Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Yuwei Wu, Min Yu, Qingsong He, David Vokoun, Guoxiao Yin, Xianrui Xu, Pengfei Lyu
Summary: The study focused on a helical ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) actuator, observing its axial actuation behaviors and evaluating its characteristics. Experimental results demonstrated that the most satisfactory motion was achieved under a direct current (DC) signal. Coupling different modules in simulation work, the obtained data matched well with experimental results, leading to the design of a three-degree-of-freedom micro-parallel platform.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
L. Schwab, P. E. Allain, N. Mauran, X. Dollat, L. Mazenq, D. Lagrange, M. Gely, S. Hentz, G. Jourdan, I Favero, B. Legrand
Summary: Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful tool in nanosciences and nanotechnologies, enabling the measurement of weak forces at the nanoscale and elucidating fundamental interactions. In this study, a sensor for dynamic mode AFM was fabricated using micro/nanoelectromechanical systems and cavity optomechanics, with a frequency above 100 MHz. This sensor demonstrated the capacity to perform force-distance measurements and maintain a constant interaction strength between the tip and sample, even at unprecedented subpicometer vibration amplitudes.
MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Ata Meshkinzar, Ahmed M. Al-Jumaily
Summary: Piezoelectric transducers, especially cylindrical-shaped PZT transducers, have great potential for various sensor and actuator applications. However, they have not been thoroughly investigated and established. This paper aims to shed light on their applications and design configurations, proposing future research trends.
Article
Polymer Science
Jie Ru, Dongxu Zhao, Zicai Zhu, Yanjie Wang
Summary: Emerging smart polymers called ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) have great potential as next-generation actuators. This study developed a novel fabrication technology for carbon/metal composite electrodes to optimize the actuation behaviors of IPMCs, resulting in significantly enhanced performance compared to traditional electrode structures.
Article
Acoustics
Yiran Tian, Yihao Song, Yanfeng Shen, Zhengyue Yu
Summary: This study presents a metamaterial ultrasound mode convertor that utilizes special resonant shear motion to convert Lamb waves into fundamental shear horizontal waves. By tuning the shear resonant motions, a complete SH0 mode generation band is established within a wide frequency range. Experimental demonstrations validate the successful realization of this mode conversion mechanism after parameter studies and finite element simulations.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
I Ragazzini, I Gualandi, S. Selli, C. Polizzi, M. C. Cassani, D. Nanni, F. Gambassi, F. Tarterini, D. Tonelli, E. Scavetta, B. Ballarin
Summary: This work presents a simple, inexpensive industrial paper process for preparing sheets of conductive cellulose fibers coated with polyanilines, demonstrating superior electronic properties by assembling a capacitive touch sensor device. This method could significantly improve the development of low-cost, green, and high-tech electronic devices.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Koichi Kobayashi, Kunihiko Hiraishi
Summary: This article presents a control-theoretic approach for an Automated Demand Response (ADR) program, with effectiveness demonstrated through modeling air conditioner power consumption, and introduces a new method of model predictive control. The scalability of the proposed method with respect to the number of consumers is emphasized.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ROBUST AND NONLINEAR CONTROL
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Yaru Xing, Yu Liu, Rifei Chen, Yuyan Li, Chengzhi Zhang, Youwei Jiang, Yao Lu, Bingcheng Lin, Peizhong Chen, Ruijun Tian, Xianming Liu, Xing Cheng
Summary: This study addresses the scalability and reliability issues of low-cost printed circuit board digital microfluidic platforms by using active-matrix circuitry. The reliable actuation of aqueous and organic droplets using a free-standing double-layer hydrophobic membrane demonstrates the versatility of the platform. By implementing these improvements, a fully automatic, scalable, robust, reusable, and low-cost digital microfluidic platform capable of parallel manipulation of a large number of droplets can be realized for various applications in chemical engineering, bioengineering, and biomedical engineering.
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Ioannis Mollas, Nick Bassiliades, Grigorios Tsoumakas
Summary: In critical situations, machine learning models must be able to clearly interpret their decisions to avoid socioethical issues. This paper presents LionForests, a random forest interpretation technique that provides rules as explanations and demonstrates its effectiveness through experiments and comparisons with state-of-the-art techniques. LionForests outperforms other techniques in precision, variance, and response time, but lacks in rule length and coverage. It is distinguished by its unique property of conclusiveness, which provides interpretation validity.
