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Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary area of engineering that combines mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and information technology. The development methodology for mechatronic systems supports the creation of innovative solutions, improving the reliability and ability of products and reducing their costs. This study reviews some projects (as case studies) that were undertaken by the authors in the area of mechatronics applied to the mechanical, textile, biotechnology and biomedical fields., This work is financed by FEDER funds through the Competitivity Factors Operational Programme - COMPETE and by national funds through FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology within the scope of the project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007136., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

This study aimed to introduce a new suspension system that is capable of increasing the amputee’s satisfaction in terms of locking the residual limb inside the prosthetic socket. This paper describes the design and development phases carried out to optimize the final solution. The design system was based on the amputee’s needs and the requirements of prosthetic suspension systems. The final solution is a combination of a guiding and fixation system, to overcome some of the reported problems with the current systems, presenting a new simple suspension method that improves the donning and doffing of prosthesis. The new suspension system is a good alternative system to improve the life quality of amputees with lower activity level on the daily basis and, consequently, ease their rehabilitation., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

A variedade dos sistemas de suspensão, ou sistemas de encaixe, entre o membro residual e a prótese passam por mecanismos de pino de bloqueio, vácuo, sucção, magnéticos e híbridos. Cada tipo de mecanismo apresenta um conjunto de vantagens e desvantagens que o torna mais adequado para determinados tipos de situações. Contudo, o descontentamento demonstrado por parte dos pacientes amputados em relação às suspensões utilizadas incide principalmente na dificuldade em estabelecer uma boa suspensão, quer pela pouca destreza manual demonstrada pelo paciente, quer pela dificuldade de montagem do próprio mecanismo [1]. Surge assim a necessidade para o estudo e a conceção de um novo sistema de encaixe. No estudo realizado foram utilizadas várias ferramentas de auxílio ao projeto (como a árvore de objetivos, o diagrama de funções, o mapa morfológico) que permitiram a obtenção de diferentes soluções alternativas, de entre as quais foi selecionada uma que apresenta um sistema de encaixe que proporciona uma ligação rápida, simples e ergonómica., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The development of a gait disorder leads to the loss of the ability to walk and may cause dependence of others in daily life, which is a major determinant in life quality. Thus, devices that provide mobility assistance and ambulatory daily exercises are essential for the health and life quality of such individuals. The ASBGo Smart Walker is an academic project aimed to create a medical solution for rehabilitation of patients with gait disorders. Based on the acquired know-how, the physicians, physiotherapist and patients’ feedback, a new prototype, named ASBGo++ (Plus Plus) was developed, mechanically and electronically improved. This paper will focus on the proposed mechanical, design and ergonomic considerations, enhancing the positive aspects of this smart walker and emphasizing the features that are most highlighted in its design, structure, and functionality., This work is supported by the FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia – with the reference project UID/ EEA/04436/2013, by FEDER funds through the COMPETE 2020 – Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização (POCI) – with the reference project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006941. In addition, acknowledgement of the paper prior publication at the ICARSC 2016 conference proceedings., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

This work addresses the field of the artificial devices that replace a missing body limb, particularly the prosthesis used upon a transtibial (TT) amputation, also known as ankle-foot prosthesis. A major challenge in designing an ankle-foot prosthesis lies in synthesizing a mechanism that will functionally mimic the missing part of an anatomical leg and, therefore, restoring the normal gait of the amputee. This way, it will be discussed and presented the requirements for a TT prosthesis, the steps that lead to the primary sketches of the prosthetic model and its main mechanism. This work constitutes a preliminary research in the field of the bionic TT prosthesis., This work is supported by the FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia - with the scholarship reference SFRH / BD/102659/2014, the reference project UID/EEA/04436/2013, by FEDER funds through the COMPETE 2020 - Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização (POCI) - with the reference project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006941. Moreover, it is supported by LIACC - Laboratório de Inteligência Artificial e Ciência de Computadores, reference project PEst/UID/CEC/00027/2015., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Data communication is essential in any mechatronic system or product. It allows for devices to communicate with one another, for a more efficient and self-regulating system. To effectively rely on the communication between devices, the communication must firsts be tested and evaluated for errors and correct data transmission. Sensors and sensor data addresses can easily be switched and when a device is communicating with another, it is imperative that the correct sensor data is transmitted when a slave device receives a signal to do so. If this condition is not verified, the master device could be receiving wrong signals and coincidently sending alerts or warning messages to the user. In more extreme cases the device can enter an emergency shutdown situation and fail to restart. The objective of this work is to study, design and develop a software device that allows the user to simulate, evaluate and verify the Modbus communication between the Platform Management System (PMS) of a ship and the main equipment on board. The PMS is the onboard static master device that displays all the received data to the ship’s captain for analysis. This work focuses in particular on a ship's generators, where the available signals will be assessed. The signals, stipulated in the equipment’s specification documents, are transmitted directly from the equipment and are then received by the PMS. The PMS and the onboard equipment are programmed by various entities, of which, can all make mistakes while programming and therefor, the sensor and warning names and messages are not coherent with the corresponding values., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

