Recent Patents on Mechanical Engineering - Volume 18, Issue 1, 2025
Volume 18, Issue 1, 2025
- Energy Science, Engineering and Technology, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
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Current State of Metals and Metal Matrix Composite Forming Modeling in Semisolid State
More LessAuthors: Akbar Javdani, Kian Golbaghi, Mehdi Ahmadi Najafabadi and Vahid PouyafarSemisolid processing is a production method for metallic alloys and metal matrix composites by subjecting them to temperatures between the solidus and liquidus. The material then behaves thixotropically as it flows when sheared but thickens again when allowed to stand. Die design and process prerequisites such as ram speed, time, and needed lubricants were all part of the trial-and-error process. In general, rules controlling the designation of the casting and forging molds cannot be directly applied to metallic alloys and metal matrix composites (MMCs) in a semisolid state since the flow behavior of the materials in a semisolid state is different from that of a completely liquid or thoroughly solid form; therefore, a better and more comprehensive understanding of the semisolid flow behavior within the mold, the dominant frictional conditions, and optimized attributes of the process can be valuable steps in industrialization. The efforts put into industrializing and introducing patents on semisolid processes throughout recent years reveal the need to analyze the possibility of forming intricate industrial parts. This short review article reviews trends of numerical works on the semisolid forming of metals and metal matrix composites
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Powder Bed Additive Manufacturing Using Machine Learning Algorithms for Multidisciplinary Applications: A Review and Outlook
More LessAdditive manufacturing overcomes the limitations associated with conventional processes, such as fabricating complex parts, material wastage, and a number of sequential operations. Powder-bed additives fall under the category of additive manufacturing process, which, in recent years, has captured the attention of researchers and scientists working in various fields of science and engineering. Production of powder bed additive manufacturing (PBAM) parts with consistent and predictable properties of powders used during the manufacturing process plays an important role in deciding printed parts' reliability in aeronautical, automobile, biomedical, and healthcare applications. In the PBAM process, the most commonly used powders are polymer, metal, and ceramic, which cannot be effectively used without understanding powder particles' physical, mechanical, and chemical properties. Several metallic powders like titanium, steel, copper, aluminum, and nickel, several polymer polyamides (nylon), polylactide, polycarbonate, glass-filled nylon, epoxy resins, etc., and the most commonly used ceramic powders like aluminum oxide (Al2O) and zirconium oxide (ZrO2) can be utilized depending upon the method being adopted during PBAM process. Adoption of some post-processing techniques for powder, such as grain refinement can also be employed to improve the physical or mechanical properties of powders used for the PBAM process. In this paper, the effect of powder parameters, such as particle size, shape, density, and reusing of powder, etc., on printed parts have been reviewed in detail using characterization techniques such as X-ray computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This helps to understand the effect of particle size, shape, density, virgin and reused powders, etc., used during the PBAM process. This article has reviewed the selection of appropriate process parameters like laser power, scanning speed, hatch spacing, and layer thickness and their effects on various mechanical or physical properties, such as tensile strength, hardness, and the effect of porosity, along with the microstructure evolution. One of the drawbacks of additive manufacturing is the variability in the quality of printed parts, which can be eliminated by monitoring the process using machine learning techniques. Also, the prediction of the best combination of process parameters using some advanced machine learning algorithms (MLA), like random forest, k nearest neighbors, and support vector machine, can be effectively utilized to quantify the performance parameters in the PBAM process. Thus, implementing machine learning in the additive manufacturing process not only helps to learn the fundamentals but helps to identify, predict and help to make actionable recommendations that help optimize printed parts quality. The performance of various MLAs has been evaluated and compared for projecting future research directions and suggestions. In the last part of this article, multidisciplinary applications of the PBAM process have been reviewed in detail. Additive manufacturing processes carried out by using conventional machines, called hybrid additive manufacturing, have also been reviewed by discussing their methods and arrangements in detail. Lastly this review contributes to the understanding of the PBAM process and is a valuable resource for potential patent applications related to additive manufacturing areas.
