2017 TechConnect World Innovation & Expo

And Other May 2017 Innovations report out

As always, the TechConnect Expo was very informative essentially for core technology improvements that can be integrated into OE’s core ER&D. This year only one innovation on display fell within Design HMI core competence which is application of innovations into HMI Projects; from https://www.solace.ca/applications for wireless charging and power transfer.

Buffable Polishes for automotive exterior for hard lasting finish and leather coating additives based wax emulsions.

Multi Fiber Optic Sensors for measurement of physical parameters such as pressure, temperature, vibration, and displacement. A fiber optic cable is made of high purity silica glass to transmit optical signals over long distances. Compared to conventional electrical sensors, fiber optics is an electricity-free sensing device which is not affected by environmental noise such as EMI. Applications are thermal remediation, chemical processing and multiple others. Not yet ready for Automotive but has huge potential in developing same for self-driving cars.

Nano Technology development had another strong presence at the TechConnect World Innovation Conference & Expo.

Quite a few Technology Incubators, accelerator programs, clusters, and science parks were also represented showcasing major advances in raw technology.

For Automotive, Korea Institute of Energy Research showcased Nano-Fluid Cooling Reliability Technology, fuel economy/environment improving technology of vehicles/engines, high efficient eco-friendly vehicles and future alternative fuel application technology and high efficient heating technology and thermal management of the battery pack for electric vehicles.

Coating is based upon a simple process where silicon oxide is applied and thermally cured to the metal resulting in quartz coating featuring unique and unmatchable properties. This effectively prevents scaling and provides an anti-corrosive protection of the metal. The chemical inertness of the thin-film works as a barrier to prevent undesirable reactions between agent and metal/application. Add to that a polishing effect of the surface with filling of micro‐cracks, micro‐pores and reduced surface roughness.

N5’s revolutionary new Sensor Technology offers detection of a multitude of gases ranging from carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide to volatile organic compounds. They offer low-power single gas, dual-gas and 4 gas sensor devices in several small footprints, ideal for battery-powered devices, wearables, and connected systems.

Fibers Targeting Light-emitting particles called Quantum Dots was another innovation though application for Automotive not clear.

Another potential was plasma assisted Fuel Injection Systems we can create, cleaner, lighter and more efficient engines.

Also, unique, Ultra-Low Volume Dispensing Technology through the novel use of acoustic energy this technology enables uses disposable fluid cartridges to precisely dispense a wide range of bio-materials and other fluids.

New high-performance, inherently flame-resistant and halogen-free solution for RTM and infusion processing which offers greater strength while answering continued demand for Weight Reduction in interior aerospace designs. In addition to weight savings infusion process capability enables highly complex parts production with a high level of function integration significantly reducing the number of parts in many designs.

Of course, Wireless Charging and Power Transfer was another technology on display – this was through use of electric field RC² (Resonant Capacitive Coupling) technology allowing complete spatial freedom and misalignment for your applications, while also allowing flexible and conformal product design.

Another was Flow Battery which operates by pumping two water-based electrolyte solutions into a cell. The electrolytes (commonly vanadium) can be charged or discharged depending on whether a current is being applied (e.g., solar cell or wind turbine) or it is being extracted (e.g., delivered to homes).

Design inspired by Bladeless Turbine invented by Nikola Tesla was on display utilizes adhesive forces of fluid (basically friction forces between the fluid and the discs) for energy extraction. This has lower propensity for breakage due to mechanical stresses. Design is adjusted for water and low volume flow rates and heads which are practically below lower limit of operating regimes for standard turbines.

In the industrial sector, large use of energy is due manufacturing process called Process Heating. A new design to improve heat transfer – both heating and cooling, in the industrial sector. Normal heat transfer through heat exchangers are subject to mineral fouling, and as fouling accumulates on heat transfer surfaces, heat transfer declines, often dramatically. Nano-Scopic Coatings can prevent or retard naturally-occurring fouling on heat transfer surfaces hopefully better than chemically treat cooling water continuously.

LiquidNano Automotive Glass Treatment have taken their Mobile Protection formula and revised it for automotive glass applications. According to them it increases the resistance to windshield against chips and cracks by more than 600%. It is also formulated to repel rain, ice, and sleet, LiquidNano improves visibility and clarity by resisting dirt and grime, and lasts for at least *2 years! They are now on Kickstarter – click https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/949264272/liquidnano

Researchers at the University of Antwerp and the KULeuven have developed a small handheld device that Purifies Dirty Air While Energy Is Recovered. The device simply needs to be exposed to light to begin functioning. On the device, a membrane separates two chambers and air is purified on one side, and hydrogen gas is produced on the other. The gas can be stored and used later as fuel.