Recent Patents on Engineering - Volume 18, Issue 8, 2024

Background: The suspension has the role of transmitting and carrying the forces and moments between the wheels and the frame and controlling the wheel runout, thus providing the car with good comfort and operational stability. Objective: Through the analysis of the current situation of suspension research, summarize the research route and specific technical solutions of suspension patents, and finally prospect the future development direction of suspension, which can provide readers with certain reference value. Methods: The existing suspensions are classified into passive suspensions, semi-active suspensions, and active suspensions, and their improvement methods are described to compare the advantages and disadvantages of different improvement methods. Results: By comparing the results of suspension studies, semi-active suspension can effectively improve the smoothness and handling stability of the vehicle. Semi-active suspension has the advantages of low energy consumption, simple control, lower cost, easy implementation, and high reliability, while the effect of vibration control can be close to active suspension to some extent and far better than passive suspension. Conclusion: This paper introduces passive suspension, semi-active suspension, and active suspension in three categories and describes the working principle, functions, problem-solving advantages, and shortcomings of the three suspensions, respectively. Semi-active suspension is more suitable for the future development trend of suspension.

Background: With the rapid development of China's economy and the accelerating process of agricultural mechanization, agricultural machinery has become increasingly popular in agricultural production activities. At the same time, problems in agricultural machinery management have gradually been exposed, hindering the development of modern agriculture. Objective: This study aimed to discuss the development trend of agricultural management and modern agriculture by analyzing and discussing the related patents of agricultural machinery management systems. Methods: The development of agricultural machinery management was summarized, and the representative patents related to agricultural machinery management systems, agricultural machinery automatic control systems, and agricultural machinery terminals were analyzed. Results: By analyzing the existing patents of the agricultural machinery management system, the paper summarized their applications in agricultural management and obtained their future development trend. Conclusion: In agricultural machinery management, we should actively adopt complementary strategies to solve various problems and improve the management level of agricultural machinery. The continuous improvement of the agricultural machinery management system is of great significance to the automation of agricultural production and the modernization of agricultural management in China.

Background: Pole-climbing robots are a type of application robot commonly used for quality inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of utility poles, high voltage lines, bridge cables, transmission pipelines, and other important facilities with a certain height. The working conditions are often harsh and dangerous, making manual participation unsafe. The pole-climbing robot can provide a platform for maintenance and cleaning work. Remote control operation of the poleclimbing robot is achieved through communication and control technology. It has been created to improve efficiency and reduce personnel accidents greatly. At the same time, the continuous development of science and technology has led to the expansion of robot design concepts. It has also brought about great changes and growth in the development of pole-climbing robots. Objective: The purpose of this paper is to report the latest progress in the research of pole-climbing robots from bionic and non-bionic perspectives and to provide a research reference for researchers in this field. Method: By analyzing academic theses and published patents, this paper presents a new classification of pole-climbing robots from the perspective of bionic and non-bionic. By summarizing the literature, the structural characteristics of various pole-climbing robots and their differences and applications are summarized. Results: The performance of the pole-climbing robots is analyzed from the viewpoint of structural characteristics and action execution methods. In turn, the characteristics of various types of poleclimbing robots are summarized. Finally, based on the above discussion, the future problems and development directions of pole-climbing robots are predicted. Conclusion: The pole-climbing robots can be divided into two categories, bionic and non-bionic, based on the analysis of design features. Both bionic and non-bionic pole-climbing robots have good development and applications in their respective directions. Also, bionic and non-bionic poleclimbing robots have different detailed classifications based on material, structure, and other perspectives. They have different advantages and disadvantages in terms of the performance of poleclimbing action execution. It provides a research reference for future researchers in this field.

