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21 – 30 of over 8000The paper's purpose is to show how product coding by radio frequency identification (RFID) can provide better benefits with respect to supply‐chain management than barcode…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper's purpose is to show how product coding by radio frequency identification (RFID) can provide better benefits with respect to supply‐chain management than barcode reading, and to discuss important practical obstacles to adoption of the new technology, particularly the high set‐up and implementation cost.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper analyses feasibility studies of RFID systems in relation to the structure and application of the technology in an industrial supply chain.
Findings
RFID technology offers the prospect of improved efficiency by more sophisticated inventory management, delivering lower costs and improved results. It also offers opportunities to reduce theft and counterfeiting. More accurate demand analysis furthermore improves marketing planning. However, a main disadvantage is the high set‐up and implementation cost. Other technical concerns are reliability and electronic interference. Perceived obstacles thus militate against adoption.
Originality/value
This paper evaluates the implementation of RFID from a managerial point of view, balancing benefits against challenges.
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Keywords
Wei Jiang, An Zhang, Gongping Wu, Lianqing Yu, Hong Jun Li, Lizhen Du and Wei Chen
To improve the operational efficiency and intelligence of live operation robots in dynamic-unstructured operation environments, this paper aims to propose a fuzzy logic-based…
Abstract
Purpose
To improve the operational efficiency and intelligence of live operation robots in dynamic-unstructured operation environments, this paper aims to propose a fuzzy logic-based method for the autonomous search and visual localization control of a manipulator end effector applied to a drainage plate bolt on a high-voltage transmission line. The proposed approach is based on a four-way video image information output from a dual-operation manipulator.
Design/methodology/approach
First, based on the structural characteristics of the drainage line, an autonomous search method for the drainage plate bolt and a mapping relationship between the autonomous search control parameters and the relative posture of the operation manipulator-drainage line are proposed. The posture control parameters of the dual manipulators can then be obtained, and a two-dimensional fuzzy controller is designed with the posture offset distance and the posture offset angle as its input signals. This enables the localization control of the bolt and nut alignment to be realized through a visual process.
Findings
The proposed fuzzy control algorithm is used for bolt location control, and its performance is compared with that of the conventional approach. The simulation results indicate that the fuzzy control algorithm greatly improves the localization accuracy and operational efficiency of live operation robots.
Originality/value
Field operation experiments on actual transmission lines verify that the fuzzy control-based visual localization control of the robot manipulator has great engineering practicality. Therefore, the proposed method further improves operational intelligence compared with conventional algorithms.
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Wei Jiang, Yating Shi, Dehua Zou, Hongwei Zhang and Hong Jun Li
The purpose of this paper is to achieve the optimal system design of a four-wheel mobile robot on transmission line maintenance, as the authors know transmission line mobile robot…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to achieve the optimal system design of a four-wheel mobile robot on transmission line maintenance, as the authors know transmission line mobile robot is a kind of special robot which runs on high-voltage cable to replace or assist manual power maintenance operation. In the process of live working, the manipulator, working end effector and the working environment are located in the narrow space and with heterogeneous shapes, the robot collision-free obstacle avoidance movement is the premise to complete the operation task. In the simultaneous operation, the mechanical properties between the manipulator effector and the operation object are the key to improve the operation reliability. These put forward higher requirements for the mechanical configuration and dynamic characteristics of the robot, and this is the purpose of the manuscript.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the above, aiming at the task of tightening the tension clamp for the four-split transmission lines, the paper proposed a four-wheel mobile robot mechanism configuration and its terminal tool which can adapt to the walking and operation on multi-split transmission lines. In the study, the dynamic models of the rigid robot and flexible transmission line are established, respectively, and the dynamic model of rigid-flexible coupling system is established on this basis, the working space and dynamic characteristics of the robot have been simulated in ADAMS and MATLAB.
Findings
The research results show that the mechanical configuration of this robot can complete the tightening operation of the four-split tension clamp bolts and the motion of robot each joint meets the requirements of driving torque in the operation process, which avoids the operation failure of the robot system caused by the insufficient or excessive driving force of the robot joint torque.
