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- Volume 18, Issue 7, 2024
Recent Patents on Engineering - Volume 18, Issue 7, 2024
Volume 18, Issue 7, 2024
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Current Understanding, Motivations, and Barriers Towards Implementing Sustainable Initiatives in the Hospitality Industry in the Age of Automation and Artificial Intelligence
Background: Sustainability concerns are rapidly being acknowledged as a key concern for hospitality sectors worldwide. Sustainable initiatives immediately contribute to improved organizational performance in terms of utility consumption, waste management, and regulatory compliance, resulting in cost-effectiveness and competitive advantage through distinctiveness. Objective: The purpose of the patent study is to analyze and summarize the motivations, indicators, and barriers towards applications of sustainable initiatives and modern technologies in the hospitality industry using the existing literature to develop a current understanding of the subject and know the way the current industry is thinking about it. Method: This study is a combination of systematic and bibliometric review, where the systematic review was based on selected articles from reputed journal databases, and the bibliometric review was conducted using VOS viewer and web of science database for a period of 20 years (2002- 2022) Seven research questions were framed and answered for the systematic review. Result: By describing the motivations, barriers, and impacts of implementing sustainability initiatives and cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning in the hospitality sector, the study helps practitioners and academics understand its present state for robust research. The current condition of such implantations in the hospitality sector is also discussed. Conclusion: This study adds value by shedding light on the perspective of sustainability in the hospitality industry by considering the recommendations and practical advice for hotel management suggested in the existing literature about the application of current sustainability innovations and effective sustainability initiatives in hotel management.
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Ergonomic Evaluation and Design of Workstation for Gemstone Polishing Workers
Authors: Mohit B. Bhore, Saddam Shaikh and Makkhan L. MeenaBackground: Many researchers have stated that workers working in unorganized sectors are at risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), like back pain, wrist pain, pain in the neck and shoulders, etc. Ergonomic study of these workstations is necessary for the analysis of workrelated disorders. Methods: In this study on MSDs among gemstone workers in Jaipur, Rajasthan; a modified Nordic questionnaire was employed. Further analysis was done using the 'Ergonomic Design and Analysis’ module of DELMIA. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) analysis was used. Results: The survey showed lower back pain among 81.25% of workers. Neck pain, hips or thigh pain, and ankle or feet pain were observed among nearly half of the surveyed workers, leading to further investigation. RULA analysis confirmed the results of the survey; the final RULA score came out to be 7. This score means investigation and changes are needed immediately. The workstation was designed using standard anthropometric data for the Indian population and modeled in CATIA. The modified workstation was analyzed using DELMIA, which has shown a RULA score of 3. The modified design can be patented under IPR. Conclusion: The survey results and RULA analysis in DELMIA of gemstone polishing workers have shown that gemstone polishing is a highly risky profession. Musculoskeletal risk factors, like low back pain, neck pain, and wrist pain, have also been found to be present among the workers. The gemstone polishing workstation needs design interventions using Indian anthropometric data to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. RULA analysis of an anthropometrically modified workstation showed the modified workstation to be ergonomically fit.
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A Comparative Study of Different Unorganized Sectors’ Workers in India to Identify Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevalence through Empirical Survey and Deep Learning Methods
Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a group of non-fatal injuries that can occur as a result of various repetitive workplace activities, mainly in unorganized sectors. Workers who engage in highly repetitive activities involving constant hand effort, localized mechanical pressure, and vibration are more prone to developing these disorders. Objective: The objective of this research was to determine the prevalence of MSDs among workers in various unorganized sectors in India who perform hand-intensive occupations. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 340 workers from diverse groups such as sugarcane farmers, footwear industry workers, and tarpaulin weavers, to accomplish this goal. Data for the survey was collected using a questionnaire. Additionally, a comprehensive time study and a deep learning-based posture detection study were conducted on the different activities performed during the workers' occupational tasks. The chi-square test was used to assess the relationship between discomfort and work repetitiveness. Result: The data analysis revealed that the working activities (especially cutting/harvesting, rubber cutting, etc.) of unorganized sector workers were repetitive, with more than half of each activity’s work cycle involving a similar usage pattern. Furthermore, a significant association was observed between the level of discomfort and work repetitiveness among workers in different sectors (sugarcane farmers: p < 0.01, footwear industry workers: p < 0.05, tarpaulin weavers: p < 0.05). Consequently, it can be concluded that prolonged occupational activities involving repetitive and prolonged standing may contribute to the occurrence of MSDs. Conclusion: Ergonomic interventions/modifications in the form of patent work will be necessary to prevent these issues in the near future.
