Recent Patents on Engineering - Volume 19, Issue 8, 2025

Introduction: The cutter is a crucial excavation tool employed by Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) for tunneling underground passages. During operation, it undergoes intense impact loads, which are transmitted to the bearings, thus posing a risk of bearing failure. Method: This paper combines the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and Multibody Dynamics (MBD) by establishing a coupled simulation patent model of the cutter and surrounding rock, various methods of cutter load profiles are compared. The study investigates the variation patterns of multi-directional rock-breaking loads on the cutter and validates the findings through wire-cutting experiments. Result: The research findings indicate that the discrepancies between the simulated and experimental mean values of the cutter's normal force and rolling force are 6.26% and 35.20%, respectively. The efficiency of cutter load transmission to the outer ring of the bearing is 99.10%, leading to the characterization of the vibration characteristics curve of the bearing's outer ring. Simultaneously, the mean square error of the cutter load obtained through the coupled method and traditional method is 78.50 kN and 76.10 kN, respectively. In comparison, the experimental load's mean square error is 99.20 kN, indicating that the coupled method better aligns with actual conditions. Conclusion: This research approach serves as a reference for TBM cutter performance analysis and bearing fatigue analysis.

Advanced technologies on the internet create an environment for information exchange among communities. However, some individuals exploit these environments to spread false news. False News, or Fake News (FN), refers to misleading information deliberately crafted to harm the reputation of individuals, products, or services. Identifying FN is a challenging issue for the research community. Many researchers have proposed approaches for FN detection using Machine Learning (ML) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques. In this patent article, we propose a combined approach for FN detection, leveraging both ML and NLP techniques. We first extract all terms from the dataset after applying appropriate preprocessing techniques. A Feature Selection Algorithm (FSA) is then employed to identify the most important features based on their scores. These selected features are used to represent the dataset documents as vectors. The term weight measure determines the significance of each term in the vector representation. These document vectors are combined with vector representations obtained through an NLP technique. Specifically, we use the Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) model to represent the document vectors. The BERT small case model is employed to generate features, which are then used to create the document vectors. The combined vector, comprising ML-based document vector representations and NLP-based vector representations, is fed into various ML algorithms. These algorithms are used to build a model for classification. Our combined approach for FN detection achieved the highest accuracy of 96.72% using the Random Forest algorithm, with document vectors that included content-based features of size 4000 concatenated with outputs from the 9^th to 12^th BERT encoder layers.

In recent years, with the development of “smart materials”, magnetorheological fluids have been widely used in the fields of mechanical transmission, aerospace, construction, and medical treatment because of the unique rheological properties that can occur under the action of an applied magnetic field. Magnetorheological clutches with magnetorheological fluid as the working medium have the advantages of simple structure, low noise, fast response, and easy control compared with traditional clutches. In order to provide an overview of the issues encountered by magnetorheological clutches in their current applications and to summarize the optimization designs implemented to address these issues, with the aim of promoting the widespread application of magnetorheological clutches. The basic theory of magnetorheological fluid and magnetorheological clutch design method is introduced. The related patents of magnetorheological clutch structure design are reviewed. The characteristics and advantages of magnetorheological clutch in different working modes are summarized. This study introduces the basic theory of magnetorheological fluid. The problems existing in the application of magnetorheological clutch are explained. The characteristics of magnetorheological clutch based on shear mode, shear-extrusion mode and heat dissipation mode are described. The development trend of magnetorheological clutch is discussed. This paper provides an important basis for the design and application of magnetorheological clutch, offers specific guidance for improving the torque transmission capacity and heat dissipation capacity of magnetorheological clutch, and lays a theoretical foundation for the wide application of magnetorheological clutch in the future.

In the current modern manufacturing industry, the demand for product quality control is increasing, as is the need for automation. However, the manual inspection may need to be noticed or undetectable in the complex production process. To solve this phenomenon, machine vision-based inspection of machine tools and their product features has become one of the key technologies in intelligent manufacturing. The basic principle of machine tool machine vision inspection is to transmit the object to be inspected to the computer through efficient image acquisition. Then, image processing or deep learning algorithms classify, locate, segment, and process the features of the thing. Finally, the computer makes the judgment of whether it is qualified. According to recent numerical analysis data, compared with traditional methods, machine tool machine vision inspection can improve the inspection efficiency by 30%, and the accuracy has reached 98%, much higher than manual inspection accuracy. This study provides an in-depth review of representative patents and machine tool vision inspection patents, and it comprehensively summarizes the research results from various dimensions in recent year. In the past five years, the average annual growth rate of machine tool vision inspection technology has reached 15%, showing the rapid development momentum of this field. The research content mainly focuses on designing vision detection structures, algorithm optimization designs, and personalized solutions for object differences.

