The diploma thesis is focused to possibility utilizing of optical scanners TRITOP and ATOS for set up geometry of wheels. In background research are described the most important parameters of wheel suspension and devices for measuring these parameters. Practical part is concerned with progression of measurement, results and with determination coordinates of kinematic points. These points are made 3D model of forward and backward suspension wheels. This model helps to make kinematic characteristics and its progression due to attitude of wheel. In last part is described possibility to utilizing of optical scanner ATOS to common measurement of geometry wheels.

Both the “crisis of masculinity” and “quality TV” have been popular discourses in academia in recent years. Many of these contemporary quality TV series feature male anti-heroes at the center of their narratives. This dissertation argues that the constructions of masculinity in series such as "Breaking Bad" and "The Walking Dead" are informed by the Western hero. Furthermore, the dissertation links this recourse to an arguably outmoded model of masculinity to recent crisis tendencies in the USA, most notably the recent economic downturn and the aftermath of September 11 2001. Moreover, the return of the Western hero can be understood as a process of remasculinization in light of the crisis of masculinity.

The Well-To-Wheels (WTW) methodology is widely used for policy making in the transportation sector. In this paper updated WTW calculations are provided, relying on 2013 statistic data, for the carbon intensity (CI) of the European electricity mix; detail is provided for electricity consumed in each EU Member State (MS). An interesting aspect presented is the calculation of the GHG content of electricity traded between Countries, affecting the carbon intensity of the electricity consumed at national level. The amount and CI of imported electricity is a key aspect: a Country importing electricity from another Country with a lower CI of electricity will lower, after the trade, its electricity CI, while importing electricity from a Country with a higher CI will raise the CI of the importing Country. In average, the CI of electricity used in EU at low voltage in 2013 was 447 gCO2eq/kWh, which is the 17% less compared to 2009. Then, some examples of calculation of GHG emissions from the use of electric vehicles (EVs) compared to internal combustion engine vehicles are provided. The use of EVs instead of gasoline vehicles can save (about 60% of) GHG in all or in most of the EU MSs, depending on the estimated consumption of EVs. Compared with diesel, EVs show average GHG savings of around 50% and not savings at all in some EU MS.

[pt] A inspeção interna de tanques de armazenamento pode ser uma tarefa longa, custosa e até nociva à saúde do inspetor. Uma alternativa à inspeção humana é a utilização de sistemas robóticos. Esses sistemas podem ser teleoperados de fora dos tanques, permitindo realizar a inspeção de maneira mais segura, rápida, e em alguns casos, sem que seja necessário esvaziá-lo. Para poder fornecer a localização de eventuais defeitos no tanque, o robô móvel precisa ser capaz de conhecer sua posição relativa dentro dele. Auto-localização é de grande importância para a navegação de robôs móveis. Robôs de inspeção são, na sua maioria, veículos de rodas ou esteiras magnéticas fixas. Esta configuração adiciona duas dificuldades que precisam ser abordadas na tarefa de localização. Devido à sua configuração, neste tipo de veículo, deslizamento das rodas é intrínseco ao seu funcionamento, sendo essencial levar em conta seu efeito para modelar seu comportamento adequadamente. Outra dificuldade está no uso de rodas magnéticas, devido ao forte campo magnético gerado por estes elementos, que interferem nas medições de sensores magnéticos, como por exemplo bússolas. Neste trabalho, um filtro de Kalman foi desenvolvido e implementado para a localização de um robô de quatro rodas magnéticas fixas, a partir da fusão de sensores inerciais e odometria. Na modelagem do veículo, foi utilizado um modelo cinemático como base para um modelo dinâmico, o que permitiu considerar o deslizamento intrínseco do sistema. Na fusão de sensores, foram dispensadas as medições do magnetômetro embarcado, devido à grande interferência produzida pelas rodas e à grande distância que seria necessária entre eles para não ser afetado pelo ruído. Simulações e experimentos comprovaram a eficiência do filtro implementado. / [en] Internal inspection of storage tanks can be long, costly and even detrimental to the health of the inspector. An alternative to human inspection is the use of robotic systems. These systems can be teleoperated from outside the tanks, making it possible to carry out the inspection more safely, quickly and in some cases without having to empty it. In order to provide the location of any defects in the tank, the mobile robot must be able to know its relative position within it. Self-localization is of great importance for mobile robot navigation. Inspection robots are, for the most part, vehicles with wheels or tracks. This configuration adds two difficulties that need to be addressed in the localization task. Due to its configuration, in this type of vehicle, wheel slip is intrinsic to its operation, being essential to take into account its effect to model its behavior properly. Another difficulty is the use of magnetic wheels, due to the strong magnetic field generated by these elements, which interfere with the measurements of magnetic sensors, such as compasses. In this work, a Kalman filter was developed and implemented for the localization of a four-wheel fixed magnetic robot, from the fusion of inertial sensors and odometry. In the modeling of the vehicle, a kinematic model was used as the basis for a dynamic model, which allowed to consider the intrinsic slippage of the system. In the sensor fusion, measurements of the magnetometer on board were discarded, due to the great interference produced by the wheels and the great distance that would be necessary between them to be unaffected by noise. Simulations and experiments have proven the efficiency of the implemented filter.