A proper suspension system influence the overall satisfaction of a lower limb ¬amputee on the daily basis. The present study aimed to establish the main parameters needed to evaluate and support the advantages of the new proposed suspension system by reviewing the literature related with amputee’s satisfaction. Eleven studies were select and detailed analyzed. Most of the mentioned studies used Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ) as a method to classify the amputee’s satisfaction in different domains. Several studies pointed out pistoning and easy donning and doffing as the main parameters that addresses the amputee’s satisfaction with the currently available suspension systems. Amputees had a general preference for suspension systems that have an easy donning and doffing. However, the current studies do not explore the impact of the amputee’s characteristics on their satisfaction with the suspension system. The authors believe that amputee’s characteristics such as age, activity level, duration of prosthetic use, skin quality of the residual limb and hand functionality can influence the selection of the suspension system. Further research is still needed to objectively define the clinical parameters for the selection of the most adequate suspension system. Therefore the research should be carried out using a homogenous study group to perceive the advantages, drawbacks and problems using different suspension systems and, consequently, to understand the full potential of the suspension system proposed by the authors., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary area of engineering that combines mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and information technology. The development methodology for mechatronic systems supports the creation of innovative solutions, improving the reliability and ability of products and reducing their costs. This study reviews some projects (as case studies) that were undertaken by the authors in the area of mechatronics applied to the mechanical, textile, biotechnology and biomedical fields., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

This work addresses the modeling of a system using Modelica language and the Dymola software tool. Dymola is a modeling and simulation environment that uses the open Modelica language to map hardware components of physical systems directly into software components. Therefore, this modeling language allows the user to model a system in a physical form, rather than a mathematical fashion, through the use of general equations, objects, and links. This paper as an informative character about a tool for the development of mechatronic systems. The topics covered here are part of a more extensive modeling and simulation work on the dynamics of mechanical systems, within the scope of an Integrated Master in Mechanical Engineering. This study was carried out based on the comparison between pneumatic and hydraulic models of the same system. Therefore, it was modeled a system used in backhoe loaders that can be operated either using a hydraulic or a pneumatic cylinder. The activity focuses, essentially, on the analysis of parameters that describe the behavior of the system, emphasizing the position, velocity, acceleration and loads observed in both cylinders. The goal is to introduce the reader to the Dymola environment and Modelica language by addressing the modeling of a system. This study also pretends to identify significant differences regarding the behavior performance of the pneumatic and hydraulic approaches to model the selected system, and the causes that lead to such differences., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

This work describes all the development of a mechanical design that have been realized for an industrial semi device, whose functionality is to apply adhesive tape around a cylindrical body with high level of flexibility. With all the study realized it was possible to achieve a 3D virtual prototype with the conceptual idea obtained and to determine the critical key issues of the device. Those points should be analysed during the testing phase using a physical prototype., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Process Shutdown systems are used for shutting down subsea oil and gas wells and maintaining a safe state for the intervention systems. The safety and reliability of the technology used for process shutdown is one of the major arguments to earn the trust of the customer and consequently one of the main technological reasons to stay ahead of the subsea oil and gas business market. SIL (IEC61508) is the measure of trust. This is where SIL certified logic solvers come into play. For every project using SIL logic solvers specific software has to be made based on applicable standards and customer shutdown philosophies. Before deployment the system has to be verified. The intention is to apply new methods for automating the testing of the software. This will provide run-time improvement of testing, reduction of the needed resources and direct reduced costs in ongoing projects., Sistemas de encerramento do processo são usados para parar a produção dos poços de petróleo e gás e manter em segurança a funcionalidade dos sistemas de intervenção. A segurança e a confiabilidade da tecnologia utilizada para a paragem da produção é um dos principais argumentos para ganhar a confiança do cliente e, consequentemente uma das principais razões tecnológicas para continuar na vanguarda do mercado de exploração submarina de petróleo e gás. É aqui que entram os programadores lógicos com certificação SIL. Para cada projeto que utilize programadores lógicos SIL software específico tem que ser criado com base na normalização aplicável e nas filosofias de encerramento de processo. Antes do fornecimento do equipamento de segurança a funcionalidade do sistema tem que ser verificada. A intenção é aplicar novos métodos para automatizar a verificação do software. Isso permite melhoria no tempo de execução dos testes, redução dos recursos necessários e redução de custos nos projectos em curso., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

