CMI Express Blog

In-Vehicle Payment Services The Rise of In-Vehicle Payment Services Over the past decade, contactless payments have seen a meteoric rise in popularity. With tap-and-go cards and mobile wallets, consumers enjoy the ease and convenience of making quick purchases without cash or even touching their payment terminal. This trend towards touchless transactions was already well underway when the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated its adoption out of health and safety concerns. As consumers have embraced contactless payments in their daily lives, the automotive industry has taken notice and begun exploring integrated payment solutions for vehicles. Embedded Payment Systems Major automakers have started equipping new In-Vehicle Payment Services with the capability to accept contactless payments right from the dashboard or center console. Systems like GM's Marketplace allow drivers to make purchases and pay for services without ever leaving the vehicle. Embedded payment terminals transmit a...

  Wind Turbine Nacelle The nacelle is an important component located at the top of a wind turbine tower. This cylindrical casing houses all the key parts that control the rotor and generate electricity. Modern multi-megawatt wind turbines have nacelles that can weigh over 20 tons and span over 30 feet in length. Understanding what's inside the nacelle helps explain how wind turbines convert kinetic energy from wind into usable electrical power. Drive Train and Generator At the center of every Wind Turbine Nacelle sits the drive train and generator. The drive train consists of a main shaft, gearbox, coupling and low-speed shaft. As the wind spins the three blades connected to the main shaft, it transmits rotational energy through the drive train. Since wind speeds fluctuate but a generator requires constant rotational input, the gearbox is used to change the variable speeds from the main shaft into a steady range matched to the generator. It connects to a coupling which then tr...

Micro-Mobility Charging Infrastructure The Rise of Micro-mobility Micro-mobility, which includes shared bicycles, electric scooters, and other small, low-speed mobility devices, has seen immense growth in recent years. As urbanization increases worldwide and cities face congestion and environmental challenges, micro-mobility offers an affordable and sustainable solution for short-distance trips within cities. According to surveys, almost 30% of all car trips in urban areas are less than 2 miles, which can easily be replaced by micro-mobility modes. Micro-mobility also encourages pollution-free transportation and reduces oil consumption. The rapid adoption of dockless electric bikes and scooters by major operators around the world is a testament to their popularity. However, for micro-mobility to succeed as a mainstream urban transportation solution, high availability and dependability need to be ensured through efficient rebalancing and charging operations. This requires strategizing ...

  Gear Reducer Market The growing electronics industry has propelled the demand for compact industrial machines and components, driving the gear reducer market. Gear reducers help transfer power from electric motors to various mechanical loads such as machines and conveyor belts. They feature advantages like low maintenance, high torque output, compact size, and improved energy efficiency. The Global Gear Reducer Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 19.96 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 8.3% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031. Gear reducers are used in a wide array of industrial equipment and machinery to increase torque while reducing rotational speed of a motor shaft. They find applications in conveyor belts, robotic arms, cranes, machines tools, packaging equipment, and various assembly lines. The compact size and ability to withstand heavy loads make gear reducers suitable for industries with space constraints like electronics. This has further fuele...

  Automotive Wire and Cable Materials Copper vs Aluminum One of the major considerations when choosing wire and cable materials for automotive applications is whether to use copper or aluminum. Copper has traditionally been the preferred material due to its high conductivity. It is resistant to corrosion and can carry more current than aluminum without overheating. However, copper is more expensive than aluminum. Automotive Wire And Cable Materials savings over copper but has some drawbacks to consider. Aluminum has about 60% of the conductivity of copper, so larger aluminum cables are needed to carry the same current as a copper cable of the same dimensions. Aluminum is also more susceptible to corrosion, especially in presence of dissimilar metals like copper. This can lead to breakdown of insulation over time. Proper termination techniques help address aluminum's corrosion concerns to some extent. For low-current applications like lighting and infotainment, aluminum wirin...

Global Trailer Axle Transportation  Growth of Transportation and Logistics Boosts Dema nd The transportation and logistics has seen tremendous growth over the past few decades driven by increasing global trade and e-commerce. As goods are shipped across longer distances via trucks, trailers have become an indispensable part of the supply chain. This has fuelled strong demand for it globally. Trailers require durable and reliable axles that can withstand heavy loads over rough terrains and long hauls. Leading manufacturers have ramped up production significantly to meet the needs of trailer OEMs and the aftermarket. Several industry experts project this market to maintain mid-single-digit annual growth rates through 2030. Raw Material Price Volatility Remains a Challenge While demand conditions have been largely positive for Global Trailer Axle producers, fluctuating raw material costs continue to pose challenges. Steel is the primary raw material used in axle manufacturing. In...