Piano tuning plays a very important role in piano playing and music education. Regular tuning can prolong the service life of the piano, improve the sound saturation, and make the sound more concentrated and full. Automated mechanical equipment, controllers, sensors, and other equipment are used to automatically tune pianos to solve the problems of human error, overtone resonance interference, string breakage, etc., occurring in manual tuning. To solve the above problems, based on the synthesis of related patents and research results, the patents on automatic tuning system and methods for modulating piano are introduced in detail. An automatic tuning system can replace manual tuning, simplify the complex process of tuning, and consider the problem of overtone interference caused by the vibration of the strings to improve the accuracy of tuning; it can, at the same time, perform real-time monitoring of the string tension, protecting the strings from breaking due to tuning. The automatic tuning system has a simple structure and a high degree of automation; its method is highly accurate and it can replace professional tuning technicians, being highly innovative and widely practical.

Radiation therapy beds and radiation therapy chairs play an important role in the field of radiation therapy. Applying them to the process of proton heavy ion radiation therapy not only improves the efficiency and accuracy of the procedure, but also reduces the pressure on doctors. Before radiotherapy, the relative positions of human tissues and tumors are obtained through CT scanning and professional software is used to reconstruct them in 3D reconstruction and carry out preoperative treatment planning, planning the points of each posture for accelerator irradiation. During the treatment process, the patient lies on the treatment bed, and the radiation port of the treatment head is aimed at the lesion area of the patient, and the treatment is realized by irradiating the lesion area with rays. However, since the patient's position during treatment is not consistent with the position during CT filming, it is necessary to accurately adjust the patient's position by means of the radiation therapy beds or chairs, so that it is as consistent as possible with the position during CT filming, monitoring the patient's position in real time during the treatment. When the patient's position deviates more than a certain value in six degrees of freedom from the position in which the CT was taken, the radiation therapy beds or chairs are driven to adjust the patient's position to achieve precise radiotherapy. Currently, conventional radiation therapy beds and chairs are limited by a certain degree of spatial freedom in achieving the above characteristics, and the positioning accuracy is generally not high, which affects the realization of precise radiotherapy. Radiation therapy beds and chairs are subjected to eccentric loads in the working process, which leads to an increase in the force of each rod, so the stiffness and strength of the parts need to be strengthened in the limit cases, and the parameters of the multi-objective coordination mechanism need to be optimized. The function of the radiotherapy chair with head and neck fixation device is not perfect, and the coordination control system of the posture adjustment mechanism and head and neck fixation device is not intelligent enough. In the clinical process, if the patient suddenly moves (e.g. epilepsy, shock) due to other conditions, there is a lack of devices to protect the patient. The research progress of radiation therapy beds and radiation therapy chairs is reviewed, and their respective characteristics and developments are described. This paper provides an review of various representative patents for radiation therapy beds and radiation therapy chairs. In this study, the patents we have selected are representative or have a clear advantage in one way or another. The application scenarios, structural characteristics, ease of maintenance, accuracy and other aspects were analyzed and compared. By investigating various patents and the main current existing problems on the different radiotherapy beds and chairs, such as fixed radiotherapy beds, parallel radiotherapy beds, serial radiotherapy beds and radiotherapy chairs are summarized and analyzed. Furthermore, the development trend of radiotherapy beds and chairs have also been discussed. Radiotherapy beds and chairs are all-important components of the radiotherapy systems and determine the efficacy of radiotherapy. Its accuracy, comfortableness, dexterity and robustness of effect need to be further improved. For some time to come, patents on radiotherapy chairs and beds need more attention.

Aircraft morphing wings, also known as adaptive wings or shape-variable wings, represent a revolutionary development in the field of aerospace engineering. Inspired by the adaptability observed in birds and insects during flight, researchers have been exploring potential applications of morphing wing technology to enhance the performance and efficiency of aircraft. This innovative technology holds the promise of improving aerodynamic efficiency, reducing fuel consumption, and enhancing overall flight maneuverability. This manuscript aims to explore and analyze the potential applications and effects of morphing wing technology for aircraft. Furthermore, this paper aims to gain an in-depth understanding of the principles and implications of morphing wing technology for aircraft and to assess its potential advantages in terms of flight performance, handling characteristics, and energy efficiency. Based on different driving mechanisms, patents related to aircraft morphing wings were systematically categorized and summarized, highlighting the most typical intra-wing and extra-wing deformations. Through an examination of patents related to aircraft morphing wings, various morphing wing technologies' unique characteristics were summarized. A comparative analysis of different deformation methods revealed their respective strengths and limitations. The paper concludes with a summary of current technical challenges facing morphing wing technology and a forward-looking exploration of its future trends and directions. Categorizing aircraft morphing wings into intra-wing and extra-wing deformations based on the method of deformation, this paper elaborates on the operational principles, advantages, and limitations of these two categories. Compared to traditional fixed wings, morphing wings exhibit superior flight performance, and it is anticipated that more patents will be developed in the future.