No presente artigo vão ser abordados alguns exemplos mecânicos/mecatrónicos básicos que podem ser encontrados nas bibliotecas do software Dymola 6.0 ou criados pelos autores, no sentido de serem verificadas as potencialidades do mesmo para a sua aplicação no projeto de sistemas/produtos., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

In this paper we discussed the evolution of Cruise Control systems, from the most rudimentary systems to the adaptive systems. Different Cruise Control systems are presently implemented in vehicles on the market today and the prospects for development of them., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

O presente artigo descreve um projeto de um equipamento industrial para colocação automática de produtos alimentares em cuvetes. Esta necessidade surge quando na verificação de incapacidade de qualidade em ações como pegar e colocar produtos que proporcionam elevada viscosidade e consistência. Casos de exemplos são os bolinhos de bacalhau, que são confecionados a partir de ligações glicosídicas que induzem contactos pegajosos. A intenção é a inovação de uma solução conceptual que visa a utilização da motorização do tapete transportador, no sentido de deslocarmos solidariamente ferramenta sobre o produto a ser manipulado. Pois nestes casos tratamos produtos pegajosos e consistentes aos quais a função pegar compreende um tempo maior de manipulação delicada., This paper describes the study and conception of an industrial equipment for automatic placement of food products in trays. This need arises when the verification of disability in the quality of actions such as pick and place products that provide high viscosity and consistency. Case examples are the bolinhos de bacalhau, which are made-up from glycosides links that induce sticky contacts. The intention is innovation of a conceptual solution that aims to use the engine of the conveyor belt, to jointly move the tool on food product. For these cases we treat sticky and consistent products that the function comprises a long delicate manipulation., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The objective of the present article is to study a wheelchair in a way to lighten it and make it more comfortable to the user. For that, a structural analysis was carried out in order to study one component from the wheelchair. The component that was chosen was the outer frame since it is one of the most important elements in the structure of the wheelchair. The outer frame is a structural element that supports the weight of the user, and contributes to the structural rigidness and stability of the wheelchair. Since the structural analysis of the component is the objective of this article, static and fatigue studies were carried out. For each study, static and fatigue, there was an analytical and numerical analysis. Later with basis on the results obtained from the static and fatigue studies, there was a comparison between the analytical and the numerical analysis of each. With regard to the analytical analysis, the study was performed with basis on bibliography which pertained to the study. With regard to the numerical analysis, the study was performed with the help of computer software namely SolidWorks®, info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The purpose of this article is to accomplish various appointed objectives. The objectives of this article include: to become acquainted with the Modbus RTU protocol, to implement the Modbus RTU protocol onto an Arduino Uno microcontroller as a slave and to test the Arduino Uno slave using a free Modbus master program. The Arduino Uno slave must be fully configurable where the user can set all the Modbus communication parameters such as slave ID, parity, communication rate, number of stop bits, etc. The user must also be able to assign values or variables to a particular coil or register regardless of the order of the previously used coils or registers. The Arduino slave must also communicate with the master over a RS232 connection., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

It is known that human mobility has the tendency to decrease, gradually, with age as a consequence of neurological, muscular and/or osteoarticular deterioration. Thus, in an aging society, devices that provide mobility assistance and ambulatory daily exercises are essential for the health and life quality of such individuals. Besides a brief introduction about gait aid devices, this paper presents and proposes improvements on the third prototype of a Smart Walker. This versatile rehabilitation and functional tool developed by a researcher group was used for one year, in a clinical environment at a hospital, by six patients. Based on the acquired know-how, the physicians, physiotherapist and patients' feedback, a fourth prototype is being developed, mechanically and electronically improved. This paper will focus on the proposed mechanical, design and ergonomic considerations, COMPETE 2020 – Project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006941, info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The project chosen for this paper was one that the student had to construct a program using the LabVIEW platform in which it would control electro pneumatic systems using the waterfall method. As a result a program was created in LabVIEW that would do just that with various other functionalities like an interactive GUI (guided user interface) which is easy to follow and use along with microcontroller communication and programming capabilities. This added functionality allows the user to export the pneumatic code to a microcontroller like the NI USB 6009 (used in this project) and test or execute the code using pneumatic cylinders and end position sensors., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

