Mechatronics Engineering Quiz

Study Notes

A mechatronic system combines mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to design and manufacture intelligent systems.
Characteristics of mechatronic systems: high-quality products, safe, low-cost, portable, produced quickly, serviceable, maintainable, and upgradeable.

CO1: Perform one or more processing operations and understand the need for mechatronics systems.
CO2: Familiarize students with the constructions and working principles of different types of sensors and transducers.
CO3: Understand the fundamental concepts of electro-mechanics and fluid mechanics (hydraulics and pneumatics) of actuators and drive systems.
CO4: Impart knowledge on control elements.
CO5: Understand different control schemes.

Introduction to sensors and transducers: performance terminology, types, and selection.
Classification of sensors/transducers: according to measurement (or) function, according to performance characteristics, according to power supply, and according to the mode of operation.

Examples of commonly used displacement sensors: potentiometer, strain gauge, capacitive sensors, and linear variable differential transformer.
Potentiometer: a variable resistance displacement transducer that uses the variable resistance transduction principle to convert displacement or rotation into a potential difference.

A proximity sensor is a sensor that can detect the presence of nearby objects without physical contact.
Working principle of proximity switches: uses a magnet to attract magnetic reeds, closing the switch contacts.

Velocity sensors or tachogenerators give an output proportional to angular velocity.
Tachogenerator: uses a pick-up coil and a wheel with teeth to measure angular velocity.
Pyroelectric sensors: work on the principle of pyroelectricity, generating charge in response to heat flow.

Strain gauge as force sensor: uses a strain gauge to measure force.
Pressure sensors: diaphragms, bellows, capsules, and tubes are used to measure fluid pressure in industrial processes.
Types of pressure measurements: absolute pressure measurement and differential pressure measurement.
Diaphragm: a metallic diaphragm that deflects in response to pressure, which is connected to a pointer and calibrated scale to indicate the pressure reading.
Bourdon tube: a tube that tends to straighten out in response to pressure, with the nonlinear motion converted into linear motion or displacement, which is measured using a calibrated scale.