Background: For a long time, product packaging has been used as an instruction manual to connect consumers and factories. Product packaging is an important column in product image display and information presentation. However, missing prints, misprints, and surface stains during the manufacture of packaging bags will cause consumers to misunderstand product information. Based on machine vision, image processing technology, and Python language, this paper designs an automatic detection system for paper defects. Through the preprocessing of the image of the paper to be tested, after the paper area is extracted and compared with the standard template paper, the defective parts of the paper to be tested relative to the standard template paper can be quickly and accurately obtained. The system has a single drawing detection time of 2~3 seconds, and the measurement accuracy rate reaches 100%. The results show that the system has high measurement accuracy, high measurement precision, fast measurement speed, strong adaptability to the environment, and can meet the requirements of detecting defective paper. Objective: The purpose of this study is to develop an automatic detection system for packaging paper, which can detect all defective parts of defective paper compared with standard paper templates. This study aims to reduce the misprints or stains that may occur when producing high-volume bags. The system optimizes and controls the detection accuracy, detection time, detection accuracy and detection environment to ensure that the system can meet the real detection requirements. Method: First, the accompanying software of this system is used to import the standard template of the inspection paper and use the industrial camera to obtain the original image of the inspection drawing. Then, a series of necessary processing is performed on the image: grayscale, Gaussian filter, median filter, binarization, edge detection, contour detection, and the paper area covered with the image is extracted through inverse perspective transformation. Secondly, divide the picture into several blocks and measure the translation matrix of each block to achieve translation fine-tuning to achieve higher detection accuracy. Then, the defect mask is obtained by comparing it with the standard template, and the mask is fine-tuned and processed by the strong noise reduction algorithm. After median filtering, binarization, erosion, marking and other operations are performed to realize the final defect area finding and marking. Finally, all defective areas will be displayed in the designated area of the included software. Results: The detection accuracy rate of this system for the defect area reaches 100%, the minimum range of the recognition area reaches 1 mm (2 pixels), the light intensity of the detection environment can adapt to 50 gray levels compared with the template, and the detection of a single drawing only takes 2~3 seconds, indicating the high detection efficiency of the system. A patent application for the system has already begun. Conclusion: The system has strong adaptability to the light intensity range of the testing environment, and the minimum testing area can meet the requirements of most production drawings. The accuracy of identifying the defect area of the testing drawings shows that the system can complete the testing task well when the testing environment is suitable.

Background: Pneumatic conveying is the use of air flow energy to transport granular materials in the direction of airflow in a closed pipeline, which involves the disadvantages of low conveying efficiency and easy deposition of particles. Objective: It is necessary to develop pneumatic conveying devices to reduce particle deposition, promote particles to enter the flow field again to accelerate, and achieve the effect of extending the pneumatic conveying distance. Method: The patent for anti-settling device re-accelerates the particles so that the particles return to the flow field, which effectively reduces the probability of settlement blockage of material particles during transportation. The pneumatic conveying pressurized separator uses a pot-shaped housing to generate an internal rotating flow field to screen particles, and the light dust adheres to the filter, reducing the possibility of pipeline dust explosion. Results: The anti-settling device can quickly replace the anti-settlement block according to the parameters of the conveying pipeline, which can effectively reduce the probability of settlement blockage of material particles during transportation. The pressurized separator can use the air compressor to cooperate with the return air pipe to effectively remove the dust in the pneumatic conveying pipe and carry out secondary pressurized transportation of the materials in the pneumatic conveying pipe, which improves the safety of pneumatic conveying. Conclusion: The above technology improves the efficiency of pneumatic conveying and gas utilization, enhances the speed of particle conveying, reduces particle settlement and collision, extends the distance of pneumatic conveying, and ensures the safety of pneumatic conveying and the feasibility of industrial applications.

Background: As the coal mining industry becomes more mechanized, it leads to a large number of coal dust particles suspended in the air, polluting the surrounding environment, accompanied by an increase in fine-grained low-rank coal particles and a low recovery rate of a large amount of organic matter in the particles, wasting resources. Objective: The study of particle wettability can have an impact on spray dust reduction and particle flotation efficiency. By adjusting the hydrophilicity of coal powder particles, the generation of suspended coal dust can be effectively suppressed. By adding surfactants, the flotation separation efficiency of coal particles can be improved. Method: This article introduces patents for the measurement method of particle wetting properties and patents for methods to improve the wetting properties of particles, providing a reference for studying the wetting properties of particles. Results: The measurement of particle wetting properties is more accurate, simple, and convenient. Improving the wetting properties of particles by adding additives has significant implications for later dust reduction and particle flotation. Conclusion: This thesis provides an important basis for studying the wettability of particles, modifying the wettability and hydrophilicity of particles, providing specific guidance for improving the wettability of particles for spray dust reduction and particle flotation, and greatly improving industrial production efficiency.

