Evaluating Methods of Visual Assistance for Workers to Improve Quality and Usability in Individualized Kitchen Cabinet Assembly

In times of digitalisation, visual assistance systems in assembly are increasingly important. The design of these assembly systems needs to be highly complex to meet the requirements. Due to the increasing number of variants in production processes, as well as shorter innovation and product life cycles, assistance systems should improve quality and reduce complexity of assembly processes. However, many large kitchen manufacturers still assemble kitchen cabinets manually, due to the high variety of components, such as rails and fittings. This paper focuses on the analysis and evaluation of virtual assistance systems to improve quality and usability in individualised kitchen cabinet assembly processes at a large German manufacturer. A solution is identified and detailed.

Influence of forming process on three-dimensional morphology of TiB_2 particles in Al-Ti-B alloys

A series of Al-Ti-B master alloys were prepared by different preparation routes,and the TiB2 particles in the master alloys were extracted and analyzed.It is found that the forming process has significant influence on the three-dimensional morphology of TiB2 particles.Different preparation routes result in different reaction forms,which accounts for the morphology variation of TiB2 particles.When the Al-Ti-B master alloy is prepared using ＂halide salt＂ route,TiB2 particles exhibit hexagonal platelet morphology and are independent with each other.In addition,the reaction temperature almost does not have influence on the morphology of TiB2 particles.However,TiB2 particles exhibit different morphologies at different reaction temperatures when the master alloys are prepared with Al-3B and Ti sponge.When the master alloy is prepared at 850 ℃,a kind of TiB2 particle agglomeration forms with a size larger than 5 μm.The TiB2 particles change to layered stacking morphology even dendritic morphology with the reaction temperature reaching up to 1200 ℃.

Integrated Virtual Assembly Process Planning System

Assembly process planning（APP） for complicated products is a time-consuming and difficult work with conventional method. Virtual assembly process planning（VAPP） provides engineers a new and efficiency way. Previous studies in VAPP are almost isolated and dispersive, and have not established a whole understanding and discussed key realization techniques of VAPP from a systemic and integrated view. The integrated virtual assembly process planning（IVAPP） system is a new virtual reality based engineering application, which offers engineers an efficient, intuitive, immersive and integrated method for assembly process planning in a virtual environment. Based on analysis the information integration requirement of VAPP, the architecture of IVAPP is proposed. Through the integrated structure, IVAPP system can realize information integration and workflow controlling. In order to mode/the assembly process in IVAPP, a hierarchical assembly task list（HATL） is presented, in which different assembly tasks for assembling different components are organized into a hierarchical list. A process-oriented automatic geometrical constraint recognition algorithm（AGCR） is proposed, so that geometrical constraints between components can be automatically recognized during the process of interactive assembling. At the same time, a progressive hierarchical reasoning（PHR） model is discussed. AGCR and PHR will greatly reduce the interactive workload. A discrete control node model（DCNM） for cable harness assembly planning in IVAPP is detailed. DCNM converts a cable harness into continuous flexed line segments connected by a series of section center points, and designs can realize cable harness planning through controlling those control nodes. Mechanical assemblies （such as transmission case and engine of automobile） are used to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed method and algorithms. The application of IVAPP system reveals advantages over the traditional assembly process planning method in shortening the time-consumed in assembly planning and in minimizing the handling difficulty, excessive reorientation and dissimilarity of assembly operations.

REENGINEERING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESSES OF PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS:A CASE STUDY

This paper reports the reengineering of the assembly processes of printed circuit boards (PCBs) used in computers.The new designed assembly processes are quite different from the traditional ones,and the business performance is dramatically improved through establishing parallel workstations,off line workstation,merging workstations and organizing a small teamwork who cooperates in stations.“ITHINK”,a software package of business process reengineering (BPR),was used to analyze the current processes and create new processes.ITHINK is a powerful tool of BPR in modeling business processes,“soft” variables and conducting sensitivity analysis.The new assembly processes were tested over a period of 8 hours simulation.The results show that the new processes can increase throughput by 80% with only requiring less additional resources.The throughput can increase further by 17.5% when a small teamwork cooperates in some stations.

