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Article
Publication date: 23 January 2024

Guoyang Wan, Yaocong Hu, Bingyou Liu, Shoujun Bai, Kaisheng Xing and Xiuwen Tao

Presently, 6 Degree of Freedom (6DOF) visual pose measurement methods enjoy popularity in the industrial sector. However, challenges persist in accurately measuring the visual…

Abstract

Purpose

Presently, 6 Degree of Freedom (6DOF) visual pose measurement methods enjoy popularity in the industrial sector. However, challenges persist in accurately measuring the visual pose of blank and rough metal casts. Therefore, this paper introduces a 6DOF pose measurement method utilizing stereo vision, and aims to the 6DOF pose measurement of blank and rough metal casts.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper studies the 6DOF pose measurement of metal casts from three aspects: sample enhancement of industrial objects, optimization of detector and attention mechanism. Virtual reality technology is used for sample enhancement of metal casts, which solves the problem of large-scale sample sampling in industrial application. The method also includes a novel deep learning detector that uses multiple key points on the object surface as regression objects to detect industrial objects with rotation characteristics. By introducing a mixed paths attention module, the detection accuracy of the detector and the convergence speed of the training are improved.

Findings

The experimental results show that the proposed method has a better detection effect for metal casts with smaller size scaling and rotation characteristics.

Originality/value

A method for 6DOF pose measurement of industrial objects is proposed, which realizes the pose measurement and grasping of metal blanks and rough machined casts by industrial robots.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 March 2024

Liang Hu, Chengwei Liu, Rui Su and Weiting Liu

In a coaxial ultrasonic flow sensor (UFS), wall thickness is a vital parameter of the measurement tube, especially those with small inner diameters. The paper aims to investigate…

Abstract

Purpose

In a coaxial ultrasonic flow sensor (UFS), wall thickness is a vital parameter of the measurement tube, especially those with small inner diameters. The paper aims to investigate the influence of wall thickness on the transient signal characteristics in an UFS.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the problem was researched experimentally using a series of measurement tubes with different wall thicknesses. Second, a finite element method–based model in the time domain was established to validate the experimental results and further discussion. Finally, the plane wave assumption and oblique incident theory were used to analyze the wave propagation in the tube, and an idea of wave packet superposition was proposed to reveal the mechanism of the influence of wall thickness.

Findings

Both experimental and simulated results showed that the signal amplitude decreased periodically as the wall thickness increased, and the corresponding waveform varied dramatically. Based on the analysis of wave propagation in the measurement tube, a formula concerning the phase difference between wave packets was derived to characterize the signal variation.

Originality/value

This paper provides a new and explicit explanation of the influence of wall thickness on the transient signal in a co-axial UFS. Both experimental and simulated results were presented, and the mechanism was clearly described.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 April 2024

Shilong Zhang, Changyong Liu, Kailun Feng, Chunlai Xia, Yuyin Wang and Qinghe Wang

The swivel construction method is a specially designed process used to build bridges that cross rivers, valleys, railroads and other obstacles. To carry out this construction…

Abstract

Purpose

The swivel construction method is a specially designed process used to build bridges that cross rivers, valleys, railroads and other obstacles. To carry out this construction method safely, real-time monitoring of the bridge rotation process is required to ensure a smooth swivel operation without collisions. However, the traditional means of monitoring using Electronic Total Station tools cannot realize real-time monitoring, and monitoring using motion sensors or GPS is cumbersome to use.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a monitoring method based on a series of computer vision (CV) technologies, which can monitor the rotation angle, velocity and inclination angle of the swivel construction in real-time. First, three proposed CV algorithms was developed in a laboratory environment. The experimental tests were carried out on a bridge scale model to select the outperformed algorithms for rotation, velocity and inclination monitor, respectively, as the final monitoring method in proposed method. Then, the selected method was implemented to monitor an actual bridge during its swivel construction to verify the applicability.

Findings

In the laboratory study, the monitoring data measured with the selected monitoring algorithms was compared with those measured by an Electronic Total Station and the errors in terms of rotation angle, velocity and inclination angle, were 0.040%, 0.040%, and −0.454%, respectively, thus validating the accuracy of the proposed method. In the pilot actual application, the method was shown to be feasible in a real construction application.

Originality/value

In a well-controlled laboratory the optimal algorithms for bridge swivel construction are identified and in an actual project the proposed method is verified. The proposed CV method is complementary to the use of Electronic Total Station tools, motion sensors, and GPS for safety monitoring of swivel construction of bridges. It also contributes to being a possible approach without data-driven model training. Its principal advantages are that it both provides real-time monitoring and is easy to deploy in real construction applications.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 10 January 2024

Yifan Shi, Yuan Wang, Xiaozhou Liu and Ping Wang

Straightness measurement of rail weld joint is of essential importance to railway maintenance. Due to the lack of efficient measurement equipment, there has been limited in-depth…

Abstract

Purpose

Straightness measurement of rail weld joint is of essential importance to railway maintenance. Due to the lack of efficient measurement equipment, there has been limited in-depth research on rail weld joint with a 5-m wavelength range, leaving a significant knowledge gap in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors used the well-established inertial reference method (IR-method), and the state-of-the-art multi-point chord reference method (MCR-method). Two methods have been applied in different types of rail straightness measurement trollies, respectively. These instruments were tested in a high-speed rail section within a certain region of China. The test results were ultimately validated through using traditional straightedge and feeler gauge methods as reference data to evaluate the rail weld joint straightness within the 5-m wavelength range.

