Arijit Mukherjee, Author at Adamas University

Model Based Systems Engineering’s Prospects in Today’s Industry

Model Based Systems Engineering is a critical aspect of the 21st century as systems become more and more complex. And that’s the journey, to continue to move it forward to deal with even more complexity in a better way. As the products are getting increasingly complex, the connections between components have become more and more important. The connections can be physical or functional. For a simple system, it is easy to see how adding individual subsystems creates more and more potential connections. Each of these connections are opportunities for waste, errors, and rework that can result in projects that are late, over budget, and have reduced capabilities in terms of performance, maintenance, and future upgrade ability. The practice of systems engineering has evolved to mitigate the risk associated with complex system development. It focuses on defining customer needs and necessary functionalities primarily in the product development cycle. Considering the complete problem definition documentation then continuing with synthesis of design and system validation. Ideation, Operations, schedule and cost, performance, training and support, test, manufacturing and disposal.

What is Systems Engineering?

Systems engineering is a mindset that results in an interdisciplinary perspective deals with management and design of complex systems through the product life cycles. It was actually an effort to close the gap between systems and software engineering. As systems had more and more software content, communication gap was beginning to impair system development and system performance. In those early days, it was all about closing the system software gap. From the year 2007 onward, INCOSE, the International Council on Systems Engineering, has progressively invested more time and more energy to move the community forward. What we see now is model-based systems engineering is much bigger. It’s not about the software component, it’s about the systems engineering component on all fronts. And perhaps the biggest change is model-based systems engineering is now becoming the linchpin to, it can be called model-based engineering, digital thread, digital tapestry, but really connecting to digital engineering so that we can better deliver capabilities to these complex problems we face.

Model Based:

A key component of model-based systems engineering is the model-based definition, or MBD. Model-based definition embodies the concept of moving away from paper-based documentation and drawings to digital, 3D CAD representation, manufacturing data, and performance models.

Model-Based Systems Engineering:

According to INCOSE, model-based systems engineering, also known as MBSE, is the formalized utilization of modelling to supporting system necessities, structure, investigation, verification, and validation activities starting from conceptualization to disposal through the product life cycle. Model-based systems engineering is still in a nascent stage of development and is an immense topic to be fully addressed. This concept is offering a broad perspective with connections throughout the industries that will give the opportunity to learn and work more. Now, Model-Based Systems Engineering sounds like a technology and a technical problem – it’s not. It’s an organizational change initiative because it’s all about how you represent knowledge.

Image Credit: plm.automation.siemens.com

Implementations of MBSE:

The model today as we represent it in a higher fidelity way, is represented digitally. It is more accessible to everybody else in the program, and by making it more accessible, increase in alignment, increase understanding, and most importantly, increase shared understanding as requirements change, as needs change, as technologies change.

The quantity of information accumulates throughout the lifecycle into a large amount of raw data that can be used to describe the life of a product. The digital thread describes the electronic files and the data pathways that enable the re-purposing, reuse and traceability of information in the development, definition, production and support of a part or system throughout its life. The thread weaves through connected machines, factories and supply chains to enable data aggregation, analysis and action, forming a digital quilt or digital tapestry that encompasses an entire product or system. The digital thread connects conceptual design requirements, analysis, detailed design, manufacturing, inspection, operations, refit and retirement. As a result, a finished assembly can be traced back to the original requirements and design model.

A Model-Based Enterprise (MBE) has clear benefits. However, it might seem daunting to implement. MBE seems very idealistic, and for a small business, the idea of a Model-Based Enterprise might seem like an unnecessary investment. However, studies have shown that small businesses can achieve MBE without a significant investment. Better if it would be to think about a road map as a pathway, rather than a dramatic step change. So, Model-Based Systems Engineering, just like systems engineering itself, is intended to be scalable and tailorable, and there is no one size fits all. Model-Based Systems Engineering, like systems engineering, should begin with the exact purpose and it’s a business value. Are you after quality? Are you after responsiveness? After agility? After innovation? Whatever you pick, it helps to define the implementation of Model-Based Systems Engineering.

