Control Systems in Electromechanical Engineering

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What might a control system for an automatic drilling machine be required to do?

Start lowering the drill when the workpiece is in position, start drilling when the drill reaches the workpiece, stop drilling when the drill has produced the required depth of hole, retract the drill, and then switch off and wait for the next workpiece (correct)
Adjust the conveyor belt speed
Turn on and off the lights in the workspace
Control the temperature of the drilling machine

What could be the inputs to control systems like the one used for the automatic drilling machine?

Sensors measuring wind speed
Sensors detecting sound levels
Switches being closed or opened, such as the presence of the workpiece indicated by it moving against a switch and closing it (correct)
Sensors detecting color changes

What might another control system (Figure 1.1b) be used to control?

The number of items moving along a conveyor belt and directing them into a packing case (correct)
The speed of an electric fan
The pressure in a hydraulic system
The volume of a liquid in a tank

What could be an example of an input to a control system according to the text?

The presence of the workpiece indicated by it moving against a switch and closing it (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the form that a controller for an automatic drilling machine could have according to the text?

Electrical circuits in which the closing or opening of switches would result in motors being switched on or valves being actuated (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a programmable logic controller (PLC) in controlling an electromechanical system?

To provide a flexible and customizable control logic (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a PLC is responsible for processing the input signals and executing the control logic?

Central processing unit (CPU) (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of controlling electromechanical systems, what is the purpose of ladder logic programming in PLCs?

To create a visual representation of the control logic (C) Signup and view all the answers

In a control system, what is the purpose of a feedback controller?

To compare the value of the process variable with the setpoint and apply the difference as a control signal (A) Signup and view all the answers

What programming method is still in use for PLCs in logic control systems?

Ladder logic programming (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of control system uses software logic, such as in a programmable logic controller (PLC)?

Sequential and combinational logic control systems (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a microcontroller in logic control systems for industrial and commercial machinery?

To process input signals and execute the control logic (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of interconnected electrical relays and cam timers historically used in logic control systems for industrial and commercial machinery?

To respond to switches and sensors and cause the machinery to start and stop various operations (C) Signup and view all the answers

Automatic Drilling Machine Control System Inputs

Inputs to a system controlling an automatic drilling machine include switches that are activated when the workpiece is in position.

Automatic Drilling Machine Control System Role

A drilling machine control system initiates the lowering of the drill, activates drilling upon contact, stops drilling at the target depth, retracts the drill, turns off, and waits for the next workpiece.

Conveyor Belt Control System

A control system can be used to determine how many items are on a moving conveyor belt and then direct items to a packaging case.