Originality/value
Finally, the engineering practicability of the mechanical configuration and dynamic model proposed in the paper has been verified by the physical prototype. The originality value of the research is that it has double important theoretical significance and practical application value for the optimization of mechanical structure parameters and electrical control parameters of transmission line mobile robots.
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Kashif Ishfaq, Muhammad Asad, Muhammad Arif Mahmood, Mirza Abdullah and Catalin Pruncu
The purpose of this study is to explore the applications of 3D printing in space sectors. The authors have highlighted the potential research gap that can be explored in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the applications of 3D printing in space sectors. The authors have highlighted the potential research gap that can be explored in the current field of study. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an additive manufacturing technique that uses metallic powder, ceramic or polymers to build simple/complex parts. The parts produced possess good strength, low weight and excellent mechanical properties and are cost-effective. Therefore, efforts have been made to make the adoption of 3D printing successful in space so that complex parts can be manufactured in space. This saves a considerable amount of both time and carrying cost. Thereof the challenges and opportunities that the space sector holds for additive manufacturing is worth reviewing to provide a better insight into further developments and prospects for this technology.
Design/methodology/approach
The potentiality of 3D printing for the manufacturing of various components under space conditions has been explained. Here, the authors have reviewed the details of manufactured parts used for zero-gravity missions, subjected to onboard international space station conditions and with those manufactured on earth. Followed by the major opportunities in 3D printing in space which include component repair, material characterization, process improvement and process development along with the new designs. The challenges like space conditions, availability of power in space, the infrastructure requirements and the quality control or testing of the items that are being built in space are explained along with their possible mitigation strategies.
Findings
These components are well comparable with those prepared on earth which enables a massive cost saving. Other than the onboard manufacturing process, numerous other components as well as a complete robot/satellite for outer space applications were manufactured by additive manufacturing. Moreover, these components can be recycled onboard to produce feedstock for the next materials. The parts produced in space are bought back and compared with those built on earth. There is a difference in their nature, i.e. the flight specimen showed a brittle nature, and the ground specimen showed a denser nature.
Originality/value
This review discusses the advancements of 3D printing in space and provides numerous examples of the applications of 3D printing in space and space applications. This paper is solely dedicated to 3D printing in space. It provides a breakthrough in the literature as a limited amount of literature is available on this topic. This paper aims at highlighting all the challenges that additive manufacturing faces in the space sector and also the future opportunities that await development.
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Xiaofeng Liu, Jiahong Xu and Yuhong Liu
The purpose of this research on the control of three-axis aero-dynamic pendulum with disturbance is to facilitate the applications of equipment with similar pendulum structure in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research on the control of three-axis aero-dynamic pendulum with disturbance is to facilitate the applications of equipment with similar pendulum structure in intelligent manufacturing and robot.
Design/methodology/approach
The controller proposed in this paper is mainly implemented in the following ways. First, the kinematic model of the three-axis aero-dynamic pendulum is derived in state space form to construct the predictive model. Then, according to the predictive model and objective function, the control problem can be expressed a quadratic programming (QP) problem. The optimal solution of the QP problem at each sampling time is the value of control variable.
Findings
The trajectory tracking and point stability tests performed on the 3D space with different disturbances are validated and the results show the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Originality/value
This paper proposes a nonlinear unstable three-axis aero-dynamic pendulum with less power devices. Meanwhile, the trajectory tracking and point stability problem of the pendulum system is investigated with the model predictive control strategy.
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Keywords
Yu Yan, Wei Jiang, An Zhang, Qiao Min Li, Hong Jun Li, Wei Chen and YunFei Lei
This study aims to the three major problems of low cleaning efficiency, high labor intensity and difficult to evaluate the cleaning effect for manual insulators cleaning in ultra…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to the three major problems of low cleaning efficiency, high labor intensity and difficult to evaluate the cleaning effect for manual insulators cleaning in ultra high voltage (UHV) converter station, the purpose of this paper is to propose a basic configuration of UHV vertical insulator cleaning robot with multi-freedom-degree mechanical arm system on mobile airborne platform and its innovation cleaning operation motion planning.
