Mechatronics
The synergistic combination of mechanical, electrical,
and computer engineering
• Emphasis on integrated design for products
• Optimal combination of appropriate technologies
Mechatronics Systems
Cars
Tools
Consumer Stealth Bomber
Electronics
High Speed Trains
MEMS
Micro to Macro
Applications
Mechatronics Systems
-Manufacturing Applications-
Micro Factory
Micro Factory Drilling Unit
• Desktop sized Factory
• Build small parts with a small
factory
• Greatly reduces space, energy,
and materials
Mechatronics Systems
-Manufacturing Applications-
CNC Bending
• Fully automated bending: load
sheet metal and the finished
bent parts come out
• Can bend complex shapes
Mechatronics Systems
-Manufacturing Applications-
CNC Machining
Advantages
• Deliver the highest accuracies
• Can create very complex
shapes
Mechatronics Systems
-Transportation Applications-
Automobiles
• Reliability
• Reduced weight
• Fuel economy
• Manufacturing flexibility
• Design freedom
• Advanced safety features
• Cost
Mechatronics Systems
- Door System/Module-
“Smart” Mirror motor-
unit pin-header “Smart”
Doorlock
CAM Bus
“Smart” Window Lift-unit Switchboard with
CAN Bus Gateway
Mechatronics Systems
-Seat System/Module-
Seat Harness Architecture showing various
smart connector interconnections solutions
Mechatronics Systems
-Transportation Applications-
High Speed Trains
• Train Position and Velocity
constantly monitored from
main command center.
• Error margin in scheduling
no more than 30 seconds
JR-Maglev
• Fastest trains use magnetic Top Speed: 574 km/h (357 mph)
levitation Country: Japan
Magnetic Levitation
Transrapid
Top Speed: 550 km/h (340 mph)
Country: German
Mechatronics Systems
-Transportation Applications-
Systems Uses Segway
• Tilt and pressure sensors
• Microcontroller
• Motors
• Onboard power source
Advantages
• Simple and
intuitive personal
transportation
device
Mechatronics Systems
-Smart Robotics Application-
BigDog
System Can
• Carry 340 lb Advantages
• Run 4 mph • Robot with rough-terrain mobility that could
• Climb, run, and walk carry equipment to remote location.
• Move over rough terrain
Mechatronics Systems
-Smart Robotics Aplications-
Vacuum Floors
• Robots can vacuum floors and
clean gutters so you don't have
to.
Cleans Gutter
Mechatronics Systems
-Space Exploration Application-
Phoenix Mars Lander's
System Can
• Collect specimens
• Has automated onboard
lab for testing specimens
Advantages
• Robot that can travel to other
planets and take
measurements automatically.
Mechatronics Systems
-Medical Applications-
Prosthetics
• Arms, Legs, and other body
parts can be replaced with
electromechanical ones.
Mechatronics Systems
-Medical Applications-
Pace Maker
• Used by patients with slow or
erratic heart rates. The
pacemaker will set a normal
heart rate when it sees an
irregular heart rhythm.
Implantable Defibrillation
• Monitors the heart. If heart
fibrillates or stops completely it
will shock the heart at high
voltage to restore a normal heart
rhythm.
Mechatronics Systems
-Defense Applications-
• Advanced technology is making
our soldiers safer. Stealth Bomber
• Some planes can now be flown
remotely.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Mechatronics Systems
-Sanitation Applications-
System Uses
• Proximity sensors
• Control circuitry
• Electromechanical valves
• Independent power
source
Advantages
• Reduces spread of germs by making
device hands free
• Reduces wasted water by
automatically turning off when not in
Mechatronics Systems
-Sanitation Applications-
Systems Uses
• Motion sensors Paper Towel Dispenser
• Control circuitry
• Electromechanical
actuators
• Independent power
source
Soap Dispenser
Advantages
• Reduces spread of germs by making
device hands free
• Reduces wasted materials by
controlling how much is dispensed
Mechatronics Systems
-Sports Applications-
Running Shoes
Advantages
• Automatically changes
cushioning in shoe for
different running styles and
conditions for improved
comfort
Mechatronics Systems
-Smart Home Applications-
Solution Power Supply
Washing Machine
Rectifiers/Regulator
Pressure Sensor
MPX5006/MPX2010
Mechatronics Systems
-Smart Home Applications-
Smoke Detector System
Selection of a sensor or a transducer
depends on
• Variables measured and application.
• The nature of precision and the sensitivity required
for the measurement.
• Dynamic range.
• Level of automation.
• Complexity of the control system and modeling
requirements.
• Cost, size, usage, and ease of maintenance.
General Instrumentation System and
Its Components
Sensor Classification
Classification Sensor Type
Signal Characteristics Analog
Digital
Power Supply Active
Passive
Subject of Measurement Acoustic
Biological
Chemical
Electric
Mechanical
Optical
Radiation
Thermal
Others
• Active sensors: Active sensors require external power for
their operation.
Typical examples of devices requiring an auxiliary energy
source are strain gauges and resistance thermometers.
• Passive sensors: The passive sensors (self generating)
produce an electrical signal in response to an external
stimulus.
Examples of passive types of sensors include piezoelectric,
thermocouple.
Elements of an Instrumentation System
Sensor characteristics
• Sensitivity
• Resolution
• Accuracy
• Precision
• Backlash
• Repeatability
• Linearity
• Sensitivity: Sensitivity is the property of the measuring
instrument to respond to changes in the measured quantity. It
also can be expressed as the ratio of change of output to
change of input
S = ∆output / ∆ input
• Resolution: Resolution is defined as the smallest increment
in the measured value that can be detected.
• Accuracy
Accuracy is a measure of the difference between the
measured value and actual value. Accuracy depends on the
inherent instrument limitations
• Precision
Precision is the ability of an instrument to reproduce a certain
set of readings within a given accuracy. Precision is dependent on
the reliability of the instrument.
• Backlash
Backlash is defined as the maximum distance or angle through which
any part of a mechanical system can be moved in one direction without
causing any motion of the attached part. Backlash is an undesirable
phenomenon and is important in the precision design of gear trains.
• Repeatability
Repeatability is the ability to reproduce the output signal exactly when
the same measurand is applied repeatedly under the same
environmental conditions.
• Linearity
The characteristics of precision instruments are that the output is a
linear function of the input. However, linearity is never completely
achieved, and the deviations from the ideal are termed linearity
tolerances. The linearity is expressed as the percentage of departure
from the linear value.
The nonlinearity is normally caused by nonlinear elements, such as
mechanical hysteresis, viscous flow or creep, and electronic amplifiers.