This paper approaches the cane's market and identifies some of its flaws. Walking sticks are a very common asset due its simplicity and ease of use, however at times it can be a dangerous, unreliable object and cause serious injuries. Due to canes' popularity between mobility aids there is a need of improvement in security and stability. This work reviews the cane's state-of-the-art considering the relevant features. Both commercial solutions as well as academic research have been considered. Search included patents related with walking stick. There is also an observation about health issues that come from canes daily use. The article summarizes these features and proposes a new cane, with proposed improvements to the common cane, in order to obtain a better use of the cane, avoiding risks and flaws from the use of the cane that are harmful to the health. This model is largely biomechanical inspired in the human gait., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The optimum design, associated to low cost high quality and quick delivery are imperative for competitive companies. These targets lead to the development of new project methodologies that focus on the customer’s needs. Today’s organizations need to deal with dynamic and competitive environments. In order to be successful, companies must be strategically aware. They must understand how changes in their environment are unfolding and they should know the customers’ importance. The integration of various tools on project development is a new key way to improve quality and increase profit. Thus, the goal of this project was to develop a project methodology that could integrate various project methods and at the same time could improve the performance of the steering angle sensor, reducing its cost and improving its quality regarding its production process. It can be said that the improvement of the component in respect of the reduction of the noise emitted allows an increase in the quality of it and consequently an increase in customer satisfaction. But the most important challenge was this improvement has happened in the product development phase. Thus, in the product development phase, it was possible to reduce the waste with the lean tools during production as the movement, inventory, shipping and defects consumption materials and energy, and this way it is possible do more with less. Thus, it was found that by integrating design tools such as TRIZ and QFD, in the product development phase, are developed concepts geared to the needs of customers at the same time that reduce waste that do not add value to the product., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

O estudo das propriedades tribológicas da pele é importante para a investigação médica, como para produtos dermatológicos, bem como análises de interações entre produtos têxteis com a pele. Para obter tais propriedades são realizados ensaios em equipamentos tribológicos, que recriam essas interações para adquirirem valores fidedignos, podendo estes serem estudados e avaliados a nível de desgaste e o próprio o enrugamento da pele. A pele humana é exposta diariamente a agressões de carácter mecânico, químico e microbiológico. Estas agressões podem alterar propriedades da pele, causando ao utente diversos desconfortos como irritações, desgaste, queimaduras, entre outros. Estas agressões são analisadas por tribómetros, sendo possível fazer a caraterização tribológica de pares de materiais, permitindo obter parâmetros como coeficientes de atrito e desgaste, para isso, a necessidade de controlar variáveis de ensaio como carga normal aplicada, velocidade de deslocamento relativo, condições ambientais e outras relevantes que influenciam a interação das superfícies em contacto. No presente trabalho é apresentado o projeto, o desenvolvimento e a construção de um tribómetro capaz de controlar as variáveis anteriormente referidas podendo assim obter o coeficiente de atrito da interação da pele com tecidos têxteis com ou sem a aplicação de diferentes cremes podendo assim estudar o seu comportamento., The study of the tribological properties of the skin is a research field very important for the medical investigation, dermatological products and the analysis about the interactions of textile products with skin. To obtain these properties it is necessary to performed tests in tribological equipments which can recreate conditions in order to obtain reliable values that will allow to measure the skin wrinkling. The skin aggressions are usually analyzed using special equipments, known as tribometers, that enable to perform tribological characterization of couple of materials, which allows to obtain parameters as friction coefficient and wear, for this, it is required the control of the test variables, such as, applied normal load, displacement speed, environmental conditions and other relevant circumstances which influence the interaction of surfaces in contact. The most important objective is the evaluation of a concept commonly known as touch, difficult to define and measure, which is related with the quantification of the level of comfort provided by the contact with the skin of the human body, comes the necessity of studying soft materials, namely the skin. For that purpose it became necessary, build a tribological equipment capable of responding to the demands of the required tests., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Aproximadamente 70% dos indivíduos com lesão medular sofre de espasticidade, causando frequentemente dificuldades na execução de atividades diárias. Torna-se pertinente tentar desenvolver novas soluções que aumentem a qualidade de vida dos doentes e que minimizem os custos de tratamento. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho passa por desenvolver um dispositivo que minimize os espasmos nos membros inferiores de indivíduos com lesão medular traumática incompleta, cujo desenvolvimento se sistematizará nos pontos seguintes., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

A corrente prática de extração dentária é realizada recorrendo a instrumentos rígidos num processo que implica elevadas forças mecânicas e, consequentemente, um pósoperatório doloroso para os pacientes. O presente trabalho apresenta as fases de conceção e desenvolvimento de um instrumento capaz de atuar na fase mais crítica do processo, com a indução de vibração a altas frequências, prevendo-se a diminuição da força necessária para efetuar a extração, bem como os danos provocados pelo procedimento atualmente realizado., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