With the increasingly prevalent use of robots, this paper presents the design and evaluation of a multifunctional Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) with an adjustable suspension system, overmolding omni-wheels, and a unique tool head pick-up mechanism. The UGV addresses current adaptability, performance, and versatility limitations across various industries, including agriculture, construction, and surveillance. The adjustable suspension system enhances the UGV's stability and adaptability on diverse terrains, and the overmolding omni-wheels improve maneuverability and durability in off-road conditions. The tool head pick-up mechanism allows for the seamless integration of various tools, enabling the UGV to perform multiple tasks without manual intervention. A comprehensive performance evaluation assessed the UGVs' versatility, load capacity, passability, and adaptability. The results indicate that the proposed UGV design successfully addresses current limitations and has the potential to revolutionize various applications in different industries. Further research and development are necessary to optimize the UGV's performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

Immediate occupancy and functionality of critical facilities including hospitals, emergency operations centers, communications centers, and police and fire stations is of utmost importance immediately after a damaging earthquake, as they must continue to provide fundamental health, emergency, and security services in the aftermath of an extreme event. Although recent earthquakes have proven the acceptable performance of the structural system in such buildings, when designed according to recent seismic design codes, in many cases damage to the nonstructural components and systems was the main cause of disruption in their functionality. Seismic isolation is proven to be an effective technique to protect building structures from damaging earthquakes. It has been the method of choice for critical facilities, including hospitals in Japan and the United States in recent years. Seismic isolation appears to be an ideal solution for protecting the nonstructural components as well. While this claim was made three decades ago, the supporting research for freestanding (unanchored) equipment and contents (EC) is fairly new. With the focus on freestanding EC, this study investigates the seismic performance of sliding and wheel/caster-supported EC in fixed-base and base-isolated buildings. The study adopts a comparative approach to provide a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of using each structural system. The seismic response of sliding EC is investigated analytically in the first part of the thesis, while the response of EC supported on wheels/casters is examined through shake table experiments on two pieces of hospital equipment. The study finds base isolation to be generally effective in reducing seismic demands on freestanding EC, but it also exposes certain situations where isolation in fact increases demands on EC. Increasing the frictional resistance for sliding EC or locking the wheel/casters in the case of wheel/caster-supported EC is highly recommended for EC in base-isolated buildings to prevent excessive displacement demands. Furthermore, the study suggests several design probability functions that can be used by practicing engineers to estimate the peak seismic demands on sliding and wheel/caster-supported EC in fixed-base and base-isolated buildings. / Dissertation / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

