月: 2024年1月

What Is a Conduit?

A conduit is an electrical material used to enclose and protect wiring. It typically takes the form of pipes made of synthetic resin or metal. Metal conduits are valued for their electromagnetic shielding effects, while synthetic resin conduits offer flexibility. Conduits are known by various names, including cable conduit, corrugated tube, or flexible tube.

Metal conduits, often steel, are sturdy and used both indoors and outdoors. They require tools like pipe benders for shaping. Synthetic resin conduits come in types like plastic flexible (PF) conduit and combined duct (CD), offering varying degrees of fire resistance and flexibility.

Uses of Conduits

Conduits are essential in safeguarding electrical wiring in machinery, control panels, and control cabinets. They protect cables from physical damage and external elements, helping to manage electrical safety and maintain aesthetics by hiding wires. In construction, specific technical standards mandate the use of different conduit types for indoor, outdoor, and building-side wiring.

Principles of Conduits

Conduit pipes, also known as conduit tubes, are used to facilitate wire passage in structures and prevent external corrosion and moisture absorption. They are designed to be flexible for easy installation and maintenance, and come in various materials, including rigid polyvinyl chloride, steel, stainless steel, and corrugated synthetic resin.

Conduit accessories include couplings, connectors, and ends for embedding in concrete casting forms. These components aid in connecting and securing conduits in various construction settings.

Types of Conduits

Steel conduits include:

• Thick Steel Wire Conduit: Offers high mechanical strength, mainly used outdoors or in factories.
• Thin Steel Wire Conduit: With a thinner wall, commonly used for indoor applications.
• Threadless Wire Conduit: Lacks threads, allows more wires to pass through due to its thin wall.
• Lined Steel Conduit (PLP): Steel wire conduit covered with synthetic resin, used for buried conduits like water pipes and cable protection.

How to Choose Conduits

When selecting conduits, consider their flexibility and application environment. For vibrating electric motors or areas near expansion joints, conduits that allow for flexible connections are ideal. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) conduits are corrosion-resistant and suitable for straight stretches, while PF conduits are used for concealed or outdoor wiring. Multi-layer and flame-retardant options are available for specific needs. Stainless steel conduits are preferable in hygienic or corrosive environments. The choice of conduit depends on the wiring requirements, environmental conditions, and the level of protection required.

What Is a Strain Relief?

Strain reliefs are components designed to secure and protect cables at their connection points. They play a crucial role in preventing stress and deformation caused by abrupt bending, especially at the bases of cable assemblies like I/O connector cable assemblies. Strain relief solutions include plates, frame bridges, bow clamps, and cord grips, often made from materials like plastic or metal. A common method involves securing cables with cable ties to strain relief plates for a more cable-friendly approach.

Uses of Strain Reliefs

Strain relief is vital for effective cable management in various applications. It provides protection for electrical cables, wires, conduits, and pneumatic hoses by eliminating mechanical stress at connection points. This mechanism extends the lifespan of cables used in cable drag chains and conduits and prevents accidental plug or connector detachment. While the ideal distance from the connection point to strain relief is typically around 1 meter, the exact positioning depends on the specific application. It is also used in cable carriers or drag chains where cables are subjected to continuous stress.

Principles of Strain Reliefs

A strain relief attached to the rear end of a connector holds the cable firmly, safeguarding the contacts and cable connections from harmful forces. Regularly securing the cable with strain relief helps prevent cable breakage at a minimal cost. It often features a flexible, bellows-like structure to effectively alleviate longitudinal bending stress.

Types of Strain Relief

There are several types of strain relief, each suited for different applications:

• Strain Relief Plates: These simple plates are used to fix cables with ties, featuring notched sections to organize both strain relief and cables.
• Frame Bridges: These can be inserted into brackets of cable drag chains, securing cables with ties.
• Bow Clamps: Ideal for fixing multiple cables vertically, these clamps function as strain relief and are protected from corrosion.
• Strain Relief Grommets: Mounted on equipment bodies, they prevent cords from easily slipping out and absorb forces acting on the cords.

