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IoT System Development

The document discusses an IoT solution developed for reinforced composite manufacturing that detects leaks in vacuum bags and communicates this information to users in real-time via mobile apps. Integra Sources optimized the software architecture and implemented asynchronous techniques to eliminate delays in data transfer. They continued enhancing the solution by adding new features and migrating databases.

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42 views4 pages

IoT System Development

The document discusses an IoT solution developed for reinforced composite manufacturing that detects leaks in vacuum bags and communicates this information to users in real-time via mobile apps. Integra Sources optimized the software architecture and implemented asynchronous techniques to eliminate delays in data transfer. They continued enhancing the solution by adding new features and migrating databases.

Uploaded by

nesuem
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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IoT System Development

for Manufacturing Reinforced Composites


Industrial solutions ▪ Manufacturing ▪ IoT ▪ Cross-platform software development
Firmware development

About
In reinforced composite manufacturing, there is a widely -used technique called vacuum
molding. This technique is employed to create mechanical pressure on a laminate during its
cure cycle. Vacuum molding helps to eliminate any voids (e.g. bubbles and wrinkles) in the
buildup of layers and to achieve the optimal ratio of resin to reinforcement (e.g fi berglass,
or carbon fi ber) by squeezing out the excess.

In any vacuum bagging application, leaks are the biggest problem. Even the smallest leak
can greatly hinder per formance or even completely ruin a par t.

To fi nd leaks in vacuum bags, composites exper ts use special devices that allow for ensuring
a per fectly sealed vacuum bag.

Request
A Canadian company developed an IoT solution that improves the way reinforced
composites are manufactured. The solution is a special device that provides leak
detection on a vacuum bag and communicates this information to the user via a phone,
tablet or PC.

When this company turned to Integra Sources their solution was at the fi nal stages of
completion. But they faced a challenge: the data transfer from the cloud to the user
application was slow. The delay in sending messages was about 250ms on the ser ver
side. In other words, the app failed to provide real-time per formance.

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Solution
Af ter investigating the delays in data transfer bet ween the Atlantic cloud platform and the
end user apps, we of fered a solution. Our team optimized the existing sof t ware architecture
of the Qt cross-platform applications and implemented asynchronous techniques on the
ser ver which resulted in eliminating delays. Now the user apps receive data from the IoT
devices in real time.

When the problem was fi xed, our client decided to continue working with Integra Sources on
the development of his solution. As par t of our ongoing development activities, we
implemented the migration of data from TinyDB to MongoDB databases, realized Google’s
Protocol Buf fers (an IoT communication protocol), and implemented Over-The -Air (OTA)
fi rmware updates with our hardware development team.

Technologies Used
▪ QT framework was used for the development of the cross-platform (Windows,
Linux, iOS, Android) GUI applications for the end users.
▪ Tornado web framework was used for backend development for providing non-
blocking net work I/O and suppor ting thousands of net work connections.
▪ AngularJS framework was used for frontend development (web inter face).
▪ C/C++ language was used for fi rmware development (IoT devices).

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▪ Optimized software to ensure real-time
performance.
▪ Added new widgets to the user interface.
▪ Implemented OTA firmware updates.

Result ▪ Migrated from custom communication protocol


to Google’s Protocol Buffers (Protobuf).
▪ Configured the production server using the
The IoT solution we helped to develop is a
Atlantic Cloud platform.
hardware device based on the Par ticle IoT ▪ Implemented Windows plug-and-play driver
platform. The device is built using an STM32 support for the IoT device in firmware upgrade
mode.
microcontroller and equipped with the
▪ Added a licensing verification mechanism that
Par ticle Wi-Fi module. It communicates with
validates user licenses for using the software.
sensors that collect data on atmospheric
▪ Migrated from TinyDB to MongoDB database.
pressure, vacuum, temperature, and humidit y
▪ Released applications on Windows Store, Apple's
under the vacuum bag, and transmits that App Store, and Google Play Store.
data to the custom Cloud where it is ▪ Implemented cloud monitoring tools for admin.
processed and saved.

A composites expert places this IoT device on top of their vacuum bag setup and plugs in the
vacuum lines to the device. To receive live data composites exper ts need to connect to the
Cloud. They can do this with the help of apps for Windows, iOS, or Android available for
PC, phones, and tablets. The app displays leaks on vacuum bagging tools so a user can
quickly seal the bag and view the cure progress. It also records all manufacturing
parameters such as pressure, humidit y, and temperature.

The device has an innovative cure sensor to monitor the curing of individual par ts. When the
par t is fully cured (cure parameters are met or threshold temperature is reached), users
receive SMS or email alarms.

This IoT solution was recognized by the American Composites Manufacturing Association
(ACMA). It won the 2018 Award for Composites Excellence (ACE) in Manufacturing, beating
more than 600 other companies in the competition for this award.

Our team is currently providing full suppor t for the IoT devices, the ser ver, and the user
applications, constantly adding new features.

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“The database has satisfied all scope requirements. The upgrades have improved communication and
performance. Team strengths include accessibility and problem-solving and they are unafraid to
research problems and develop their own solutions. Integra demonstrated strong management skills
when they manage our servers for a week during an important trade show; we showcased our
product at the event. Communication channels are always fluid and straightforward.”

President, RAM Ruiz Aerospace Manufacturing

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