Background: As the lightest metal structural material in engineering, magnesium alloy has excellent mechanical properties, such as high specific strength, high specific stiffness, good damping performance, and good machinability. It is widely used in the fields of precision parts, automobiles, aerospace, and military. However, poor friction and wear performance are significant magnesium defects of the alloys, which make its use limited in some areas with high working conditions, so it is essential to improve the wear resistance of the magnesium alloy surface. Objective: The aim of this study was to summarize the technology of improving the wear resistance of magnesium alloy in recent year. The influence of different surface treatment technology for enhancing friction and wear properties was also analyzed, which could provide a reference for related scholars and researchers. Method: In this paper, the literature and patents related to friction and wear properties of magnesium alloys in recent years were reviewed, the principles of various surface treatment technology of magnesium alloys were explained, and the advantages and disadvantages of each technology were analyzed. Results: Based on the literature and patents analyses related to the wear resistance of magnesium alloys, the problems existing in the surface treatment technology for improving the wear resistance of magnesium alloys are summarized, and future development directions are put forward. Conclusion: Among the technologies and patents to improve the wear resistance of magnesium alloys, the combination of various techniques can better meet the working demands. The environmentally friendly and efficient manner has a good prospect for development.

Aim: The solar wing undertakes the important task of providing energy for spacecraft. The deployment test of the solar wing in a zero gravity environment using a zero gravity system on the ground is an important link to ensure the safe and stable deployment of the solar wing in space. This article briefly describes the development process and research progress of solar wings, introduces the ground zero gravity test methods and test platforms for solar wings, including some patents for improving the ground zero gravity test platform for solar wings, and points out some urgent problems that need to be solved in the zero gravity unloading test and system at present. Background: The solar wing needs to be deployed in the weightlessness environment of space before working. Objective: The objective of this study is to summarize the zero gravity experimental methods and systems of solar wings, introduce their categories, characteristics, and development. Methods: This article summarizes various scientific research achievements in the zero gravity test of solar wings, and introduces the advantages and disadvantages of the zero gravity test method of solar wings. Results: This article analyzes the zero gravity test methods for solar wings, compares them among various test methods, analyzes the main problems in their development, and looks forward to the development trend of zero gravity test methods for solar wings. Conclusion: Although research on zero-gravity unloading test systems for solar wings is continuously advancing, there are still several technological bottlenecks that need to be overcome in terms of system precision, payload capacity, dynamic simulation, method optimization, diversifying zero-gravity test methods and system universality for different types of solar panel unloading.

Hydrocyclone separator is a widely used equipment in the field of liquid-solid separation due to its simple structure, convenient operation, and high separation efficiency. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the working principles, application areas, design optimization, and performance evaluation of hydrocyclone separators, while discussing their future development trends. In addition, particular attention has been given to the aspects related to patents in this study. The focus is on analyzing the structural parameters and flow field characteristics of hydrocyclone separators, as well as the different effects on separation efficiency caused by various hydrocyclone structures and adjustments in hydrocyclone size. The research analysis is conducted on the inlet, cylindrical section, overflow pipe section, cone section, hydrocyclone materials, and other parts, taking into account detailed analysis of operational conditions such as inlet flow rate, pressure drop, separation efficiency, and fluid properties. The future development trend of hydraulic hydrocyclone separators lies in refinement, intelligence, multifunctionality, integration, and energy-saving and environmental protection. In the field of liquid-solid separation, the integration of hydrocyclone separation technology and intelligent devices is becoming increasingly important, and future research will focus on developing new hydrocyclone coupling separation techniques to further improve production efficiency and convenience in daily life. The application prospects are broad, and it is expected to bring significant economic and social benefits to society. It also possesses the potential for patent protection.

Objective: The study aims to address the significance of fins in enhancing the heat transfer rate of engine cylinders and highlight their applications and advancements in various fields. Methods: Thermal analysis of fins using ANSYS Workbench is an invaluable tool for engineers and researchers in determining and optimizing the heat transfer characteristics of finned structures. ANSYS Workbench provides a comprehensive platform for evaluating the performance of fins in various applications using simulations of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA). With ANSYS Workbench, it is possible to assess the thermal behaviour of fins under a variety of conditions, such as variable boundary conditions and thermal loads. Some significant recent patents on Engine fin are also discussed in this review article. Results: Fins are designed to maximize contact with the surrounding air or coolant, thereby facilitating engine heat transfer to the surrounding environment. Engineers can enhance heat dissipation capabilities by considering parameters such as fin geometry, density, material selection, and manufacturing techniques while minimizing associated drawbacks. Conclusion: The numerous applications of fins highlighted in this review article will encourage researchers to find novel strategies to improve heat transfer by employing fins for use in a variety of sectors.