DATA MINING AND KNOWLEDGE DISCOVERY
(2022)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kaustav Roy, Joshua En-Yuan Lee, Chengkuo Lee
Summary: This review discusses the research progress of thin-film PMUTs in the field of microultrasound, highlighting that the research in this field began 44 years ago with the development of functional piezoelectric thin-film materials. Three major companies are currently commercializing thin-film PMUTs on a bulk scale. The review comprehensively covers the extensive development of these devices' design, manufacturing, and function, including the global PMUT outlook, design principles, manufacturing methods, nonconventional PMUT designs, and category-wise applications.
MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Hatem Khalloof, Mohammad Mohammad, Shadi Shahoud, Clemens Duepmeier, Veit Hagenmeyer
Summary: Parallelizing population-based metaheuristics, such as Evolutionary Algorithms, on a cluster computing environment can significantly enhance computational performance. This article presents a scalable software architecture that allows users to combine basic parallelization models of EAs efficiently, showing high potential for scaling up optimization speed of complex problems. Extensive evaluation combining Coarse-Grained and Global Models for solving optimization problems demonstrates the effectiveness of the approach.
INTERNET OF THINGS
(2021)
Article
Acoustics
Carlos Cueto, Javier Cudeiro, Oscar Calderon Agudo, Lluis Guasch, Meng-Xing Tang
Summary: Accurate wave-equation modeling is crucial for modern imaging and therapeutic ultrasound technologies. A new algorithm, SRI, has been developed for ultrasound transducer calibration and modeling, showing superior performance in transmission and reception modes based on experimental results.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS FERROELECTRICS AND FREQUENCY CONTROL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhao Xu, Sen Meng, Dun-Wen Wei, Rui-Ying Bao, Yu Wang, Kai Ke, Wei Yang
Summary: A polyolefin elastomer vitrimer (POEV) was prepared by constructing a dynamic cross-linked network based on boronic ester bonds. The controllable relaxation of POEV by temperature enables the actuation domain with a reduction in entropy and the skeleton domain with a relatively high entropy, greatly affecting the reversible shape memory effects (RSMEs). By combining the decreasing entropy of POEV chains and topological rearrangement, hybrid aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be constructed in POEV, enhancing its elasticity and acting as a hybrid skeleton for RSMEs.
Article
Mechanics
Lizi Cheng, Vikram Deshpande, Norman Fleck
Summary: Cellulose foams can achieve large one-way deformation by adding water and transitioning from a dry, pre-compressed state to a damp state. To predict the 3D deformation of a foam-based structure with non-uniform water concentration, it is crucial to understand the mechanical properties (including deformation) of the foam as a function of water content. This study demonstrates the anisotropic constitutive response of cellulose foam under different water content conditions, where a visco-plastic, transversely isotropic, compressible constitutive model provides an adequate approximation. Reversed plastic flow occurs when unloading from the plastic state with a stress drop equal to the initial yield stress, indicating extreme kinematic hardening.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MECHANICS A-SOLIDS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
A. Truszkowska, M. Porfiri
Summary: Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) are soft and electroactive materials that have unique actuation properties. Despite significant progress in understanding their macroscopic actuation, the physics at the nanoscale level is still not fully understood. In this study, classical molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the response of three IPMC membranes with different metallic counterions. The results showed that the differences in the spatial distribution of stress components in the membranes can be explained by variations in water content related to the type of counterions used, challenging existing continuum models of IPMCs.
