CAMDT Research Projects

 

Funding Agency/Program: FedDev Ontario/ SONAMI

Industry Partner: Drystill Holdings Inc

Principle Investigator: Manju Sunil Varghese, CHEM

Co-Investigator: Dr. Ethan Shen, CAMDT

Student Research Assistants:  Harmanjot Singh (MEET), Akashdeep Singh (MEET)

Technology Areas: Separation Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Assembly, Prototyping

Design, create and assemble the equipment required to make a working prototype of a horizontal SAM (Stripper-Absorption Module), to work under low temperature, vacuum conditions ideal for a gentle dealcoholization of beverages, to retain the subtle flavors and aromas of beer and wine.

The Challenge: To design the equipment and select the required material for the prototype (SAM), assemble while ensuring adequate sealing, and test under vacuum.

The Solution: Two manifolds were connected with pipes pass separate solutions at top and the bottom of the main shell, and a geometrical design was implemented to enable the fluids to circulate easily without restrictions. The manifolds were custom designed, and drilling and shaping were constructed manually using a custom-made rig by team members.  The system was optimized for operation of the SAM unit to maintain constant vacuum at 30 torr for at least one hour. Vacuum leaks were determined at the pipe joints to iteratively improve the required seal although further work is required to ensure internal sealing of the unit.   Flow distribution over the heat pipes was improved by designing a flow distributor.

Funding Agency/Program: NSERC/ Engage

Industry Partner: Sarox Technology Inc.

Principle Investigator: Dr. Daryoush Mortazavi, MEET

Student Research Assistant: Alireza Bidkhori, MEET

Technology Areas: Information Systems and Technology, Cloud Computing, Preventive Maintenance, Electrical Machinery

Currently, Sarox provides predictive maintenance planning for many industries, conducted via collecting electrical machinery parameters and monitoring using wired sensors and a local PC. Development of remote monitoring of machinery parameters and analysis using an AI algorithm enables the possibility of more effective prediction of maintenance intervals.

The Challenge: Cost-effective, smart electrical machinery malfunction detection and maintenance prediction is required to reduce the maintenance costs through predicting and/or preventing maintenance periods of electrical equipment, especially motors and generators in manufacturing industries.

The Solution: Condition monitoring is one method to prevent outage costs via monitoring parameters of electrical machines on power lines, stators or rotors, such as voltage, current, temperature and vibration. This project utilized Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) based solutions that collect data from industrial sensors with machine-to-machine communications and automation technologies to monitor health conditions of electrical machines and predict maintenance period. This project utilized Python code and data received in RaspberryPi using serial TTY connection from an electric motor, and a GUI was created so that test parameters can be easily monitored and trigger alarms for preventive maintenance procedures.

Funding Agency/Program: NSERC/ Engage

Industry Partner: Arshon Silicon Technology Inc.

Principle Investigator: Dr. Daryoush Mortazavi, MEET

Student Research Assistants: Stephan Vorster, Jasprit Snght, MEET

Technology Areas: Information Systems and Technology, Cloud Computing, IOT, Preventive Maintenance, Power Distribution

Power outages in power distribution systems are one of the main concerns of the power industry. Therefore, developing solutions that can predict the maintenance periods and prevent unwanted maintenance is crucial in decreasing outage costs and improving system reliability.

The Challenge: Cost-effective, smart electrical machinery malfunction detection and maintenance prediction is required to reduce the maintenance costs through predicting and/or preventing maintenance periods of electrical equipment, especially motors and generators in manufacturing industries.

The Solution: The collaborative team researched, tested and explored multiple cross-platform frameworks for developing, implementing and testing an IoT and mobile solution to measure power quality. The project resulted in an enhanced mobile UI/UX for engagement, AI readiness activities, and a new channel of user data analytics. The team implemented LoRa communication to transfer data from PIC microcontroller to a Lora receiver. In addition to power line information, the location of the installed device was extracted using a GPS module and sent over the LoRa module. A metering IC chip was used to get power line data like RMS, Peak, and harmony values.