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Crafting a Sustainable Future: Exploring Research, Overcoming Challenges, and Anticipating Trends in Manufacturing and Design Engineering
More LessAuthors: Gaydaa AlZohbi, Ashwini Kumar, Ajay Kumar, Parveen Kumar and Rakesh Kumar PhandenSustainable manufacturing is intricately characterized as the conscientious creation of goods and services employing environmentally harmonious techniques and methodologies. These approaches are specifically devised to curtail ecological harm by conserving energy, preserving natural resources, and fortifying the well-being of communities and materials alike. Its paramount significance lies in its capacity to discern issues inherent in the stages of planning, designing, scrutinizing, and augmenting manufacturing processes, with potential innovations protected by patents. This current discourse aspires to expound upon the multifaceted dimensions of sustainable manufacturing, encompassing the delineation of pertinent metrics, a comprehensive examination of the diverse environmental ramifications intrinsic to sustainable manufacturing, and an exploration of the very essence of sustainability within the manufacturing paradigm, including consideration of technologies that contribute to eco-conscious practices. Moreover, this paper delves into the myriad challenges that confront sustainable manufacturing, offering a nuanced analysis, while simultaneously shedding light on the latent opportunities that reside within this realm, potentially protected by patents. In essence, the narrative woven herein endeavors to provide an extensive panorama of the intricate tapestry that is sustainable manufacturing, featuring innovative solutions that will be secured through patent protection. By dissecting its constituent elements and navigating through the challenges and prospects, we aim to foster a profound understanding of the holistic implications and potential transformative pathways within the realm of eco-conscious production methodologies, incorporating the advancements that contribute to sustainable manufacturing practices. In conclusion, the exploration of sustainable manufacturing's various dimensions, challenges, and opportunities not only contributes to a comprehensive understanding of its intricacies but also serves as a foundation for fostering eco-conscious production methods and transformative pathways in manufacturing practices, with the protection and dissemination of patented technologies playing a pivotal role in driving sustainable innovations.
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Optimal Design and Simulation Analysis of Phase Change Material Composite Self-Insulating Block in a Typical Cold Region City of China in Summer
More LessBy Xue DongBackgroundIncorporating PCMs (Phase Change Materials) into the building envelope can achieve the purpose of regulating heat transfer and enhancing indoor comfort. In recent years, lots of patents for new phase change concretes have been proposed and applied to the envelope.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the optimum phase change temperature and installation position of PCM by optimizing different concrete blocks to improve the thermal behavior of concrete compound self-insulating blocks.
MethodsFirstly, based on the existing patents, five new types of phase change self-insulating blocks were proposed. The thermal insulation performance of different blocks was tested using ANSYS simulation. Then, the feasibility of using EnergyPlus to simulate the thermal environment of the room was verified by taking a summer south-facing room in Hohhot City as a research object. Finally, 13 phase-change block types containing 4 phase-change temperatures and 3 PCM installation locations were designed for further testing.
ResultsA three-row staggered perforated block was selected, and the heat transmission coefficient of the masonry wall was 0.437 W/(m2·K). The optimal phase change temperatures of outdoor, medium-temperature, high-temperature, and low-temperature periods in summer, were 24.0°C, 30.0°C, and 28.0°C, respectively. The optimal phase change temperature in the whole summer was 26.0~ 28.0°C, and the best phase transition layer location was the inner hole of the block.
ConclusionThe PCM mounting position has a greater effect on room temperature than the PCM phase change temperature. The study results are of great significance for stabilizing room temperature and building energy conservation.
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- Energy Science, Engineering and Technology, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
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Optimization Design of the Luffing Mechanism of Truck Crane Based on NSGA-II
More LessAuthors: Yunsheng Xin, Shuyi Lv and Ruiyi DongBackgroundThe luffing mechanism of the truck crane is one of the key components of the crane, which is used to control the extension and contraction of the telescopic boom to achieve the luffing function of the crane. With the development of the engineering environment, the lifting height of the truck crane is getting higher and higher, the lifting mass is getting bigger and bigger, and the force situation of the crane luffing mechanism is becoming more and more complicated, in order to improve the stability of the lifting process, it is necessary to carry out the optimization work of the luffing mechanism.
ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to optimize the luffing mechanism of the truck crane, improve the lifting performance, and improve the stability of the lifting process.
MethodsInspired by the patent, this paper takes the position of the three hinge points of the luffing mechanism of the truck crane as a research object, carrying on the force analysis, through the mathematical model. The multi-objective optimization model is established with the maximum force, maximum total length change rate and maximum stroke of the variable amplitude hydraulic cylinder as the optimization objectives. The multi-objective genetic algorithm was selected to compute the optimization model. Finally, the satisfaction function based on the robust design method and analytic hierarchy process is established, the optimization results are sorted and screened, and the optimal solution of the three optimization objectives is obtained.
ResultsThe mathematical model of the structural force was established through mathematical derivation, and the optimization model was solved using MATLAB combined with multi-objective genetic algorithm, and the optimization results show that the force, total length change rate and range of amplitude of the luffing mechanism have been improved.