How to Choose a Strain Relief

When selecting strain reliefs, consider the application requirements. Strain relief plates are ideal for fixing multiple cables in industrial settings due to their high implementation density and cost-effectiveness. They can accommodate cables of various diameters, making them flexible for parallel installation of multiple cables with varying diameters. In contrast to typical cable clamps, strain relief plates provide greater versatility and efficiency, particularly when controlling wires of different diameters.

What Is a Flash Freezer?

A flash freezer is a commercial rapid freezing device used to freeze perishable and processed foods, such as fish and meat, in a short period. These freezers minimize flavor deterioration often associated with traditional freezing methods. The rapid freezing process, which occurs at temperatures from 30.2 °F to 23 °F, helps preserve the umami components in food by preventing the transformation of moisture in food cells into ice crystals that can rupture cell walls.

Flash freezers are not only instrumental in extending food freshness without compromising taste but also contribute to reducing food loss, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Uses of Flash Freezer

Flash freezers are increasingly used in small businesses like restaurants, school cafeterias, and grocery stores, in addition to large-scale frozen food factories. The COVID-19 pandemic has also prompted restaurants to freeze and deliver dishes nationwide, enhancing sales opportunities and streamlining operations.

Principles of Flash Freezer

Flash freezers operate by rapidly reducing the temperature of food beyond the 30.2 °F to 23 °F range, where the maximum ice crystallization and potential cell damage occur. Various freezing methods include:

• Air-Cooling: Uses cold air at 22 °F to -40 °F for freezing. Compact in design, it may cause surface drying of food, which newer models address by multi-directional cold air flow.
• Liquid-Cooling: Involves immersing food in alcohol cooled below -22°F, offering rapid freezing due to liquid’s higher thermal conductivity. Food must be packed before immersion.
• Liquefied Gas: Sprays liquid nitrogen at -315.4 °F for swift, extreme low-temperature freezing. Requires specific facilities for liquid nitrogen storage and supply, mainly used in mass production of frozen foods.
• Electromagnetic Wave Combination: Applies a strong static electromagnetic field, reducing cell damage and oxidation. Requires additional devices for electromagnetic field generation and wave leakage prevention.

How to Choose a Flash Freezer

When selecting a flash freezer, consider its type, initial and operational costs, and alignment with your business needs. Businesses like restaurants and grocery stores can explore new opportunities with flash freezers. A well-planned strategy, assessing risks and potential profit increase, is crucial for making an informed choice that suits the business structure.

What Is Formwork?

Formwork is an essential framework used in construction and civil engineering for creating concrete structures like foundations, columns, and floors. It consists of molds, including panels and various fittings like supports and separators, to shape concrete according to specific designs. Plywood panels are a common choice for formwork.

Concrete’s extensive use in buildings, bridges, roads, and other structures necessitates precision in formwork. If formwork dimensions are incorrect, or if deformations or damages occur before the concrete sets, the structure may deviate from the design, leading to significant issues. Hence, accuracy and strength are crucial in formwork.

Uses of Formwork

Formwork is crucial in creating reinforced concrete structures, especially in seismic areas, where buildings, bridges, roads, and tunnels must withstand earthquakes. Combining concrete’s compressive strength with steel’s tensile strength in reinforced concrete structures enables them to endure seismic activity.

Assembling formwork on construction sites involves surrounding pre-assembled reinforcement, pouring concrete into it, and allowing it to cure. Once the concrete sets, formwork is dismantled, marking the completion of that work section. This process requires skilled formwork carpenters for assembly and dismantling.

Principles of Formwork

1. Components

• Separator: A metal rod that maintains concrete thickness within formwork and prevents outward expansion during pouring.
• Form Tie: Connects separators from outside the formwork through P-cones, tightening the formwork.
• P-Cone: Stabilizes the separator and form tie connections, buried in concrete, and removed post-curing.
• Spacer: Ensures cover thickness for structures like columns, securing space between the reinforcement and formwork panels.

2. Construction

Formwork construction involves fabricating panels based on design blueprints. While small projects might involve on-site cutting, larger projects usually use prefabricated panels from a factory. Precise alignment with the design and protection against deformation before concrete sets are critical for structural integrity.

For complex shapes like tunnels or curved structures, three-dimensional formwork and robust support materials are necessary.