Funding Agency/Program: FedDev Ontario/ SONAMI

Industry Partner: HCI Lighting

Principle Investigator: Dr. Ethan Shen, CAMDT

Student Research Assistants:  Stavro Gentile (MEET), Darius Innis (MEET)

Technology Areas: 3D Printing, IoT, Mechanical Systems, Automation

Raising and lowering flags at locations that are not easy to reach is time consuming and labour intensive. With IoT technology becoming readily available, most flagpole operations could be carried out automatically. HCI lighting is investigating the incorporation of automation capability into flagpoles to enable remote flag motion control.

The Challenge: Designing a combination of motor/pulley system and the integration of a micro-controller to communicate with user interface app on a mobile phone for remote control.

The Solution: The integrated system prototype was designed based on appropriate components for the application, iterative design, and feasible use in industry.  A motor was chosen based on load, and 3D printed pulleys were custom designed to improve gripping on the rope. Bluetooth technology was used as the communication protocol between mobile phones and the micro-controller.  The prototype successfully fulfilled the industry partner requirements, and the technology was transferred to the industry partner.

Funding Agency/Program: FedDev Ontario/ SONAMI

Industry Partner:Stern Laboratories Inc

Principle Investigator: Joaquin Moran, MEET

Technology Areas: Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Mechanics, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Nuclear Power

Modeling the flow field around the fuel bundle is essential for predicting the surface temperature of the radioactive fuel and has important safety and optimization implications.  Our goal is to utilize Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to predict the flow parameters and compare with existing experimental measurements.  The outcome of the research project will allow to develop safer reactors and is aligned with Ontario’s clean energy policies and objectives.

The Challenge: Obtain an acceptable model to replicate experimental measurements of temperature in a CANDU fuel element.

The Solution: Numerical Simulation and High-Performance Computing were successfully used to study the effect of different mesh densities and turbulence models in the solution of this problem.  The final approach, which included a complex 3D mesh and used RSM for modelling of flow turbulence, could reproduce the temperature profiles obtained in practical experiments.

Funding Agency/Program: FedDev Ontario/ SONAMI

Industry Partner: COSM Medical

Principle Investigator: Dr. John Phillips, CAMDT

Technology Areas: 3D Printing, Design, Biomedical Engineering, Women's Health

The current Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantifications System (POP-Q) is quantified by using finger measurements, which suffers from subjectivity and inconsistency amongst clinicians. It was hypothesized that using a mechanical measurement tool will increase accuracy and repeatability of clinicians recording POP-Q alongside other assessments associated with pessary fittings.

The Challenge: There were currently no medical instruments available that can measure the parameters related to pessary fittings and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantifications System (POP-Q).  The tool needed to be single use, relatively inexpensive, biocompatible, ergonomic, and able to accommodate the anatomical constraints of the human vaginal canal.

The Solution: Multiple mechanical tools were designed, and prototypes were developed that could measure key parameters of pelvic floor and vaginal assessment including the POP-Q.  The tools were evaluated by bench testing and clinician feedback.  3D printing was extensively explored as a manufacturing strategy to produce both the prototypes and the short run of tools for clinical testing.  Different 3D printers and materials were explored to evaluate the biocompatible, durability, and functionality.  One of the designs was refined through multiple iterations and was developed to meet the need of the company to explore clinical trials.

 

Funding Agency/Program: FedDev Ontario/ SONAMI

Industry Partner: Acrebot Inc.

Principle Investigator: Ramzy Ganady, CAMDT

Student Research Assistants: Mohamed Kasim (MEET), Darius Inniss (MEET), Yashkumar Rajeshbhai Patel (MEET)

Technology Areas:Robotics, Vision, Mechanical design, and programming

Many Canadian farmers are experiencing long-term, structural labour shortages, and are unable to meet the workforce needs of greenhouse harvesting. To reduce labour shortages, a machine may take on the more autonomous harvesting tasks on farms. This project aimed to develop an autonomous robotic greenhouse harvester that would eventually close the gap in greenhouse labour requirements.