Design/methodology/approach
The main factors affecting the insulators cleaning effect in the operation process have been analyzed. Because of the complex coupling relationship between the influencing factors and the insulators cleaning effect, it is difficult to establish its analytical mathematical model. Combining the non-linear mapping and approximation characteristics of back propagation (BP) neural network, the insulator cleaning effect evaluation can be abstracted as a non-linear approximation process from actual cleaning effect to ideal cleaning effect. An evaluation method of robot insulator cleaning effect based on BP neural network has been proposed.
Findings
Through the BP neural network training, the robot cleaning control parameters can be obtained and used in the robot online operation control, so that the better cleaning effect can be also obtained. Finally, a physical prototype of UHV vertical insulator cleaning robot has been developed, and the effectiveness and engineering practicability of the proposed robot configuration, cleaning effect evaluation method are all verified by simulation experiments and field operation experiments. At the same time, this method has the remarkable characteristics of sound versatility, strong adaptability, easy expansion and popularization.
Originality/value
An UHV vertical insulator cleaning robot operation system platform with multi-arm system on airborne platform has been proposed. Through the coordinated movement of the manipulator each joint, the manipulator can be positioned to the insulator strings, and the insulator can be cleaned by two pairs high-pressure nozzles located at the double manipulator. The influence factors of robot insulator cleaning effect have been analyzed. The BP neural network model of insulator cleaning effect evaluation has been established. The evaluation method of robot insulator cleaning effect based on BP neural network has also been proposed, and the corresponding evaluation result can be obtained through the network training. Through the system integration design, the robot physical prototype has been developed. For the evaluation of other operation effects of power system, the validity and engineering practicability of the robot mechanism, motion planning and the method for evaluating the effect of robot insulator cleaning have been verified by simulation and field operation experiments.
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Wenjing Wang, Moting Wang and Yizhi Dong
The paper's purpose is to investigate the effects of digital finance on the risk of stock price crashes and the underlying transmission mechanisms, and to provide suggestions to…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper's purpose is to investigate the effects of digital finance on the risk of stock price crashes and the underlying transmission mechanisms, and to provide suggestions to inhibit the stock crash risk (CR).
Design/methodology/approach
This paper selects all companies that were listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange from 2011 to 2020. It then uses the two-way fixed effect model and the intermediary effect model to verify such effects.
Findings
The overall outcomes demonstrate such a result that the CR of listed companies in China can be significantly reduced by the development of digital finance, and the overall transparency of business financial information and the equity pledge of controlling shareholders are the two underlying transmission mechanisms that digital finance can cause effects on the CR of stocks.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitations are that there may exist some problems in the method for evaluating the CR of stocks. And there may be a problem of endogeneity caused by the empirical model cannot control all correlation variables.
Practical implications
This paper would provide policy implications, for different roles, to inhibit the stock CR and to make the development of the economy more stabilize.
Social implications
Digital finance can promote economic development while restraining financial risks at the same time. Therefore, although this study is based on the relevant data from China, it can also provide a reference for other economies with different basic conditions from China, to promote the overall development of the world economy.
Originality/value
The current academic research on digital finance or stock price CR has been relatively sufficient, but there are few papers that combined both. By combining digital finance with stock CR, this paper researches the influence of digital finance on the CR of stocks through empirical analysis. So, this paper would provide new research ideas and evidence for potential influence factors of the CR of stocks, fill the gap in this research field and provide certain help for subsequent scholars to conduct relevant research.
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Alfin Leo, Gino Rinaldi, Ion Stiharu and Rama Bhat
It is currently difficult to measure temperature and pressure in harsh environments. Such measurements are limited by either the ability of the sensing element or the associated…
Abstract
Purpose
It is currently difficult to measure temperature and pressure in harsh environments. Such measurements are limited by either the ability of the sensing element or the associated electrical wiring to withstand the operating environment. This is unfortunate as temperature and pressure are important measurands in various engineering structures as they provide critical information on the operating condition of the structure. Hence, there is a need to address this shortcoming. Such a sensor in place would enhance the operating efficiency thereby reducing the pollution burden and its impact on the environment. The purpose of this paper is to present theoretical and preliminary experimental results for a co‐integrated pressure and temperature sensor for harsh environments.