Intercalation Assembly Method and Intercalation Process Control of Layered Intercalated Functional Materials

Layered intercalated functional materials of layered double hydroxide type are an important class of functional materials developed in recent years. Based on long term studies on these materials in the State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering in Beiiing University of Chemical Technology, the orinciole for the design of controlled intercalation processes in the light of tuture production processing requirements has been developed. Intercalation assembly methods and technologies have been invented to control the intercalation process for preparing layered intercalated materials with various structures and functions.

Digital Twin-based Quality Management Method for the Assembly Process of Aerospace Products with the Grey-Markov Model and Apriori Algorithm

The assembly process of aerospace products such as satellites and rockets has the characteristics of single-or small-batch production,a long development period,high reliability,and frequent disturbances.How to predict and avoid quality abnormalities,quickly locate their causes,and improve product assembly quality and efficiency are urgent engineering issues.As the core technology to realize the integration of virtual and physical space,digital twin(DT)technology can make full use of the low cost,high efficiency,and predictable advantages of digital space to provide a feasible solution to such problems.Hence,a quality management method for the assembly process of aerospace products based on DT is proposed.Given that traditional quality control methods for the assembly process of aerospace products are mostly post-inspection,the Grey-Markov model and T-K control chart are used with a small sample of assembly quality data to predict the value of quality data and the status of an assembly system.The Apriori algorithm is applied to mine the strong association rules related to quality data anomalies and uncontrolled assembly systems so as to solve the issue that the causes of abnormal quality are complicated and difficult to trace.The implementation of the proposed approach is described,taking the collected centroid data of an aerospace product’s cabin,one of the key quality data in the assembly process of aerospace products,as an example.A DT-based quality management system for the assembly process of aerospace products is developed,which can effectively improve the efficiency of quality management for the assembly process of aerospace products and reduce quality abnormalities.

Behavior of traditional concrete dams and three-dimensional printed concrete dams under the debris flow impact

This study investigated the resilience of traditional concrete dams compared to 3D printed concrete dams(3DPC)when subjected to debris flow.Three types of dams,namely check dams,arch dams,and curve dams,were numerically analyzed using a three-dimensional Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian(CEL)methodology.The research focused on critical factors such as impact force and viscous energy dissipation to compare dam performance.Additionally,the study examined the printing and service phases of 3DPC models,determining potential failure modes and analyzing printing parameters.The results demonstrated that 3DPC dams outperformed traditional concrete dams,with filament deposition orientation,perpendicular to the debris flow direction,identified as a pivotal factor.Infill percentage and pattern were also found to influence the behavior of 3DPC models.Notably,curved dams exhibited superior performance based on dam geometry.These findings have significant potential for advancing the development of resilient dam structures capable of withstanding debris flow impacts.

Study on Automated Assembly Process Planning for the Spindle Box of NC Lathe

This paper introduces a system of computer aided assembly process planning for spindle box of NC lathe. The method of describing assembly information and generating assembly process drawing is presented. The principles of decision for assembly sequence ar

COMPUTER-AIDED BLOCK ASSEMBLY PROCESS PLANNING IN SHIPBUILD-ING BASED ON RULE-REASONING

Computer-aided block assembly process planning based on rule-reasoning are developed in order to improve the assembly efficiency and implement the automated block assembly process planning generation in shipbuilding. First, weighted directed liaison graph （WDLG） is proposed to represent the model of block assembly process according to the characteristics of assembly relation, and edge list （EL） is used to describe assembly sequences. Shapes and assembly attributes of block parts are analyzed to determine the assembly position and matched parts of parts used frequently. Then, a series of assembly rules are generalized, and assembly sequences for block are obtained by means of rule reasoning. Final, a prototype system of computer-aided block assembly process planning is built. The system has been tested on actual block, and the results were found to be quite efficiency. Meanwhile, the fundament for the automation of block assembly process generation and integration with other systems is established.