ConclusionThe mathematical model, the multi-objective optimization method and the satisfaction function method are effective for the optimization of the luffing mechanism. It can be extended and applied to other construction machinery with boom luffing mechanisms and provide a reference for patent application.
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Mechanical Design of Variable Stiffness Joint Based on Planetary Gear Train and Modular Elastic Element
More LessBy Jishu GuoBackgroundThe variable stiffness joint (VSJ) is a kind of inherent flexible actuator with independent controllable position and stiffness. Among various types of VSJs, the VSJs based on equivalent lever mechanisms and relying on changing the position of the lever pivot to adjust the transmission rate between input and output have the characteristic of low energy consumption for stiffness adjustment. Therefore, many patents have been applied for this type of VSJ. As the structural design of VSJs is an open research field, it is necessary and meaningful to explore novel structural designs of VSJs based on equivalent lever mechanisms.
ObjectiveThe purpose of this article is to design a variable stiffness joint that changes the joint stiffness by adjusting the position of the lever pivot.
MethodsBy referring and combining existing mechanical design ideas of some series configuration VSJs with good stiffness adjustment mechanism schemes, a novel series configuration VSJ based on an equivalent lever mechanism and relying on adjusting the position of the lever pivot to change joint stiffness has been implemented through CAD drawing, 3D printing, and assembly.
ResultsDue to the wide movable range of the lever pivot, the designed VSJ has a wide adjustable range of stiffness. Moreover, assembly design and modular design have been achieved in terms of elastic output and power transmission, for easy installation and maintenance. The movability and stiffness adjustability of the designed VSJ were preliminarily verified through manual adjustment.
ConclusionThe assembly model of the VSJ demonstrates the feasibility of structural design. The stiffness adjustment experiment showed the variable stiffness ability of the designed VSJ.
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An Improved Multi-point Chord Reference Measurement Device and Error Correction Method for Corrugation Measuring in Sharp Curves
More LessAuthors: Wenqing Lv and Huiming YaoBackgroundThe traditional chord reference method and its device have faced challenges matching the sharp curve track. Thus, it is of utmost importance to research and develop a measurement device and method that can obtain accurate and comprehensive information regarding rail running band corrugation.
AimsIt provides a solution for the measurement of the multi-point chord reference method on sharply curved rails and, at the same time, meets the demand for data richness and accuracy in theoretical studies on the causes of rail corrugation and wheel-rail contact relationships.
ObjectiveThis paper aims to research and design a measurement device based on the multi-point chord reference method for the rail running band corrugation. Meanwhile, the error in measuring the sharp curve rail is corrected and verified by simulation.
MethodsThe lateral information of rail running band is obtained by using a line laser profile sensor; the rail corrugation measurement model and error correction model of the rail running band area are established based on multi-point reference system; the simulation of the system model is carried out using Matlab; and the mechanical structure is built for static testing in the patent.
ResultsThe measurement model based on the profile sensor and multi-point chord reference system can accurately obtain the rail corrugation waveform of any longitudinal measurement line in the running band area. The measurement results can be accurately corrected for a radius of 200 m-400 m, the error parameters can be effectively improved, and the mechanical mechanism of the measurement system runs stably.
ConclusionThe results show that the measurement model can accurately measure the rail corrugation of the sharp curve section, and the multi-waveform in the rail running band area has good measurement performance, but the mechanical structure can be optimized and improved in the light weight.
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RSM Hybrid Modeling of a BSFC for a Single Cylinder Four Stroke CI Engine Fueled with Nano-additives Added to Diesel-biodiesel Fuel Blends
More LessAuthors: Nishant S. Thakar and Tushar M. PatelIntroductionThe expanding need for fossil fuels emphasizes the necessity to comprehend renewable energy sources.
MethodsThis study examined the performance of a single-cylinder diesel engine using Jatropha biodiesel and aluminum dioxide—the research aimed to evaluate engine reactivity to compression ratio and load variations. The experiment employed with varitaion compression ratios.
ResultsThis study used the Response Surface Methodology to find the best Brake Specific Fuel Consumption performance indicator location. The researchers used a Central Composite Design setup for analysis. A regression model employing the response surface approach was then created to predict fuel phase-out likelihood.
ConclusionThis study examines multiple factors' effect and highlights the potential for patentable innovations in renewable fuel applications. According to studies, Jatropha biodiesel and its blends may improve engine efficiency and lower brake-specific fuel consumption compared to diesel fuel. Minor input parameter modifications are needed to gain these benefits.
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