How to Choose Formwork

Choosing the right formwork requires understanding the construction site’s specific needs, including soil and terrain factors. Effective communication about the site overview, blueprint specifications, and early site visits are vital for selecting appropriate formwork. This proactive approach helps anticipate challenges and fosters constructive dialogue with formwork providers.

What Is a Camera Link Cable?

A camera link cable adheres to the Camera Link standard, which specifies the connection between industrial digital cameras and image input boards (frame grabbers) embedded in PCs. Developed in 2000 by the Automated Imaging Association (AIA), this standard was the first to define connections for industrial digital cameras and frame grabbers, and it remains widely used.

These cameras, primarily integrated into manufacturing equipment and controlled by devices like PCs, require specific cables for connectivity. PCs generally use Camera Link-compatible frame grabbers installed in expansion slots, as built-in interfaces for Camera Link are uncommon. Other standards for connecting industrial digital cameras to PCs include CoaXPress and USB3Vision.

Uses of Camera Link Cable

Camera link cables are specialized for connections between Camera Link-compatible devices, including industrial digital cameras, frame grabbers, and Camera Link repeaters, splitters, and multiplexers.

• Camera Link Repeater: Extends the length of Camera Link cables beyond the 10-meter limit to a maximum of 20 meters.
• Camera Link Splitter: Transmits video data from a single digital camera to multiple frame grabbers simultaneously.
• Camera Link Multiplexer: Routes video data to multiple frame grabbers without the need for simultaneous transmission.

Principles of Camera Link Cable

Camera Link is based on National Semiconductor’s Channel Link technology, initially developed for flat-panel displays. It uses low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) for high-speed signal transmission, employing four sets of signal lines for transmitting data and controlling the camera. Camera Link transmits 28 bits of data with one clock, allocating 24 bits for video data, 3 bits for active signals, and 1 spare bit.

How to Choose a Camera Link Cable

When choosing a Camera Link cable, consider the connectors at both ends of the cable, as they are integral to the cable and cannot be purchased separately. Variations include Power over Camera Link (PoCL) compliant cables, which also supply power to the camera, and compact connectors like SDR26pin, in addition to the standard MDR26pin. Cables designed for repeated bending, suitable for mounting on robot arms, are also available. Ensure compatibility with the camera and frame grabber connectors and select a product that fits the usage environment. Consult manufacturers or suppliers for guidance in selecting the appropriate cable.

What Is a Joystick?

A joystick is a device used for controlling vehicles or machinery by manually moving a stick in different directions, such as forward, backward, left, or right. This type of controller enables the manipulation of large machinery with minimal wrist movement, resulting in relatively low fatigue during extended use. For precision machinery requiring delicate operations, small joysticks that allow for subtle force adjustments at the fingertips are incorporated into control panels.

Joysticks are also widely used as control devices for personal computers and gaming consoles to maneuver characters or vehicles swiftly in virtual worlds. While industrial robots and automated machinery operate based on pre-programmed instructions, joysticks provide manual, real-time operation by individuals.

Uses of Joystick

Joysticks are extensively used in the industrial sector for a variety of equipment, including transportation machinery, construction equipment, and manufacturing devices. For instance, in container terminals, operators in high control cabins use joysticks to precisely control gantry cranes, while heavy machinery like hydraulic excavators and wheel loaders on construction sites use joysticks for complex movements. In manufacturing industries, joysticks are often used for precise positioning of work on XY stages.

Principles of Joystick

A joystick converts the stick’s tilt into electrical signals for the Y-axis (forward and backward) and X-axis (left and right). These signals control actuators like servo motors or hydraulic cylinders to maneuver machinery. Joysticks may employ constant-speed or acceleration methods, depending on the stick’s tilt. Frequently, when released, the stick returns to a neutral position, stopping the actuator. Joysticks can control machinery directionally by tilting the stick, and can include switches for additional functions.

How to Choose a Joystick

When selecting a joystick, consider factors such as the operator’s posture, operation nature, and working environment to ensure precision and minimize fatigue. The choice should be based on the specific application, whether it’s for operating machinery in a gantry crane cabin, precision adjustments in manufacturing, or gaming. Additionally, consider durability for harsh outdoor conditions or dust-free requirements for clean room environments.