ENGINEERING RESEARCH EXPRESS
(2022)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Kun Qian, Zhenhong Li, Samit Chakrabarty, Zhiqiang Zhang, Sheng Quan Xie
Summary: This article proposes a new iterative learning control scheme for trajectory tracking of pneumatic muscle actuators with state constraints. By incorporating the barrier Lyapunov function with the composite energy function approach, the feasibility of boundedness and convergence of system states within the predefined limits are ensured.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Yihui Zhao, Jie Zhang, Zhenhong Li, Kun Qian, Sheng Quan Xie, Yu Lu, Zhi-Qiang Zhang
Summary: Myoelectric control is a promising method for commanding exoskeletons by interpreting human intentions. This article proposes a computationally efficient optimization method for personalized EMG-driven musculoskeletal model based on wrist motion. Experimental evaluations show that the proposed method outperforms other optimization algorithms, making the use of musculoskeletal model in practical applications more feasible.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INSTRUMENTATION AND MEASUREMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jie Zhang, Yihui Zhao, Fergus Shone, Zhenhong Li, Alejandro F. Frangi, Sheng Quan Xie, Zhi-Qiang Zhang
Summary: This paper proposes a physics-informed deep learning framework for musculoskeletal modelling, where physics-based domain knowledge is brought into the data-driven model as soft constraints. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed framework.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NEURAL SYSTEMS AND REHABILITATION ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yihui Zhao, Zhenhong Li, Zhiqiang Zhang, Kun Qian, Shengquan Xie
Summary: This paper proposes an electromyography (EMG)-driven musculoskeletal model to estimate the wrist joint kinematics involving wrist flexion/extension and radial/ulnar deviation. The proposed approach computes the internal force/joint torque and integrates the wrist kinematics using the forward dynamics. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed model-based approach provides high estimation accuracy in contralateral case with mean coefficient of determination of 0.86 and 0.82 for wrist flexion/extension and radial/ulnar deviation, respectively.
BIOMEDICAL SIGNAL PROCESSING AND CONTROL
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Nian Peng, Wei Meng, Qin Wei, Qingsong Ai, Quan Liu, Shengquan Xie
Summary: With the increasing demand for rehabilitation of the elderly population and patients with limb injuries, it is essential to develop new wearable health monitoring systems and assistive rehabilitation equipment. Optical fiber sensing, with its advantages of lightweight, anti-electromagnetic interference, higher strain and elastic limit, safety, and dependableness, has been significantly used in engineering prospecting, building structure monitoring, and medical and health fields. However, the discussion and summary of the key theories and technologies of optical fiber sensing in medical rehabilitation are still insufficient. This review details the different types of optical fiber sensing mechanisms and devices, as well as the measurement of physical parameters and application examples in the field of medical rehabilitation. It also discusses the challenges and provides a research direction for the future realization of flexible, comfortable, safe, stable monitoring of human biomechanical parameters and real-time precise control of rehabilitation equipment.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Jie Zuo, Quan Liu, Wei Meng, Qingsong Ai, Sheng Quan Xie
Summary: A novel event-triggered adaptive hybrid torque-position control scheme is proposed in this article for a developed ankle rehabilitation robot. The scheme can adaptively adjust the assistive torque according to the patient's recovery state and correct the robotic assistance output based on patient's performance, achieving fast trajectory tracking and adjustable assistance capacity.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Yihui Zhao, Kun Qian, Sheng Bo, Zhiqiang Zhang, Zhenhong Li, Gu-Qiang Li, Abbas Ali Dehghani-Sanij, Sheng Quan Xie
Summary: This article proposes an adaptive cooperative control strategy for a wrist exoskeleton based on a real-time joint impedance estimation approach. By interpreting the underlying transformation in the muscular and skeletal systems, the proposed approach estimates the motion intention and the joint impedance of a human subject simultaneously without additional calibration procedures. Results indicate the proposed method outperforms other training protocols and enhances the training effectiveness and the interaction safety.
IEEE-ASME TRANSACTIONS ON MECHATRONICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Asim Ghaffar, Abbas A. Dehghani-Sanij, Sheng Quan Xie, Abdullah Tahir, Awais Hafeez
Summary: The selection of an actuation system for assistive robotic exoskeletons involves careful consideration of various design factors, including lightweight and power-efficient requirements. This paper explores the exploitation of actuation redundancy in a study comparing the design optimization of rigid and elastic systems. A multi-factor optimization technique is developed for a redundant elastic actuation system, evaluating different actuator choices to determine the optimal motor and transmission system combination. The results show that the optimal redundant actuation system significantly reduces power requirements, with the variable parallel elastic actuators (V-PEA) outperforming variable series elastic actuators (V-SEA) in the case study.
