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A computer-based product classification and component detection for demanufacturing processes
This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript of an article published in International Journal of Computer Integrated
Manufacturing, 24(10), 900-914, 2011 [copyright Taylor & Francis], available online at:
http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/0951192X.2011.579169.The aim of this paper is to propose a novel computer-based product classification, component detection and tracking for demanufacturing and disassembly process. This is achieved by introducing a series of automated and sequential product scanning, component identification, image analysis and sorting â leading to the development of a bill of material (BOM). The produced BOM can then be associated with the relevant disassembly/demanufacture proviso. The proposed integrated image sorting and product classification (ISPC) approach can be considered as a step forward in automation of demanufacturing activities. The ISPC model proposed in this paper utilises and builds on the state-of-the-art technology and current body of research in computer-integrated demanufacturing and remanufacturing (CIDR). An appraisal of the latest research material and the factors that inhibit CIDR methods inpractice are presented. A novel solution for the integration of imaging and material identification techniques toovercome some of the existing shortcomings of automated recycling processes is proposed in this paper. The proposed product scanning and component detection ISPC software consists of four distinct models: the repertory database, the search engine, the product-attributes updater and the image sorting and classification algorithm. The software framework that integrates the four components is presented in this paper. Finally, an overall assessment of applying ISPC at various stages of CIDR processes concludes the article.University of Ibadan MacArthur Foundation Gran
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A framework of justification criteria for advanced manufacturing technology implementation in small and medium enterprises
Today in order to stay in businesses and prosper, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are seeking higher electiveness and competitiveness across the entire cycle of marketing, product design, manufacture, test and sales. SMEs play an increasingly important role in all aspects of competitiveness: both products and production techniques, but also management methods, the organization of the firm and human resources training. One of the ways by which SMEs can achieve a competitive advantage in manufacturing is through the implementation of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT). An increasing number of them have chosen and are choosing various levels of AMT as the solution. Realizing the importance of SMEs, an attempt has been made in this paper to review the application of AMT in SMEs. Also, a framework has been offered for the implementation of AMT in SMEs. Finally, a summary of findings and conclusions are presented
Virtual bloXing - assembly rapid prototyping for near net shapes
Virtual reality (VR) provides another dimension to many engineering applications. Its immersive and interactive nature allows an intuitive approach to study both cognitive activities and performance evaluation. Market competitiveness means having products meet form, fit and function quickly. Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (RP&M) technologies are increasingly being applied to produce functional prototypes and the direct manufacturing of small components. Despite its flexibility, these systems have common drawbacks such as slow build rates, a limited number of build axes (typically one) and the need for post processing. This paper presents a Virtual Assembly Rapid Prototyping (VARP) project which involves evaluating cognitive activities in assembly tasks based on the adoption of immersive virtual reality along with a novel nonlayered rapid prototyping for near net shape (NNS) manufacturing of components. It is envisaged that this integrated project will facilitate a better understanding of design for manufacture and assembly by utilising equivalent scale digital and physical prototyping in one rapid prototyping system. The state of the art of the VARP project is also presented in this paper
Virtual assembly rapid prototyping of near net shapes
Virtual reality (VR) provides another dimension to many engineering applications. Its immersive and interactive nature allows an intuitive approach to study both cognitive activities and performance evaluation. Market competitiveness means having products meet form, fit and function quickly. Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (RP&M) technologies are increasingly being applied to produce functional prototypes and the direct manufacturing of small components. Despite its flexibility, these systems have common drawbacks such as slow build rates, a limited number of build axes (typically one) and the need for post processing. This paper presents a Virtual Assembly Rapid Prototyping (VARP) project which involves evaluating cognitive activities in assembly tasks based on the adoption of immersive virtual reality along with a novel non-layered rapid prototyping for near net shape (NNS) manufacturing of components. It is envisaged that this integrated project will facilitate a better understanding of design for manufacture and assembly by utilising equivalent scale digital and physical prototyping in one rapid prototyping system. The state of the art of the VARP project is also presented in this paper
Fabrication and characterization of nanostructured fluorine doped tin oxide thin film for dssc by hydrothermal method
Nanostructured Fluorine Doped Tin Oxide (FTO) thin film has been
successfully synthesized on top of bare FTO layer substrates using hydrothermal
method. The performance of FTO thin film including conductivity and transparency
depend on the surface morphology and the properties of the material. Hydrothermal
method has proven to be a very good method for the fabrication of novel metal
oxides. Thus, a new nanostructured FTO thin film like nanorice has been fabricated
using one step hydrothermal method. FTO nanorice thin films were obtained from
the reaction of tin (iv) chloride (SnCl4), ammonium fluoride (NH4F), acetone,
deionized water and hydrochloric acid (HCl). The compound was prepared in an
autoclave at 150°C hydrothermal temperature for different reaction times of 5 hours,
10 hours, 15 hours, and 20 hours. FESEM studies on the surface morphologies of all
the samples showed that nanorice structure had formed to fully cover the bare FTO
substrate. Then, to further the optimization of FTO nanorice thin film, this research
focused on studying the effect of hydrothermal temperature on FTO nanorice thin
films. The experiments were conducted at 130°C, 140°C, 150°C, 160°C, and 170°C
of hydrothermal temperature in constant reaction time of 10 hours. Basically, there
were six properties studied; surface morphology, structural, element composition,
thickness measurement, electrical and optical properties. At the end of this research,
homogeneous FTO thin film has been successfully prepared. By controlling the
reaction time and hydrothermal temperature, a transparent FTO film with beyond
85% percentage of transmittance was developed. The FTO thin film produced at 10
hour reaction time and 150°C of hydrothermal temperature time gave the low sheet
resistance of 0.012 Ohm/sq with high transparency. The DSSC fabricated using the
optimized FTO film gave higher efficiency of 2.77% compared to commercial FTO
of 1.93%
Automatic generation of robot and manual assembly plans using octrees
This paper aims to investigate automatic assembly planning for robot and manual assembly. The octree decomposition technique is applied to approximate CAD models with an octree representation which are then used to generate robot and manual assembly plans. An assembly planning system able to generate assembly plans was developed to build these prototype models. Octree decomposition is an effective assembly planning tool. Assembly plans can automatically be generated for robot and manual assembly using octree models. Research limitations/implications - One disadvantage of the octree decomposition technique is that it approximates a part model with cubes instead of using the actual model. This limits its use and applications when complex assemblies must be planned, but in the context of prototyping can allow a rough component to be formed which can later be finished by hand. Assembly plans can be generated using octree decomposition, however, new algorithms must be developed to overcome its limitations
Construction safety and digital design: a review
As digital technologies become widely used in designing buildings and infrastructure, questions arise about
their impacts on construction safety. This review explores relationships between construction safety and
digital design practices with the aim of fostering and directing further research. It surveys state-of-the-art
research on databases, virtual reality, geographic information systems, 4D CAD, building information
modeling and sensing technologies, finding various digital tools for addressing safety issues in the
construction phase, but few tools to support design for construction safety. It also considers a literature on
safety critical, digital and design practices that raises a general concern about âmindlessnessâ in the use of
technologies, and has implications for the emerging research agenda around construction safety and digital
design. Bringing these strands of literature together suggests new kinds of interventions, such as the
development of tools and processes for using digital models to promote mindfulness through multi-party
collaboration on safet
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