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An Empirical and Deep Learning Investigation of Working Conditions and Musculoskeletal Outcomes in Wheat Farmers
Background: In developing countries, various farming activities are performed manually with the help of traditional hand tools. Therefore, agriculture is recognized as one of the risky occupations. Objective: This research study aims to identify the critical working conditions of wheat farmers in Rajasthan state, India. Method: Data were collected through the survey conducted on 75 randomly selected wheat farmers of Rajasthan. The survey questionnaire gathered information related to demographic, occupational, and musculoskeletal discomfort faced by the farmers. In addition, a deep learning-based posture detection study of the workers was performed to assess the postural risks through a rapid upper limb assessment score. Result: The collected data were analyzed further for fruitful insights. The survey outcomes showed that awkward posture (41%) and repetitive movement (35%) were the most reported reasons for the severe risks of musculoskeletal disorders among farmers. The posture evaluationbased patent study outcomes showed that approximately 51% of subjects lie in the action category 4, which shows the higher level of risks in the activities performed by farmers. Conclusion: It is suggested to apply the principles of physical ergonomics in the agriculture sector and spread awareness among the farmers about the agriculture risks associated with farming activities.
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Two-dimensional MXene Nanosheets and their Composites for Antibacterial Textiles: Current Trends and Future Prospects
Authors: Yingchun Chen, Mengjie Liang and Chi ZhangAs a novel two-dimensional (2D) nanosheet (NS), MXene has attracted attention in antibacterial applications due to its excellent high surface area, remarkable hydrophilicity, strong flexibility, and excellent antibacterial properties. This review intends to provide valuable insight into the further development of antibacterial MXenes and their composite materials. In this paper, extensive information related to the applications of MXenes for antibacterial textiles and their associated patents were collected. We review the antibacterial mechanisms of MXenes and their composite materials and summarize the research progress of antibacterial finishing fabrics, fibers and dressings based on MXene NSs. Due to the rich oxygen-containing groups, 2D MXene NSs and its composites exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis so they have been widely used in antibacterial textiles including finishing fabrics, fibers, and dressings. 2D MXene NSs have showed some antibacterial properties based on cell experiments or blood tests. The antibacterial mechanisms mainly include physical sterilization and chemical oxidative stress sterilization. The future direction of antibacterial textiles based on MXenes was proposed.
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Secrecy Performance Review for IoT-based Cognitive Farming System
Authors: Khyati Chopra and M. Afshar AlamSmart farm management has complex challenges; therefore, there is a need to improve the overall adaptability, profitability, and environmental soundness of the farming systems. Agricultural production can be enhanced with the help of IoT-based cognitive tools. The rapid increase in IoT-based smart systems has raised critical concerns about efficiently utilizing the wireless spectrum. To drastically bring the improvement in the utilization of the wireless spectrum, cognitive radio (CR) has emerged as an effective solution. The inherent openness and broadcast nature of the wireless medium have given rise to many security issues in cooperative networks. Informationtheoretic security or physical layer security (PLS) is evolved as an efficacious wireless prototype for reliable transmissions to avert the eavesdropper from expropriating transmittal data on the wireless connections. Security is the key factor in these networks as they are exposed and active in behavior, thus, are susceptible to fraudulent activities. In this patent study, we investigated the performance of the CR system in terms of secrecy and also examined the system in terms of diversity receipt and selection of relay. The secrecy outcome of channel state information at the sender was also studied. The detrimental effects of fading in cooperative networks were also extensively discussed. Cooperative diversity was examined by deploying MRC and SC strategies at receptors. It has been deduced that CSI knowledge at the sender also has an eloquent concussion on the secrecy of the cognitive system.