Micro-mobility Charging Infrastructure Micro-mobility modes like e-scooters and e-bikes are growing rapidly as a means for short urban trips. However, a critical factor in expanding their use is developing robust charging infrastructure to power these shared electric vehicles. An optimized charging network can help micro-mobility services scale up reliably while reducing their environmental impact. Charging Operations Managing large fleets of chargers and ensuring electric Micro-Mobility Charging Infrastructure  power requires efficient charging logistics. Companies operate networks of dedicated chargers that scooters and bikes can be docked at for a quicker recharge compared to slower at-home charging. Charging stations are usually located near high traffic areas like transit stations or parks to maximize accessibility and convenience for riders. Chargers may be owned by operators or deployed through partnerships with property owners at locations like parking garages, office...

Secure Logistics Modern Supply Chain Vulnerabilities As global trade has expanded in recent decades, the modern supply chain has grown increasingly complex. Vast networks of producers, distributors, transporters, and retailers work together to deliver goods around the world. However, this complexity has also introduced new vulnerabilities that threat actors have sought to exploit. Critical infrastructure like ports, warehouses, and transportation hubs present attractive targets for criminals, terrorists, and nation states. Disruptions to any part of the supply chain can snowball and impact global customers and economies. Securing today's just-in-time systems against both physical and cyber threats is an immense challenge but a necessary one for safety, national security, and business continuity. Supply Chain Cybersecurity While physical attacks remain a concern, cyber threats may present an even greater long term risk to supply chain integrity and resilience. Computer systems n...

Automotive Wire And Cable Materials Copper and Aluminum Cables Copper and aluminum are the two most commonly used metals for automotive wiring and cabling. Copper cables offer higher conductivity compared to aluminum, but aluminum cables are lighter. The use of copper or aluminum depends on the application requirements. Copper cables are preferred where higher conductivity is essential, such as in charging systems, starter cables, and engine wiring harnesses that handle higher voltages and amperages. Automotive Wire And Cable Materials Copper has approximately 60% higher conductivity than aluminum. It is more resistant to corrosion and maintains stability over a wide temperature range. However, copper cables are heavier and more expensive than aluminum alternatives. Aluminum cables see greater use in applications where weight savings is important, like the main battery cables that run throughout the vehicle. Aluminum weighs approximately one-third less than copper. This can provide ...

Hyperloop Train What is Hyperloop Train? Hyperloop is a proposed mode of passenger and freight transportation that transports people or objects in pods or scaled-down shuttle trains traveling at aircraft-like speeds through low-pressure tubes erected above or below ground between cities up to 1000 miles apart. Hyperloop technology relies on pod transportation through a reduced-pressure tube environment to provide very fast yet economical point-to-point transportation. How Does Hyperloop Train Work? The tubes are either supported above the ground by pylons or buried underground. Inside the tube, a pod rides on a cushion of air or magnetic levitation generated by linear induction motors or magnetic levitation. By significantly reducing aerodynamic drag and friction, Hyperloop Train can reach speeds of over 600 mph or more. The pods are designed to be safely lifted off their air cushions or magnetic rails at high speeds by the linear induction motors in the event of emergencies, bri...

Automotive Repair And Maintenance Services State Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Most states require vehicles to pass an annual or biannual emission and safety inspection. These inspections verify that a vehicle meets the state's emission and equipment standards. Inspections check items like emission controls, safety lights, brakes, tires, and fluid levels. Passing inspection is required to renew your vehicle's registration. Professional repair shops can help address any issues found during inspection. Regular Automotive Repair and Maintenance Services Keeping up with the manufacturer's Automotive Repair and Maintenance Services is important for optimum vehicle performance and longevity. Services like oil changes, fluid replacements, tune-ups, and preventative component replacements are an investment that pays off in reduced repair costs down the road. Trusted repair shops can perform these standard maintenance services to help prevent bigger problems. Oil Changes...