Background: Life nowadays is full of stress due to lifestyle changes and the modernera race. Almost everyone around us is suffering from stress and anxiety. Mostly, stress identification is done by medical practitioners in a very late stage in which suitable help measures cannot be provided and hence result in suicides or early age deaths due to cardiac arrest, etc. One major reason behind the delay is the time required in stress identification by traditional approaches, and above that, the amount of time and financial support expected is always not feasible to be available. Hence, in this paper, we proposed an evolutionary research framework for stress identification by the usage of both machine learning and IoT. Here, we also conducted a pilot study on 83 records available over the decade since 2014 using PRISMA guidelines, and a bibliographic network visualization was also performed using VOS viewer. Objectives: This study aimed to develop a stress detection framework using Machine Learning and the Internet of Things (IoT) as technology advanced over a decade. Methods: More than 80 research papers from honorable repositories like Scopus and Web of Science were gathered according to the guidelines of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) 2020, and the VOSviewer tool was further applied to construct the bibliographic depictions. Various datasets and methods used over ten years with their performance were also discussed. Results: This research was conducted to gather various types of stressors, the impact of various Machine Learning and IoT algorithms and concepts on various datasets and their respective results. Conclusion: Various available datasets and results with multiple algorithms were discussed in a crisp tabular form for better understanding. A methodology based on an amalgamation of Machine Learning and IoT was also proposed due to various research gaps available so that stress detection could be done in a cost-effective way.

A typographical error appeared in terms of repetition of sentences in the manuscript titled “Recent Patents of Micro-arc Oxidation Technology”, 2024; 18(6): e300423216386 [1]. Original: Liu et al. [90] provided a method for micro-arc oxidation of electrolytes and reducing the brittleness of microporous ceramic film. By adding chitin nanowhiskers and Nacetylated chitosan into the electrolyte, the toughness of the ceramic film is improved, and bending brittleness and fragmentation are prevented. Li et al. [91] provided an electrolyte for micro arc oxidation self-lubricating composite ceramic coating. The friction and wear properties of the composite ceramic coating were improved by adding nano additives and micro MoS2 powder into the conventional electrolyte. Liu et al. [90] provided a method for micro-arc oxidation of electrolytes and reducing the brittleness of microporous ceramic film. By adding chitin nanowhiskers and Nacetylated chitosan into the electrolyte, the toughness of the ceramic film is improved, and bending brittleness and fragmentation are prevented. Li et al. [91] provided an electrolyte for micro arc oxidation self-lubricating composite ceramic coating. The friction and wear properties of the composite ceramic coating were improved by adding nano additives and micro MoS2 powder into the conventional electrolyte. Corrected: Liu et al. [90] provided a method for micro-arc oxidation of electrolytes and reducing the brittleness of microporous ceramic film. By adding chitin nanowhiskers and Nacetylated chitosan into the electrolyte, the toughness of the ceramic film is improved, and bending brittleness and fragmentation are prevented. Li et al. [91] provided an electrolyte for micro arc oxidation self-lubricating composite ceramic coating. The friction and wear properties of the composite ceramic coating were improved by adding nano additives and micro MoS2 powder into the conventional electrolyte. The original article can be found online at https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/131347

An error appeared in the citation of Tables 2 and 3 in the manuscript titled “Current Status of Patent Research on Picking End Effector”, 2024; 18(6): e190523217074 [1]. Original: Li [69] developed a self-triggering apple picking and collecting machine, which consists of five parts: a selftriggering gripper, a telescopic adjustment device, a rotary turntable, a collecting device, and a floor car. The gripper part innovatively adopts a selftriggering gripper design. The invention solves the problem of low apple-picking efficiency and causes less damage to apples. Wang et al. [78] invented an end effector suitable for gripping spherical fruits. The fingers of the bionic human form an effective gripping space through the upper gripping finger, the lower gripping finger, and the auxiliary gripping finger, providing reliable gripping performance. This leads to the avoidance of mechanical damage to the fruit. This device has been found to improve fruit sorting efficiency and reduce labor, but its applicability is not wide enough. Corrected: Li [69] developed a self-triggering apple picking and collecting machine, which consists of five parts: a selftriggering gripper, a telescopic adjustment device, a rotary turntable, a collecting device, and a floor car. The gripper part innovatively adopts a selftriggering gripper design. The invention solves the problem of low apple-picking efficiency and causes less damage to apples (Table 2). Wang et al. [78] invented an end effector suitable for gripping spherical fruits. The fingers of the bionic human form an effective gripping space through the upper gripping finger, the lower gripping finger, and the auxiliary gripping finger, providing reliable gripping performance. This leads to the avoidance of mechanical damage to the fruit. This device has been found to improve fruit sorting efficiency and reduce labor, but its applicability is not wide enough (Table 3). The original article can be found online at https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/131925