Editorials - Archives - June 2009

Powering Remote Flow Meters   6/29/2009
Manufacturers of high-performance mass flow meters are increasingly deploying sensor technology to make these systems more “intelligent.” This intelligence can take many forms, from flow meters that feature automatic control valve actuation and leak detection, to data logging and SCADA functions that increase system efficiency and reliability, to enhanced management reporting functions that enhance productivity and profitability, and which enable flow meters to effectively integrate into Smart Grids and other networks. Intelligent flow meter design also applies to the development of power management solutions that provide decades of reliable and trouble-free performance.   Continue

Drive Evolution   6/26/2009
The best motor drive on the market is the one that best suits the application. Many factors need to be taken into account when determining which drive is the best fit. Performance, connectivity, size, longevity and total cost of ownership are only a few of the features that determine the best drive for your application.   Continue

The Inflatable Car   6/25/2009
XP’s Mini Utility Vehicle prototype cuts costs and time by using 70 percent less parts and novel materials that require simpler factory devices.   Continue

Industrial Design In Your World   6/24/2009
From the time you get up to the time you go to bed at night, you use a number of products that were designed to get you through the day—the stove you use to make your breakfast, the cell phone that never leaves your side, the iPod you listen to at the gym, and the flat screen television that you watch your favorite shows on. Industrial designers devote their careers to designing products to improve your life.   Continue

Advantages Of AC-DC “Brick” Power Modules   6/23/2009
Compact DC-DC converters have made their way into various electronic products and systems. The majority of these depend upon an AC-DC power supply (metal box or chassis-mount) to convert the AC into a DC voltage from which the converters can operate. Regulations have mandated that these power supplies include Power Factor & Harmonic Correction (PFHC) to maximize the available power from the power grid. The need for these to be as small as possible and to operate within harsh ambient temperatures creates a challenge for designers, that is not easily solved.   Continue

Product Liability Prevention   6/22/2009
The May 12, 2009 issue of Product Design & Development contained an article by my friend, David Wright, suggesting that manufacturers implement practical preventive measures to avoid or reduce costs. I wanted to provide more details on the benefits and costs of implementing such programs. I have assisted companies to implement such programs for over 30 years. I have seen concrete proof that such programs can result in significant short-term and long-term cost savings.   Continue

ICANN’s Revolutionary Idea   6/16/2009
Despite all the compelling reasons that led ICANN to develop a new Internet domain naming strategy, the organization may be inclined to abandon the plan. There are five reasons that could result in its failure, at a time when it could seriously benefit the business world and pave the way for the expanded cyber universe of tomorrow.   Continue

Obama-Biden New Energy For America Plan   6/15/2009
Diversifying energy sources is a key goal set out in the Obama-Biden New Energy for America plan. Reducing the nation’s dependence on oil has been called one of the greatest challenges our nation has ever faced. Quick and bold actions were proposed to transform the entire economy, “from cars and fuels, to factories and buildings.”   Continue

A Sensor That’s On Your Level   6/8/2009
There are many physical and environmental variables that affect the selection of an optimal level-monitoring solution for chemical processes. There are also application-specific constraints of price, accuracy, response rate, calibration ease, physical size and mounting, agency approval and control. All of these properties should factor into choosing the best possible liquid-level sensor for chemical applications.     Continue