Evaluating a Prototype Approach to Validating a DDS-based System Architecture for Automated Manufacturing Environments

Data Distribution Services (DDS) are emerging as communication systems in manufacturing environments. One of the key features of a DDS based system is the ability to regain performance levels after the introduction or removal of a DDS participant. In implementing a DDS participant to an existing system, message transport speed and message latency is often sacrificed due to protection problems in OEM software. Validity and suitability for integration of OpenDDS specifically, a manufacturing system is evaluated by defining two implementation scenarios; a flexible approach with a dedicated DDS participant application, and a high speed approach integrating the OpenDDS API directly in the target application. The system is validated by monitoring performance, efficiency and robustness in use and implementation. This result is part of a system architecture, developed for project Smart Industrial Robotics (SInBot), that focuses on maximizing the efficient use of mobile industrial robots during medium sized production runs. This modular system architecture is based on distributed intelligence and decentralized control to enable online reconfiguration of industrial robots in manufacturing facilities

Novel cooling strategy for electronic packages:directly injected cooling

This publication describes the development of a novel cooling strategy for electronic packages. During the conceptual design phase, the engineering disciplines involved are considered simultaneously. Through a case study, it is demonstrated that this integrative approach is an effective methodology leading to an innovative design. A novel, improved and highly integrated cooling strategy for electronic packages is presented. Standardized package types, as for instance ball grid array packages, are equipped with a directly injected cooling support. The developed concept is a new and very cost effective concept, as fewer productions steps and fewer procured parts are required compared to traditional cooling concepts. The new concept is also easily scalable, as multiple components on an electronic product can be cooled both uniformly across the product and simultaneously. This increases design flexibility and results in electronic products with advantages in terms of performance, compactness, weight and production efficiency

Full immersion TRIZ in education

Within the University of Twente, the Netherlands, TRIZ is seen as a powerful methodology that stimulates students in investigating innovative solutions during the product development process. The TRIZ methodology has been part of the Twente curriculum for many years, mainly as small parts of courses and projects. In 2009, TRIZ was presented as an 84 or 140 hour master course for the first time. The course organisation differs from regular university courses both by subject, timing and intensity. The course was offered during the summer break within two weeks, with a workload reaching 10+ hours a day. This paper describes the course itself, course results and the student evaluation of the course

Integrated bottom up and top down approach to optimization of the extrusion process

Boal BV and the University of Twente participate in research projects focused on improvement of die design methods for aluminum extrusion dies. Within this research empirical knowledge is combined with insights gained from numerical process simulations. Design rules for improvements to the geometry and functionality of flat and porthole dies have been defined. For porthole dies this has led to enhanced die stability and significant reduction of scrap. For both flat and porthole dies an increase in production speed and a reduction of wear has been obtained. This paper will describe the scope of this research and present results achieved in industrial practice

Introducing trimming and function ranking to Solid Works based on function analysis

TRIZ based Function Analysis models existing products based on functional interactions between product parts. Such a function model description is the ideal starting point for product innovation. Design engineers can apply (TRIZ)\ud methods such as trimming and function ranking to this function model to improve their products. This paper describes the introduction of said methods directly into CAD software, since this is software often used by design engineers. As such, design engineers do not have to switch between applications, or worse, convert product data sets, when jumping from product detailing to innovation tasks. The developed software tool tries to actively guide engineers through the innovation process, progressing more quickly through product design and redesign phases. Thus, resulting in shorter lead times and a faster time-to-market for the industr