Robots, inspection systems, and medical equipment use flexible arms to perform specialized tasks like assembly, welding, and intricate surgical maneuvers. Systems carrying out critical tasks need to be super precise. This article reviews design criteria for super-precision bearings that help guarantee articulated arm accuracy.

Many recent design efforts focus on improving wind turbine component efficiency. Advances include Integrated Flexpin Bearings, a design using a double-cantilevered pin supporting bearing and gear. They provide more even torque distribution among planetary gears, equalizing loads even in high and unpredictable winds.

New design tools can change engineering practice. In the case of O-ring swell, swift adoption of new prediction math seems prudent. Extensive testing of dozens of common seal materials shows that decades-old conventional wisdom misses the mark considerably, assuming 25% swell when actual maximums are closer to 40%.

Keeping machined component quality high usually means frequent and rigorous quality inspections. This aerospace parts company takes specs seriously — enough to ensure employees are proficient on CMMs. They issue each a handheld surface finish instrument that lets them to quickly take required Ra and Rz surface measurements.

Artificial joint implants last about 15 years before wearing down or loosening. This wasn't a problem until recent years, when patients began outlasting their implants. A new biological polymer coating for titanium joints may help meet the challenge — by presenting engineered proteins that encourage new bone growth around the implant.

It's a rare technology that can inspire a new company. But DEAP (dielectric electro-active polymer) inspired development of sensor, actuator, and energy generator applications for the versatile dielectric electro-active polymer. Applications include proportional valves, active dampers, smart robotic grippers, and ventilation controls.

Engineers appreciate the space advantages of compression springs. They save 50% on assemblies vs coil springs while maintaining force and deflection performance. They might find added benefits in flow valves and other applications by using stainless or carbon steel wave springs in smaller diameter sizes (to ¼ in.).

If you find this subject interesting, subscribe to GlobalSpec's e-Newsletter DirectU2 The world of Valve Technology.

In this video, R+W's Andy Lechner offers a torrent of tech tips on selecting flexible bellows couplings, metal disc pack, or elastomeric insert couplings. He tells it like it is on trade-offs between torsional resistance and lateral flexibility ratings. He also suggests routes for compensating misalignment and combating system resonance.

Users want compressed design cycles, faster time to market, and improved ROI. And sure, higher quality products generally create happy customers. But is your design optimized for the business bottom line, not just customer satisfaction? Don't fall in too fast around the ROI rah, rah, says this Desktop Engineering editor, until you get analytical support and a better approach to monetizing product design and management. Especially for companies in heavy equipment, automotive, aerospace, and defense, rather than rah, rah, he suggests a win-win approach.

As engineers, we all know that technology can make better calls than those possibly blind referees. Now, technology may soon play a bigger part in correcting calls on the gridiron. This video clip shows that Carnegie Mellon researchers have created footballs and gloves that use touch sensors, GPS receivers, and accelerometers to determine if a ball is actually caught or give its precise position, even if it's buried under a pile of players.

Man vs Machine, Round Two

Half a generation ago, a supercomputer defeated super chess champ Kasparov. Wanting another go at humans, Big Blue is prepping a new supercomputer to compete on Jeopardy. Who's your money on?