Mechatronics
Instructor: Shuvra Das
Mechanical Engineering Dept.
University of Detroit Mercy
Mecha____what?
• Synergistic Combination of precision
mechanical engineering, electronic control, and
intelligent software in a systems framework,
used in the design of products and
manufacturing processes.
• the design and manufacture of products and systems
possessing both a mechanical functionality and an
integrated algorithmic control.
• designing intelligent machines.
Mechatronics
Machines and Information
Information technology
Mechanical Technology
Software
Electro-mechanics Mechatronics
Electrical Technology
Electronics
Mechatronics Knowledge Area
Electromechanics
Mechanics
System
Model
Electronics
Transducers
Mechatronics
ComputerAided Design
Simulation
Computers
Digital
Control
Systems
Control
Circuitry
Microcontrol
Controls
Engineering Contents
• Mechanical Engineering
– Design, Manufacturing and System Dynamics
• Control
– Control System Design, Real-time system
• Electronics
– Actuators and Sensors
• Computer Science
– Algorithm implementation, AI and
Communications
Think System!!
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Mechanical System at the core
Electronics brings efficiency and reliability
Control systems bring accuracy and speed
Computer hardware and software brings
functionality and versatility
Flowchart of Mechatronic
Systems
Mechatronics is Everywhere!
• Sensors,embedded systems, actuators, smart
controls are everywhere, consider the
following terms in the context of auto
industry:
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Active suspension control
Drive by wire (brake by wire, steer by wire)
Smart sensors
Embedded technology
More Examples of Mechatronics?
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Robots
Photocopiers
Anti-lock brakes
washers/dryers
autofocus cameras
Fuzzy logic based
dishwashing machines
• Automated storage
and retrival
• AGV in material
handling
• Mine detection robots
• ATMs, cash deposit
machines
• Airplanes (auto-pilot)
• Medical devices
• Weapons
• ……..
Characteristics of Mechatronics
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High speed
High accuracy
Robustness
Reliability
Miniaturization
Mechatronics product
• Adaptive/smart suspension for medium weight truck
• based on air springs one on each of the six wheels
carried on three axels, with sensors to measure the
current vertical position, velocity and acceleration.
Data from sensors transmitted to on-board
microprocessor controller at 20 ms intervals, where it
is used as the input to control algorithms based on
mathematical model of the suspension system. Fast
acting cross-flow valves, operated by the
microcontroller, and then used to moderate pressures
of air springs.
Mechatronics is a Design
Process
• Mechatronic design optimizes available mix of
technologies to produce products that are of high
quality and reliability and satisfy customer needs
• "We are driving to have compelling and affordable
fuel cell vehicles on the road by the end of the
decade. With Hy-wire, we have taken the
technology as it exists today and packaged it into
an innovative drivable vehicle comparable in size
and weight to today's luxury automobiles”. Larry
Burns, V.P. GM research.
Is Mechatronics new?
• Mechatronics is the application of the latest,
cost-effective, technology in the areas of
computers, electronics, controls, and
mechanical systems to the design process to
create more functional and adaptable
products.
• A GOOD DESIGN PRACTICE
There is something new here!
• Mechatronics encompasses the knowledge base
and the technologies required for the flexible
generation of controlled motion.
• Mechatronics demands horizontal integration
between various disciplines as well as vertical
integration between design and manufacturing.
• Mechatronics is a significant design trend-an
evolutionary development-a mixture of
technologies and techniques that together helps in
designing a better product.
Relevant Question
• What are some of the challenges presented
by the field of Mechatronics?
• The cost effective incorporation of
electronics, computers and control systems
in mechanical systems requires a new
approach to design: The synergy of
Mechatronics needs to be harnessed by the
design engineer.
Competence needed in:
• Mathematical systems
modeling
• selection & application
of sensors
• instrumentaion, data
collection and testing
• design and application
of electro-hydraulic and
electro-pneumatic
systems
• Use of microprocesors
• establishment of
control algorithms
• mechanical design
• analog circuit designs
and electrical
installation
• A FORMIDABLE
TASK FOR A
SINGLE PERSON!!!
Difficulties
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Requires a Systems Perspective
System Interactions are important
Requires System modeling
Control Systems can go unstable
Our training is usually domain specific and
not system-wide: mechanical component,
electrical component, software component,
etc...
Mechatronics Engineer
• Leader in the initiation and integration of design
• Ability to master the entire design process from
concept to manufacture
• Interdisciplinary awareness
• Ability to use the knowledge resources of others
and the particular blend of technologies that will
provide optimal solution
• Industry needs Mechatronics Engineers to
continue to rapidly develop innovative products
with performance, quality and low cost.
Role of a Mechatronics Engineer
• Accept responsibility for the entire project:
establishing need through design, manufacturing
and integrating with customer
• Integrate not only design and manufacturing but
mechanical, electrical, control, and computer
engineering
• be enthusiastic, communicate with customers, be
responsible, learn to plan, etc….
What is currently lacking?
• Control Design still domain of specialists
• Very few engineers have good
understanding of both analysis and
hardware essential for Mechatronics
• Lack of multidisciplinary awareness
Benefits to Industry
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Shorter Development Cycles
Lower Costs
Increased Quality
Increased Reliability
Increased Performance
Increased Benefits to customers
Industry’s Challenge
• Train the engineers you have in the
mechatronics approach to design
• Give them the tools to be successful:
– knowledge: modeling, analysis, control
– software tools for simulation
– hardware: sensors, actuators, instrumentation,
real-time controls, microcontrollers
– system integration!
• Give them the time to use all of these!!!
Future of Mechatronics
• It will survive as the most important product
oriented engineering
• More departments will be opened
• Research in product oriented industry will shift to
mechatronics
• Experience gained in mechatronics will be
extended to other multi-disciplinary approaches
• Mini-, micro-machines and intelligent machines
will be a major concern of technology
development
Future...
• Mechatronics engineering does not require
expensive investment
• Hardware development requires very narrow
expertise, and could be expensive
• Software development will be more important and
profitable
• repair and maintenance will be obsolete, use and
discard will be more common
• Machines will have personal features
Future….
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Micro-mechatronics
Nano-mechatronics
Opto-mechatronics
Internet-based
mechatronics
• Intelligent/dumb
mechatronics
• Entertainment
mechatronics
• Educational
mechatronics
• Medical mechatronics
• Military mechatronics
• …..
Flowchart of Mechatronic
Systems