In this paper, a novel tensioning and relaxing wearable system is introduced to improve the wearing comfort and load-bearing capabilities of knee exoskeletons. The research prototype of the novel system, which features a distinctive overrunning clutch drive, is presented. Through co-simulation with ANSYS, MATLAB, and SOLIDWORKS software, a comprehensive multi-objective optimization is performed to enhance the dynamics performance of the prototype. Firstly, the wearing contact stiffness of the prototype and the mechanical parameters of the relevant materials are simulated and fitted based on the principle of functional equivalence. And then, its equivalent nonlinear circumferential stiffness model is obtained. Secondly, to enhance the wearing comfort of the exoskeleton, a novel comprehensive performance evaluation index, termed wearing comfort, is introduced. The index considers multiple factors such as the duration of vibration transition, the acceleration encountered during wear, and the average pressure applied. Finally, through the utilization of this indicator, the system’s dynamics performance is optimized via multi-platform co-simulation, and the simulation results validate the effectiveness of the research method and the proposed wearable comfort index. The theoretical basis for the subsequent research on the effectiveness of prototype weight-bearing is provided.

Pneumatic launch systems for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), including mechanical and pneumatic systems, are complex and non-linear. They are subjected to system parameters during launch, which leads to difficulty in engineering research analysis. For example, the mismatch between the UAV parameters and the parameter design indices of the launch system as well as the unclear design indices of the launching speed and overload of UAVs have a great impact on launch safety. Considering this situation, some studies are presented in this paper. Taking the pneumatic launch system as a research object, a pneumatic launcher dynamic simulation model is built based on co-simulation considering the coupling characteristics of the mechanical structure and transmission system. Its accuracy was verified by laboratory test results. Based on this model, the paper shows the effects of the key parameters, including the mass of the UAV, cylinder volume, pressure and moment of inertia of the pulley block, on the performance of the dynamic characteristics of the launch process. Then, a method for matching the parameter characteristics between the UAV and launch system based on batch simulation is proposed. The set of matching parameter values of the UAV and launch system that satisfy the launch take-off safety criteria are calculated. Finally, the influence of the system parameters of the launch process on the launch performance was analysed in detail, and the design optimised. Meaningful conclusions were obtained. The analysis method and its results can provide a reference for engineering and theoretical research and development of pneumatic launch systems.

This paper deals with the development of a simulation platform for the dynamic analysis of systems characterised by different physical domains. The research has been carried out in the context of the EC-funded Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative (Green Regional Aircraft/All-Electric Aircraft domain). In particular, the objective of the research is focused on the on-board systems of new All-Electric Aircraft, where a crucial design point is related to the electrical energy management. In the “all-electric” concept, where pneumatic and hydraulic power systems are eliminated to improve aviation costs and environmental impact, the dynamics of electrical power absorptions is to be characterised and managed to avoid excessive peaks with respect to generators capabilities. The paper describes the architecture of a Matlab/Simulink simulation platform developed in order to design and validate of the electrical energy management logics, which lead up to 32% reduction of the maximum power request for the case study considered. Thanks to an approach based on a mixing of co-simulation and S-function compiling, the platform integrates models coming from different environments (AMESim, Dymola/Modelica), and developed by various partners/specialists.