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1 – 10 of 185
Article
Publication date: 1 December 1999

John Peoples and Larry B. Weinstein

Increased worldwide competition has driven industry to find ever faster and more accurate techniques for product inspection. Although developed only recently, noncontact laser…

Abstract

Increased worldwide competition has driven industry to find ever faster and more accurate techniques for product inspection. Although developed only recently, noncontact laser gauging systems (NCLGSs) are quickly becoming an accepted technology for manufacturing, in particular for large volume producers of wire who require online diameter measurement. This paper describes the major components of an NCLGS and how its technology enables manufacturers to incorporate extremely accurate online product measurement. The paper also describes the benefits and issues for concern associated with use of this new technology.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 19 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 February 2024

Heng Liu, Yonghua Lu, Haibo Yang, Lihua Zhou and Qiang Feng

In the context of fixed-wing aircraft wing assembly, there is a need for a rapid and precise measurement technique to determine the center distance between two double-hole…

Abstract

Purpose

In the context of fixed-wing aircraft wing assembly, there is a need for a rapid and precise measurement technique to determine the center distance between two double-hole components. This paper aims to propose an optical-based spatial point distance measurement technique using the spatial triangulation method. The purpose of this paper is to design a specialized measurement system, specifically a spherically mounted retroreflector nest (SMR nest), equipped with two laser displacement sensors and a rotary encoder as the core to achieve accurate distance measurements between the double holes.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop an efficient and accurate measurement system, the paper uses a combination of laser displacement sensors and a rotary encoder within the SMR nest. The system is designed, implemented and tested to meet the requirements of precise distance measurement. Software and hardware components have been developed and integrated for validation.

Findings

The optical-based distance measurement system achieves high precision at 0.04 mm and repeatability at 0.02 mm within a range of 412.084 mm to 1,590.591 mm. These results validate its suitability for efficient assembly processes, eliminating repetitive errors in aircraft wing assembly.

Originality/value

This paper proposes an optical-based spatial point distance measurement technique, as well as a unique design of a SMR nest and the introduction of two novel calibration techniques, all of which are validated by the developed software and hardware platform.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2017

Xiaohong Lu, Zhenyuan Jia, Xiaochen Hu and Wentao Wang

The purpose of this paper is to achieve the trajectory tracking measurement of a moving target based on double position sensitive detectors (PSDs).

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to achieve the trajectory tracking measurement of a moving target based on double position sensitive detectors (PSDs).

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, first, a double PSD-based measurement system including hardware system and software system is built up. Then, the working principle is studied to calculate parameters, and calibration experience is conducted. Finally, this double PSD-based measurement system is used to test angular displacement and axial displacement on the tool magazine and automatic tool changer.

Findings

In the experiment, the maximum position error of a space point based on double PSD measurement system is 0.8566 mm, and the average error is 0.4716 mm. These results show that the built double PSD-based measurement system of trajectory tracking of a moving target is reasonable.

Originality/value

Combining the characteristics of the PSD and principles of binocular visual measurement, a non-contact three-dimensional measuring system based on double PSDs is developed. The designed double-based measurement system is quite suitable for measurement of a fast-changing illuminant or in the case that the tracking accuracy is not tight.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 34 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 October 2021

Qingguo Wen, Pengju Li, Zhengkai Zhang and Hong Hu

This paper aims to clarify the principle of force measurement using the auxetic structure by studying the relationship among the force, the change of transmittance and the change…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify the principle of force measurement using the auxetic structure by studying the relationship among the force, the change of transmittance and the change of output current of the solar cell.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper opted for an exploratory study using combining theory with experiment. This paper analysized the theoretical model and deformation of the auxetic structure. It used a hexagon honeycomb structure as a comparison in the experiment. The experiment was conducted on a universal testing machine, and the data was obtained by a digital acquisition card. The data was analyzed without using any signal processing means.

Findings

This paper provides the linearity and the sensitivity of the proposed force measurement method. It shows a good linear relationship between the input and output of this method and good sensitivity, stability and repeatability without using any signal processing means.

Originality/value

This paper provides new structural insights for force sensors and presents future research directions.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 42 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 October 2018

Lijun Ding, Shuguang Dai and Pingan Mu

Measurement uncertainty calculation is an important and complicated problem in digitised components inspection. In such inspections, a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) and laser…

Abstract

Purpose

Measurement uncertainty calculation is an important and complicated problem in digitised components inspection. In such inspections, a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) and laser scanner are usually used to get the surface point clouds of the component in different postures. Then, the point clouds are registered to construct fully connected point clouds of the component’s surfaces. However, in most cases, the measurement uncertainty is difficult to estimate after the scanned point cloud has been registered. This paper aims to propose a simplified method for calculating the uncertainty of point cloud measurements based on spatial feature registration.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed method, algorithmic models are used to calculate the point cloud measurement uncertainty based on noncontact measurements of the planes, lines and points of the component and spatial feature registration.

Findings

The measurement uncertainty based on spatial feature registration is related to the mutual position of registration features and the number of sensor commutation in the scanning process, but not to the spatial distribution of the measured feature. The results of experiments conducted verify the efficacy of the proposed method.

Originality/value

The proposed method provides an efficient algorithm for calculating the measurement uncertainty of registration point clouds based on part features, and therefore has important theoretical and practical significance in digitised components inspection.

