A new type of transmission technology uses a variable-speed rotor to maximize power capture. It also contains fewer parts than traditional technologies, which allows it to be built with a high-volume, low-cost assembly process.
For more than a decade, students at Massachusetts Institute of Technology have been learning about product teardown. However, it’s only been in the last five years that they’ve been doing actual teardowns.
How deep can one dive when disassembling (i.e., tearing down) a product? It will vary depending on the product and amount of information desired by the manufacturer.
It takes more than a tall tower and a few huge blades to make a wind turbine go. Hundreds of different components are required, such as gearboxes, generators, shafts, bearings, sensors, motors and controllers.
Robotic ultrasonic welding can be used to join metal or plastic parts. The technology is ideal for some applications, such as welding battery packs, but may not be difficult to justify for other projects.
Although plastic medical tubing can be joined to itself, it’s often attached to a device, bag or connection. As medical device manufacturers look for alternatives to traditional solvent welding, demand for adhesives is increasing.
Medical tubing is made from several types of plastic, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, thermoplastic elastomers, nylon and silicone. Traditionally, PVC is most widely used, because it bonds easily with other plastics. However, non-PVC tubing is often more difficult to bond.
Traditionally, plastic medical tubing is manually attached to valves, connectors, catheters, and other devices. But, medical device manufacturers are eager to automate the assembly process. It’s being driven by several trends, such as labor shortages, labor costs and increased levels of quality control.
Many grammar schools around the United States are using ball chairs in the classroom. The devices force students to frequently change positions to maintain balance. That leads to increased alertness and concentration. Ball chairs can be modified with wheels, arm rests and back supports for assembly line applications. However, the devices have pros and cons.