Findings

The research reveals that IR-method and MCR-method produce reasonably similar measurement results for wavelengths below 1 m. However, MCR-method outperforms IR-method in terms of accuracy for wavelengths exceeding 3 m. Furthermore, it was observed that IR-method, while operating at a slower speed, carries the risk of derailing and is incapable of detecting rail weld joints and low joints within the track.

Originality/value

The research compare two methods’ measurement effects in a longer wavelength range and demonstrate the superiority of MCR-method.

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2023

Xinyu Zhang and Liling Ge

A multi-laser sensors-based measurement instrument is proposed for the measurement of geometry errors of a differential body and quality evaluation. This paper aims to discuss the…

Abstract

Purpose

A multi-laser sensors-based measurement instrument is proposed for the measurement of geometry errors of a differential body and quality evaluation. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned idea.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the differential body is set on a rotation platform before measuring. Then one laser sensor called as “primary sensor”, is installed on the intern of the differential body. The spherical surface and four holes on the differential body are sampled by the primary sensor when the rotation platform rotates one revolution. Another sensor called as “secondary sensor”, is installed above to sample the external cylinder surface and the planar surface on the top of the differential body, and the external cylinder surface and the planar surface are high in manufacturing precision, which are used as datum surfaces to compute the errors caused by the motion of the rotation platform. Finally, the sampled points from the primary sensor are compensated to improve the measurement accuracy.

Findings

A multi-laser sensors-based measurement instrument is proposed for the measurement of geometry errors of a differential body. Based on the characteristics of the measurement data, a gradient image-based method is proposed to distinguish different objects from laser measurement data. A case study is presented to validate the measurement principle and data processing approach.

Research limitations/implications

The study investigates the possibility of correction of sensor data by the measurement results of multiple sensors to improving measurement accuracy. The proposed technique enables the error analysis and compensation by the geometric correlation relationship of various features on the measurand.

Originality/value

The proposed error compensation principle by using multiple sensors proved to be useful for the design of new measurement device for special part inspection. The proposed approach to describe the measuring data by image also is proved to be useful to simplify the measurement data processing.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 40 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Anuj Kumar Goel and V.N.A. Naikan

The purpose of this study is to explore the use of smartphone-embedded microelectro-mechanical sensors (MEMS) for accurately estimating rotating machinery speed, crucial for…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the use of smartphone-embedded microelectro-mechanical sensors (MEMS) for accurately estimating rotating machinery speed, crucial for various condition monitoring tasks. Rotating machinery (RM) serves a crucial role in diverse applications, necessitating accurate speed estimation essential for condition monitoring (CM) tasks such as vibration analysis, efficiency evaluation and predictive assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

This research explores the utilization of MEMS embedded in smartphones to economically estimate RM speed. A series of experiments were conducted across three test setups, comparing smartphone-based speed estimation to traditional methods. Rigorous testing spanned various dimensions, including scenarios of limited data availability, diverse speed applications and different smartphone placements on RM surfaces.

Findings

The methodology demonstrated exceptional performance across low and high-speed contexts. Smartphones-MEMS accurately estimated speed regardless of their placement on surfaces like metal and fiber, presenting promising outcomes with a mere 6 RPM maximum error. Statistical analysis, using a two-sample t-test, compared smartphone-derived speed outcomes with those from a tachometer and high-quality (HQ) data acquisition system.

Research limitations/implications

The research limitations include the need for further investigation into smartphone sensor calibration and accuracy in extremely high-speed scenarios. Future research could focus on refining these aspects.

Social implications

The societal impact is substantial, offering cost-effective CM across various industries and encouraging further exploration of MEMS-based vibration monitoring.

Originality/value

This research showcases an innovative approach using smartphone-embedded MEMS for RM speed estimation. The study’s multidimensional testing highlights its originality in addressing scenarios with limited data and varied speed applications.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 April 2024

Fei Shang, Bo Sun and Dandan Cai

The purpose of this study is to investigate the application of non-destructive testing methods in measuring bearing oil film thickness to ensure that bearings are in a normal…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the application of non-destructive testing methods in measuring bearing oil film thickness to ensure that bearings are in a normal lubrication state. The oil film thickness is a crucial parameter reflecting the lubrication status of bearings, directly influencing the operational state of bearing transmission systems. However, it is challenging to accurately measure the oil film thickness under traditional disassembly conditions due to factors such as bearing structure and working conditions. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a nondestructive testing method to measure the oil film thickness and its status.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces methods for optically, electrically and acoustically measuring the oil film thickness and status of bearings. It discusses the adaptability and measurement accuracy of different bearing oil film measurement methods and the impact of varying measurement conditions on accuracy. In addition, it compares the application scenarios of other techniques and the influence of the environment on detection results.

