Research on the Application of Intelligent Optimization Algorithm in Mechanical Design

Intelligent optimization algorithm belongs to a kind of emerging technology,show good characteristics,such as high performance,applicability,its algorithm includes many contents,including genetic,particle swarm and artificial neural network algorithm,compared with the traditional optimization way,these algorithms can be applied to a variety of situations,meet the demand of solution,in the mechanical design industry has wide application prospects.This paper analyzes the application of the algorithm in mechanical design and the comparison of the results to verify the significance of the intelligent optimization algorithm in mechanical design.

Hybridizing artificial bee colony with biogeography-based optimization for constrained mechanical design problems

A novel hybrid algorithm named ABC-BBO, which integrates artificial bee colony(ABC) algorithm with biogeography-based optimization(BBO) algorithm, is proposed to solve constrained mechanical design problems. ABC-BBO combined the exploration of ABC algorithm with the exploitation of BBO algorithm effectively, and hence it can generate the promising candidate individuals. The proposed hybrid algorithm speeds up the convergence and improves the algorithm's performance. Several benchmark test functions and mechanical design problems are applied to verifying the effects of these improvements and it is demonstrated that the performance of this proposed ABC-BBO is superior to or at least highly competitive with other population-based optimization approaches.

A Framework for Web-Based Mechanical Design and Analysis

In this paper, a Web-based Mechanical Design and A na lysis Framework (WMDAF) is proposed. This WMADF allows designers to develop web -based computer aided programs in a systematic way during the collaborative mec hanical system design and analysis process. This system is based on an emerg ing web-based Content Management System (CMS) called eXtended Object Oriented P ortal System (XOOPS). Due to the Open Source Status of the XOOPS CMS, programs d eveloped with this framework can be further customized to satisfy the demands of the user. To introduce the use of this framework, this paper exams three differ ent types of mechanical design and analysis problems. First, a repetitive design consideration and calculation process is transferred into WMADF programs to gai n efficiency for wired collaborative team. Second, the considered product solid model is created directly through the use of XOOPS program and Microsoft Compone nt Object Model (COM) instances. To the end of the paper, an example linked with ANSYS is used to indicate the possible application of this framework.

Concept of Intelligent Mechanical Design for Autonomous Mobile Robots

The concept of Intelligent Mechanical Design （IMD） is presented to show how a mechanical structure can be designed to affect robot controllability, simplification and task performance. Exploring this concept produces landmarks in the territory of mechanical robot design in the form of seven design principles. The design principles, which we call the Mecha-Telligence Principles （MTP）, provide guidance on how to design mechanics for autonomous mobile robots. These principles guide us to ask the right questions when investigating issues concerning self-controllable, reliable, feasible, and compatible mechanics for autonomous mobile robots. To show how MTP can be applied in the design process we propose a novel methodology, named as Mecha-Telligence Methodology （MTM）. Mechanical design by the proposed methodology is based on preference classification of the robot specification described by interaction of the robot with its environment and the physical parameters of the robot mechatronics. After defining new terms, we investigate the feasibility of the proposed methodology to the mechanical design of an autonomous mobile sewer inspection robot. In this industrial project we show how a passive-active intelligent moving mechanism can be designed using the MTM and employed in the field.

Mechanical Design of Long-Term Body-Adhered Medical Devices to Maximize On-Body Survival

Long-term, body-adhered medical devices rely on an adhesive interface to maintain contact with the patient. The greatest threat to on-body adhesion is mechanical stress imparted on the medical device. Several factors contribute to the ability of the device to withstand such stresses, such as the mechanical design, shape, and size of the device. This analysis investigates the impact that design changes to the device have on the stress and strain experienced by the system when acted on by a stressor. The analysis also identifies the design changes that are most effective at reducing the stress and strain. An explicit dynamic finite element analysis method was used to simulate several design iterations and a regression analysis was performed to quantify the relationship between design and resultant stress and strain. The shape, height, size, and taper of the medical device were modified, and the results indicate that, to reduce stress and strain in the system, the device should resemble a square in shape, be short in height, and small in size with a large taper. The square shape experienced 17.5% less stress compared to the next best performing shape. A 10% reduction in device height resulted in a 21% reduction in stress and 24% reduction in strain. A 20% reduction in device size caused a 7% reduction in stress and 2% reduction in strain. A 20% increase in device taper size led to a negligible reduction in stress and a 6% reduction in strain. The height of the device had the greatest impact on the resultant stress and strain.