Preparation of Dashanzha Wan by three-dimensional printing

Objective:To use three-dimensional(3D)printing technology to prepare Dashanzha Wan.Methods:The standard formula proportion of Dashanzha Wan was used to prepare printable materials(normally called the ink)for 3D printing,and different doses and shapes of Dashanzha Wan were prepared.Then,the rheological properties,texture characteristics,scanning electron microscopy,and content of ursolic acid were evaluated.Results:Dashanzha Wan ink showed good shear thinning properties,which is very suitable for 3D printing.The printed sample had a beautiful and regular shape with high resolution.Meanwhile,ursolic acid content in 3D-printed Dashanzha Wan aligned with the ursolic acid content shown in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China 2020.Conclusion:The 3D-printed Dashanzha Wan has a better texture,and can be shaped into various shapes according to individual needs,which would increase patients’interest when taking medicine.Moreover,3D printing of Dashanzha Wan could be easily integrated into the digital life system,enabling online customization or use at home.This study reveals that 3D printing technology is a promising method for the production of traditional Chinese medicine with personalized appearance,dosage,and texture,which is suitable for a broader population.

Voice Control for an Industrial Robot as a Combination of Various Robotic Assembly Process Models

Models for the design of assembly processes are considered. Various models for the voice control of an industrial robot are considered: a logical model, semantic networks, a frame model and Petri nets. It is shown that this set of models allows describing the process of designing the technological process for an industrial robot. The logical model of the technological process allows you to define logical relationships. A model based on semantic networks describes the relationship between assembly units in a detail. This allows you to determine the order and method of registration, as well as the mutual orientation of assembly units in the product. The frame model provides the ability to streamline the execution of the build process. A model based on Petri nets allows one to describe the type and sequence of technological transitions. Based on the proposed models, a method of voice control for an industrial robot is developed. The basic principles of voice control for an industrial robot are considered.

Research on cognitive load evaluation with subjective method in manual assembly

Subjective scales have different kinds of applicability in diverse fields.This study intends to implement a quantitative approach to determine the applicability of subjective scales in manual as-sembly work and evaluate the cognitive load of assembly workers.A multi-scale research paradigm based on subjective evaluation method is proposed.Three typical task stages are extracted from the process of assembly work.The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index(NASA-TLX)scale,PAAS scale and Workload Profile Index Ratings(WP)scale are selected for the design of 3×3 multi-factor mixed experiment.The power spectrum density(PSD)characteris-tics of electroencephalogram(EEG)are utilized to identify the difficulty levels of the three task sta-ges.The relevant indicators of scale applicability are assessed.The results show that in terms of sensitivity,NASA-TLX scale reaches the highest sensitivity(F=999.137,P=0<0.05).In terms of validity,NASA-TLX scale possesses the best concurrent validity(P=0.0255<0.05).In terms of diagnosticity,NASA-TLX scale based on 6 dimensions takes on the best diagnostic performance.In terms of subject acceptability,WP scale performs the worst.According to the analytic hierarchy process(AHP)model,the applicability scores of NASA-TLX scale,PAAS scale and WP scale are determined as 3,2.55 and 1.6714,respectively.Therefore,NASA-TLX scale is regarded as the most suitable subjective evaluation questionnaire for assembly workers,which is also an effective quantitative evaluation method for the cognitive load of assembly workers.

Three-Dimensional Rigid-Plastic FEM Simulation of Bulk Forming Processes with New Contact and Remeshing Techniques

Some techniques such as die surface description, contact judgement algorithm and remeshing are proposed to improve the robustness of the numerical solution. Based on these techniques, a three-dimensional rigid-plastic FEM code has been developed. Isothermal forging process of a cylindrical housing has been simulated. The simulation results show that the given techniques and the FEM code are reasonable and feasible for three-dimensional bulk forming processes.

Simulation-Based Construction of Three-Dimensional Process Model for Punching Cartridge Cases

A method of constructing three-dimensional process model for the punching cartridge cases is presented based on DEFORM simulation analysis. Using DEFORM software,the finite element simulation models for the punching and forming process of cartridge cases are established,and the corresponding simulation result model of each intermediate procedure is obtained by continuously performing the forming process simulation. The simulation model cannot annotate size and process information due to poor interface between DEFORM software and CAD software. Thus,a 3D annotation module is developed with secondary development technology of UG NX software. Consequently,the final process model with dimension and process information is obtained. Then,with the current 3D process management system,the 3D punching and forming process design of cartridge cases can be completed further. An example is also provided to illustrate that the relative error between the simulation process model and the physical model is less than 2%,which proves the validity and reliability of the proposed method in this study.