Era of Digital Manufacturing & Industry 4.0

Technology is evolving faster than ever before and it’s having a huge impact on manufacturing. Fifteen years ago the products saw a three to five-year time to obsolescence, compared to perhaps 14 to 18 months today. What does this mean to manufacturers? They need to reimagine how they take a product from ideation to a useable product into consumer’s hands, and the product needs to have incredible levels of customization, quality and performance along with the competitive price. The fact of the matter is, with the improvements made in information technology, material sciences, production technologies and supply chain strategies for the past 50 years, we’re well positioned to challenge the traditional way products are developed. We are at the initial stages of a new era and the next Industrial revolution popularly termed as Industry 4.0. In this era, we will develop products virtually, bypassing time-consuming and non-value added task associated with traditional methods.

Mechanization and of the machinery and production systems are the aims of the First industrial revolution utilizing water and steam power around in 1780. In 1870 the Second revolution of industries hits the market with the help of electricity results large scale manufacturing. The 3rd revolutions comes with automation of production processes utilizing electronics and information technology in 1969. Presently a 4th Industrial Revolution is escalating on the Third, has been happening since the middle of the last century by digital transformation. It is characterized by a blending of technologies that is obscuring the lines between the digital, physical, and biological spheres.

We are now entering what is being described as a fourth revolution, also known as Industry 4.0. It is the next phase in the evolution of manufacturing. Combining the cyber capabilities resulting from advances in computing with physical systems to create a highly intelligent, interactive, and automated manufacturing ecosystem. That integrates product design, manufacturing, and logistics.

Effectively, artificial intelligence is surrounding us, from self-driving vehicles and automatons to drones to virtual assistants and programming that interpret or contribute. Noteworthy advancement has been made in AI as of late, determined by exponential increments in figuring power and by the accessibility of tremendous amount of information, from programming used to find new medications to algorithms used to foresee our cultural interests. Day by day Digital manufacturing technologies, in the interim, are cooperating with the biological field. Designers, Engineers, and architects are joining additive manufacturing, computational design, materials innovation, and to pioneer a symbiosis between microorganisms by the help of synthetic biology, our bodies, the items we devour, and even the buildings we reside in.

The Society of Automotive Engineers estimates that 90 percent of all products will be developed virtually in the coming years. So, how does this new product development process look? You have an idea, you convert the idea into a product and process model, which is virtually tested to make sure it meets customer requirements, and then, great! You go into production. It’s as simple as that. This is made possible by sharing data and information across all stages of the product life cycle, what is referred to as, the digital thread.

Manufacturing is the most tangible part of the product lifecycle because it results in a clear outcome. There are multiple definitions of the product lifecycle. Most differing only in their terminology or details. Lifecycle as all aspects of a product’s life, from its design through manufacture, deployment and maintenance. Culminating in the product’s removal from service and final disposal. The first stage in a product’s lifecycle is planning. In a product’s lifecycle, many iterations may be required before customer approval is received. In traditional paper based processes, information sharing can consume valuable time and delay the development process. In traditional processes, there is also a lag during and in-between stages in the lifecycle as necessary approvals are sought. Sometimes, this can even result in losing first-to-market competitive advantage.

The Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute, defines digital manufacturing as an integrated set of tools that work with data sets for product definition having provision of tool design, design of manufacturing process, conceptualization, modeling and simulation, analysis of data, and further analyses necessary to optimize the processes of manufacturing. Deployed throughout the product lifecycle, digital manufacturing enables more quickly and authoritatively share information in the design process. With all the data generated in every part of the lifecycle representing a digital thread. This digital thread can be used to create a computer based digital twin. An integrated system of data, models, and analyses that can be used in design, manufacturing, support, and disposal. These concepts all come together as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Industry 4.0.

An example of the vision and promise of Industry 4.0 can be found in the wind power industry. Wind power is an important component of the clean energy industry. An ongoing challenge for wind farm operators is the significant wear and tear of gearboxes. Gearboxes are expensive to fix especially after failure. However, if sensors on the turbine are linked with weather information and computational models, a very accurate simulation can be developed for each individual turbine. Enabling evidence based decision-making and the creation of predictive models for performance of individual turbines and the wind farm as a whole. This concludes the effectiveness of digital manufacturing and design.