No description available.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of and the gender differences in the use of professional home care in Germany. Methods: We used harmonized data from three large cohort studies from Germany (“Healthy Aging: Gender-specific trajectories into the latest life”; AgeDifferent.de Platform). Data were available for 5,393 older individuals (75 years and older). Mean age was 80.2 years (SD: 4.1 years), 66.6% were female. Professional homecare outcome variables were use of outpatient nursing care, paid household assistance, and meals on wheels’ services. Logistic regression models were used, adjusting for important sociodemographic variables. Results: Altogether 5.2% of older individuals used outpatient nursing care (6.2% women and 3.2% men; p < 0.001), 24.2% used paid household assistance (26.1% women and 20.5% men; p < 0.001) and 4.4% used meals on wheels’ services (4.5% women and 4.0% men; p = 0.49). Regression analysis revealed that women had higher odds of using paid household assistance than men (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: [1.24–1.76]; p < 0.001), whereas they had lower odds of using meals on wheels’ services (OR = 0.64, 95% CI: [0.42–0.97]; p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences in using outpatient nursing care between women and men were found (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: [0.87–1.81]; p = 0.225). Further, the use of home care was mainly associated with health-related variables (e.g., stroke, Parkinson’s disease) and walking impairments. Conclusions: Our study showed that gender differences exist in using paid household assistance and in culinary dependency. For example, meals on wheels’ services are of great importance (e.g., for individuals living alone or for individuals with low social support). Gender differences were not identified regarding outpatient nursing care. Use of professional home care servicesmay contribute to maintaining autonomy and independence in old age.

В магистерской диссертации определены закономерности изменения тягово-эксплуатационных свойств и конструктивной безопасности автопоезда при модернизации тягово-сцепного устройства, уточнены методики определения параметров опорно-поворотного устройства с наклонной поворотной платформой, предложены конструкции тягово-сцепных устройств и представлены результаты испытаний масштабной модели автопоезда на ленточной конвейерной дорожке. / This master thesis the regularities of the change of traction and the performance and structural safety of the trains when upgrading trailer hitch, refined methods of determining the parameters of support-rotating device with a tilted turntable and the proposed design of the hitch and the results of tests of scale model train on a conveyor track.

Este trabalho apresenta três sistemas de controle distintos para a atuação em sistemas de tração elétrica traseira em veículos de passeio convencionais convertidos em VEHs (Veículos Elétricos Híbridos) 4x4, enfocando o desenvolvimento de um sistema diferencial eletrônico (SDE). As principais arquiteturas de veículos híbridos são apresentadas. O SDE, que atua em tempo de execução nas velocidades angulares dos pneumáticos traseiros em manobras variadas, depende dos sinais de esterçamento e aceleração impostos pelo condutor, considerando as modelagens cinemática e dinâmica do veiculo no cálculo dos valores de referência para o controlador. Controladores PID modificado, neurofuzzy baseado em inteligência artificial e um H-Infinito ótimo são projetados e detalhados. Uma nova arquitetura para o SDE é proposta e apresentada, visando a utilização de sistemas de controle robustos no problema do SDE, traçando-se um paralelo entre o seu desempenho e das arquiteturas convencionais quando o controlador H-Infinito ótimo assume o controle do SDE. O projeto e o desenvolvimento de um mini-VEH, a plataforma HELVIS (Hybrid ELectric Vehicle In low Scale), são apresentados. A implementação de um simulador veicular denominado HELVIS-SIM, inspirado na plataforma HELVIS, é também apresentada. O SDE, que compreende a arquitetura proposta e os controladores, são embarcados e também implementados no HELVIS-SIM. Resultados simulados obtidos no HELVIS-SIM são analisados. Testes experimentais do SDE na plataforma HELVIS são apresentados, considerando apenas testes de bancada sem o contato dos pneumáticos com o solo. / This work presents the development of three distinct control systems to rear electric traction control on conventional touring vehicles converted on 4WD (four-wheel drive) hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), focusing on the design of a EDS (Electronic Differential System). Main HEV architectures are presented. The EDS controls the rear wheels angular speeds as the driver inputs steering and acceleration commands, considering both dynamic and kinematic models of the vehicle and so the actuators on the calculus of the desired rear angular speeds. One modied PID controller, one AI (Articial Intelligence) based controller and one robust optimal H \'infinite\' controller are designed and outlined. A new EDS architecture is proposed and presented, aimming the use of robust controllers to the EDS problem, comparing the use of the H \'infinite\' optimal controller to conventional EDS architectures. The design of a mini-HEV, the HELVIS (Hybrid ELectric Vehicle In low Scale) platform is also presented. The implementation of a parametric vehicular simulator, the HELVIS-SIM, is discussed. The EDS, which represents the controllers and the proposed architecture, is evaluated on the HELVIS platform and on the HELVIS-SIM. Simulated results are rst run in the HELVIS-SIM. Experimental results of the EDS tests are presented exclusively considering the evaluation on a bench test, without any contact of the platform with the pavement.