibody and a fusion protein, on two chromatographic resins, in order to demonstrate it has the ability to strongly accelerate the early phases of process development.
TL;DR: In this article, a coupled finite element (FEM)-blade element momentum theory (BEMT) design tool was developed to iterate between the structural (deformation and stresses) and hydrodynamic (power and thrust loads) responses of turbine blades.
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a tool developed for the design process of an inertial sea wave energy converter (ISWEC) to compute the annual electrical productivity using a simplified model, taking into account several considerations such as system geometrical and electrical configurations, the hull properties or the installation site.
TL;DR: DAS-2D (Design, Analysis and Synthesis), a conceptual design tool which integrates the recently developed pseudo-rigid-body models and kinetostatic analysis/synthesis theories for compliant mechanisms, is presented.
Abstract: . Compliant mechanisms utilize the deformation of the elastic members to achieve the desired motion. Currently, design and analysis of compliant mechanisms rely on several commercial dynamics and finite element simulation tools. However, these tools do not implement the most recently developed theories in compliant mechanism research. In this article, we present DAS-2D (Design, Analysis and Synthesis), a conceptual design tool which integrates the recently developed pseudo-rigid-body models and kinetostatic analysis/synthesis theories for compliant mechanisms. Coded in Matlab, the software features a kinematic solver for general rigid-body mechanisms, a kinetostatic solver for compliant mechanisms and a fully interactive graphical user interface. The implementation details of all modules of the program are presented and demonstrated with four different case studies. This tool can be beneficial to classroom teaching as well as engineering practices in design of compliant mechanisms.
02 May 2016
TL;DR: In this article, the authors demonstrate the capability of the numerical wave basin (NWB) as a design tool to evaluate offshore floater design more efficiently and with less uncertainty than the conventional ways relying on empirical methods.
Abstract: As Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and High Performance Computing (HPC) technologies matured in many other industries, the offshore industry has begun to recognize CFD-based Numerical Wave Basin (NWB) as a design tool to evaluate offshore floater design more efficiently and with less uncertainty than the conventional ways relying on empirical methods. The recent NWB technology development has focused on the customization of CFD software for offshore design practices and validation of the developed analysis tools/procedures against physical model tests. Development has now extended to simulation of fully coupled hull-mooring-riser systems. Technology readiness of the NWB for field application is demonstrated for two benchmark problems: Vortex-induced motion of a multi-column floater Global performance of a multi-column floater in extreme wave environment The results indicates that the CFD-based numerical wave basin, although still computationally expensive, is technically ready to be a complementary tool to physical wave basin for offshore platform global performance design.
01 Jan 2016
TL;DR: This paper describes relevant MOO methods and discusses how architects and engineers can use them to generate diverse, highperforming designs and introduces a number of computational tools that support MOO implementation and are embedded in traditional parametric modeling software.
Abstract: In conceptual building design, an architect must simultaneously consider a variety of design objectives, including structural efficiency, total energy usage, and aesthetic expression. Multi-objective optimization (MOO) has been demonstrated to adequately account for designers’ needs and guide them towards high performing solutions early in the design process. However, conceptual building designers seldom use MOO in practice, and although the use of parametric design tools is widespread, these tools rarely give rapid, multidimensional performance feedback to guide design exploration. In response, this paper describes relevant MOO methods and discusses how architects and engineers can use them to generate diverse, highperforming designs. It also introduces a number of computational tools that support MOO implementation and are embedded in traditional parametric modeling software. Finally, this paper presents a design case study of a cantilevered stadium roof to show how designers can effectively set up and navigate an architectural design space. MOO is commonly applied in fields as diverse as finance and aerospace engineering, and researchers have developed a wealth of methods and algorithms to apply to various problems. Moreover, parametric modeling is already a commonly used tool in many architectural design firms, which lends itself to optimization. Yet for complex problems with high dimensional design and objective spaces, current architectural design tools lack the functionality and accessibility necessary for enabling widespread use of MOO techniques. Many conceptual designers also have little experience with setting up and using multi-objective workflows, since their development has been geared more towards pure engineering problems than expressive architectural design. In addition, specific architectural problems or designers themselves might require or prefer a wide range of techniques within the broader field of MOO. Thus, there is a need for research contributions that address the accessibility, ease of use, and flexibility of MOO processes for aiding conceptual designers in their search for diverse, creative forms.
30 May 2016
TL;DR: In this article, a variable-depth, multi-degree-of-freedom (MOF) broadband acoustic lintern was designed for a high speed fan with in-duct attenuation prediction with a statistical source model.
