Messier-Bugatti designs
right-the-first-time Airbus components 

As one of the main systems integrators on the Airbus A400M and the upcoming Airbus A350 aircraft programs, Messier-Bugatti has a proven reputation as a key partner to leading aircraft manufacturers. Examples of continuous innovation include Messier-Bugatti's integrated SLK (Steering-Landing-Kneeling) system, a 'three-in-one ' integrated system that combines nose-wheel steering, landing-gear extension and retraction, and a special "kneeling" function that lowers or raises the aircraft for easier loading and unloading.

Pictures (Left) to right): Mr. Jérôme Fraval, Performance & Modeling Engineer at Messier-Bugatti.

The Airbus A400M aircraft in flight. (Picture taken during its first flight.) Photo by A. Doumenjou/Exm Company. 

To design a complex hydraulic system like this, the team at Messier-Bugatti counted on the LMS Imagine.Lab Ground Loads solution to develop system models that met Airbus' strict SLK technical requirements.

Messier-Bugatti engineers were able to design detailed hydraulic components like new selector valves in the most efficient and economic manner as well as obtaining a global model of the hydraulic system.

"Thanks to our customized LMS Imagine.Lab HCD library, we were able to model detailed hydraulic equipment by assembling components from the library. Then, we simply entered the real design parameters to check the equipment performance and evaluate the design for transient phenomena throughout the entire system - a vital measurement in aeronautics. Not only does LMS Imagine.Lab deliver highly accurate results, the LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim solution enables us to eliminate on average 2-3 costly test sessions per component," stated Mr. Jérôme Fraval, Performance & Modeling Engineer at Messier-Bugatti. "It is a very powerful tool that lets us think about how to make the component in the best possible manner."

Messier-Bugatti engineers particularly appreciate the solution because they can go deep into the details when modeling system components. They can also integrate test bench data into the early -stage simulation process.

Picture shows part of Messier-Bugatti's integrated SLK system for Airbus.

This complementary aspect between test and simulation offers a certain advantage for Messier-Bugatti because every design that they test is right the first time.

Building on its experience with the Airbus A380, Messier-Bugatti developed innovative hybrid electro-hydraulic equipment for the A400M aircraft, including uplocks for the landing gear and gear doors, and back-up actuators that open the doors under all conditions. Backing up normal hydraulic actuation, the patented electrical back-up mechanical hydraulic actuator (EBMA) is a Messier-Bugatti innovation to ensure door opening even in case of hydraulic failure.

For the upcoming Airbus A350 aircraft, Messier-Bugatti is currently using LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim to analyze planned improvements on its systems as well as designing new hydraulic equipment to decrease water hammer effects. With the support of LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim, they are successfully optimizing the design and reducing manufacturing costs.         

Point to note
Messier-Bugatti engineers were able to design detailed hydraulic components like new selector valves in the most efficient and economic manner as well as obtaining a global model of the hydraulic system.

Modeling is an art
The "art of braking" pretty much sums up how Messier-Bugatti approaches its business. Every single engineer, technician, and sales and support staff channels their passion and skills into the essence of aviation braking. Mr. Fraval and his team of simulation engineers have taken this one step further with their personal slogan, "modeling is an art".

Most people would say that modeling is more of a science?
"First of all, the term art can be used to refer to any expertise. You have many degrees of freedom to model a complex system like ATA32 aircraft systems. If you ask ten people to model a system, you will find ten different approaches. You need imagination to model: the notion behind this is that system modeling can be perceived in the production of something new and personal while meeting the technical requirements…and to me that is art." - Mr. Jérôme Fraval, Performance & Modeling Engineer at Messier-Bugatti.

For further information, contact: In Europe: LMS International (Headquarters),  e-mail: info@lmsintl.com or view website: www.lmsintl.com

In United States: LIMS, e-mail: info.us@lmsintl.com or view website: http://www.lmsintl.com

Microscan's new right angle C-mount lens design: 
An important addition to its Auto ID and Machine Vision product portfolio

Microscan, a global technology leader in barcode, machine vision and lighting solutions, has introduced a new C-Mount lens configuration for two of its products: the popular QX HAWK imager and the Vision HAWK smart camera. The QX HAWK barcode imager is ideal for industrial track and trace applications, with powerful algorithms for reading virtually all linear and 2D barcodes. The rugged Vision

HAWK combines this decode capability with a complete vision toolset to enable a broad range of inspection and identification tasks. Both products can now be used with interchangeable lenses to address more application needs, such as high magnification and wide fields of view.

