João P. Mendonça

Reference framework for enhanced interoperable collaborative networks in industrial organisations

Industrial collaborative networks are characterised by heterogeneous business processes and data structures. Enterprises joining these networks face difficulties when they have to manage and orchestrate information within the network, namely due to the lack of interoperability between the systems and software applications operating between them. The furniture industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the world, involving mostly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The development of collaborative networked environments in this industrial sector has been identified of major importance, looking forward to enabling enterprises to extend the potential of their own business capabilities. Indeed, to keep its competitiveness, industry needs to accomplish rapidly the requirements in the digital global marketplace, and push promptly SME-based enterprises to adopt seamless electronic business services in networked environments, using modern ICT and standards among all agents involved in the furniture product life cycle. The funStep case study presented in this article developed a framework to accelerate the integration of enterprises in collaborative working environments, solving information interoperability problems in the furniture supply chain. The funStep framework enables gradual and sustained system interoperability, allowing incremental implementations using conformance options and classes. The funStep created an ISO standard which defines a formal structure for catalogue and product data under industrial domains of the furniture sector. Then, the ICT combined with the use of open-standards, and enriched by semantics representation, resulted in a suitable tool to improve enterprise competitiveness via a wider adoption of STEP Application Protocols in collaborative environments. Model Driven Architecture technology is used to enable automation of Model Morphisms, and therefore, translation at the information model and data levels. A reference ontology integrated in the standard product data model, permits an intelligent management at semantic level, providing enhanced capabilities for interoperability. The results of the case study presented stimulate enterprises on the adoption of technologies and practices to reach the future vision of furniture manufacturing business based on collaborative networked environments. It prepares industry and researchers to advance on the state of the art, and to establish solid proposals for the industry in general. The funStep case study has been validated by the industry, supported by European/International industrial research projects.

Numerical Simulation of Quasi-Static Compression Behavior of the Toe Cap Component for Safety Footwear

Geometrical changes can improve stiffness substantially. The project S3 - Safety Slim Shoe presents the potential to reduce the weight in safety toe cap components combining a new geometric redesign deeply associated to local stiffeners to realize the full potential of AHSS - Advanced High Strength Steels. The investigation aimed to examine the potential energy absorption capacity for a substantial thickness reduction of slim toe cap models. In this paper the normative quasi-static compression test in the context of the experimental validation of the two last and approved prototype models were focused. A non-linear FEA - Finite Element Analysis of the elasto-plastic deformation mode was performed, and several numerical parameters such as: hardening effects of extrapolated True-Stress-Strain material curves and simulation convergence conditions were carried out. Experimental results of the toe cap deformation behavior confront a weight saving range of over 40%, compared with the original steel toe cap. The safety footwear, in the context of the global evolution of footwear, has adopted creative and different orientations. Particularly, as an active element in the prevention of accidents fitted in PPE - Personal Protective Equipment, it is appropriate that its optimization solutions amplify the market targets, mainly combining ergonomic aspects, biological and mechanical features since its conception. The toe cap is the main component for its weight contribution, approx. 35% of total weight for each safety footwear model, and due normative context demands with high deformation resistance and impact loading (1). Currently the toe cap protection takes a subdivided position on design selection and materials, with a clear definition of two distinctive conception trends: metallic and non-metallic models. If on one hand the metallic models, especially high carbon steels with Heat Treatment processes, emphasize the security concept by the implicit mechanical strength performance, on the other hand, the weight of these solutions is a disadvantage compared to the metal-free solutions, and relegates the first one for outdated and heavier footwear concept. The non-metallic solutions with higher trend effects in the global market call on low density materials such as: reinforced Polyester composites with glass fiber, HDPE - High Strength Polyethylene, and several advanced developments in the optimization of energy

Innovative mechatronic approach to redesign a punch and bind machine

The support from ACCO Brands Portuguesa, Lda is acknowledged. The authors would like to thank the Materials Testing Laboratory in Universidade do Minho for the required testing.

