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Inventions
Volume 10
Issue 3
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Inventions, Volume 10, Issue 3 (June 2025) – 7 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Motion perception shapes how we experience and interact with the physical world. Most studies of motion perception focus on the detection of fast motion, leaving slow-motion perception less understood. This study introduces a novel optical system designed to measure the slowest detectable speeds (i.e., the lower threshold of motion; LTM). Ecologically valid motion stimuli, composed of emulated sunlight, were moved along a high-precision linear translation slide. Stimuli were presented centrally and peripherally in broadband and mid-wave conditions to examine the effect of retinal location and wavelength on LTM. Results indicated significant individual differences and an interaction between wavelength and retinal position. These findings offer new insights into the visual system’s sensitivity to ecologically relevant, slow-motion stimuli. View this paper
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35 pages, 5369 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Eight Types of Floating Wind Turbines at Constant Wind Speed
by Mohamed Maktabi and Eugen Rusu
Inventions 2025, 10(3), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions10030039 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 43
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to carry out response analyses of eight floating wind turbines and compare them together; this is something that is not seen in previous research papers. From this perspective, this paper will compare the response offset regarding the [...] Read more.
The objective of this paper is to carry out response analyses of eight floating wind turbines and compare them together; this is something that is not seen in previous research papers. From this perspective, this paper will compare the response offset regarding the motions of the six degrees of freedom of the respective floating wind turbines. The applied forces that these analyses consider come mainly from constant wind forces applied on the wind turbines’ blades, as well as forces from waves and currents. Different response offset values are considered and compared regarding the different constant wind speeds, as well as the different velocities of waves and currents. This paper also provides various innovative references related to floating wind turbine analyses and software. Validation and verification studies are left for future work due to the complexity of the data provided in this paper. However, some comparisons are made between the obtained analysis results and some external references. The mentioned external references unfortunately have floating wind turbines with different wind and wave environmental conditions, power capacities, and dimensional characteristics. The results of the constant wind dynamic analysis of the eight floating wind turbines studied in this paper have shown that the maximum surge, sway, and heave response offset corresponds to the DTU Spar 1 floating wind turbine. The maximum roll and yaw response offset corresponds to the INO-WINDMOOR floating wind turbine. The maximum pitch response offset corresponds to the WindFloat floating wind turbine. The aero-hydro-servo-elastic method was used in the Sima software to run the analyses. It is a time-domain dynamic analysis, and it uses meters [m] and degrees [°] to describe the response offsets of the different floating wind support structures studied in this paper. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Inventions and Innovation in Electrical Engineering/Energy/Communications)
15 pages, 2910 KiB  
Article
Advancing Foundry Training Through Virtual Reality: A Low-Cost, Immersive Learning Environment
by Anson Fry, Ismail Fidan and Eric Wooldridge
Inventions 2025, 10(3), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions10030038 - 22 May 2025
Viewed by 127
Abstract
Metal casting foundries present hazardous working conditions, making traditional training methods costly, time-consuming, and potentially unsafe. To address these challenges, this study presents a Virtual Reality (VR) training framework developed for the Tennessee Tech University (TTU) Foundry. The objective is to enhance introductory [...] Read more.
Metal casting foundries present hazardous working conditions, making traditional training methods costly, time-consuming, and potentially unsafe. To address these challenges, this study presents a Virtual Reality (VR) training framework developed for the Tennessee Tech University (TTU) Foundry. The objective is to enhance introductory training and safety education by providing an immersive, interactive, and risk-free environment where trainees can familiarize themselves with safety protocols, equipment handling, process workflows, and machine arrangements before engaging with real-world operations. The VR foundry environment is designed using Unreal Engine, a freely available software tool, to create a high-fidelity, interactive simulation of metal casting processes. This system enables real-time user interaction, scenario-based training, and procedural guidance, ensuring an engaging and effective learning experience. Preliminary findings and prior research indicate that VR-based training enhances learning retention, improves hazard recognition, and reduces training time compared to traditional methods. While challenges such as haptic feedback limitations and initial setup costs exist, VR’s potential in engineering education and industrial training is substantial. This work-in-progress study highlights the transformative role of VR in foundry training, contributing to the development of a safer, more efficient, and scalable workforce in the metal casting industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Inventions and Innovation in Advanced Manufacturing)
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21 pages, 14599 KiB  
Article
Cobot Kinematic Model for Industrial Applications
by Giorgio Figliolini, Chiara Lanni and Luciano Tomassi
Inventions 2025, 10(3), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions10030037 - 22 May 2025
Viewed by 133
Abstract
In this paper, a specific parametric and open-source algorithm for the direct and inverse kinematics of the UR5e Cobot is formulated by using the (n, o, a, p) transformation matrix, along with the inverse matrices, and then implemented [...] Read more.