Findings

Ultrasonic measurement stands out due to its widespread adaptability, making it suitable for oil film thickness detection in various states and monitoring continuous changes in oil film thickness. Different methods can be selected depending on the measurement environment to compensate for measurement accuracy and enhance detection effectiveness.

Originality/value

This paper reviews the basic principles and latest applications of optical, electrical and acoustic measurement of oil film thickness and status. It analyzes applicable measurement methods for oil film under different conditions. It discusses the future trends of detection methods, providing possible solutions for bearing oil film thickness detection in complex engineering environments.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 76 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 August 2023

Krystian Borodacz and Cezary Szczepański

Before designing a navigation system, it is necessary to analyse possible approaches in terms of expected accuracy, existing limitations and economic justification to select the…

Abstract

Purpose

Before designing a navigation system, it is necessary to analyse possible approaches in terms of expected accuracy, existing limitations and economic justification to select the most advantageous solution. This paper aims to collect possible navigation methods that can provide correction for inertial navigation and to evaluate their suitability for use on a manoeuvring tactical missile.

Design/methodology/approach

The review of existing munitions was based on data collected from the literature and online databases. The data collected included dimensions, performance, applied navigation and guidance methods and their achievable accuracy. The requirements and limitations identified were confronted with the range of sensor parameters available on the market. Based on recent literature, navigation methods were reviewed and evaluated for applicability to inertial navigation system (INS) correction in global navigation satellite system-denied space.

Findings

The performance analysis of existing munition shows that small and relatively inexpensive micro-electro-mechanical system-type inertial sensors are required. A review of the parameters of existing devices of this type has shown that they are subject to measurement errors that do not allow them to achieve the delivery accuracy expected of precision missiles. The most promising navigation correction methods for manoeuvring flying objects have been identified.

Originality/value

The information presented in this paper is the result of the first phase of a project and presents the results of the requirements selection, initial sizing and preliminary design of the navigation system. This paper combines a review of the current state of the art in missile systems and an analysis of INS accuracy including the selection of sensor parameters.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 October 2023

Fugang Zhai, Shengnan Li and Yangtao Xing

This paper aims to study the motion trajectory of the oil seal for shaft in eccentric state and derive equation of lip motion trajectory.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the motion trajectory of the oil seal for shaft in eccentric state and derive equation of lip motion trajectory.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes the force during the motion of the eccentric lip by considering the material viscoelasticity, and a cam-plate mechanism is established as an equivalent model for the motion between the shaft and the lip; according to this, the equation of lip motion trajectory is derived.

Findings

The trajectory of the lip lags that of the shaft in the eccentric state because the viscoelasticity-affected lip recovery velocity is lower than the shaft recovery speed. The lip trajectory enters the lag phase earlier and the lag phase’s duration is longer with the increase of the eccentricity and rotational speed, because the deviation of the recovery velocities between the lip and the shaft will be exacerbated.

Originality/value

Innovatively, by considering the viscoelasticity of the material, the cam-plate mechanism is used to equivalent the motion of the shaft-lip to derive the equation for the radial motion trajectory of the eccentric lip. The regularity of lip motion is the key to determining the performance of oil seals, and the eccentric lip trajectory research method revealed in this paper provides a research basis for the performance research and optimization of eccentric oil seals.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-06-2023-0161/

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 75 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2023

Anwar Zorig, Ahmed Belkheiri, Bachir Bendjedia, Katia Kouzi and Mohammed Belkheiri

The great value of offline identification of machine parameters is when the machine manufacturer does not provide its parameters. Most machine control strategies require parameter…

Abstract

Purpose

The great value of offline identification of machine parameters is when the machine manufacturer does not provide its parameters. Most machine control strategies require parameter values, and some circumstances in the industrial sector only require offline identification. This paper aims to present a new offline method for estimating induction motor parameters based on least squares and a salp swarm algorithm (SSA).

Design/methodology/approach

The central concept is to use the classic least squares (LS) method to acquire the majority of induction machine (IM) constant parameters, followed by the SSA method to obtain all parameters and minimize errors.

Findings

The obtained results showed that the LS method gives good results in simulation based on the assumption that the measurements are noise-free. However, unlike in simulations, the LS method is unable to accurately identify the machine’s parameters during the experimental test. On the contrary, the SSA method proves higher efficiency and more precision for IM parameter estimation in both simulations and experimental tests.

Originality/value

After performing a primary identification using the technique of least squares, the initial intention of this study was to apply the SSA for the purpose of identifying all of the machine’s parameters and minimizing errors. These two approaches use the same measurement from a simple running test of an IM, and they offer a quick processing time. Therefore, this combined offline strategy provides a reliable model based on the identified parameters.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering , vol. 42 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

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