Mechatronic Systems: Overview
DR. TAREK A. TUTUNJI
PHILADELPHIA UNIVERSITY, JORDAN
2013
Mechatronics Definition
The word, mechatronics, is composed of “mecha”
from mechanism and the “tronics” from electronics.
The synergistic integration of mechanical
engineering, with electronics and intelligent
computer control in the design and manufacturing of
industrial products and processes.
Mechatronics Definition
Mechatronics is the application of complex decision
making to the operation of physical systems.
Mechatronics is a methodology used for the optimal
design of electromechanical products.
A mechatronic system is not just a marriage of
electrical and mechanical systems and is more than
just a control system; it is a complete integration of
all of them.
Mechatronics Definition
Mechatronics Engineering is the
Analysis
Design
Manufacturing
Integration
and maintenance
of mechanics with electronics through intelligent
computer control.
Mechatronic Systems
Mechatronic Systems
History
Mechanical Engineering experienced an exponential
growth in the early 19th century because of the
industrial revolution.
The rise of semiconductors in the 1950s and
computers in the 1980s have revolutionized all
engineering products and processes which in turn
affected mechanical engineering systems.
The term mechatronics was first used in the late
1960s by a Japanese Electric Company to describe
the engineering integration between mechanical
“mecha” and electronics “tronics” systems.
History
Since then it has spread throughout Europe and is
growing is the USA.
Today, many mechanical systems use some form of
electronics and computers to control its
functionality.
Mechatronics system engineering has gained much
recognition and importance in the industrial world.
History
In the late 1970s, the Japan Society for the Promotion of
Machine Industry (JSPMI) classified mechatronics
products into four categories
Class I:
Primarily mechanical products with electronics incorporated to
enhance functionality. Examples include numerically controlled
machine tools and variable speed drives in manufacturing machines.
Class II:
Traditional mechanical systems with significantly updated internal
devices incorporating electronics. Examples include the modern
sewing machine and automated manufacturing systems.
History
Class III:
Systems that retain the functionality of the traditional
mechanical system, but the internal mechanisms are replaced
by electronics. An example is the digital watch.
Class IV:
Products designed with mechanical and electronic
technologies through synergistic integration. Examples include
photocopiers, intelligent washers and dryers, rice cookers, and
automatic ovens.
Historical Development
[Ref.] Prof. Rolf Isermann
Evolution of Mechatronics
[Ref.] