Mechatronics

Instructor: Shuvra DasMechanical 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

Information technology Software

Machines and Information

Mechanical Technology Electro-mechanics Mechatronics

Electrical Technology Electronics

Mechatronics Knowledge Area

SystemModel

Mechatronics

Trans-ducers

Micro-controlSimulation

ControlCircuitry

Electromechanics

Computer-Aided Design

Digital Control Systems

Mechanics Electronics

Computers 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!!

• 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:– Active suspension control– Drive by wire (brake by wire, steer by wire)– Smart sensors– Embedded technology

More Examples of Mechatronics?

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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….

• Micro-mechatronics• Nano-mechatronics• Opto-mechatronics• Internet-based

mechatronics• Intelligent/dumb

mechatronics

• Entertainment mechatronics

• Educational mechatronics

• Medical mechatronics• Military mechatronics• …..

Flowchart of Mechatronic Systems