Design/methodology/approach
This work describes a co‐integrated pressure‐temperature wireless sensing scheme. The approach presented herein provides the possibility of measuring dynamic pressure and temperature within an enclosed volume using acoustic signals. Resonance tube physics is exploited for the temperature sensing. A microphone is used to obtain the acoustic signal whose frequency is a function of the temperature and the tube geometry.
Findings
The dynamic pressure is measured from the calibrated amplitude of the pressure wave signal measured by the microphone. The temperature can be measured through the shift of the standing wave frequency with a resolution of <1°C. The resonance tube can be fabricated using any material that resists harsh environments. The geometry of the tube can be tailored for any specific frequency range, as the application warrants. Also, this provides a means for accurate temperature compensation of pressure sensor data from high temperature environments. A Matlab/Simulink model is developed and presented for the acquisition of acoustic signals through the wall of an enclosed volume. For these applications the standing wave signal transmitted through the enclosure wall becomes a function of the wall material and wall thickness. Preliminary experimental results are presented in which a DC fan is used for generating the dynamic pressure in a varying temperature environment.
Research limitations/implications
The major issue is the separation of the noise from the signal. As various applications yield specific signal noise, the problem needs detailed data to be addressed.
Practical implications
Temperature and dynamic pressure could be recorded/monitored in very harsh environment conditions such as chemical reactors.
Originality/value
This work demonstrates the possibility of employing a co‐integrated acoustic sensing scheme in which both pressure and temperature are measured simultaneously with a sole sensor. The major advantage with acoustic sensing is the wireless transmission of data. This allows for non‐invasive measurement from within enclosed systems. Direct real‐time temperature compensation is possible that does not require any compensation circuitry. Hence, pressure and temperature data may be obtained from caustic operating environments whose access is otherwise not feasible.
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Ye Hong, Yimin Mo, Jun Wang, Xiangkui Kong and Qingchun Liu
This paper aims to investigate the effects of low-viscosity and ultralow-viscosity engine oils on the comprehensive friction and fuel economy of turbocharged gasoline direct…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the effects of low-viscosity and ultralow-viscosity engine oils on the comprehensive friction and fuel economy of turbocharged gasoline direct injection (TGDI) through simulation analysis and experiments.
Design/methodology/approach
Numerical analysis models of friction loss for reciprocating, crankshaft and valve train are established. Based on the FAST, the friction loss of 24 specific parts of a TGDI engine was analyzed. Finally, the engine test bench was built, which was used to test the mechanical loss, external characteristics and universal characteristics.
Findings
Compared with the baseline oil, lower viscosity lubricating oil can reduce the friction loss of nine components to varying degrees. When the viscosity decreases, the friction distribution ratio of reciprocating, crankshaft and balance shaft will gradually decrease. The proportion of reciprocating when using 0W12 is reduced by 4%. Tests have shown that ultralow viscosity engine oil reduces torque loss by up to 15.74% (2,000 rpm, full throttle), but its fuel consumption rate becomes higher in low-speed and high-torque conditions.
Originality/value
This work helps to understand the effect of lubricating oil characteristics on the comprehensive friction performance of the engine.
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Kate A. Remley, Galen Koepke, Chris Holloway, Dennis Camell and Chriss Grosvenor
The purpose of this paper is to describe common methods for evaluating the performance of wireless devices such as wireless sensors in harsh radio environments.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe common methods for evaluating the performance of wireless devices such as wireless sensors in harsh radio environments.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper describes how measurements of real‐world propagation environments can be used to support the evaluation process, then presents representative measurement data from multipath environments where sensor networks are likely to be deployed: a fixed‐infrastructure, process‐control environment (here an oil refinery), and a heavy industrial environment (here an automotive assembly plant).
Findings
Results on the characterization of multipath in the propagation channel are summarized and how these results may be used in the performance evaluation of sensor networks is discussed.
Originality/value
The paper describes measurement results from environments where little open‐literature data exists on point‐to‐point propagation, specifically high‐multipath environments. These highly reflective scenarios can present difficulties for deployment of sensor networks.
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