Introduction to Mechatronics

Mechatronics Introduction

• Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field combining mechanical engineering, electronics, computer engineering, telecommunications engineering, systems engineering, and control engineering.
• It's a multidisciplinary approach to product and manufacturing system design.
• The term "Mechatronics" was coined by Mr. Tetsuro Mori of Yaskawa in 1969.
• "Mechatronics" was registered as a trademark by Yaskawa in Japan with registration number 46-32714 in 1971.
• Mechatronics is a synergistic integration of mechanical engineering, electronics, and intelligent computer control in designing and manufacturing products and processes.

Components of a Mechatronics System

• Actuators: These produce movement or action, examples include DC motors, stepper motors, servomotors, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
• Sensors: Sensors detect the state of system parameters (inputs and outputs). Examples include switches, potentiometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, and digital encoders.
• Input signal conditioning and interfacing: Connect control circuits to inputs. Includes discrete circuits, amplifiers, filters, A/D and D/D converters.
• Digital control architectures: Control the system using logic circuits, microcontrollers, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
• Output signal conditioning and interfacing: Connect outputs to control circuits. Includes D/A, D/D converters, amplifiers, and power transistors.
• Graphical Displays: Provide visual feedback to users, including LEDs, LCDs, digital displays, and CRTs.

Levels of Mechatronics Systems

• Primary Level: Integrates electrical signaling with mechanical action at the basic control level (e.g., fluid valves and relay switches).
• Secondary Level: Integrates microelectronics into electrically controlled devices (e.g., cassette tape players).
• Tertiary Level: Incorporates advanced control strategies using microelectronics, microprocessors, and application-specific integrated circuits. Examples include robots and large factory systems.
• Quaternary Level: This level aims to enhance the system's "smartness" by adding artificial intelligence (e.g., neural networks, fuzzy logic), fault detection, and isolation.

Advantages of Mechatronics Systems

• Cost-effective and high-quality products.
• High degree of flexibility.
• Increased productivity.
• Improved quantity and reliability.
• Enhanced machine utilization.
• Reduced maintenance costs.
• Machining of complex designs is possible.

Disadvantages of Mechatronics Systems

• High initial cost.
• Requires skilled workers.
• Complex fault detection processes.
• Complicated system design.

Characteristics of Mechatronics Systems

• High-quality products.
• High reliability and safety.
• Low cost.
• Portability.
• Rapid production.
• Serviceability, maintainability, and upgradability.

Applications of Mechatronics Systems

• Automobiles
• Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS)
• Measurement systems
• CD/DVD and setup boxes
• Robots in inspection and welding
• Scanners, photocopiers, and fax machines
• Automatic washing machines
• Air conditioners and elevator controls

Scope of Mechatronics Systems

• Improved product design.
• Enhanced process planning.
• Reliable and quality-oriented manufacturing.
• Intelligent process and production control.
• Manufacturing of complex parts.
• More accurate and precise jobs.

System Definition

• A system is a group of physical components working together to perform a specific function. Mechatronics devices consist of systems.
• A system can be viewed as a "black box" with inputs and outputs.
• A control system manages the system's output to a desired value (e.g., domestic air conditioning).

System Examples

• Motor: Input=electric power; Output = rotation
• Electric Generator: Input =mechanical rotation; Output =electric power
• Spring: Input =force; Output =extension
• Thermometer: Input =temperature; Output =numerical reading