O principal objetivo da vitrina refrigeradora para gelatarias é garantir a conservação dos gelados, bem como mantê-los com a textura desejada. Este objetivo é garantido através da imposição de um intervalo de temperaturas dentro do qual a vitrina se deve manter. A norma portuguesa NP3293 de 2008 indica que os gelados devem ser mantidos a temperaturas iguais ou inferiores a -18°C e nunca ultrapassar os -15°C, no entanto, as vitrinas existentes apresentam na sua maioria problemas em manter este intervalo de temperaturas em todo o seu volume útil. Neste artigo é apresentado de forma detalhada o estudo e desenvolvimento de uma nova vitrina de gelataria. Este equipamento deve garantir a qualidade dos gelados, mantendo-os a uma temperatura de -18ºC. No intuito de otimizar a eficiência energética, foi analisado o fluido refrigerante a utilizar, tendo-se optado pelo R507 apesar de ser diferente do habitual. A minimização da carga térmica implicou uma cuidada seleção dos componentes e isolamentos. Todo o controlo do sistema, garantido através de um PLC, foi concebido, projetado e desenvolvido no sentido de permitir a melhor eficiência energética do compressor e da ventoinha do condensador, de acordo com a temperatura lida no interior da vitrina., The main objective of the shop ice cream refrigerator is to guarantee the conservation of ice creams, as well as, to maintain them with the wanted texture. This objective is guaranteed through the imposition of a temperature interval to the shop ice cream refrigerator. The Portuguese norm NP3293 2008 indicates that the ice creams should be maintained to temperatures same or inferior to -18°C and never to cross the -15°C, however, the existent shop ice cream refrigerator present in its majority problems to maintain this temperature interval. This article present, in a detailed way, the study and development of a new shop ice cream refrigerator. This equipment should guarantee the ice creams quality, maintaining them to a temperature of -18ºC. To optimize the energy efficiency, the cooling fluid was analyzed, having chosen the R507 in spite of being different from the usually used. In order to minimize the thermal load it was realized a carefully selection of components and of thermal and acoustic isolations. The control system, guaranteed through a PLC, it was designed and developed with the purpose of allowing the best energy efficiency of compressor and condenser fan, in agreement with the shop ice cream refrigerator temperature.

A TRIZ, acrónimo russo para teoria da resolução de problemas inventivos, é uma metodologia destinada à resolução de problemas, a qual procura criar uma forma sistemática de gerar novas soluções de projeto e de potenciar a criatividade individual. Esta metodologia foi criada e desenvolvida por Genrikh Altshuller nos anos 40 do Séc. XX na extinta União Soviética. Através do estudo de milhares de patentes, Altshuller descobriu que, independentemente da sua área, todas as tecnologias seguem os mesmos princípios e que estes podem ser aplicados na solução de novos problemas. Neste artigo pretende-se demonstrar de que forma a metodologia TRIZ pode ser usada para inovar um equipamento desenvolvido no Departamento de Engenharia Mecânica da Universidade do Minho destinado à medição do coeficiente de atrito em materiais flexíveis (apelidado de FRICTORQ). Através do estudo das leis de evolução para os sistemas tecnológicos descritos nesta metodologia pretende-se ‘prever’ quais os próximos (possíveis) caminhos de evolução deste equipamento e assim permitir a geração de novas ideias que possibilitem conceptualizar outras soluções inovadoras.

Atualmente, os dados estatísticos indicam que, na Europa, existam cerca de 5 milhões de utilizadores de cadeiras de rodas, sendo que, ultimamente, tem-se verificado um aumento de cerca de 20.000 novos utilizadores, a cada ano. O presente trabalho, teve como o objetivo a proposta conceptual e o desenvolvimento de um protótipo de um sistema elétrico motorizado universal e “user friendly”. O referido sistema possibilita a conversão de cadeira de rodas manual em cadeira de rodas com acionamento elétrico, independentemente do modelo desta e sem que, para tal, seja necessário prescindir das principais características e vantagens do modelo convencional - leveza, possibilidade de encartar para fácil transporte, facilidade de utilização, desgaste reduzido dos componentes mecânicos, durabilidade, conforto, segurança e ausência de atravancamentos ao nível da manobrabilidade. Assim, o presente artigo apresenta um novo conceito de sistema com funcionamento “Plug and Play”, que permite solucionar as necessidades específicas do utilizador e, essencialmente, ser acoplado à maioria dos modelos de cadeira de rodas manuais já existentes. O projeto foi desenvolvido e totalmente validado por ferramentas CAD/CAE e recorreu a uma metodologia de projeto estruturada desde o desenho computacional, técnicas de fabrico, desenvolvimento de protótipo, teste, ensaio e validação em contexto de ensaio clínico., Divmac - Projectos, automatismos e periféricos industriais, S.A.