In this paper, a specific parametric and open-source algorithm for the direct and inverse kinematics of the UR5e Cobot is formulated by using the (n, o, a, p) transformation matrix, along with the inverse matrices, and then implemented in Matlab for numerical validation purposes. Thus, a specific robotized cell that includes novel mechatronic devices has been designed and built at LARM (Lab. of Robotics and Mechatronics) in Cassino in order to experimentally validate the proposed algorithm. In particular, many experimental points to carry out the whole automatic cycle have been detected by using the corresponding teach-pendant tool and joint positions for different UR5e Cobot poses. In addition, this consistent experimental campaign has allowed to evaluate the percentage accuracy of the robot, which can be useful for the practical applications. Therefore, the proposed kinematic model, along with the parametric and open-source algorithm, of the UR5e Cobot can be useful to simulate different applications in several robotized cells with a good reliability with respect to the real program of the robot. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Inventions and Innovation in Advanced Manufacturing)
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19 pages, 7297 KiB  
Article
Investigation on Designing and Development of a Selective Laser Melting Manufactured Gas Turbine Blade—Proof-of-Concept
by Mihaela Raluca Condruz, Tiberius Florian Frigioescu, Gheorghe Matache, Adina Cristina Toma and Teodor Adrian Badea
Inventions 2025, 10(3), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions10030036 - 15 May 2025
Viewed by 168
Abstract
In this study, a conceptual turbine blade model with internal cooling channels was designed and fabricated using the selective laser melting (SLM) process. The optimal manufacturing orientation was evaluated through simulations, and the results indicated that vertical orientation yielded the best outcomes, minimizing [...] Read more.
In this study, a conceptual turbine blade model with internal cooling channels was designed and fabricated using the selective laser melting (SLM) process. The optimal manufacturing orientation was evaluated through simulations, and the results indicated that vertical orientation yielded the best outcomes, minimizing support material usage and distortion despite increased manufacturing time. Two configurations were produced, namely, an entire-turbine blade model and a cross-sectional model. Non-destructive analyses, including 3D laser scanning for dimensional accuracy, surface roughness measurements, and liquid penetrant testing, were conducted. Visual inspection revealed manufacturing limitations, particularly in the cooling channels at the leading and trailing edges. The trailing edge was too thin to accommodate the 0.5 mm channel diameter, and the channels in the leading edge were undersized and potentially clogged with unmelted powder. The dimensional deviations were within the acceptable limits for the SLM-fabricated metal parts. The surface roughness measurements were aligned with the literature values for metal additive manufacturing. Liquid penetrant testing confirmed the absence of cracks, pores, and lack-of-fusion defects. The SLM is a viable manufacturing process for turbine blades with internal cooling channels; however, significant attention should be paid to the design of additive manufacturing conditions to obtain the best results after manufacturing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Inventions and Innovation in Advanced Manufacturing)
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11 pages, 7991 KiB  
Article
A Simple Real-Time Method for Detecting Low Performance in Wet High-Intensity Magnetic Separators (WHIMSs) Due to Coil Malfunction
by Ricardo B. Ventura, Alan K. Rêgo Segundo and Thiago A. M. Euzébio
Inventions 2025, 10(3), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions10030035 - 2 May 2025
Viewed by 277
Abstract
Wet High-Intensity Magnetic Separators (WHIMSs) have become well established in mineral processing operations by efficiently separating particles based on their magnetic properties. While the existing literature extensively discusses WHIMS performance under varying operational conditions, there is a notable absence of attention to the [...] Read more.
