The objective of this study was to investigate whether the use of computer-generated aids facilitates a greater variety of concept embodiments compared to the classical approach. A total of 60 participants were enrolled in the Design Methodology course. They were divided into a control group using the classical approach and an experimental group in which computer-generated aids were employed. The embodiments produced by the participants from both groups were assessed for variety, independently by two experts having both academic and industrial experience in the field of product development. The experts were not informed about the groups or any of the study details. Analysis of the results of this experiment indicates that computer-generated aids play a supportive role in concept embodiment.
COBISS.SI-ID: 14537243
The robust engineering seeks for design of products and processes insensitive to changes in the work environment and to the variation of the components. The robust process has built-in mechanisms to detect potential errors on time, to eliminate them and to initiate all the necessary measures to ensure the same error does not occur again. One-of-a-kind production is characterised by unique products which contain characteristics of prototypes with all the imperfections. Such an industrial environment is very specific, therefore robust design process plays a key role in the final value of the product. Based on a systematic analysis of the sample company, this paper proposes a model of multi-level, systematic approach for a complete renewal of system information and working methodology, where reorganisation of activities are anticipated to result in an increase of overall effectiveness.
COBISS.SI-ID: 14649883
The paper describes the use of MFF (Matrix of function and functionality) as a tool in product development process. After years of analysis of matrix methods, functions and functionalities of the products, we have developed a matrix tool that is designed for a wide range of engineers to help developing of new products or their parts. The paper presents the core of the MFF, that is the mathematical model and the computer application. Basic idea was to create an innovative knowledge base in a specific area that contains at one place the knowledge of engineers acquired during their working life, or during product development. With MFF it is possible to generate completely new products with new functional structures where functions are unambiguously described by physical sizes - influencing the functions.
COBISS.SI-ID: 15049499
The paper presents an extensive research on two different tooth-flank geometries, i.e. involute and S-gears. A significant difference between the two analyzed geometries was observed during the lifetime testing. The tests were conducted on special test equipment with an axis distance of 20 mm. The material used for the tested gears was POM for the driver gear and PA6 for the driven gear. The same sizes of driver and driven gears were used (m = 1 mm, z = 20). Gears of this size are particularly suitable for micro-gear transmissions. The tests were carried out using different rotational speeds and torques, between 0,8 Nm and 1,5 Nm. During testing the thermal state of the gears was measured with a thermal camera. The stress and deformation analyses of the tested gears were undertaken using numerical simulations employing the finite-element method.
COBISS.SI-ID: 14548251
The article formulates the stability problem of the plasma sheath in the Tonks-Langmuir discharge. Using the kinetic description of the ion gas, i.e., the stability of the potential shape in the quasi-neutral pre-sheath regarding the high and low frequency, the perturbations are investigated. The electrons are assumed to be Maxwell-Boltzmann distributed. Regarding high-frequency perturbations, the pre-sheath is shown to be stable. The stability problem regarding low-frequency perturbations can be reduced to an analysis of the "diffusion like" equation, which results in the instability of the potential distribution in the pre-sheath. By means of the Particle in Cell simulations, also the nonlinear stage of low frequency oscillations is investigated. Comparing the figure obtained with the figure for linear stage, one can find obvious similarity in the spatial-temporal behavior of the potential.
COBISS.SI-ID: 14587675