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11 – 20 of 217
Article
Publication date: 1 March 2004

A. Shirinov, J. Kamenik and S. Fatikow

Miniaturised nanohandling microrobots are used to handle objects of less than 100 μm size with accuracy down to several nanometres. Operating a nanohandling robot in the…

Abstract

Miniaturised nanohandling microrobots are used to handle objects of less than 100 μm size with accuracy down to several nanometres. Operating a nanohandling robot in the microworld and nanoworld presents challenges not found in the macroworld. To allow a good manipulability, we propose a teleoperation system, which is based on the innovative approach of haptic‐based model‐oriented teleoperation of nanohandling robots. The newly developed haptic interface for a microrobot cell is used in the proposed teleoperation system for the teleoperation of the industrial nanohandling robot. This paper presents the scanning electron microscope based nanohandling station that uses the proposed haptic‐based model‐oriented teleoperation approach. Further, we discuss the integration of a force microsensor into the teleoperation interface. The first experiments and theoretical research show that the proposed approach can improve haptic‐based teleoperation of nanohandling robots.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 October 2009

Bokang Patrick Motjolopane and Robert van Zyl

Distributed wireless sensor networks (DWSNs) are applied in a variety of applications that can enhance the quality of human life. Batteries are the predominant source of energy in…

1228

Abstract

Purpose

Distributed wireless sensor networks (DWSNs) are applied in a variety of applications that can enhance the quality of human life. Batteries are the predominant source of energy in DWSNs. One of the key obstacles in the adoption of DWSNs technology is the limited lifetime of batteries in microsensors. Recharging or replacing depleted batteries can significantly increase costs in DWSNs. The purpose of this paper is to address, through a thorough review, this power challenge in DWSNs and to evaluate a 16‐element equiangular spiral rectenna to harvest ambient microwave energy in real‐life scenarios to supply indoor DWSNs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on the practical implementation of a rectenna that can be used in electromagnetic energy harvesting. The design and measurement of the rectenna follows a broad overview of rectenna designs reported in the literature.

Findings

The paper concludes that the 16‐element equiangular spiral rectenna has the potential to generate power that enables long periods of operation of the DWSNs without human intervention in the power management process, thus reducing maintenance and administration costs.

Originality/value

Research into electromagnetic power harvesting is very limited in the South African context. The paper presents a concise overview of existing power harvesting techniques that will benefit novice researchers in the field of electromagnetic energy harvesting. It concludes with the performance characterisation of a spiral array rectenna.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 7 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 March 2018

Shiva Akhtarian, Hadi Veladi and Sajedeh Mohammadi Aref

The purpose of the study is to explore the potential possibility of using the conductive and piezoresistive nanocomposites that consist of insulating poly(dimethylsiloxane), a…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to explore the potential possibility of using the conductive and piezoresistive nanocomposites that consist of insulating poly(dimethylsiloxane), a very popular silicone polymer, and the amazing properties of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in sensing applications. This nanocomposite is prepared by an optimized process to achieve a high-quality nanocomposite with uniform properties.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimized process achieved in this study to provide PDMS/CNT nanocomposite includes the appropriate use of ultrasonic bath, magnetic stirrer, molding and curing in certain circumstances that results in obtaining high-quality nanocomposite with uniform properties. Experiments to characterize the influence of some factors such as pressure, temperature and the impact of CNT’s concentration on the electrical properties of the prepared nanocomposite have been designed and carried out.

Findings

The obtained preparing method of this nanocomposite is found to have better homogeneity in comparison to other methods for CNT/PDMS nanocomposite. This nanocomposite has both desirable properties of the PDMS elastomer and the additional conductive CNT, and it can be used to create all-polymer systems. Furthermore, the conductivity values of these nanocomposites can be changed by varying some factors such as temperature and pressure, so that those can be used in temperature- and pressure-sensoring applications.