Exoskeleton and its future in India

There is a thought behind every action and a desire always plays its role behind that thought. Overlooking the basic needs and craving for power has always been an instinct of human being. And that thirst of power invents the first powered exoskeleton in 1917 before the “Superman” comes into picture in 1938.

The term exoskeleton originates from the external rigid skin of invertebrate animals like crabs, bugs, tortoise etc. that permits them to retain the shape without inner skeleton. Now in engineering point of view exoskeleton is a wearable robot which helps to augment, amplify or to reinforce the musculoskeletal arrangement of a human body which offers support, stability and movement.

The exoskeletons are categorized in colossal ways like-

In terms of power supply-

Active, which preform some activities with the help of actuator.

Passive, which does not required any type of external agents for movement but uses shape memory material, dampers or springs which can store energy and released at ease.

Depending on the body part-

Upper extremity exoskeleton- Upper limbs like arms, shoulder and torso.

Lower extremity exoskeleton- Lower limbs like hips, legs and lower tarsal bones.

Full body Exoskeleton- Most versatile and powerful exoskeleton for rehabilitation.

Based on technology of actuation or power supply-

Electrical- These are operated by electrical motors actuator or servo which multiplies human effort

Hydraulic- Operated by Fuel cells or IC engines, superior than electrical ones

Fully mechanical- These variants are mainly passive powered by springs or mechanical linkage. Muscles activity can reduced by 35% results in less fatigue of the worker.

Others- These are also based on passive powered like shape memory alloy or fuel cell actuator.

Also there are some classifications in terms of mobility like fixed, supported or mobile;

User machine interface that is controlled by joysticks or any control panel;

According to building material like Soft or flexible made of fabrics and other soft material and rigid materials like carbon fiber;

Based on source of production- home built (DIY), research labs (academia), commercial companies (industry), and governments.

Exoskeletons has a versatile field of applications like health care industry to support limb amputees, paraplegic patients or in case of physically disable persons; defense industry to amplify their power; manufacturing and construction industry to decrease worker’s muscle activity which will reduce their fatigue.
If we take only medical requirements, has a tremendous need of this in India. Primarily for Non-birth amputations caused by various injuries and others like cardiovascular, disease, traumatic accidents, spinal cord injury, nerve injury and congenital. Around 10 million amputees are present Worldwide of total approximate population of 6.7 billion. In India alone 0.5 million of amputees are there and that figure is increasing by 23500 per year. Though there are some prosthetic manufacturers but very few companies manufacture exoskeleton for medical purposes in India. And a in a developing country it is next to impossible to import an exosuit, costing around 60 lakh.

“Hardiman” was the first powered exoskeleton developed by General Electric in cooperation with US armed force in 1960s. This was the first military purpose exoskeleton which can amplify strength of wearer by 25 times. Also different countries like China, Canada, South Korea, Russia, Great Britain and Australia are tested their military exoskeleton. From 2019 onward, Indian Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO)’s Defense Bioengineering and Electro-medical Laboratory (DEBEL) in collaboration with some higher education Institutions, is trying to develop futuristic defense equipment’s.

As of now the collaborative robot industrial sector is the fastest growing market for exoskeleton. They can reduce ergonomics issues, musculoskeletal injuries and fatigue which are very common disturbing factors to the workers and as well as to the companies in construction sites, factories, dry-docks, warehouses which is very common and disturbing to the worker as well as to the company. Industrial use of exoskeleton in India is in bottom level yet, but it is a low hanging fruit for young entrepreneur.
The smallest subfield for exoskeleton is commercial sector. Main prospective of commercial exoskeleton can be found in motorized transportation and sports and hiking application. This type of transportation requires minimum infrastructure with maximum flexibility and educational application is mostly hypothetical.

As per various research reports worldwide exoskeleton revenue will reach $5.8 billion by 2028, driven by the plan and appropriation of only passive exoskeletons that help to amplify capacities of human power. Though geologically, the exoskeleton market scope changes significantly across various regions. The purpose behind this lies in the pace of mechanical advancements in various pieces of the world.

