1,721,003 research outputs found
Virtual engineering tools supporting mechanical systems design and lifecycle management
No full textCurrently Virtual Reality techniques are well developed in the scientific research field, but their massive application in industrial contexts is still a challenge. The main objective of the present work is developing a methodology able to integrate Virtual Reality engineering tools in the industrial contexts
From virtual reality to web-based multimedia maintenance manuals
No full textThis paper focuses on a structured methodology that uses virtual reality (VR) and digital human modeling (DHM) to study maintenance procedures of industrial products. VR technologies help to highlight the most critical aspects of maintenance operations, while DHM tools allow detailing working sequences. Data coming from these analyses are then used to draw up a multimedia maintenance manual based on digital video animations, audio comments, explanatory images and written recommendations. Information is available to maintenance personnel directly on the working site through portable electronic devices. Further, web-based multimedia manuals can be updated on-line and help to shorten learning time and maintenance downtimes
From Virtual Reality to web-based multimedia manuals: a case study on the maintenance of a piping system
No full textThis paper focuses on a structured methodology that uses VR and DHM to define and study maintenance operations. VDR help to highlight the most critical aspects of maintenance operations, while DHM tools allow detailing the working procedures. The information coming from these analyses are then used to draw up a multimedia maintenance manual based on digital video animations, audio comments and textual indications. The digital medium can be used by maintenance personnel directly on working site through portable electronic devices. Further, multimedia manuals can be updated online and help to shorten learning time and maintenance downtimes
Conceptual design of DEMO breeding blanket in-vessel toroidal transporter
Full text linkThe development of a viable maintenance strategy for the replacement of the Breeding Blanket (BB) segments of
DEMO is a key aspect in the way for fusion energy. Previous work concerned the development of a BB vertical
transporter to lift, tilt and handle the BB segment inside the remote handling (RH) ports. A potential solution for
the replacement of the BB segments could consist in lifting all BB segments from four RH ports, by mean of BB
vertical transporter coupled with a BB toroidal in-vessel transporter avoiding the opening of the remaining ports
during maintenance. In this way, the activities concerning the removal and re-installation of the auxiliary
components (BB feeding pipes, permanent structure for pipes handling, closure plate, port plug, etc.) inside the
non-remote handling ports will be avoided, having a strong impact on the reduction of the remote maintenance
times and hence on the overall availability of the machine. To assure the feasibility of the proposed strategy a
dedicated tool, capable to move toroidally the huge BB segments, shall be developed. The main function of the
tool will consist in lifting and toroidal translation of the BB segments that have to be aligned to the RH port,
where they will be grabbed and lifted by the BB vertical transporter. The work here presented focuses on the
conceptual design of a toroidal transporter to lift and toroidally translate the BB segments inside the Vacuum
Vessel. The conceptual design of the BB Toroidal Transporter (BBTT) was developed to handle both the inboard
and the outboard segments; a foldable lower foot, equipped with toroidal trucks and suspension system, has been
designed to withstand the assumed loads and seismic loads. Preliminary FEM analysis has been carried out to
check the structural integrity of the proposed design
Integration of LiPb loops for WCLL BB of European DEMO
No full textThe eutectic alloy Lithium Lead (LiPb) enriched at 90 % in 6Li is the breeder material for one of the candidate European Breeding Blanket (BB) concepts. Currently under investigation for DEMO reactor, the Water Cooled Lithium-Lead (WCLL), and for the WCLL Test Blanket Module (TBM) that will be qualified in the ITER reactor. The LiPb alloy is used as tritium breeder, neutron multiplier and tritium carrier. The design of the LiPb loops is currently under study and the conceptual design of the main loop components has been completed. For this reason, it becomes mandatory to proceed with the integration of the LiPb loops in the EU DEMO Tokamak building, checking the consistency of the different systems design to be integrated in DEMO reactor building. CAD design and integration of the entire LiPb loops are shown taking into account the building areas assigned, the interfaces with the other systems and the requirement related to the LiPb loop functions. An initial layout of the pipework and the position of the main components have been defined on the basis of the following design requirements: (I) gamma radiation shielding of the components and the pipework; (II) target flow velocity of the LiPb; (III) thermal expansion of the pipes; (IV) possibility to drain the entire loop; (V) redundancy of the loops; (VI) remote maintenance; (VII) position in the building and dimensions of the storage tanks. The 3D model of the entire loops has been provided and integrated in DEMO Tokamak building pointing out the issues related to the interfaces with the other systems and with the building itself
Tolerance Prediction for Determinate Assembly Approach in Aeronautical Field
No full textThe optimization of the aeronautical assembly lines is one of the most challenging tasks in development of a new aircraft. To date the Aeronautical companies are founding project related to the optimization of the manufacturing processes, impacting on the reduction of the non-recurring costs. The work presented focuses on methods for the implementation of the determinate assembly approach in the case of manufacturing of aeronautical structures. The methods are based on the prediction of the coupling tolerances between airframe components in order to reduce the numbers of the features to be manufactured in assembly. All that to lead to a reduction of the non-recurring costs