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Overview of Path Planning Algorithms
Authors: Hongbo Liu, Shuai Zhang and Xiaodong YangBackground: Path-planning algorithms are widely used in robotics, vehicles, UAVs, carrier- based aircraft towing vehicles, etc. Using these algorithms, an optimal path with safe obstacle avoidance and high efficiency can be planned. In recent years, path-planning algorithms have received more and more attention from scholars at home and abroad. Objective: In order to promote the application and development of path-planning algorithms, an indepth analysis of the current development status of path-planning algorithms was presented. In patents and literature, The most widely used and representative algorithms in several representative results were extracted, and the characteristics and advantages and disadvantages of each algorithm were analyzed and elaborated in detail for the readers' reference. Methods: The existing path-planning algorithms were classified, and a brief overview of each traditional algorithm was given, followed by an in-depth study of the improved algorithms to summarize the advantages and disadvantages of each type of algorithm. Finally, based on these research results, the future development trend of path-planning algorithms was projected. Results: Through the research and analysis of the path-planning algorithm, it was found that the path- planning algorithm before the improvement had the problems of an unsmooth path, low computational efficiency, a slow response time, the inability to safely avoid obstacles, etc. After the improvement and optimization of the path-planning algorithm, the performance was greatly improved. Conclusion: After research and analysis, it was found that multi-algorithm fusion had great potential for development in path-planning compared to the application and optimization of a single algorithm. In addition, further research is needed in the areas of algorithm adaptability, fusion, intelligent algorithms, and extending the range of algorithmic applications.
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Recent Patents for Optical Component Polishing Technology
More LessBackground: Fluid jet polishing, Airbag polishing, Magnetorheological polishing, and Ion beam polishing are all emerging polishing technologies commonly used for processing optical components, which can be used to manufacture various high-precision and high-quality optical components. Their processing mechanisms are to remove materials by high-speed jet impacting the surface of the workpiece; using a spherical flexible airbag as a polishing tool to obtain a supersmooth surface by adding polishing fluid containing fine abrasives; controlling the magnetic field to form a flexible polishing belt of Magnetorheological fluid, which undergoes relative motion to achieve material removal; using a neutral ion beam to bombard the surface of the workpiece to remove workpiece surface atoms and obtain a super-smooth surface through energy and momentum transfer between ions and workpiece atoms. The characteristics and removal mechanisms of various polishing methods are briefly described, and the advantages and key issues that need to be addressed for each polishing technology are pointed out, and suggestions and prospects for future research, application, and development are also given. Objective: In order to meet the growing demand for high-precision optical components and massmanufactured optical components, this paper aims to study the various polishing technologies that are continuously improved and suggestions are made for future research and development directions. Method: This paper reviews the current patents related to various polishing technologies, such as Fluid jet polishing, Airbag polishing, Magnetorheological polishing and Ion beam polishing and other representative polishing technologies. Results: Various types of polishing technologies have been studied, and the main problem at the current stage is the lack of accuracy. The problem of the polishing device, such as fluid jet polishing, only considers the change of fluid velocity and pressure to construct the removal function model for analysis and summary, and suggestions for the latest research progress of various polishing technologies are given. Conclusion: The improvement and optimization of polishing technology are beneficial to improving the polishing accuracy and quality of optical components and have great help for the future development of related patents.
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Present Situation and Future Prospects of Motor Cooling System
Authors: Jinting Hou and Baocheng XieBackground: The motor cooling system is mainly used in aerospace, automotive, and marine fields, where the motor system is cooled to extend the service life and safety of the motor. The running power of motors rises too fast, which leads to the failure of heat dissipation as expected and shortens the service life of motors. Therefore, it is necessary to choose an appropriate cooling mode for motors to improve their cooling structure, reduce their temperature rise, and improve their reliability and service life. The internal motor cooling system can perform fixed-point heat dissipation, but the overall heat dissipation is poor. The external motor cooling system can perform overall heat dissipation but has high requirements on the structure. Over the years, the application and development of motor cooling systems have gained more and more attention. Objective: This paper discusses the structural characteristics, advantages, and development trends of the motor cooling system in order to reduce the temperature rise of the motor and improve its reliability and service life. This paper aims to provide an overview and systematic guidance for future designs of the motor cooling system. Methods: According to the structural characteristics of the motor cooling system and the requirements of the motor application field, the most typical internal cooling system and external cooling system in the motor cooling system are summarized. Results: By analyzing the causes and hazards of motor heating, the limited requirements of the motor system in use are summarized. The motor system is classified and compared based on the structure, heat dissipation principle, and use of the motor heat dissipation system. The characteristics of small volume and strong heat dissipation ability are also summarized. Based on the analysis of the internal and external cooling system, the problems of complex structure and poor cooling effect are summarized, and the future development trend and direction of the motor cooling system are discussed in detail. Conclusion: This paper divides the motor cooling system into an internal cooling system and an external cooling system according to the specifications and operating environment. This paper expounds on internal and external cooling systems' different principles, advantages, and disadvantages. This paper summarizes the cooling systems in recent years in order to facilitate their subsequent development and use. The main components of additional patents for future inventions are motor cooling systems, innovation in structure simplification, and cost performance optimization.