For the most of us, technology makes things simpler; anyway for an individual with disability, it makes things conceivable. India is where only individuals who are incapacitated, gets legitimate treatment from time to time. Because of the significant expense of prosthesis, only the higher earnings families can manage the cost of them. But in near future in India the higher growth rate will be experienced, owing to the factors such as growing aged population and increasing prevalence of stroke & spinal cord injuries, presence of large pool of patients, increasing disposable income, and availability of government funding.

Homoeopathy: A distinctive approach to combat COVID-19

Contributor : Dr. Nupur Bhattacharya, Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery from West Bengal University of Health Sciences

According to the World Health Organization Coronavirus illness (COVID-19) is a communicable disease caused by a coronavirus or SARS-CoV. More than 3.1 million confirmed cases have been reported so far, whole world is fighting against the Corona Virus, the terror against the human civilization.

Effects of conventional medicines

All the antiviral drugs we have to fight against flu will have no result, also no vaccines are invented till date according to WHO. However, there are numerous progressing clinical preliminaries assessing potential medications; but these are merely a stone in a blind hole. So, strengthening our immune system is the only hope for endurance. Now, when there is no so called antiviral and antibacterial drugs available, what is the solution?

There is an alternative

The Homoeopathy is the system that can be anticipated to reinforce our immune system. Homoeopathic treatment is a symptomatologic treatment of the patient not a symptomatic treatment of disease. It has been proven that the Homoeopathic medicines enhances our immune system which helps our body to fight against the disease and to cure the same from the root.

History of success

The preventive approach of Homoeopathic Medicine is well appreciated, and historically, Homoeopathy has reportedly been used for prevention during the epidemics of Cholera, Scarlet fever, Diphtheria, Spanish Influenza, Yellow fever, Typhoid etc. There is anecdotal evidence that homoeopathic medicine was fruitful during the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918 to 1919, in which at least 20 million people died worldwide, when in United States only the count is more than 500,000^[1]. According to the historian Julian Winston, the rate of death for patients treated with homoeopathy (genus epidemicus) were 1 to 2% compared with a 30 to 60% mortality for those treated by modern medicine^[2].

Recent scenario

Regarding this COVID-19 UK National health service have published some symptomatology of corona virus infection. The common symptoms of the novel coronavirus include respiratory symptoms such as fever, dry cough, sore throat, aching pain in the body and shortness of breath and severe breathing difficulties like sensation of drowning in water. Almost all the authorities accepted these symptoms and there may be the running nose along with diarrhoea.

Recommended measure for prevention

Now evaluating the symptoms in Homoeopathic Medicine system there are ample number of drugs. Arsenic oxide, known as Arsenicum Album in homoeopathy, was what the AYUSH Ministry prescribed for coronavirus prevention. For conditions such as respiratory problems, allergies and even anxiety and insomnia this remedy usually applied by homoeopaths.

Individualization

But there are total six numbers arsenic group of medicine which can be used for same complaint. When selection of medicine is based on symptoms and patient as well. When Antimonium Tart, Rhus Tox, Drosera, Spongia Tosta and also Arsenic Album etc. In homoeopathy, can be used for same complaint. Specifically for dry cough with fever Drosera which have been proved to act very beneficially for mankind, considering individualization of the patient if that pain throat is relieved by application of hot water then Rhus Tox or Arsenic Group of drugs will have greater impact, if the patient becomes restless with the fever then Rhus Tox may be the drug. So, it can be concised that not a specific medicine can be prescribed for same complaint. This concept was first put forth by Sir Samuel Hahnemann in the Organon of Medicine, Aphorism 241, as “…each single epidemic is of a peculiar, uniform character common to all the individuals attacked, and when this character is found in the totality of the symptoms common to all, it guides us to the discovery of homoeopathic (specific) remedy suitable for all the cases….”^[2].

In coincidence with the statement of Sir Samuel Hahnemann that every prevailing epidemic diseases are so called contagious disease that is why they always bring a fixed group of symptoms and must have to be judged by observing the cases on the field for appropriate symptomatology and proper individualization of the patient.

References:

Jacobs J. Homoeopathic Prevention and Management of Epidemic Diseases. Homoeopathy. 2018 Aug; 107(3):157-160.
Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy. Homoeopathic perspectives in covid-19 coronavirus infection fact sheet. 2020 March, 14-15.