A Spatial Five-Bar Linkage as a Tilting Joint of the Breeding Blanket Transporter for the Remote Maintenance of EU DEMO
Full text linkThe future fusion power plant EU DEMO will generate its own tritium fuel through the use of segmented breeding blankets (BBs), which must be replaced from time to time due to material damage caused by high-energy neutrons from the plasma. A vertical maintenance architecture has been proposed, using a robotic remote handling tool (transporter) to disengage the 180 t and 125 t outboard and inboard segments and manipulate them through an upper port. Safe disengagement without damaging the support structures requires the use of high-capacity tilting joints in the transporter. The trolley tilting mechanism (TTM) is proposed as a novel, compact, high-capacity robotic joint consisting of a five-bar spatial mechanism integrated in the BB transporter trolley link. A kinematic model of the TTM is established, and the analytical input–output relationships, including the position-dependent transmission ratio, are derived and used to guide the design and optimization of the mechanism. The model predictions are compared to an ADAMS multibody simulation and to the results of an experiment conducted on a down-scaled prototype, both of which validate the model accuracy
Development of an In-Bore welding tool prototype for DEMO's in-vessel pipes
No full textThe development of a remote maintenance strategy for the replacement of the in-vessel components of the DEMO
reactor is one of the key issues on the path to the realization of fusion energy. A critical aspect is the maintenance
of the service pipes that supply coolant and remove the tritium that is bred in the Breeding Blankets (BB). Pipe
service technologies are available from industrial applications and specific ITER developments, but these are not
fully compliant with the requirements and pipe sizes defined for DEMO. In order to carry out the maintenance of
the in-situ pipelines foreseen in DEMO, it is sometimes necessary, due to space constraints, to use equipment that
operates from inside the pipelines for both cutting and welding, known as in-bore tools. This article is focused on
the development of the in-bore welding tool for the large DN200 cooling pipes of the water-cooled BB.
A stepwise approach was adopted: 1) Identification of the maintenance strategy and tool requirements. 2)
Realization of a prototype with the purpose of demonstrating principal functions. This prototype has been a key
step to validate the solution achieved and/or to address issues that arose during the project, highlighting any
potential problems. 3) Preliminary design of the in-bore welding tool for DN200 pipes, followed by a first
prototype in full scale to test key functions, including the clamping system inside the pipe. The prototype has
been realized through additive manufacturing. It has enabled the qualification and resolution of the following
points: (i) the design of the engagement system; (ii) the design of the welding torch positioning system; and (iii)
initially encountered issues related to the control system and the cabli
Safety Features for HumanTIX: An Augmented Reality Platform to Enhance Human–Robot Collaboration
No full textThe Industry 5.0 approach moves towards a sustainable, human-centric and adaptable manufacturing within companies, with a philosophy focused on meeting human needs and supporting societal values through the entire production process. Human–Robot Collaboration (HRC) emerges as a pivotal aspect of Industry 5.0, aiming to integrate robots and artificial intelligence seamlessly into workplaces alongside human workers. This integration presents challenges and opportunities for redefining job roles and enhancing productivity, while ensuring safety and workers well-being. This study focuses on the adoption of innovative technologies, such as collaborative robots (cobots) and Augmented Reality (AR) systems, to improve flexibility and safety in manufacturing and logistics for ensuring safe Human–Robot Interaction. The aim is to evaluate how AR devices, e.g., Hololens 2, could facilitate the interaction between cobots and operators, enhancing human performance and safety during robot programming and task execution, regardless of experience levels. Furthermore, the paper proposes the introduction of additional features to the existing AR platform for HRC, such as the creation of virtual walls and real-time operator concentration monitoring using gaze tracking. These improvements aim to empower operators with greater control over collaborative spaces, and enhance safety by ensuring operator focus during critical task phases. Overall, this work contributes to advancing the adoption of Industry 5.0 principles by demonstrating practical application of HRC technologies and AR systems to improve workplaces safety, productivity and Human–Robot Interaction in manufacturing environments
A virtual reality framework for the design review of complex industrial assemblies: case study on the interiors of Superjet 100 aircraft
No full textThis work concerns the development of a virtual reality environment aimed at design review of complex industrial assemblies. Virtual reality clearly shows its effectiveness when different and very specialized designers have to interact each other in setting up complex projects. Virtual Design Review (VDR) allows multiple designers to simultaneously analyze and review the project, providing the necessary tools to highlight possible design flaws and make choices in real time. In facts, not only designers, but also production engineers can be involved in the critical review process, according to the concurrent engineering design paradigm. The case study focuses on the design review of the interiors of Superjet 10
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