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Simulation of the Stewart Platform Carried out Using the Siemens NX and NI LabVIEW Programs

The paper presents the implementations of the control algorithm of a virtual system (Stewart platform) in the CAD/CAE system (Siemens NX) and in the NI LabVIEW supervisory and control system. The combination of both systems enables the virtual simulation and presentation of the results in relation to the chosen in the work virtual model of the Stewart platform. The virtual model of the Stewart platform with the imposed constraints and mobility limitations was built in the Siemens NX CAD/CAE system. Each of the modeled elements is based on the real components of the car simulator prepared for the persons with mobility impairments. The chosen model of a Stewart platform is a system with six degrees of freedom that is often used to build various types of simulators (e.g. flight, car). Using the NI LabVIEW software, a mathematical model of the Stewart platform was built and inverse kinematics task was implemented in relation to the model of the platform. The created mathematical model that describes the behavior of the Stewart platform was used to determine the inputs to the control system of platform actuators.

The distributed agent-based approach in the e-manufacturing environment

The deficiency of a coherent flow of information from a production department causes unplanned downtime and failures of machines and their equipment, which in turn results in production planning process based on incorrect and out-of-date information. All of these factors entail, as the consequence, the additional difficulties associated with the process of decision-making. They concern, among other, the coordination of components of a distributed system and providing the access to the required information, thereby generating unnecessary costs. The use of agent technology significantly speeds up the flow of information within the virtual enterprise. This paper includes the proposal of a multi-agent approach for the integration of processes within the virtual enterprise concept. The presented concept was elaborated to investigate the possible solutions of the ways of transmission of information in the production system taking into account the self-organization of constituent components. Thus it implicated the linking of the concept of multi-agent system with the system of managing the production information, based on the idea of e-manufacturing. The paper presents resulting scheme that should be the base for elaborating an informatics model of the target virtual system. The computer system itself is intended to be developed next.

Analysis of the Dynamic Properties of the Mechatronic Integrator of Control Procedures of the Vehicle Driven by Persons with Disabilities

The simulator of behavior of a disabled person driving the car is especially useful equipment. Mainly, the hands and the face of a driver are observed in order to determine facial expressions, slow-motion of the head and eyes, which according to the description of the simulation indicate disturbances of concentration and, in extreme cases may lead to nausea, or even loss of consciousness [1]. So, in the realization phase of the configuration the control system, the need to maintain high standards of safety was taken into consideration. The main problem described in the paper was measuring the acceleration and frequency of vibration during the operation of the simulator [2, 3, 4]. This analysis will help to determine whether any particular circumstances during crash simulations do not exceed the acceleration limit while the driver still feels its effects. It is also important to examine the frequency of vibrations, which during long driving simulator can cause nausea, dizziness or loss of consciousness. This analysis is a part of widely applied CAx analysis performed using special computer platforms that should be properly organized [5] and helps to expand the range of investigations [6].

Modelling of robotic work cells using agent based-approach

In the case of modern manufacturing systems the requirements, both according the scope and according characteristics of technical procedures are dynamically changing. This results in production system organization inability to keep up with changes in a market demand. Accordingly, there is a need for new design methods, characterized, on the one hand with a high efficiency and on the other with the adequate level of the generated organizational solutions. One of the tools that could be used for this purpose is the concept of agent systems. These systems are the tools of artificial intelligence. They allow assigning to agents the proper domains of procedures and knowledge so that they represent in a self-organizing system of an agent environment, components of a real system. The agent-based system for modelling robotic work cell should be designed taking into consideration many limitations considered with the characteristic of this production unit. It is possible to distinguish some grouped of structural components that constitute such a system. This confirms the structural complexity of a work cell as a specific production system. So it is necessary to develop agents depicting various aspects of the work cell structure. The main groups of agents that are used to model a robotic work cell should at least include next pattern representatives: machine tool agents, auxiliary equipment agents, robots agents, transport equipment agents, organizational agents as well as data and knowledge bases agents. In this way it is possible to create the holarchy of the agent-based system.

Analysis and Optimization of the Piston System Using CAD/CAE Engineering Environment

This article presents the approach to the problem considered with optimizing the stress distribution and functioning of a crankshaft system of a piston engine. One of possible methods of investigating such a problem is simulation of work of the analyzed mechanical system. This approach allows observing the work of a modeled system and improving the designed system. In this work was applied the PLM Siemens NX software. This advanced CAD/CAE/CAM environment let to model any complex system of a technical mean. Using this environment it is possible to model and analyze new solution, which allow significantly optimizing the functioning conditions of a piston engine. One of such a solution is the MDI system presented in the work.

Modeling of a production system using the multi-agent approach

The method that allows for the analysis of complex systems is a multi-agent simulation. The multi-agent simulation (Agent-based modeling and simulation - ABMS) is modeling of complex systems consisting of independent agents. In the case of the model of the production system agents may be manufactured pieces set apart from other types of agents like machine tools, conveyors or replacements stands. Agents are magazines and buffers. More generally speaking, the agents in the model can be single individuals, but you can also be defined as agents of collective entities. They are allowed hierarchical structures. It means that a single agent could belong to a certain class. Depending on the needs of the agent may also be a natural or physical resource. From a technical point of view, the agent is a bundle of data and rules describing its behavior in different situations. Agents can be autonomous or non-autonomous in making the decision about the types of classes of agents, class sizes and types of connections between elements of the system. Multi-agent modeling is a very flexible technique for modeling and model creating in the convention that could be adapted to any research problem analyzed from different points of views. One of the major problems associated with the organization of production is the spatial organization of the production process. Secondly, it is important to include the optimal scheduling. For this purpose use can approach multi-purposeful. In this regard, the model of the production process will refer to the design and scheduling of production space for four different elements. The program system was developed in the environment NetLogo. It was also used elements of artificial intelligence. The main agent represents the manufactured pieces that, according to previously assumed rules, generate the technological route and allow preprint the schedule of that line. Machine lines, reorientation stands, conveyors and transport devices also represent the other type of agent that are utilized in the described simulation. The article presents the idea of an integrated program approach and shows the resulting production layout as a virtual model. This model was developed in the NetLogo multi-agent program environment.