JOURNAL OF THE CHINESE INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Zifan Li, Wee Chen Gan, Lihua Tang, Kean Chin Aw
Summary: This study investigates the working principle of multicellular triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) through experiments and simulations on a dual-cell TENG. The results provide insights into the charge generation during each phase of a contact-separation cycle and validate the reliability of the findings by measuring the output charge of a TENG.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Long Zhang, Hang Shao, Jiaxiang Zhang, Deping Liu, Kean C. Aw, Yufeng Su
Summary: This paper presents an improved solution for the airflow energy harvester based on the push-pull diamagnetic levitation structure. With the adoption of a four-notch rotor, the offset of the floating rotor is eliminated and the energy conversion rate is substantially increased. Experimental results show that the four-notch rotor outperforms the three-notch rotor with higher peak voltage and rotation speed, leading to improvements in the energy conversion factor, output power, and energy conversion rate of the harvester.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Daniel Tze Kheng Ong, Jason Soon Chye Koay, Moh Terng Sim, Kean Chin Aw, Takashi Nakajima, BingHui Chen, Swee Tiam Tan, Wee Chen Gan
Summary: This study investigates the individual contributions of the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of PVDF polymers on the performance of TENGs. The results show that the high dielectric constant of the polymers hinders electron backflow, while the piezoelectric polarization of PVDF shifts the electron energy levels, affecting the TENG's output. Additionally, the output of the TENG varies with the phase transition of the PVDF terpolymers. These findings provide guidance for material selection and open up potential low-temperature TENG applications.
Proceedings Paper
Automation & Control Systems
Bo Sheng, Jianyu Zhao, Junjun Zheng, Chaoqun Duan, Sheng Quan Xie, Jing Tao
Summary: Currently, there is a lack of objective and precise evaluation methods for assessing hand function in stroke patients. To address this, we proposed a new assessment method that utilizes hand movement data collected from the Leap motion device. By analyzing and ranking the selected sensitive metrics, we were able to determine the most sensitive kinematic metrics to distinguish differences in hand function between normal individuals and stroke patients. The experimental results showed that the proposed method was effective, scientifically objective, and could assist with the evaluation of hand function in stroke-induced hemiplegia.
2023 IEEE/ASME INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ADVANCED INTELLIGENT MECHATRONICS, AIM
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Automation & Control Systems
Chao Wang, Zhenhong Li, Bo Sheng, Manoj Sivan, Zhi-Qiang Zhang, Gu-Qiang Li, Sheng Quan Xie
Summary: This paper proposes a novel approach of incorporating a three-dimensional dynamic model in the design of variable stiffness actuators, resulting in a more compact design. The feasibility and performance of this approach are verified through simulations and experiments.
2023 IEEE/ASME INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ADVANCED INTELLIGENT MECHATRONICS, AIM
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Yue Zhang, Sheng Quan Xie, He Wang, Chaoyang Shi, Zhi-Qiang Zhang
Summary: This study proposed a Bayesian-based classification confidence estimation method to enhance the target recognition performance of SSVEP-based BCI systems. The differences between the largest and the other values generated by a basic target identification method were used to define a feature vector, and the Gaussian mixture model (GMM) was employed to estimate the probability density functions of feature vectors. The experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method for improving the reliability of SSVEP-based BCI systems.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INSTRUMENTATION AND MEASUREMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Tianzhe Bao, Chao Wang, Pengfei Yang, Sheng Quan Xie, Zhi-Qiang Zhang, Ping Zhou
Summary: Although DL techniques have been extensively researched in upper-limb myoelectric control, the robustness of cross-day applications is limited due to non-stable and time-varying properties of sEMG signals. To address this, a reconstruction-based method is proposed for domain shift quantification using a hybrid framework of CNN-LSTM. Experiments show that the estimation accuracy degrades substantially in between-day testing sets, and the RErrors of LSTM-AE can quantify the domain shift impacts on CNN-LSTM.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NEURAL SYSTEMS AND REHABILITATION ENGINEERING
(2023)