What Is PCB Mounting?

PCB mounting refers to the process of soldering electronic components onto a printed circuit board (PCB) to make the electronic circuit operational. This process involves either soldering components directly onto the PCB surface in surface mount technology (SMT) or inserting component leads into the PCB holes in insertion mount technology, followed by soldering. SMT has become more prevalent recently due to advancements in PCB density and miniaturization.

Uses of PCB Mounting

PCB mounting is essential for the functioning of various electronic devices, including computers, home appliances, medical equipment, digital devices, and military equipment. Assembled PCBs, which are boards equipped with mounted components, are vital in these applications. Prototyping in PCB mounting is also crucial for testing the performance and reliability of the board before mass production, especially with the rapid advancement of electronics.

PCBs are made of conductor and insulator materials and come in rigid and flexible types. They can be single-sided, double-sided, or multilayered, depending on the number of conductor layers.

Principles of PCB Mounting

Designing an electrical circuit is essential for ensuring the proper functioning of electronic devices. This involves creating a circuit diagram, selecting and arranging components, and verifying the device’s operation. PCB design, or artwork design, entails planning component placement and wiring on the board. Efficient board design is critical for cost-effectiveness.

During component mounting, data indicating solder locations and component types and sizes are created. Attention is needed to prevent component contact and ensure proper self-alignment during soldering.

Types of PCB Mounting

1. Surface Mounting

Surface mounting involves soldering surface SMDs directly onto the PCB. This can be done through manual soldering with a soldering iron or the reflow process, where solder paste is applied, components are placed, and then melted in a reflow oven.

2. Insertion Mounting

Insertion mounting involves inserting component leads into PCB holes and then soldering them. This can be done manually or using machines like axial or radial component insertion machines. Different soldering techniques are used depending on the volume and component type.

What Are Pro AV Systems?

Pro AV systems refer to professional-grade audiovisual equipment and services. These systems are used in various event venues such as concerts, sports events, and exhibitions to provide high-quality real-time video and audio delivery. Pro AV, as a technological domain, involves standardized manufacturing and sales of specialized equipment.

Handling high-definition digital images requires managing significant data volumes. When network speeds are slow, video data is often compressed to facilitate real-time delivery, but high compression ratios can lead to loss of image quality. Conversely, improving network speed entails enhancing equipment performance, which can increase facility costs.

In the pro AV domain, advancements have been made in networking high-resolution video, including the standardization of new communication methods and the development of network-related equipment compliant with these standards. A key technology in this domain is AV over IP, which involves transmitting audio and video signals over IP networks.

Uses of Pro AV Systems

Pro AV systems are utilized in various settings for delivering high-quality audio and video. These systems are commonly used in concerts and events to distribute content to large digital displays and sound systems. Pro AV systems, particularly those using AV over IP technology, simplify the distribution process by using Ethernet networks to transport audio and video content.

Principles of Pro AV Systems

1. Standards

High-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) is a widely used protocol for transmitting high-quality digital video and audio without compression. Ethernet, standardized in 1980, is the foundation for LANs and includes communication protocols, cables, and configurations.

2. Data Communication

Ethernet connects various devices on a single communication path, allowing data exchange using IP addresses. It uses time division multiple access (TDMA) to manage data flow and prevent signal collisions.

3. AV over IP

AV over IP technology converts HDMI signals into IP packets for transmission over Ethernet networks. This simplifies building AV networks in event venues, reducing the need for numerous cables.

4. Standards for Pro AV Networks

With the demand for higher-speed and massive data communication, such as with 4K and 8K content, data compression within acceptable ranges is necessary. Consortia have been formed to establish standards for pro AV networks (SDVoE), and products are being developed based on this standard.

How to Choose Pro AV Systems

When setting up a pro AV environment, consulting professionals or system integrators with expertise in both network and AV technology is crucial. Choosing the right pro AV system involves understanding the specific requirements of the event or venue and selecting equipment that meets these needs while also considering network capabilities.

What Are Network Attached Storage (NAS) Devices?