Development and optimization of a paper punching system

This paper focuses on the study and optimization of binding machine’s paper punching system, especially on the required actuating torque. The mechanical properties of paper, which are required to perform numerical simulation, are revised from current bibliography. Various hole types, required for the different binding systems are analyzed as well as the puncher’s geometry. The actuating mechanisms responsible for the punching movement from several binding machines are presented. Torque measurements were performed to demonstrate the potential improvements from a new puncher configuration and/or actuating mechanism.Copyright

Sustainable Reverse Engineering Methodology Assisting 3D Modeling of Footwear Safety Metallic Components

One main objective of the technique of reverse engineering is focused on development of new products based on the improvement of existing products. The present work aims to demonstrate a sustainable methodology exploring the capabilities of reverse engineering, applied to produce brand new geometric solutions for safety metallic components incorporated in footwear. The data acquisition is done using different techniques, contact methods (CMM – Measuring Coordinate Machine) and non-contact methods (Laser Scanning). Those measuring techniques for data acquisition are the key entry for the 3D shape recovery, boosting the development of new components based on the improvement of existing products. Despite these techniques being widely explored in multiple engineering sectors, author’s contribute was focused on the proposal and validation of a sustainable methodology based on an algorithm in MATLAB that performs the surface generation under user control. Such methodology has been tested through a real model of a toecap component used in safety footwear.Copyright

Development of controller strategies for a robotized filament winding equipment

The composites reinforced with continuous fibers of polymeric material are increasingly used in applications where it is essential to reduce weight, mainly due to their high ratio of strength/weight and rigidity/weight. A conventional application are pressure vessels, used for storing liquids or gases subjected to low or high pressure, where the tape continuous fiber-reinforced polymeric matrix material is wound around a mandrel defining the final geometry. In this context the filament winding process is a very attractive process for the production of composite components. For optimal structural performance, and greater weight saving, an optimal path should be adopted, resulting only in axial tension in the longitudinal direction (slip). Such path is the geodesic winding and diverse equipment may be used to guarantee the process automation of the winding. This work herein presented is focused on the study and development of the controller program for a robotized filament winding equipment, taking into acc...

Measuring the Punching Profile of a Punch And Bind Machine

In the design process of a manual or electrically actuated punch and bind machine, the required force to punch a stack of paper sheets is a crucial parameter that affects ergonomics, product design, power requirements, and ultimately product cost. The required punch force profile considered two punch pin geometries, introducing some innovative aspects. Measurements were performed using a tensile/compression machine and the punching force profile of the 21 punching pins arrangement during punching cycle was extracted for both geometries. Results show a smoother force profile for the double shear angle punching pin arrangement as opposed to the concave pin geometry pin arrangement with a lower peak punching force value.

Mechatronic System Using a Straight-Line Motion Mechanism for AGV Application

This paper describes the design of an exact straight line motion mechanism, commonly known as a Scott-Russell mechanism (SRM), for industrial application. It is applied in an internal materials movement system using autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) for supporting logistics processes along the supply chain, aiming to replace the current manual operations. The proposed mechanism, analyzed regarding its kinetic and kinematic aspects using SolidWorks Motion, allows the system to discard electric current during motion and to be actuated when docked in the reception station using a linear solenoid. Additionally, the proposed mechanism can be attached below each trolley level’s base, occupying minimal space and avoiding interference with larger Returnable Packages handling motions. Furthermore, it can be used in similar applications where a small-occupied volume mechanism is necessary and primarily, where a straight-line motion is required using a passive actuator to perform one of the motions. The mechanical and electrical application requirements are identified along with the modelling phases of the mechanism. The electrical diagram is defined and a compression spring and a linear solenoid were selected using kinematic and kinetic simulation with CAD/CAE software Solidworks.

Mechanical Design in Industry 4.0: Development of a Handling System Using a Modular Approach

In the nowadays-global market, it is necessary to consider the new paradigm of industry 4.0 that presents a lot of features in the development completive solution. Several approaches are being used to considering the problem. In this paper a modular approach for developing a handling system to use in the shop floor production line to move raw materials using autonomous vehicles is presented is present. In addition, the final solution for the module to transfer returnable packages is discussed.

Optimized punches geometry for paper punching systems: An industrial approach

This paper focuses on the comparison of two optimized punch geometries, for the perforation of paper documents and polymer layers, on the context of design of mechatronic systems for perforation of those paper documents. The optimization of the punch geometry allows the punching equipment to increase the maximum punch capacity, increasing, this way, the working cadence of these equipments. On the other hand, by optimizing punches and maintaining the maximum amount of punched sheets, it is possible to reduce the size, weight and costs of these equipments. The comparison performed in this work is based on the load distribution profiles along the displacement of the punching system, as well as on the maximum force required to perform the punching. The experimental results were performed using a compression/tensioning machine and a torque sensor coupled to the punching equipment. Measurements were made with 80gsm office paper in tests of 5,10, 15, 20 and 23 blocks of sheets.