Mechanical Design and Students＇ Creativity ＂Think outside the Box＂

A design project was used in junior level mechanical design course to challenge the students＇ creativity skills. Beside the theoretical foundation of the course subject, the students were introduced to several professional skills such as： decision making tools, technical review meetings, interaction with customers, and teamwork skills. The design challenge was to develop a bike rack to meet a list of technical and marketing constraints. Details of the project requirements are presented with a brief overview of the main project mentoring tools. Students＇ creativity is discussed through two samples of the student work. It was noticed that, the basic creativity skills of the students can be improved by using some of the training tools, however, the students vary in their response to this training.

Mechanical Design and Kinematic Simulation of Automated Assembly System for Relay

By means of Solid Works, three-dimensional model of automated assembly system was established, and kinematic simulation based on Solid Works Motion of assembly process for relay was performed. The simulation results proved the feasibility of mechanical design. Eventually, the productivity was estimated based on simulation analysis. The mechanical design provided a solution with high reference value to practical design of automated assembly system for relay.

The Course Reform of Mechanical Design Fundamentals to Cultivate Engineering Literacy and Innovation Ability

In view of the shortcomings of traditional teaching in the Mechanical Design Fundamentals course,the teaching resources are integrated,the teaching content,teaching methods,and assessment methods are reformed,scientific research results are introduced into course teaching,and the task-driven teaching practice is applied.These measures have improved classroom activity,stimulated independent learning,and laid the foundation for the cultivation of students’engineering literacy and innovative ability.

A Review of Research on the Mechanical Design of Hoverable Flapping Wing Micro-Air Vehicles

Most insects and hummingbirds can generate lift during both upstroke and downstroke with a nearly horizontal flapping stroke plane,and perform precise hovering flight.Further,most birds can utilize tails and muscles in wings to actively control the flight performance,while insects control their flight with muscles based on wing root along with wing’s passive deformation.Based on the above flight principles of birds and insects,Flapping Wing Micro Air Vehicles(FWMAVs)are classified as either bird-inspired or insect-inspired FWMAVs.In this review,the research achievements on mechanisms of insect-inspired,hoverable FWMAVs over the last ten years(2011-2020)are provided.We also provide the definition,function,research status and development prospect of hoverable FWMAVs.Then discuss it from three aspects:bio-inspiration,motor-driving mechanisms and intelligent actuator-driving mechanisms.Following this,research groups involved in insect-inspired,hoverable FWMAV research and their major achievements are summarized and classified in tables.Problems,trends and challenges about the mechanism are compiled and presented.Finally,this paper presents conclusions about research on mechanical structure,and the future is discussed to enable further research interests.

Mechanical Design and Dynamic Compliance Control of Lightweight Manipulator

In the existing modular joint design and control methods of collaborative robots, the inertia of the manipulator link is large,the dynamic trajectory planning ability is weak, the collision stop safety strategy is dependent, and the adaptability and safety to the changing environment are limited. This paper develops a six-degree-of-freedom lightweight collaborative manipulator with real-time dynamic trajectory planning and active compliance control. Firstly, a novel motor installation, joint transmission, and link design method is put forward to reduce the inertia of the links and improve intrinsic safety. At the same time, to enhance the dynamic operation capability and quick response of the manipulator, a smooth planning of position and orientation under initial/end pose and velocity constraints is proposed. The adaptability to the environment is improved by the active compliance control. Finally, experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed design, planning, and control methods.

Optimization Design of Double-parameter Shift Schedule of Tracked Vehicle with Hydrodynamic-mechanical Transmission

A kind of automatic shift schedule optimization method is provided for a tracked vehicle with hydrodynamic-mechanical transmission in order to improve its dynamic performance. A dynamic model of integrated hydrodynamic-mechanical transmission is built in MATLAB/Simdriveline environment, and an optimum shift schedule is derived by using iSight software to call the dynamic model above, then the shift schedule is achieved after optimization. The simulation results show that the method is significant to improve the dynamic performance and gear-shifting smoothness theoretically and practically.