The Challenge: To develop a vision-guided robot, capable of identifying and harvesting tomatoes, bell peppers and cucumbers - vegetables that make up the largest share of greenhouse vegetables grown in Canada.

The Solution: CAMDT and Acrebot Inc. worked collaboratively on an eight month project to develop a prototype for the new system. Acrebot had already developed a vision system for the robot to recognize the vegetables, and by working with CAMDT, the vision system was physically demonstrated with industrial robots. The CAMDT team helped establish communication between the vision and robotic systems, and then iterated and prototyped Acrebot's design for the robotic arm's end effector that would be able to grab the vegetables and cut off their stems, and then deposit them into collection boxes. The system successfully demonstrated the harvesting of the target vegetables and is a positive example of the benefits of de-risking a business's investment in new technology.

Funding Agency/Program: FedDev Ontario/ SONAMI

Industry Partner: Compact Mould Ltd.

Principle Investigator: Dr. John Phillips, CAMDT 

Student Research Assistants: Drew Pitchford (MEET)

Technology Areas: Metal 3D printing, Metal mold cooling

A key challenge in the manufacturing of parts via blow moulding is the cooling time required; cooling typically makes up 80 to 85 percent of the overall cycle time. Proper cooling time is not only a major factor in the end quality of a part — it's the most time consuming component of a molding cycle.

The Challenge: Molds and blow pins are typically manufactured using CNC machines and are therefore limited to designs that are achievable with subtractive manufacturing processes.

The Solution: Three different blow molding components with custom cooling strategies were designed and manufactured using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) 3D metal printing technology. The designs were analyzed and optimized before manufacturing using CFD thermal modeling and compared to traditional conventionally machined cooling strategies. The parts were made using 316L stainless steel which is suboptimal for mold tooling and cooling but were successfully tested. The 3D metal printed parts were shown to decrease molding cycle times when compared to the conventionally machined parts.

Funding Agency/Program: FedDev Ontario/ SONAMI

Industry Partner: Simplified Automation Inc.

Principle Investigator: Nicholas Johnston (Applied Computing, FAST)

Student Research Assistants: Imaan Kamau-Wanjiru (ACOMP), Omar Kooliyat (ACOMP)

Technology Areas: Cybersecurity, Authentication, Software Security Controls

This project reviewed the current login flow in detail so the existing security controls can be documented and assessed. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for login was later introduced to support users without email addresses. Secure password and other MFA credential resets were also enabled.

The Challenge: Missing or outdated security controls of the web application login and password reset workflow results in vulnerability to attack and compromise. An approach needed to be taken to introduce industry standard and appropriate security controls for industrial applications.

The Solution: Identified security control gaps were addressed by a solution proposal. The environmental constraints of the factory environments necessitated the research and development of authentication workflows beyond standard authenticating factors such as email addresses or mobile devices. The newly developed security workflows were implemented into a testing environment, with security and functionality testing carried out.  The security controls test solution was then transferred to SA for implementation into the production environment by the industry partner (execution is underway).

Funding Agency/Program: FedDev Ontario/ SONAMI

Industry Partner: Rex Power Magnetics

Principle Investigators: Ramzy Ganady, CAMDT; Saleh Jiddawi, CAMDT Researchers

Student Research Assistants: Drew Pitchford (MEET), Mohamed Kasim (MEET)

Technology Areas: Robotics, Programming, Pneumatic Design, Industrial Automation

The project aim was development of an alternative process to improve productivity, to replace a process that is highly repetitive and prone to injury. This project successfully automated the stacking of u-shaped, steel laminations, to create an industrial process that was repeatable and reliable without human intervention.

The Challenge: In a single core, laminations varied widely in weight, rigidity, and length. The laminations were also extremely thin and non-rigid during movement.