Originality/value

In the present research, a convenient, inexpensive and reproducible method for preparing CNT/PDMS nanocomposite was investigated. These nanocomposites with the unique properties of both PDMS elastomer and CNTs and also with high electrical conductivity, piezoresistive properties and temperature dependent resistivity can be used in different sensoring applications.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 39 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2002

Robert Bogue

Describes a novel dry etching technique, developed by STS Systems plc, based on a high‐density, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) technology, which enables the fabrication of…

Abstract

Describes a novel dry etching technique, developed by STS Systems plc, based on a high‐density, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) technology, which enables the fabrication of advanced silicon microsensors and a wide range of other MEMS devices. Describes the process and illustrates various applications.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 22 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 20 January 2012

408

Abstract

Details

Microelectronics International, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-5362

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 April 2005

59

Abstract

Details

Microelectronics International, vol. 22 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-5362

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 January 2012

Mahanth Prasad, R.P. Yadav, V. Sahula and V.K. Khanna

The purpose of this paper is to help reduce power consumption by using platinum‐based microhotplate with different dielectric membranes SiO2 and Si3N4 for gas sensing…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to help reduce power consumption by using platinum‐based microhotplate with different dielectric membranes SiO2 and Si3N4 for gas sensing applications, and to develop platinum lift‐off process using DC sputtering method for fabrication of platinum resistor.

Design/methodology/approach

Semiconductor gas sensors normally require high power consumption because of their elevated operating temperature 300‐600°C. Considering the thermal resistant and sensitive characteristics of metal platinum as well as heat and electricity insulating characteristics of SiO2, Si3N4 and combination of both, a kind of the Si‐substrate microhotplate was designed and simulated using ANSYS 10.0 tool. Thermal oxidation of Si wafer was carried out to get a 1.0 μm thick SiO2 layer. Pt deposition on oxidized silicon substrate by lift‐off was carried out using DC sputtering technique.

Findings

The platinum‐based microhotplate requires 31.3‐70.5 mW power to create the temperature 348‐752°C for gas sensing applications. The SiO2 membrane can operate the gas sensitive film at higher temperature than the Si3N4 and combination of both the membranes at same power consumption. The paper also presents the FEM simulation of different heating elements like nichrome and tantalum and its comparison to platinum for microhotplate applications.

Originality/value

Both the simulation and experimental work provides the low cost, high yield and repeatability in realization of microhotplate. The design and simulation work provides the better selection of heating elements and dielectric membranes. The developed experimental process provides the easy fabrication of platinum resistors using DC sputtering technique.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 32 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 January 2011

Carsten Bergenholtz

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the spanning of inter‐organizational weak ties and technological boundaries influences knowledge brokering.

2102

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the spanning of inter‐organizational weak ties and technological boundaries influences knowledge brokering.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on original fieldwork and employs a case study research design, investigating a Danish HTSF's inter‐organizational activities.

Findings

The findings show how an inter‐organizational search that crosses technological boundaries and is based on a network structure of weak ties can imply a reduced risk of unwanted knowledge spill‐over.

Research limitations/implications

By not engaging in strong tie collaborations a knowledge brokering organization can reduce the risk of unwanted knowledge spill‐over. The risks and opportunities of knowledge spill‐over furthermore rely on the nature of the technology involved and to what extent technological boundaries are crossed.

Practical implications

An organization that can span both technological boundaries and weak ties is in a unique knowledge brokering position. The findings indicate how the barriers of an open transfer of complex knowledge across weak ties can be partially overcome by letting an R&D department be the networking department.

Originality/value

Very little research has examined the organizational processes at stake when spanning organizational, technological and network boundaries.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 September 2010

Fahimeh Dehkhoda, Javad Frounchi and Hadi Veladi

The purpose of this paper is to develop a program based on three‐dimensional finite element analysis to model different patterns of capacitive proximity sensors. This program can…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a program based on three‐dimensional finite element analysis to model different patterns of capacitive proximity sensors. This program can be used as a development tool to optimize the structure and size of a sensor for a desired or for a given sensitivity and linearity range and as a consequence to save sensor design time. A set of experiments have been conducted to test the tool capabilities for designing different sensor structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Finite element analysis in ANSYS software was used to perform electrostatic field simulations and to calculate the capacitance between electrodes of a capacitive proximity sensor when a conducting target is placed in some distance from the sensor plate.

Findings

Several capacitive proximity sensor structures have been designed, analyzed and tested to illustrate the accuracy of the simulated results obtained from the design tool. After design and implementation of a sensor and comparing the extracted and measured capacitance values, it is shown that the finite element analysis is an accurate method to extract fringing capacitance in capacitive proximity sensors in comparison to the analytical tool based on the finite difference method.

Originality/value

This automatic capacitive proximity sensor design tool can optimize a sensor structure with specific shape and size to have more sensitivity or linearity according to the application in use. Moreover, the modeling program can extract characteristics of a sensor with user‐defined parameters.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 October 2000

73

Abstract

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 27 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

11 – 20 of 217