Mechanical design of a cryogenic Delta-Knot undulator for high energy photon source

Introduction A novel type of pure permanent cryogenic Delta–Knot Undulator was developed at IHEP to supply a high flux of full adjustable polarization synchrotron radiation with low on-axis power density.This prototype was an active attempt and early exploration for future APPLE–Knot undulator,which will be used at high energy photon source(HEPS).Materials and methods There are several challenges to develop a cryogenic delta undulator,such as the complicated structure,the influence of large magnetic force,and the magnetic measurement difficulty due to the very small gap.In this paper,the mechanical design for overcoming these difficulties will be presented in detail.Conclusion A special hall measuring system is developed,and the preliminary results agree with the theoretical results.This undulator prototype will provide valuable experience for angle magnetization technology,intricate magnetic attraction structure design,and magnetic field measurement under closed small space.

Mechanical design of a low β superconducting elliptical cavity for CSNS-II

Background A lowβsuperconducting elliptical cavity was designed for the China Spallation Neutron Source phase II project(CSNS-II).Methods The method to improve the mechanical stability of the lowβsuperconducting elliptical cavity was introduced,and the corresponding mechanical design was given.The software COMSOL Multiphysics and ANSYS APDL were used to calculate the static Lorentz force detuning factor k_(L)(LFD)and the helium pressure sensitivity factor k_(p)(DFDP)of the bare cavity,which were−4.71 Hz(MV/m)^(−2) and−21.1 Hz/mbar,respectively.The double-ring stiffeners reinforcement scheme was adopted.Results The radii of the double-ring stiffeners were 70 and 135 mm,respectively.The structure design of the helium vessel of the cavity was given.The following is the mechanical parameters of the reinforced cavity,the tuning sensitivity is 199.8 kHz/mm,longitudinal stiffness is 4.76kN/mm,k_(L) and k_(p) were−1.39 Hz(MV/m)^(−2) and 4.67 Hz/mbar,respectively,which met the operating requirements.The tuning sensitivity and stiffness of the reinforced cavity with different wall thicknesses were optimized,and the final wall thickness was selected as 4 mm.Conclusion The mechanical design of CSNS-II 648 MHz five-cell lowβsuperconducting elliptical cavity was introduced systematically in the paper.The LFD,DFDP,and the maximum surface stress of the cavity were reduced by optimizing the cavity wall thickness and the position of the double-ring stiffeners.The reinforced cavity met operational requirements.

Mechanical design of an ultra-light vertex detector prototype for CEPC

Background The Circular Electron Positron Collider(CEPC)is a large international scientific facility proposed to study the Higgs boson in great detail.It requires state-of-the-art detectors,including extremely precise vertexing and tracking devices,such as a silicon vertex detector.Purpose Silicon vertex detector with the precision required by the CEPC has never been built before and needs extensive research and development.This paper describes the mechanical design of a vertex detector prototype being built to explore the required technologies and the major challenges.Methods The exceptional high spatial resolution of the CEPC vertex detector is achievable only with a detector of extremely low mass to limit particle scattering.This paper proposes a mechanical design for the vertex detector prototype,highlighting the choice of low-mass materials,the analysis of support structures,the solution of detector cooling issues,and the drafts of procedures for detector assembly.Results The ultra-light support of the ladder(a structural unit of the CEPC vertex detector prototype),which is mainly made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite,has been designed.The fabrication process has also been verified.Global supporting and cooling method of the vertex detector prototype has been designed and chosen with results from finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics simulations.Complete assembly and installation schemes for the prototype have been developed,and the respective tooling has also been designed.The performance of the vertex detector prototype,using this low-mass mechanical structure,was demonstrated with fast simulation to closely meet the CEPC physics requirement.

Bidirectional rotating direct-current triboelectric nanogenerator with self-adaptive mechanical switching for harvesting reciprocating motion

Amid the growing interest in triboelectric nanogenerators(TENGs)as novel energy-harvesting devices,several studies have focused on direct current(DC)TENGs to generate a stable DC output for operating electronic devices.However,owing to the working mechanisms of conventional DC TENGs,generating a stable DC output from reciprocating motion remains a challenge.Accordingly,we propose a bidirectional rotating DC TENG(BiR-TENG),which can generate DC outputs,regardless of the direction of rotation,from reciprocating motions.The distinct design of the BiR-TENG enables the mechanical rectification of the alternating current output into a rotational-direction-dependent DC output.Furthermore,it allows the conversion of the rotational-direction-dependent DC output into a unidirectional DC output by adapting the configurations depending on the rotational direction.Owing to these tailored design strategies and subsequent optimizations,the BiR-TENG could generate an effective unidirectional DC output.Applications of the BiR-TENG for the reciprocating motions of swinging doors and waves were demonstrated by harnessing this output.This study demonstrates the potential of the BiR-TENG design strategy as an effective and versatile solution for energy harvesting from reciprocating motions,highlighting the suitability of DC outputs as an energy source for electronic devices.