"This new right angle C-mount lens design is an important addition to our Auto ID and Machine Vision product portfolio," states Microscan Product Manager Jonathan Ludlow. "We can successfully address a wider variety of today's industrial barcode and vision applications. These are ideal cameras for applications requiring external lighting, right angle mounting in tight spaces, or fields of view that the integrated lens models don't address."


With industrial IP65/67 housing (with lens cover) and built-in Ethernet connectivity, the QX HAWK and Vision HAWK are easy to incorporate into any production environment. Their compact size and flexible configurations simplify integration. The QX HAWK imager uses Microscan's latest X-Mode decoding technology to read any 1D or 2D marked barcode, from a high density 3.3 mil Data Matrix to a very large linear code, to a low-contrast DPM. The Vision HAWK vision system features easy set-up and operation with Microscan's intuitive AutoVISION™ software interface, including powerful decode tools for reading barcodes and text (OCR), and inspection tools for  cap alignment, label positioning, fill level verification, and more.

Compatible accessories include interchangeable lenses from 8mm to 75mm focal length, skylight UV and polarized filters, extension tubes, and lens housings providing IP65/67 rated protection.

Microscan in profile
Microscan is a global leader in technology for precision data acquisition and control solutions serving a wide range of automation and OEM applications. Founded in 1982, Microscan has a strong history of technology innovation that includes the invention of the first laser diode barcode scanner and the 2D symbology, Data Matrix. Today, Microscan remains a technology leader in automatic identification and machine vision with extensive solutions for ID tracking, traceability and inspection ranging from basic barcode reading up to complex machine vision inspection, identification, and measurement.

As an ISO 9001:2008 certified company recognized for quality leadership in the U.S., Microscan is known and trusted by customers worldwide as a provider of quality, high precision products. Microscan is a Spectris company.

For furtherinformation on Microscan's QX HAWK and Vision HAWK C-Mount camera designs, view website: www.microscan.com or e-mail: KRolf@microscan.com

New range of endoscopes from SKF speeds machinery inspection

 SKF, the knowledge engineering company, has launched a new series of portable, compact and easy to use, multi-functional endoscopes that are suitable for internal inspection of a wide range of machinery. The TKES 10 endoscopes are high quality instruments that provide fast and easy inspection with functions such as snapshot, video recording, picture and video review on a compact LCD display backlit screen. Combined, these features allow maintenance technicians to investigate machine condition quickly and accurately with minimum downtime.

Each TKES 10 series endoscope features a high resolution miniature camera, with up to 2x digital zoom that provides a clear and sharp full screen image via a one metre insertion tube. The 5.8mm tip diameter camera is able to show a wide field of view and is available in three variations, with a flexible, semi-rigid or articulated tip. The tube can even be inserted in water and most lubricant oils, and has a high ingress protection level of IP 67. In addition, a side view adaptor allows inspection of awkward applications such as pipe walls.

The endoscope's compact display unit comes with a 90mm screen and is equipped with a powerful variable LED light source making it suitable for inspections in dark spaces. JPEG 640 x 480 pixel images and ASF 320 x 240 pixel videos can be saved and recalled, downloaded to PC and shared. The unit's 2GB SD memory card can store up to 50,000 photos or 120 minutes of video.

The unit uses a 3.7V li-polymer battery providing an operational life of up to four hours between charges and can be used on machinery working in a range of temperatures between -20°C and 60°C. To facilitate ease of use, all models feature magnetic and tripod mounting thread for hands-free operation and are supplied in a sturdy carrying case with all necessary cables, universal mains charger and cleaning kit. Longer flexible and semi-rigid insertion tubes are available as optional accessories.

The TKES 10 series endoscope incorporates the latest technology and design features for improved reliability and performance and is part of SKF's comprehensive range of tools and instruments.

For further information, e-mail: phil.burge@skf.com or e-mail: info.skfbearings@4cm.co.uk  Refer to page 92