Wet High-Intensity Magnetic Separators (WHIMSs) have become well established in mineral processing operations by efficiently separating particles based on their magnetic properties. While the existing literature extensively discusses WHIMS performance under varying operational conditions, there is a notable absence of attention to the degradation of coils over time and methods for its detection. In this paper, we address this gap by proposing a novel approach to detect coil degradation in WHIMSs, enabling timely maintenance interventions to maintain optimal performance. Through experimental analysis in an industrial environment, we show the significant effect of coil deterioration on WHIMS efficiency. We also introduce a real-time monitoring method using current measurements in coil sets. This method provides a practical solution for identifying and addressing coil degradation, helping to improve maintenance practices and sustain operational efficiency in mineral processing facilities. The experiments were conducted in a Brazilian iron ore processing company in Itabira, Minas Gerais. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Inventions and Innovation in Electrical Engineering/Energy/Communications)
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17 pages, 4117 KiB  
Review
Review of Printed Log-Periodic Dipole Array Antenna Design for EMC Applications
by Abdulghafor A. Abdulhameed and Zdeněk Kubík
Inventions 2025, 10(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions10030034 - 25 Apr 2025
Viewed by 380
Abstract
This article presents a brief evaluation and discussion of eight proposed printed log-periodic dipole array (PLPDA) antennas that have been introduced in the last decade for EMC applications. These proposed antennas could serve as reference antennas for radiation and immunity tests inside the [...] Read more.
This article presents a brief evaluation and discussion of eight proposed printed log-periodic dipole array (PLPDA) antennas that have been introduced in the last decade for EMC applications. These proposed antennas could serve as reference antennas for radiation and immunity tests inside the EMC chamber. Step-by-step design procedures have been detailed with various feeding methods, showing their effect on the wideband characteristic compared to the design complexity. Different miniaturization and bandwidth improvement methods have been utilized to tackle the size reduction and bandwidth enhancement goals. Furthermore, the comprehensive view of the specifications of the reference antenna design inside the EMC chamber has been explained in detail, which presents the motivation for using a printed antenna rather than the classical one for these applications. The achievements of the presented designs have been listed, compared, and discussed with the classical LPDA antenna (HyperLOG 7060) offered for sale. Finally, a brief conclusion presents the recommendations for the design and analysis of the PLPDA antenna for EMC measurements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Strategy of Protection and Control for the Grid)
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10 pages, 650 KiB  
Article
A Novel Characterization of the Lower Threshold of Motion
by Jacob B. Harth, Lisa M. Renzi-Hammond, Cameron J. Wysocky, Spencer F. Smith and Billy R. Hammond, Jr.
Inventions 2025, 10(3), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions10030033 - 23 Apr 2025
Viewed by 247
Abstract
Methodologies to measure motion perception are vital for deepening our understanding of the vision system and the factors that influence it. While existing work has primarily focused on the fastest perceivable velocities, less attention has been paid to the lower threshold of motion [...] Read more.
Methodologies to measure motion perception are vital for deepening our understanding of the vision system and the factors that influence it. While existing work has primarily focused on the fastest perceivable velocities, less attention has been paid to the lower threshold of motion (LTM; slowest perceivable velocities). In this study, we designed an optical system to measure LTM in a sample of healthy young adults and to assess the influence of retinal location (central vs. peripheral retina) and stimulus composition (broadband vs. mid-wave) on LTM. The system was based on a xenon light source and a fiber-optic cable that created a bright light stimulus that could be moved along a computer-controlled precision translation slide. The stimulus, exposed for one-second intervals at both a central (fovea) and a peripheral (33 deg) location, was moved at varying speeds to determine the slowest detectable speed. In all, 37 healthy young participants (M = 19.32 ± 1.97 years) were tested. We found substantial between-subject variability in LTM and an interaction between stimulus wavelength and retinal location. The measurement of LTM using this novel apparatus and methodology provides insights into the relationship between slow-moving, ecologically valid stimuli and perceptual detection at the slowest speeds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Inventions and Innovation in Applied Chemistry and Physics)
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