Design of a Servo Mechanical Press with Redundant Actuation

A servo press is a new type of mechanical press that is driven by programmable motors and offers superior performance such as low noise, excellent efficiency and high precision for metal forming operations. Similar to multi-link mechanical presses, a servo mechanical press tends to grow in size as the tonnage increases that calls for larger, heavy duty servo motors, which could be expensive and may not even be available. In this paper, a new concept of servo mechanical press with redundant actuation is proposed firstly using two servo motors driving one input shaft, i.e. one-point-two-motor mode that makes it possible to produce a larger press with available servomotors. Then the punching mechanism design is detailed. The performance indices are set up including mechanical advantage reciprocal and link force ratios. A bounded feasible solution space is constructed for dimensional synthesis based on non-dimensional link lengths and assembly conditions. The performance atlases are depicted over the bounded feasible solution space that lead to a visual solution of the punching mechanism with global optimization. Finally, case studies are given to illustrate the design method with visual global optimization, and a prototype with 200 t punching force is being developed in our laboratory to demonstrate efficacy of the new concept for servo mechanical press. The presented research provides a feasible solution to the development of heavy-duty servo mechanical presses and finds potential applications in the development of other types of heavy equipments with electric drive.

Erratum to: New high-strength Ti–Al–V–Mo alloy: from high-throughput composition design to mechanical properties

Erratum to:International Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials Volume 26, Number 9, September 2019, Page 1151https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-019-1854-1The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. The presentation of Fig. 11 was incorrect. The correct version is given below:

Mechanical Design with Experimental Verification of a Lightweight Exoskeleton Chair

In this study,a human-chair model was developed as the basis for a wearable-chair design.A prototype chair,HUST-EC,based on the model was fabricated and evaluated.Employing the optimization under the golden divisional method,an optimized simulation of the operating mode with the lowest chair height was implemented.A novel multi-link support structure has been established with parameters optimized using Matlab software.The stress analysis of the solid models was conducted to ensure the adequate support from the designed chair for the user.Ten subjects participated in the evaluation experiment,who performed both static tasks and dynamic tasks.The experimental results consisted of subjective evaluation and objective evaluation.The experimental data demonstrate that(1)the HUST-EC can effectively reduce the activation level of related muscles at a variety of tasks;(2)the plantar pressure was reduced by 54%–67%;(3)the angle between the upper body and the vertical axis was reduced by 59%–77%;(4)the subjective scores for chair comfortability,portability,and stability were all higher than 7.The results further revealed that the designed chair can reduce the musculoskeletal burden and may improve work efficiency.

Mechanical design,modeling,and identification for a novel antagonistic variable stiffness dexterous finger

This study traces the development of dexterous hand research and proposes a novel antagonistic variable stiffness dexterous finger mechanism to improve the safety of dexterous hand in unpredictable environments,such as unstructured or man-made operational errors through comprehensive consideration of cost,accuracy,manufacturing,and application.Based on the concept of mechanical passive compliance,which is widely implemented in robots for interactions,a finger is dedicated to improving mechanical robustness.The finger mechanism not only achieves passive compliance against physical impacts,but also implements the variable stiffness actuator principle in a compact finger without adding supererogatory actuators.It achieves finger stiffness adjustability according to the biologically inspired stiffness variation principle of discarding some mobilities to adjust stiffness.The mechanical design of the finger and its stiffness adjusting methods are elaborated.The stiffness characteristics of the finger joint and the actuation unit are analyzed.Experimental results of the finger joint stiffness identification and finger impact tests under different finger stiffness presets are provided to verify the validity of the model.Fingers have been experimentally proven to be robust against physical impacts.Moreover,the experimental part verifies that fingers have good power,grasping,and manipulation performance.