Comunicação convidada da 'Sessão de Medicina Física e de Reabilitação' do 7º. Congresso Português do AVC, realizado no Porto em 2 de Fevereiro de 2013., • Introduction; • Design course and master thesis (brief presentation); • General scope on "Engineering design methods‟; • Overview of some projects; • A case study: "Feeding aid device project"; • Concluding remarks.

Understanding the ways in which students at higher education live and assess their learning experiences is a key issue in improving the education and development opportunities provided to them, especially in times of change and challenge. This work draws upon data taken from broader and ongoing research project aimed to investigating engineering students’ perspectives on teaching and learning in higher education. Data were colleted through questionnaires administrated at the end of the semester in module ‘Biomechanics’ (45 hours per semester). The questionnaire included the following dimensions: motivation for entering an engineering degree, teaching methods, assessment procedures, teacher’s performance, classroom climate, content, timetable, resources and equipment. Preliminary findings suggest that, by and large, students enjoyed both the diversity of the learning activities and content of the module. They also highlighted the key importance of the teacher/student relationship. However, issues such as intrinsic motivation, student participation in defining assessment procedures and the available resources (including time) and equipment emerged in explaining both similarities and differences in students’ responses. These will be discussed further in the paper., The authors would like to express their gratitude to all those who have collaborated and contributed to the concretization of this study, namely to the Medical Engineering students who have responded to the questionnaire. The second author expresses his gratitude to Portuguese Foundation for the Science and Technology for the postdoctoral scholarship (SFRH/BPD/77831/2011).

This paper draws upon research aiming at investigating teaching and learning at higher education within the so-called Bologna Process. It discusses the ways in which students learn at Engineering Education and it analyses their implications for redesigning initial training and rethinking teachers’ role. Data were gathered through interviews and questionnaires. A questionnaire was designed including both closed and open-ended questions. Four levels of information were included: biographic data (gender, age, initial training, current job position, etc), academic education (reasons for choosing Mechanical Engineering, reasons for selecting University of Minho, expectations about Mechanical Engineering course, etc), transition from University to labor market (difficulties faced, scope and nature of the work, etc) and graduate and post-graduate interests (areas, type and organization for high level courses, specific courses, Masters’ and PhD courses). Background characteristics, such as years of experience, academic years of experience at the current job were also included. Overall, findings suggest a positive evaluation of initial training, namely the ways students adapted to university, relationship between students, and length of their practicum. They also highlight a number of issues to be improved: a more hands-on approach, a better pedagogical intervention from lecturers, a more adequate articulation between content knowledge at secondary school and university education., The authors would like to express their gratitude to all those who have collaborated and contributed to the concretization of this study, namely to the Mechanical Engineers who have responded to the questionnaire. The first author expresses his gratitude to Portuguese Foundation for the Science and Technology for the postdoctoral scholarship (SFRH/BPD/77831/2011).

The assessment of handle properties is of utmost importance in materials in our everyday life. There is a wide range of materials there are used in contact with the human skin, which may cause several unpleasant skin reactions. The FRICTORQ® is a laboratory equipment developed by the authors to measure the friction coefficient in fabrics, to enable a quantitative assessment of touch/handle, in order to predict the comfort behaviour of 2D/3D structures when used or touched by humans. In a further development, the FRICTORQ® was redesigned to accommodate a new testing kit function to determine the friction coefficient of fabrics in a liquid environment. This new design will be explained and the results obtained while testing different swimwear fabrics and hospital garments will be also presented and discussed.

There are numerous applications in which products or materials are in contact with the human body, including the skin, such as clothing, fine papers and even cosmetics. In this sense, and with special emphasis on cosmetic products, there are several parameters for assessing its quality and applicability. The coefficient of friction is one of these parameters for the objective assessment of a concept commonly known by touch. This paper aims to review the main developments that led to the redesign of FRICTORQ device for measuring the coefficient of friction of cosmetic creams, and the first preliminary tests carried out with cosmetic products are also presented, analysed and discussed. It was determined that the friction coefficient of a moisturizing cream is higher than the one obtained for an exfoliating cream.