Network attached storage (NAS) devices are data storage devices connected to a Local Area Network (LAN), primarily used for file sharing within offices or factories and for tasks like PC data backup.

NAS devices are essentially specialized computers designed for file management, equipped with high-capacity hard disk drives. With the increasing use of large video data files captured on smartphones or digital cameras, NAS has also become popular for home network storage solutions. While server computers and cloud services are other methods for file sharing and data storage, NAS offers a cost-effective solution with large capacity, high-speed, and easy file sharing and data backup.

Uses of NAS Devices

NAS devices are versatile, serving as storage locations for shared files within a company, accommodating various file types from Word documents to JPEG images. They are particularly suitable for storing large video files in business settings. NAS devices are also used for regular backups of individual PCs, though high network traffic can impact performance if proper network segmentation isn’t implemented.

For personal use, NAS devices are increasingly common for storing large video data at home, thanks to affordable models designed for home use.

Principles of NAS Devices

NAS devices are dedicated computers that manage file storage and can save files sent from other PCs and transmit them upon request. These devices typically use Intel Core or Celeron processors, providing high reliability while not requiring the high performance of advanced CPUs. Consumer-grade NAS products often integrate a single Hard Disk Drive (HDD), while business-grade NAS allows multiple disk bays, enabling RAID configurations for data safety.

Some NAS products use solid state drives (SSD) for faster data handling. NAS connects to a router via a cable on the LAN, allowing access to files and folders from PCs and smartphones on the same network. File management software included with NAS can set access permissions for individual folders and files.

1. NAS Connection

NAS connects to a router via a LAN cable, allowing access to files within NAS-managed storage from devices on the same LAN. File management software sets access permissions for folders and files on NAS.

2. Roles of NAS

NAS facilitates high-speed information and data exchange within a network, though actual speed is limited by router capacity and line speed. Some NAS models support external access, enabling remote work environments.

NAS focuses on file sharing and individual data backup within departments or companies, offering efficient, cost-effective data exchange, sharing, and storage.

How to Choose NAS

When selecting NAS, consider factors like the number of PCs, required data capacity, and basic usage needs. Starting with a basic system and scaling up as needed can ensure a smooth transition.

What Are Business Tablets?

Business tablets are portable devices used by companies and organizations in daily operations. They evolved from personal digital assistants (PDAs) and now typically include general-purpose tablet PCs, like Apple’s iPad, with business-specific software and necessary peripherals.

Technological advancements have greatly improved tablet PCs’ capabilities, making them comparable to desktops or laptops for information input and retrieval. Tablets are favored for their portability, user-friendliness, and space efficiency, leading to their widespread use in business settings.

This discussion centers on tablets that are customized for specific business applications, rather than commercially available tablet PCs used directly for business purposes.

Uses of Business Tablets

Business tablets are versatile, finding applications in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, self-service kiosks, and as control panels in machinery and vehicles.

1. Manufacturing

In manufacturing, tablets enable real-time input and monitoring, offering space savings and flexibility over traditional PCs.

2. Airports and Hotels

Self-service kiosks at airports and hotels often utilize business tablets for check-in and ticketing functions.

3. Operational Use

Business tablets are increasingly used for various operational purposes, like train announcements, showcasing their adaptability.

Principles of Business Tablets

Most business tablets are based on general-purpose tablets like the iPad, running operating systems like Windows or Android. These tablets support commercial applications, development tools, and peripherals such as barcode readers. They also provide customization options like dedicated carrying cases or additional devices.

These tablets can be tailored for specific uses, including restricting applications or adding company branding for customer-facing roles.

How to Choose Business Tablets

Choosing business tablets involves considering system integration capabilities. For organizations with strong internal IT departments, self-sufficiency is possible. However, external system integrators play a crucial role in software development, implementation support, and long-term maintenance, especially for large-scale deployments.

When relying on external integrators, it’s essential to assess their ability to develop needed software, implementation costs, and ongoing support.

Given the rapid evolution of tablet technology, it’s important to consider long-term support and updates. Strategic planning is crucial to avoid future challenges similar to those faced in manufacturing environments with embedded PCs and outdated components.