A novel task-based conceptual design method introduced around a decade ago has been presented from its most characteristic points including the general idea, usage and modification of previous art, usage and modification of independent sets of functional and mechanical means for implementation of those functions, creation of intermediate mechanical-functional sets supporting the development of new structures like models, visualization of the design process, and so on. The current paper aims to reveal a non-computerized graphically visualized set of actions covering all the above-mentioned major steps of the suggested methodology. The success of synthesizing action greatly depends on the method of creation submechanisms or virtual mechanisms, which are making possible visualization and consideration intermediate structures helping to identify and implement a necessary function. The method of creating of such subcategories and application of elementary movements or set of links for explaining or satisfying demanded set of functions could be considered the main methodical novelty and strength of proposed conceptual design method. Two examples are included: the first reinvention of a known tool—Locking Pliers from database and second synthesis of a novel hand tool—Adjustable Nut Wrench.
Nowadays there is a higher need of strict and broader legislation in waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycling industry to reduce environmental effects of WEEE. Environmental challenges include pollution, exhaustion of natural resources, waste management and reduction of landfills. High speed in technological development in many sectors puts many products in great challenge of obsoleting almost immediately after their purchase. In particular, this is the fate for electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). They are forever-improving and incorporate state of the art innovations. This provide many benefits; however, at the same time, its expansion results in rapidly growing waste stream of WEEE. WEEE contains a combination of all these situations, including for example, batteries, plastics of quality, precious metals and toxic soldering metals. The reuse and renovation of WEEE are therefore very critical because of its significant ecological environmental impacts. Sustainable development is not a static situation, but a state of dynamic balance between human and environmental system. The current chapter explores sustainability planning and strategies such as eco-design, and design for dismantling and recycling, and what they mean for electronic products. It examines the incentives, methods and tools for sustainable electronic product design, with particular emphasis on reuse, recycling, selection of sustainable materials and processes, and lack of resources.
This book chapter presents the results from a series of studies which explored the use of the technology transfer (TT) subconcept of adaptation to explain the uptake of recent information and communication technologies (ICT) in the construction industry. The specific focus is the management of construction site processes. The studies explored the need for management process enhancement, availability of relevant information and communication technologies, occurrence of such technologies in construction site management (CSM), influencing factors, and challenges to their adoption in construction site management. Results from stages in the phased methodology are used to generate certain hypotheses that are based on analysis of primary and secondary data. Insights from testing the hypotheses and findings from the series of studies are used to model an adaptation-based understanding of the transfer of information and communication technologies in construction site management. While using site management as the specific focus, the study contributes an understanding that is relevant to the construction industry and other project-related environments.
Photogrammetry is a technique used for studying and precisely defining the shape, dimension, and position in space of any object, using mainly measurements taken over one or more photographs of that object. Today, photogrammetry is a popular science due to its ease of application, low cost, and good results. Based on these causes, it is becoming a good alternative to scanning. This has led to its implementation in different sectors such as the archeological, architectural, and topographical for application in element reconstructions, cartography, or biomechanics. This chapter presents the fundamental aspects of this technology, as well as its great possibilities of application in the engineering field.
The chapter deals with the description of a virtual prototyping platform that facilitates the design process of the mechanical and mechatronic systems. The virtual prototyping stages are defined and then integrated in a block diagram, highlighting how the data are transferred between these stages in order to finally obtain a valid and optimal virtual model, close (as structure and functionality) to the real one. The whole process is guided by the basic principle for successful virtual prototyping: as complicated as necessary and as simple as possible. The real modeling case, the specific simplifying assumptions, and the validity (viability) fields of the simplifying assumptions are discussed with reference to the main components of a mechanical or mechatronic system (bodies, connections between bodies, actuating elements). The purpose is to manipulate the simplifying assumptions in a way that reduces the complexity of the virtual model, but without altering the accuracy of the results. The basic types of analysis/simulation are depicted by considering their particularities, highlighting their role in the process of designing mechanical/mechatronic systems, and then the optimization is conducted by the use of parametric design tools. Finally, a case study is developed following those mentioned above.