Micro-nano robots have broad applications in sewage purification and DNA testing. Micro-nano robots have significant potential in the medical field, as they have higher therapeutic efficiency and safety than conventional treatment methods. Meanwhile, micro-nano robots provide a new method for treating many diseases. Therefore, as an emerging medical method, the development trend of micro-nano robots is receiving increasing attention. This study aims to provide a new approach to treating diseases that reduces the costs and risks of traditional medical treatments. This paper introduces the operation mechanism of micro-nano robots, summarizes representative patents of micro-nano robots in medicine, summarizes the classification according to the different driving modes, and analyzes their advantages, disadvantages, and uses. Through the investigation of many micro-nano robots, the current medical micro-nano robots are summarized and analyzed as generally challenging to prepare, difficult to control accurately, with a low degree of intelligence, and poor accuracy. Finally, the future development trend of medical micro-nano robots is overlooked. Optimizing the preparation method can significantly reduce the production cost of micro-nano robots. Mixing and driving modes can drive the micro-nano robots more efficiently. Improving the intelligence of micro-nano robots can allow them to perform more complex tasks. Improved imaging techniques allow for more precise control of the micro-nano robots. Finally, the article forecasts that micro-nano robots will develop towards the trends of non-toxic, intelligent, and controllable directions.

Active shock absorbers and more sophisticated cushioning materials are being used in lander vibration-damping design due to the requirement for space exploration and scientific study. This has allowed landers to land on more planetary surfaces and carry out a range of intricate scientific studies. As a result, lander damping structure design and optimization are now crucial. To categorize the lander shock absorption structures based on the various structural configurations and principles of operation, to enumerate the features of each, and to forecast the direction of future development. An analysis is conducted on the present state of many sample patents concerning structures that absorb shock during landings. The development stage of currently available shock-absorbing structures is examined in accordance with their properties, and the most recent patented technologies are explained and contrasted. The development stage of currently available shock-absorbing structures is examined in accordance with their properties and the most recent patented methods are explained and contrasted. Problems of the vibration-damping structure are analyzed, and its development trend is prospected. Results showed that Large landers and heavy loads are best served by mechanical damping; medium-sized loads and environments requiring high damping control are best served by magnetorheological fluid damping; complex environments and medium-to-large-sized loads are best served by hydraulic damping; small loads and low damping requirements are best served by collapsed-method damping.

The nozzle is one of the parts of a 3D printer that cannot be missed because of its widespread popularity in recent years. The nozzle's structure determines the quality of the printed product; therefore, selecting a suitable nozzle structure is crucial.

With the advancement of 3D printing technology in recent years, 3D printers have progressively come under investigation. Examining the design of the nozzle, feeding mechanism, and printing platform can help to increase the quality of the prints. The design and enhancement of the nozzle structure are beneficial to the advancement of 3D printing technology since it is one of the key elements influencing print quality.

Using the research methods, research content, and invention structure of the most recent representative patents on this nozzle structure, the features and operating principle of the 3D printed nozzle structure are illustrated.

To classify and examine the nozzle temperature and nozzle clogging that impact the nozzles, a patent analysis of various types of 3D printing nozzle structures is carried out. Future trends in 3D printing nozzle structures are also covered.

The issues caused by nozzle work can be resolved to increase product quality and precision by comparing various 3D printing nozzle structures. This will also lead to the invention of more relevant patents in the future, including those about printing numerous nozzles and high-strength metals.

Atmospheric plasma polishing technology is an essential technology in the nanoscale machining needs of aerospace, astronomical telescopes, and other related fields and is an important means to expand ultra-precision machining technology in the future. However, in the research of surface cleaning, cost, equipment, etc., there are still some technologies that need to be broken through in order to better use plasma polishing technology in the future. Through the introduction and discussion of the patent characteristics of plasma polishing in recent years, some valuable conclusions are summarized, and future research and development are prospected. The patents of plasma polishing were studied, and the patent and research progress of plasma polishing were summarized. With the development of ultra-precision machining technology, plasma polishing technology has become more and more important. Therefore, plasma polishing technology is needed to achieve low-cost and high-efficiency processing of ultra-precision materials. The importance of plasma polishing technology is discussed by describing its working characteristics. By comparing these patents, it is concluded that atmospheric plasma polishing technology is the main development trend of ultra-precision machining technology in the future.