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Two-cylinder Synchronous Electro-hydraulic Servo System and its Control Technology Development
Authors: Jianying Li, Hui Ji, Lingbing Kong and Liqun JiangBackground: Electro-hydraulic servo control system synchronous control in industrial application is very extensive because the application of electro-hydraulic servo control system is mostly in a poor working environment, there are a variety of complex external factors. Objective: Improve the comprehensive performance indicators such as accuracy, speed, and stability of synchronous control of hydraulic cylinders. Methods: In the process of synchronous movement, the typical hardware structure and control methods and algorithm strategies of the double hydraulic cylinder are analyzed in detail, and the basic principle of common hydraulic double cylinder synchronous control is summarized. Results: Through the comprehensive analysis of papers and patent documents related to the synchronous control of hydraulic twin cylinders, these papers and patented technologies study the control algorithm, and apply the new technology to the synchronous control of electro-hydraulic servo hydraulic cylinders to improve its comprehensive performance indicators such as work accuracy, speed and stability. Conclusion: Referring to the development trajectory of control algorithms in this regard, combined with new control theory and new technology, many achievements can be applied and researched in hydraulic cylinder synchronous control, and better develop the synchronous control system when double hydraulic cylinders and more hydraulic cylinders work together. By collating and analyzing the relevant research results, the two-cylinder synchronous control technology is comprehensively evaluated and prospected, which provides a valuable reference for the research and application in this field.
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Research on Typical Fault Diagnosis of Gear based on GHM Multiwavelet Transform and MCKD Algorithm
Authors: Hongxin Zhang, Zhongshu Ji and Ruijin SongBackground: Gear is the key part of the transmission part of mechanical equipment, which has a high failure rate under complex working conditions or long-term operation, directly affecting the reliability of mechanical equipment. To realize online monitoring of gears and predict gear faults, whether the diagnosis of typical gear faults is accurate and timely is a key link, so it is necessary to study the diagnosis of typical gear faults. Objective: This paper aims to propose a method that can effectively diagnose typical faults of gears and is easy to program, which is beneficial to realize online monitoring of rotating machinery equipment faults. Method: A typical gear fault diagnosis method based on GHM multiwavelet transform and maximum correlation kurtosis deconvolution algorithm (MCKD) is proposed in this paper. The measured vibration signal is decomposed into components with multiple scale spaces and frequency bands through the GHM multiwavelet transform. Then, the MCKD algorithm is run to suppress the noise of GHM multiwavelet transform coefficients, and the periodic components containing fault information are retained and reconstructed. The typical faults such as gear pitting and broken teeth are tested. Results: GHM multiwavelet transform combined with MCKD algorithm can accurately locate the frequency band containing fault information from the vibration signal with multiple modulations, double sideband, and multi-frequency interference and effectively extract the fault frequency and its frequency multiplication. The root means a square error of the extracted fault frequency is 0.08. This method has a good noise suppression effect and high accuracy in extracting fault frequency. Conclusion: The method proposed in this paper is helpful in realizing automatic programming of gear fault diagnosis and is of great significance in realizing real-time monitoring and online diagnosis of rotating machinery equipment faults. More related patents will appear in the future.
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Development and Outlook for Self-priming Pumps
Authors: Yuan Zhang and Dong LiuBackground: Self-priming pumps are a type of general mechanical equipment that is widely used in the petroleum, chemical, electric power, metallurgy, mining, shipbuilding, light industry, agriculture, civil defense, and other departments, and they play an important role in the global economy. The pump system is the most common piece of equipment that consumes the most electricity, and reducing the energy consumption of the pump will save a significant amount of energy. Objective: For the benefit of scholars and engineers, this paper summarizes the most recent research on self-priming pumps, analyzes their solutions to the problem of reducing energy consumption, and discusses their advantages and disadvantages. Methods: The typical self-priming pump patents are outlined below based on the many functions of the improved self-priming pump structure, including pump body protection, high efficiency, and energy savings, ease of movement, and improved seal. The current self-priming pump patents are used to examine the development trend for these pumps. Results: The fundamental issues with self-priming pumps are outlined and studied through comparisons of various types and functions, and a future course for their development is suggested. Conclusion: The development of self-priming pump technology benefits from the improvement of self-priming pump structure. A self-priming pump with a straightforward design, automation, high efficiency, and energy conservation has a promising future.
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