Details

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

Keywords

Content available
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Abstract

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Article
Publication date: 30 July 2024

Shu Wang and Nathan B. Crane

Powder bed density is a key parameter in powder bed additive manufacturing (AM) processes but is not easily monitored. This research evaluates the possibility of non-invasively…

Abstract

Purpose

Powder bed density is a key parameter in powder bed additive manufacturing (AM) processes but is not easily monitored. This research evaluates the possibility of non-invasively estimating the density of an AM powder bed via its thermal properties measured using flash thermography (FT).

Design/methodology/approach

The thermal diffusivity and conductivity of the samples were found by fitting an analytical model to the measured surface temperature after flash of the powder on a polymer substrate, enabling the estimation of the powder bed density.

Findings

FT estimated powder bed was within 8% of weight-based density measurements and the inferred thermal properties are consistent with literature findings. However, multiple flashes were necessary to ensure precise measurements due to noise in the experimental data and the similarity of thermal properties between the powder and substrate.

Originality/value

This paper emphasizes the capability of Flash Thermography (FT) for non-contact measurement of SS 316 L powder bed density, offering a pathway to in-situ monitoring for powder bed AM methods including binder jetting (BJ) and powder bed fusion. Despite the limitations of the current approach, the density knowledge and thermal properties measurements have the potential to enhance process development and thermal modeling powder bed AM processes, aiding in understanding the powder packing and thermal behavior.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 30 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 November 2020

Xinzhou Wu and Victor Kuzmichev

The purpose of this paper is to present a method of digital twins of female bodies and the optimization of wetsuit patterns with the help of virtual technologies.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a method of digital twins of female bodies and the optimization of wetsuit patterns with the help of virtual technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the new anthropometrical grouping of female torsos has been developed with 3D body scanning technology. Second, soft tissue deformation under the influence of typical diving postures and hydraulic pressure has been explored. Through real experiments, the relationship between textile material strain and body measurement changing has been applied to establish deformed digital twins of female bodies. Finally, during the evaluation of the virtual wetsuit test on digital twins through material strain and pressure values in CLO 3D, the optimized pattern of the wetsuit has been designed.

Findings

The experimental results show that the digital twins based on real data transformation are feasible and practical, and the process of establishing digital twins with 3D body scanning technology is valid and accurate.

Originality/value

The researches on the wetsuit of structure and body dynamic measurements still have many gaps existing in the real and virtual experiments. Thus the manuscript addresses these issues and provides the deformed digital twin for wetsuit pattern design for the first time. This study can be used for designing and optimizing the wetsuit and further improving the efficiency of manufacture and evaluation.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 33 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 April 2019

Longhan Xie and Ledeng Huang

The purpose of this paper is to design a lower limb exoskeleton to enhance hemiplegic patient’s muscle strength and help the affected side return to normal gait after a long…

511

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a lower limb exoskeleton to enhance hemiplegic patient’s muscle strength and help the affected side return to normal gait after a long period of training.

Design/methodology/approach

A wire rope-driven exoskeleton that combines rigid bracket and flexible driven method was presented to assist the patients with rehabilitative walking training. By using three noncontact cameras, the patient’s gait was captured and the target trajectory of the affected side was analyzed. Meanwhile, a controlling strategy of the affected side, which mimics the gait of the healthy side, was developed to help hemiplegic patients with varying degrees of hemiplegic gait obtain personalized walking rehabilitation training.

Findings

The results show that the hemiplegic gait of hip excessive abduction and strephenopodia was prevented. After wearing the exoskeleton, the movement trajectories of both sides of the lower limb were approximately identical. Based on the controlling strategy, the exoskeleton can correct the impaired gait and provide assistance for patients during walking. The exoskeleton has great benefits in walking rehabilitation training for hemiplegic patients.

Originality/value

This work improves the efficiency of the patient’s individualized training in the room. The presented exoskeleton provides great benefits in walking rehabilitation training for hemiplegic patients.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 40 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 February 2022

Sen Yang

This study aims to improve the calibration accquracy of the road condition sensor. A road condition sensor is widely used to detect water or ice deposits on the road to assess…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to improve the calibration accquracy of the road condition sensor. A road condition sensor is widely used to detect water or ice deposits on the road to assess associated driving risks. Its quantitative calibration is central to the thickness measurement accuracy and conventionally performed using the single fitting method-based calibration method. One existing limitation is that the distribution characteristics of calibration data of different road conditions are diversified, which leads to the fitting error can not be minimized when using the conventional calibration method. Thus, the multiple fitting methods-based calibration method is developed to realize an optimal calibration for the road condition sensor.

Design/methodology/approach

A fitting method assignment for the calibration data of different road conditions was introduced to realize an optimal combination for fitting method and calibration data. In the experiments, the calibration methods were tested in the absence of measurement errors, then tested with calibration data, and finally, in the covering thickness measurement.

Findings

The comparison results indicate that compared with the conventional calibration method, the multiple fitting methods-based calibration method cuts the fitting error in the quantitative calibration by 13.3% and contributes to reducing the thickness measurement error by 8.11% for different road conditions.

Originality/value

The multiple fitting methods-based calibration method has been successfully applied for quantitative calibration and shown to reduce calibration errors. The comparison between different calibration methods demonstrates the superior performance of the new calibration method.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 42 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

1 – 10 of 185