The Evolution of the Robotized Workcell Using the Concept of Cobot

In recent years, the development of the use of automation and robotics in manufacturing enterprises is even more noticeable. The possibility of robots utilization, for example in areas related to welding, painting and other, makes that producers more and more often reach for this form of solution, especially, when there is problem with employees, works are dangerous for people or when works are very monotonous. Currently robots utilization are fast, precise and work continuously. The parameters, which are obtained are more important, from the point of view of mass-customization. It means that production is personalized, but with costs that do not differ from the costs obtained in the mass production. Development of new technologies, helps not only in the planning of production processes, using databases, utilizing faster information flow, etc., but also with appropriate management and the use of the production resources on which the entire production process is based. Human works together with robots on the line. The working space should be properly managed, so that the robot could makes the specified movements, next to the working human and/or machine. At this point, integration must be done at a high level, especially that, human security is very important. Properly managed work space, programmed cooperation between human - robot, robot - machine, enable to better response to changes in product demand and quicker switch to a new product. The key for good organization of processes and integration is knowledge, how to use the potential that the company has gained.

Analysis of design characteristics of a V-type support using an advanced engineering environment

Modern mining support, for the entire period of their use, is the important part of the mining complex, which includes all the devices in the excavation during his normal use. Therefore, during the design of the support, it is an important task to choose the shape and to select the dimensions of a support as well as its strength characteristics. According to the rules, the design process of a support must take into account, inter alia, the type and the dimensions of the expected means of transport, the number and size of pipelines, and the type of additional equipment used excavation area. The support design must ensure the functionality of the excavation process and job security, while maintaining the economic viability of the entire project. Among others it should ensure the selection of a support for specific natural conditions. It is also important to take into consideration the economic characteristics of the project. The article presents an algorithm of integrative approach and its formalized description in the form of integration the areas of different construction characteristics optimization of a V-type mining support. The paper includes the example of its application for developing the construction of this support. In the paper is also described the results of the characteristics analysis and changings that were introduced afterwards. The support models are prepared in the computer environment of the CAD class (Siemens NX PLM). Also the analyses were conducted in this design, graphical environment.

Modelling of a mecanum wheel taking into account the geometry of road rollers

During the process planning in a company one of the basic factors associated with the production costs is the operation time for particular technological jobs. The operation time consists of time units associated with the machining tasks of a workpiece as well as the time associated with loading and unloading and the transport operations of this workpiece between machining stands. Full automation of manufacturing in industry companies tends to a maximal reduction in machine downtimes, thereby the fixed costs simultaneously decreasing. The new construction of wheeled vehicles, using Mecanum wheels, reduces the transport time of materials and workpieces between machining stands. These vehicles have the ability to simultaneously move in two axes and thus more rapid positioning of the vehicle relative to the machining stand. The Mecanum wheel construction implies placing, around the wheel free rollers that are mounted at an angle 450, which allow the movement of the vehicle not only in its axis but also perpendicular thereto. The improper selection of the rollers can cause unwanted vertical movement of the vehicle, which may cause difficulty in positioning of the vehicle in relation to the machining stand and the need for stabilisation. Hence the proper design of the free rollers is essential in designing the whole Mecanum wheel construction. It allows avoiding the disadvantageous and unwanted vertical vibrations of a whole vehicle with these wheels. In the article the process of modelling the free rollers, in order to obtain the desired shape of unchanging, horizontal trajectory of the vehicle is presented. This shape depends on the desired diameter of the whole Mecanum wheel, together with the road rollers, and the width of the drive wheel. Another factor related with the curvature of the trajectory shape is the length of the road roller and its diameter decreases depending on the position with respect to its centre. The additional factor, limiting construction of the road rollers, is their bearings. Depending on the load, carried by the vehicle and the rotational speed of the drive wheel, the bearings themselves can greatly affect the diameter of the rollers and the whole Mecanum wheels. The solution of this problem is presented in the paper. It is illustrated with virtual models elaborated in advanced program of the CAE class.

Application of the advanced engineering environment for optimization energy consumption in designed vehicles

Nowadays a key issue is to reduce the energy consumption of road vehicles. In particular solution one could find different strategies of energy optimization. The most popular but not sophisticated is so called eco-driving. In this strategy emphasized is particular behavior of drivers. In more sophisticated solution behavior of drivers is supported by control system measuring driving parameters and suggesting proper operation of the driver. The other strategy is concerned with application of different engineering solutions that aid optimization the process of energy consumption. Such systems take into consideration different parameters measured in real time and next take proper action according to procedures loaded to the control computer of a vehicle. The third strategy bases on optimization of the designed vehicle taking into account especially main sub-systems of a technical mean. In this approach the optimal level of energy consumption by a vehicle is obtained by synergetic results of individual optimization of particular constructional sub-systems of a vehicle. It is possible to distinguish three main sub-systems: the structural one the drive one and the control one. In the case of the structural sub-system optimization of the energy consumption level is related with the optimization or the weight parameter and optimization the aerodynamic parameter. The result is optimized body of a vehicle. Regarding the drive sub-system the optimization of the energy consumption level is related with the fuel or power consumption using the previously elaborated physical models. Finally the optimization of the control sub-system consists in determining optimal control parameters.