The Solution: The team solved this challenge using a magnetic gripper mounted onto one of the ABB Robots. The gripper had a custom cushion pad with a slight draft angle that would bend the u-shaped laminations outward. A spreader was used to spread the laminations apart before the stacking process to improve repeatability. The end of the process stacked laminations in an upright position, rotated to a horizontal position and ejected the stack to a nearby conveyor.

Funding Agency/Program: FedDev Ontario/ SONAMI

Industry Partner: Guelph Orthotics Inc

Principle Investigator: Dr. John Phillips, CAMDT  

Foot and skate position has been found to be significant in creating an efficient and powerful skating stride. Based on the natural position and alignment characteristics of feet some athletes are at either and advantage or disadvantage when it comes to their skating stride.

The Challenge: The production of a hockey skate orthotic which may improve performance.

The Solution: The production of a 3D printed prototype which can be used for real world testing by the industry partner.

Funding Agency/Program: NSERC/ ARD

Industry Partner: Hatch Ltd.

Principle Investigators: Dr. Anita Usas Neving, CHEM and Dr. Karina Lopez, CHEM

Student Research Assistants: Catherine Giu, Kevin Theodore, Gurvinder Singh Sekhon, Charnele Andrews, Bryn Smith, and Puneet Kaur Johal, MEET and CHEM

Technology Areas: Chemical Analysis, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Design

Liquid-liquid extraction is an important process in the mining industry to remove metals from water but can also have negative environmental impact and potential hazardous effects due to the large quantity of organic solvents (e.g. an organic solvent could be kerosene). The metal recovery process can also impact cost and production efficiencies for the company.

The Challenge: To improve mixing performance and minimize separation time via a new in-line mixing process which separates and recovers the metals of a mining process.

The Solution: During the course of this 3-year, multidisciplinary project, a prototype pilot plant was developed to test and evaluate different in-line mixers by mixing the water and organic solvent in the pipeline, pushing it through a settler, and testing the recovery of the metals. The work provided valuable expertise, insight and understanding of the technology, and laid the foundation for further development of this process.

Funding Agency/Program: FedDev Ontario/ SONAMI

Industry Partner: Dapasoft Inc.

Principle Investigator: Saleh Jiddawi, CAMDT

Co-Investigators: Somayyeh Poshtiban, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering & Technology (MEET) / Douglas Whitton (Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design (FAAD), IxD )

Student Research Assistants: Sanket Patel (MEET) Yara Kashlan (FAAD)

Technology Areas: Electronics prototyping, IoT, Interaction Design

In the rapidly evolving pandemic, this research project will use cutting-edge technology to develop a geotracking wearable wristband.

The Challenge: The main challenge addressed is that of monitoring and tracking individuals under the 14-day quarantine due to COVID19 regulations primarily related to travel restrictions.

The Solution: Design and produce an aesthetically appealing, functional prototype(s) of the quarantine tracking wristband.

Funding Agency/Program: FedDev Ontario/ SONAMI

Industry Partner: 2unify

Principle Investigator: Saleh Jiddawi, CAMDT / Ramzy Ganady, CAMDT

Technology Areas: AI, Prototyping

Guitar tuning can be a time-consuming, inconvenient and stressful task - especially in larger school or music settings. In order to automate this task, a research project addressed improvement of a smart stand to ensure higher accuracy, easier assembly, and a smoother hands-free experience to guitar tuning. The goal is for next generation 2unify stands to be able to tune any stringed instrument for musicians and music institutions.

The Challenge: Barriers to product development faced by the company and addressed by this project were the cost of manufacturing, assembly time, safe transportation, cord management and smart stand mechanical motion.

The Solution: 2Unify collaborated with CAMDT to develop a stable and more functional 3D prototype of the Hands-Free Guitar Tuner. The project produced five prototypes using digital design and 3D printing - each one incrementally better than the last. Each prototype focused on improving multiple aspects of the product challenges. The final prototype enables the "smart" Hands-Free Guitar Tuner to be simpler to assemble and disassemble, easier to transport, and to function with greater simplicity than the previous prototype.