Chapter 1
Mechatronics Systems
Q1. Define the term mechatronics?
The term can be defined in many different ways, but essentially, it is a fusion of mechanics
and the synergistic use of precision engineering, control theory, computer science, and sensor
and actuator technology. Mechatronics brings together the areas of technology involving
sensors and measurement systems, drive and actuation systems, analysis of the behavior of
systems, control systems and microprocessor systems. Another definition of mechatronics
relates to the synergistic integration of mechanical engineering, electronics and intelligent
computer control for design and manufacture of industrial products and processes.
Q2. Describe the role of mechatronics in industries.
Application areas of mechatronics are numerous and include: transportation, manufacturing
and production engineering; medical and health care application; modern office environment;
household applications; computer industry; civil engineering applications; space applications,
etc.
In transportation, particularly, automobiles, trains, aircraft, ships and automated transit
systems mechatronics devices are used. The devices include air bag deployment systems, antilock braking systems, navigation warning and control systems, flight control systems, landing
gear mechanisms, etc.
Manufacturing and production engineering is another important field that uses
mechatronics technological systems. Industry robots, computer numerical control (CNC)
machines, flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), computer integrated manufacturing (CIM)
systems, rapid prototyping systems, micromachining systems are examples of mechatronics
applications.
Q3. Explain the origin of mechatronics since 1950.
Rapid advances in electromechanical devices were evident in 1950s, particularly with the use
of servo motors and automation/machine control systems. Advances in digital computer and
communication, integrated circuit and microprocessor technology since 1960s have resulted
more rapid development in this area. The genesis of mechatronics began in 1969 in Japan
when Tetsura Mori, a senior engineer for Yaskawa Electric Corp., coined the term.
Yaskawa applied for a registered trademark for mechatronics and won the rights to the
term in 1973. During the 1970s, mechatronics focused on servo technology, in which simple
implementation-aided technologies related to sophisticated control methods such as
automatic door openers and auto-focus cameras.
The research in 1970s and 1980s paved the way for the evolution of mechatronics with
development of automated transit systems and robots, and spread through Europe and is now
commonly used in all other parts of the world.
In the 1980s, there was a veritable explosion in microprocessor-based products. The
utility of the microcomputer and other similar microprocessor-based devices has been
employed in countless applications –system monitoring, data handling, data presentation and
control. Microprocessors were embedded into mechanical systems to improve performance,
such as antilock braking system. In the 1990s, mechatronics centered on communication
technology to connect products into large networks, including the production of air bags and
other related technologies.
Today, micro scale and nanoscale sensor and actuator technologies are being used in new
products such as tiny accelerometer, etc.
Q4. Briefly explain the design of mechatronics systems.
The philosophy here is to follow an integrated approach to engineering design that supports
the concepts of concurrent engineering. It is the integration of engineering across traditional
boundaries as shown in the figure.
The mechatronics design process essentially consists of three aspects as illustrated in figure
below:
1.
Modeling and simulation: Here physical systems are represented by a suitable model
for describing the behavior characteristics such as block diagrams. Numerical or
computer simulation methods are used for solving models.
2.
3.
Prototyping: It is the process of replacing non-computer subsystems with actual
hardware. Sensors and actuators are interfaced with input and output signals and
connected with the models, resulting in partial mathematical and real models.
Deployment: This is associated with the final product, embedded software
deployment and lifecycle.
Q5. Mention the various stages in designing a mechatronics system.
1.
Analyze the requirements (overall functions, rated values and cost).
2.
Specifications (definition of the product or process, limitations and sources, reliability
and safety).
3.
System design (partitioning, modules, mechanics versus electronics, synergies).
4.
Modeling and simulation (models, behavior, etc.).
5.
Component design (mechanics, electronics, control, interface).
6.
Prototypes (laboratory solutions, computer algorithms).
7.
Mechatronics components (mechanical, electronics, control and interface).
8.
Component testing.
9.
System integration (hardware and software).
10.
System testing.
11.
Field testing.
12.
Production.