Abstract: The utilization of advanced fan designs (including higher bypass ratios) and shorter engine nacelles has highlighted a need for increased fan noise reduction over a broader frequency range. Thus, improved broadband liner designs must account for these constraints and, where applicable, take advantage of advanced manufacturing techniques that have opened new possibilities for novel configurations. This work focuses on the use of an established broadband acoustic liner optimization process to design a variable-depth, multi-degree of freedom liner for a high speed fan. Specifically, in-duct attenuation predictions with a statistical source model are used to obtain optimum impedance spectra over the conditions of interest. The predicted optimum impedance information is then used with acoustic liner modeling tools to design a liner aimed at producing impedance spectra that most closely match the predicted optimum values. The multi-degree of freedom design is carried through design, fabrication, and testing. In-duct attenuation predictions compare well with measured data and the multi-degree of freedom liner is shown to outperform a more conventional liner over a range of flow conditions. These promising results provide further confidence in the design tool, as well as the enhancements made to the overall design process.
19 May 2016
TL;DR: Compared with the previous approach of translating a PLC program to a timed automata and verifying by the use of a model-checking tool, this approach is significantly more scalable to verify non-timing related functional properties.
Abstract: Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) have been widely applied in safety-critical industrial processes. Automated verification of PLC programs is a challenging task for control system engineers. A method of mutation-based verification of Simulink design models for verifying PLCs programs is proposed. In this work, PLC programs coded in the Structured Text (ST) language are assumed to be automatically generated from Simulink models using the tool Simulink PLC Coder from Mathworks. We utilize Simulink diagrams as system design models. Simulink is a powerful design tool for developing complex event-driven applications. To formally verify the functional properties of the design models, a verifying model compiler called Gene-auto is applied to automatically translate Simulink models to C code. The properties to be checked are also translated as C assertions, which are inserted into the translated C code. Then, the generated C code instrumented with assertions is formally verified with a bounded model checking tool for C program called CBMC. The approach is experimentally assessed on a water control system case study. Compared with the previous approach of translating a PLC program to a timed automata and verifying by the use of a model-checking tool, our approach is significantly more scalable to verify non-timing related functional properties.
09 Feb 2016
TL;DR: In this paper, an overhang constraint is formulated based on the gradient of the density field, which is particularly suitable for incorporating the part orientation in the build chamber of the SLM machine into the optimisation.
Abstract: This research aims at improving the synergy between 3D printing and topology optimisation. 3D printing, more formally known as additive manufacturing, forms an object by constructing successive layers on top of each other. This procedure of manufacturing offers new possibilities due to the improved design freedom. Topology optimisation is a mathematical design tool that finds the optimal material distribution for a specified problem. Usually the generated optimal designs have a complex shape which are difficult to produce with traditional manufacturing techniques, and post-processing of the design is necessary in order to obtain a manufacturable design. Additive manufacturing makes most of this post-processing redundant due to its unprecedented manufacture abilities. However, despite the greatly improved design freedom, certain geometric restrictions are encountered in popular additive manufacturing techniques like selective laser melting (SLM). Among others, designs need to be self-supporting or overhang-free in order to guarantee a successful production. The best way to deal with this is to incorporate an overhang restriction directly into the topology optimisation, such that optimal designs are generated that also comply with this manufacturing constraint. An overhang constraint is formulated based on the gradient of the density field. The gradient of the density field is used because it is particularly suitable for incorporating the part orientation in the build chamber of the SLM machine into the optimisation. Besides this, it allows for an arbitrary critical angle and is easily extended to 3D. This constraint is implemented in an existing topology optimisation algorithm and tested on numerical examples. Various implementations are tested and compared. Furthermore, a novel method is devised to efficiently include the build orientation into the optimisation. By numerical examples it is shown that this method results in optimal structures and corresponding build directions that are free of overhang.
01 Sep 2016
TL;DR: In this paper concept of a new software tool provides guidance for taking the BACS and TBM functions as far as possible into account under buildings planning and design processes, based on the EN 15232 standard.
Abstract: The proper design of Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS) and Technical Building Management (TBM) with complex technical systems and thousands of devices is a very difficult process with a lot of laborious works. The usage of dedicated tools for design process may simplifies these efforts and works. The BACS and TBM have impact not only on buildings' comfort and safety, but also on the energy performance. In this paper concept of a new software tool is introduced. This tool provides guidance for taking the BACS and TBM functions as far as possible into account under buildings planning and design processes. The guidance based on the EN 15232 standard, defining the BACS and TBM efficiency classes. First stages of development of the proposed software tool have been presented. Proposed by authors software tool helps to solve typical issues under BACS design process.