One of the most common disabilities, observed in stroke patients, is limb hemiparesis, which is the weakness of the limb contralateral to the damaged hemisphere of the brain. Another problem inherent to this pathology is the appearance of shoulder pain that can negatively affect the rehabilitation process, due to the pain that the patient may feel during rehabilitation, reducing the movement and range autonomy of the articulate upper limbs function. This paper presents the study, design and development of an universal, lightweight, compact, versatile, strong, compact, modular and low-cost device (with 4 degrees of freedom). This device enables the improvement of the stroke patient’s posture, promoting an active and therapeutic positioning of the entire upper member. This device can also be attached to wheelchairs, sofa arms, beds, etc., and it can follow the patient to all places he moves in the hospital. It is currently being tested in several hospitals, and patients have accepted this device as a good rehabilitation apparatus (in terms of ergonomics and comfort), as well as the health professionals, providing a greater range of movements, and a correct positioning of the patient’s shoulder during all day., Uma das incapacidades mais comummente verificadas nos doentes vítimas de Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC) trata-se da hemiparésia contralateral ao local onde ocorreu a lesão cerebral. Outra complicação desta patologia é o aparecimento do ombro doloroso, afectando negativamente o processo de reabilitação, tornando-se um processo mais doloroso e diminuindo a amplitude e variedade de movimentos de toda a articulação superior. O presente trabalho apresenta o estudo, a concepção e o desenvolvimento de um dispositivo universal, leve, fiável, robusto, compacto, modular e de baixo custo (com 4 graus de liberdade). Este dispositivo permite assim corrigir a postura do doente vítima de AVC, promovendo um posicionamento terapêutico e activo do ombro. O dispositivo pode ser acoplado em cadeiras de rodas, em sofás em cadeirões, em camas, etc., acompanhando o doente em todos os locais em que este se movimenta, dentro da Unidade Hospitalar. Este dispositivo está a ser testado em várias unidades hospitalares, tendo revelado uma grande aceitação por parte dos doentes (em termos de ergonomia e conforto), e por parte dos profissionais (aumento da variedade/qualidade e amplitude de movimentos e melhor posicionamento do membro durante todo o dia)., Divmac - Projectos, automatismos e periféricos industriais, S.A.

This paper presents a static device that was designed to respond to a problem identified in a Portuguese physical rehabilitation hospital for the rehabilitation of the upper limbs function in patients with cerebrovascular problems. Its study, design and construction was carried out at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, at the University of Minho, regarding its future evolution to a (dynamic) robotic device to carry out a better rehabilitation of the upper limbs. The designed and constructed device combines ergonomic support components for the upper limbs, which are placed on a linear guiding system to enable the adjustment of the device to different individuals, and other mechanical components to provide its attachment to wheelchairs, to perform certain postures that will benefit the patient’s recovery. The design of this prototype was carried out using the SOLIDWORKS® software and the support components, the attachments and the other linkages needed were machined, as well as the linear guides, to better adapt to the patient’s upper limbs for rehabilitation. For the proof of concept, this prototype was tested in a hospital environment, especially in patients suffering from cerebrovascular diseases., O presente artigo apresenta um dispositivo estático que nasceu de acordo com um problema detetado numa unidade hospitalar Portuguesa de reabilitação física – a reabilitação do sistema articular superior em pacientes de acidentes vasculares cerebrais (AVC). A conceção, o projeto e a sua construção foram realizadas no Departamento de Engenharia Mecânica da Universidade do Minho, tendo em vista a sua evolução para um dispositivo robotizado (dinâmico) para promover uma melhor reabilitação. O dispositivo estático que foi concebido e construído é composto por componentes de apoio ergonómicos dos membros superiores, que assentam num sistema de calhas e que permitem o ajuste do dispositivo a diferentes indivíduos, bem como a sua instalação em cadeiras de rodas, e a realização de determinadas posturas estáticas que beneficiam a recuperação. A conceção deste primeiro protótipo estático baseou-se numa modelação realizada em SOLIDWORKS® e na maquinagem das calhas e das bases de apoio ergonómicas necessárias, adaptáveis aos membros superiores do indivíduo a reabilitar. Para prova de conceito, o protótipo inicial foi testado em ambiente hospitalar, especialmente em pacientes vítimas de AVC., Divmac - Projectos, automatismos e periféricos industriais, S.A.

A Systematized Approach to Obtain Dependable Controller Specifications for Hybrid Plants

The C programming language is one of the most used in critical embedded real-time controllers applied at aerospace systems. Despite its potential, it is a very general language, with many maintenance problems and with a little or without graphical structure. The absence of formal verification techniques - even if it is possible to find some works associated to C programming language formal verification - is a fact. In this paper, it is proposed a methodology, that is divided in two main steps, and has, as main goal, to obtain safe C program code from a SFC specification: in first step some tools and techniques are used in order to assure the quality of the SFC specification and, on the second step, the goal is to translate (in a systematic way) the safe SFC specification to C code considering crucial aspects like taking into account aspects related with time specification.

