Creation of Bionic Finger for Non-Destructive 3D Imaging of Objects

 

About Topic In Short:
	Who: Wuyi University, China, lead author Jianyi Luo and co-author Zhiming Chen.
	What: Creation of a bionic finger that can generate 3D internal maps of objects by touching their surface.
	How: The bionic finger works by scanning the object, applying pressure across it, compressing carbon fibers with each hit, and transmitting the information to a personal computer to display a 3D map.

Introduction:

The recent development of a bionic finger capable of generating 3D images of internal objects by touching their outer surface has created a new avenue for non-destructive testing of human bodies and flexible electronics. This article aims to explain the process of creating this bionic finger and its potential applications in various fields. 

Development of Bionic Finger:

The development of the bionic finger was carried out by a team of researchers at Wuyi University, China. The inspiration for the bionic finger came from the sensitivity of human fingers, which have the most sensitive tactile perception known to us. The researchers wanted to create an artificial sensor that could go beyond recognizing and discriminating between external shapes, surface textures, and hardness.

 

The bionic finger works by scanning the object's surface and applying pressure across it. Carbon fibers in the finger are compressed with each hit, providing information about the object's relative stiffness or softness. This information is transmitted to a personal computer and displayed on the screen as a 3D map. The bionic finger can discriminate not only between external shapes and surface textures but also between the relative stiffness or softness of the object and its location inside. 

Testing and Application:

The researchers tested the bionic finger's ability to map the internal and external features of complex objects made of multiple types of materials, as well as detect and image simulated human tissue. They also explored the bionic finger's ability to diagnose problems in electronic devices without opening them. By scanning the surface of a faulty electronic device with the bionic finger, the researchers were able to map its internal electrical components and pinpoint the location where the circuit was disconnected, as well as a misdrilled hole, without breaking the encapsulant layer. 

Potential Applications:

The development of the bionic finger has potential applications in medicine and industry. In medicine, the bionic finger could be used for non-destructive testing of the human body and obtaining 3D images of internal organs and structures without using harmful radiation. In industry, the bionic finger could be used to diagnose problems in electronic devices without opening them, reducing production costs and increasing efficiency. 

Thus Speak Authors/Experts:

According to lead author Jianyi Luo, a professor at Wuyi University, the bionic finger's ability to obtain 3D images of internal objects by touching their surface goes beyond previous artificial sensors' capabilities. Co-author Zhiming Chen, also a professor at Wuyi University, states that the bionic finger's tactile technology opens a non-optical avenue for non-destructive testing of the human body and flexible electronics. 

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the development of the bionic finger has opened new possibilities for non-destructive testing in medicine and industry. With its ability to generate 3D internal maps of objects by touching their surface, the bionic finger has potential applications in various fields, from obtaining 3D images of internal organs to diagnosing problems in electronic devices.

Image Gallery

All Images Credit: from References/Resources sites [Internet]

Hashtag/Keyword/Labels:

#BionicFinger #3DImaging #NonDestructiveTesting #MedicalApplications  #IndustrialApplications #TactileTechnology

 

References/Resources:

ElectronicsForYou

Eurekalert

Physicsworld

Scienceboard

Arstechnica

Voonze

 

For more such blog posts visit Index page or click InnovationBuzz label.

…till next post, bye-bye and take-care.

Perovskite Windows: A Promising Solution to Reduce Energy Load in Buildings

 

About Topic In Short:
	Who: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
	What: Use of thermochromic windows based on perovskite materials in office buildings to significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce energy waste and carbon emissions.
	How: Adding a thermochromic laminate to single- or double-pane windows yields the greatest energy savings, with the ideal transition temperature falling within the range of 68-81.5°F (20-27.5°C).

Introduction:

Buildings consume a significant amount of energy, and heating and cooling are the largest contributors to this energy consumption. This results in high energy bills and increased carbon emissions, which have a significant impact on the environment. To address this issue, scientists have been exploring various ways to improve energy efficiency in buildings. One promising solution is the use of perovskite-based thermochromic windows. This article explores the process of creating these windows and their potential to reduce energy load in buildings. 

What are Perovskite Windows?

Perovskite windows are a type of smart window that can change their transparency or reflectivity in response to temperature changes. They are made by depositing a thin layer of perovskite material on glass or plastic. Perovskite materials have unique optical and electrical properties that make them highly efficient in converting sunlight into electricity. This makes them an ideal material for use in solar cells and smart windows. 

How Perovskite Windows Work:

Perovskite windows work based on the thermochromic effect. When the temperature changes, the perovskite layer in the window changes its crystalline structure, which alters the optical properties of the material. This change in the structure causes the window to change its color from transparent to opaque or reflective, depending on the temperature. In hot climates, the windows become reflective, reducing the amount of heat entering the building, while in cold climates, they become opaque, preventing heat loss from the building. 

Creating Perovskite Windows:

Creating perovskite windows involves depositing a thin layer of perovskite material on glass or plastic. This can be done using various methods such as spin-coating, vapor deposition, or inkjet printing. However, the challenge with perovskite materials is their instability, which makes it difficult to maintain their performance over time. Scientists are working on improving the stability and durability of perovskite materials to ensure their long-term effectiveness. 

Benefits of Perovskite Windows:

Perovskite windows have several benefits over traditional windows. They can significantly improve energy efficiency in buildings by reducing heating and cooling loads. They can also reduce energy bills and carbon emissions, making them an ideal solution for sustainable building design. Additionally, perovskite materials are cheap and easy to produce, making them a cost-effective solution for large-scale deployment. 

Thus Speak Authors/Experts:

According to Dr. James Ball, a senior researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the US, "Perovskite-based thermochromic windows have the potential to reduce energy consumption in buildings by up to 30%. This technology is a promising solution for sustainable building design, and further research is needed to optimize the technology and ensure its durability and effectiveness in the long term." 

Conclusion:

Perovskite windows are a promising solution for reducing energy load in buildings. They have the potential to significantly improve energy efficiency, reduce energy bills and carbon emissions, and contribute to sustainable building design. However, more research is needed to optimize the technology and ensure its long-term effectiveness. With further development and deployment, perovskite windows could play a significant role in creating a greener and more sustainable future.

Image Gallery

Downtown Denver features many buildings with glass facades. Researchers from NREL say retrofitting these windows with thermochromic ones can improve energy efficiency across all climate zones in the United States. Photo by Dennis Schroeder, NREL.

All Images Credit: from References/Resources sites [Internet]

Hashtag/Keyword/Labels:

#PerovskiteWindows #EnergyEfficiency #CarbonEmissions #BuildingDesign #ThermochromicWindows #RenewableEnergy 

 

References/Resources:

NreL

SolarQuarter

Perovskite

Mining

List-solar

 

For more such blog posts visit Index page or click InnovationBuzz label.

…till next post, bye-bye and take-care.