Hierarchical processes in β-sheet peptide self-assembly from the microscopic to the mesoscopic level

Under appropriate physicochemical conditions, short peptide fragments and their synthetic mimics have been shown to form elongated cross-fl nanostructures through self-assembly. The self-assembly process and the resultant peptide nanos- tructures are not only related to neurodegenerative diseases but also provide inspiration for the development of novel bionanomaterials. Both experimental and theoretical studies on peptide self-assembly have shown that the self-assembly process spans multiple time and length scales and is hierarchical, β-sheet self-assembly consists of three sub-processes from the microscopic to the mesoscopic level： β-sheet locking, lateral stacking, and morphological transformation. De- tailed atomistic simulation studies have provided insight into the early stages of peptide nanostructure formation and the interplay between different non-covalent interactions at the microscopic level. This review gives a brief introduction of the hierarchical peptide self-assembly process and focuses on the roles of various non-covalent interactions in the sub-processes based on recent simulation, experimental, and theoretical studies.

Quality Stability of Multi-Station Assembly Process Based on Variation Stream

To analyze the physical structure of assembly process and assure product quality, the quality stability of multi-station assembly process was investigated. First, the assembly process was modeled as a one-dimensional discrete variant system by state space equation based on variation stream. Then, the criterion to judge whether the process is stable or not and the index, stability degree, to show the level of stability were proposed by analyzing the bounded-input bounded-output (BIBO) stability of system. Finally, a simulated example of a sheet metal assembly process with three stations, was provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Optimization of Rotor Assembly Process of Rotor Initial Unbalance of an Aeroengine Gas Generator

The rotor initial unbalance of an aeroengine gas generator of turboshaft engine seriously affects rotor assembly process.To reasonably optimize rotor assembly process,the effect analyses of rotor initial unbalance of single disc and combined discs on rotor dynamic characteristics are firstly implemented in respect of the dispersity of rotor initial unbalance.It is found that the most important factors contributing to rotor vibration are the unbalances of the first stage compressor disc and the second stage turbine disc.However,reducing the mass of two discs conflicts with the control of the whole gas generator rotor balance resulting from the unbalance increase of single components.Thus,we further analyze the key control factors of affecting rotor initial unbalance,and give the strict control measures of centrifugal impeller runout in the assembly process by adjusting the angle of central tie rod axis.The purpose of this measures to make the assembly process simpler and more effective for timely controlling rotor initial unbalance.The efforts of this study validate that the proposed method is workable for the rotor tightened by a central tie rod and possesses the significant meaning of practical application in engineering.

Diagnosis of the Medium-Range Variation of the Subtropical High over the Western Pacific during a Meiyu Process by Three-Dimensional E-P Flux

In this paper, using the daily grid data (2.5 × 2.5) of the ECMWF / WMO, we have computed respectively the three-dimensional wave activity flux in the stages of pre-onset, prevailing and post ending of Meiyu from 1 to 31 July 1982. The potential vorticity field is taken as the physical quantity relating the wave activity flux to the variation of the subtropical high over the Western Pacific. It is found that the three-dimensional wave activity flux is a powerful means for diagnosis of the variation of the subtropical high over the Western Pacific: The region of the subtropical high is just the confluence area of wave energy, whose changes in intensity and range decide the variation of the subtropical high. The confluence of wave energy comes from the monsoon flow in low latitudes, the Meiyu rain belts in middle latitudes and the heating fields on the eastern side of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. The relation between these sources and the subtropical high displays the self-adjusting mechanism among members of East-Asia summer monsoon.

COMPUTER SIMULATION OF 3-DIMENSIONAL DYNAMIC ASSEMBLY PROCESS OF MECHANICAL ROTATIONAL BODY

Focusing on the study of the components of mechanical rotational body,the data structure and algorithm of component model generation are discussed.Some problems in assembly process of 3 dimensional graph of components are studied in great detail.

Integration system research and development for three-dimensional laser scanning information visualization in goaf

An integration processing system of three-dimensional laser scanning information visualization in goaf was developed. It is provided with multiple functions, such as laser scanning information management for goaf, cloud data de-noising optimization, construction, display and operation of three-dimensional model, model editing, profile generation, calculation of goaf volume and roof area, Boolean calculation among models and interaction with the third party soft ware. Concerning this system with a concise interface, plentiful data input/output interfaces, it is featured with high integration, simple and convenient operations of applications. According to practice, in addition to being well-adapted, this system is favorably reliable and stable.