The present work intends to design new devices of aid to the feeding for individuals with deficiency. Like this, along this paper they are referred the most relevant pathologies, which affect the autonomy of the patient’s feeding, as well as some existent devices in the market. Based on the characteristics of these devices, this research was performed with the main objective of finding the most appropriate actuation system. Furthermore, it was made the analysis and discussion of the performance specifications, essential stage in the design process of the feeding aid device for this to assure all the demanded requirements. Afterward, they are pointed some possible solutions, in the sense of creating more and better on behalf of the patient's need. Finally, for the solution selected, it was being later developed a model, in the advanced software Working Model for the simulation of the mechanical system of aid feeding.

Modelica Modeling language is powerful and suitable for modeling mechatronic systems, being possible to interact different technological aspects and deal, simultaneously with different technologies (mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic,..). In this paper it is discussed, in a case study, the possibility of using this language for modeling an automation system (controller and plant) in closed loop behavior and also in defining some parameters of the automation system in order to optimize some behavior aspects of the system as, for instance, the time cycle of the automation system. Some aspects relied with controllers dependability are also discussed and it is showed how Modelica modeling language can help controllers’ designers improving controllers dependability, when are used Simulation Techniques.

In a simple and succinct form the authors intend to present the research and development activities that are being undertaken at the University of Minho in the area of biotechnology applied to the study, design, development and construction of equipment goods, which are being carried out together with important Iberian and European industrial companies. The projects are as follows: • Real time monitoring of beer fermentation using optical fiber sensors – MONI®TOR; • EggReady – Development of a prototype for a continuous industrial production of fried eggs, and • HealthyCream – Development of innovative dietetical solutions for the deli shop industry. These projects have been submitted and approved, and are all funded by the Portuguese National Strategic Reference Framework (QREN operational programmes 2007-2013). They are being developed with the following partner companies, all based in Portugal: UNICER Bebidas, S.A. – Innovation and Quality Department (Leça do Balio, Matosinhos); Derovo – Derivados de Ovos, S.A. (Pombal); Decorgel, S.A. (Trofa); Valinox – Indústrias Metalúrgicas, Lda. (Arouca), and the Departments of Biological Engineering (Braga) and Mechanical Engineering (Guimarães), School of Engineering, University of Minho., Pretende-se dar a conhecer, de uma forma simples e sucinta, os projectos de investigação e desenvolvimento que decorrem, actualmente, na Universidade do Minho, na área da biotecnologia aplicada ao estudo, concepção, projecto, desenvolvimento e construção de tecido industrial ibérico e europeu. Os projectos são: · Monitorização em tempo real da fermentação de cerveja na região do UV-Vis e IVPOC (SWNIR) com recurso a sondas de fibra óptica – MONI®TOR”; · EggReady - Protótipo para produção industrial, em contínuo, de ovos estrelados para consumo no canal HORECA, e · HealthyCream - Desenvolvimento de soluções dietéticas inovadoras para a indústria de pastelaria. Estes projectos foram submetidos e aprovados, sendo financiados pelo programa de incentivos do Quadro de Referência Estratégico Nacional Português, QREN (2007-2013). Estão a ser realizados em parceria com as empresas UNICER Bebidas, S.A. – Núcleo de Investigação e Desenvolvimento (Leça do Balio, Matosinhos); Derovo – Derivados de Ovos, S.A. (Pombal); Decorgel, S.A. (Trofa); Valinox – Indústrias Metalúrgicas, Lda. (Arouca), e os Departamentos de Engenharia Biológica (Braga) e Engenharia de Mecânica (Guimarães) da Escola de Engenharia da Universidade do Minho, todas estas instituições sediadas em Portugal.

This paper is focused on the problem that a designer, of an automation system controller, must solve that is related with the correct synchronization between different parts of the controller specification when this specification obeys at a previous defined structure. If this synchronization is not done according some rules, and taking some aspects in consideration, some dependability aspects, concerning the desired behavior for the system, may not be accomplished. More specifically, it is shown, in the paper, a systematized approach that consists in using the GEMMA and the SFC formalisms for the structure and specification of all the system behavior, considering all the stop states and functioning modes of the system. The synchronization of the models, corresponding of the controller functioning modes and of the controller stop states, is shown in detail and it is presented a systematized approach for this synchronization. For this, there are discussed, on the paper, the advantages and disadvantages of the Vertical coordination and Horizontal coordination proposed by the GEMMA formalism. A case study is presented to explain the proposed systematic approach. A complete safe controller specification is developed to control a hybrid plant.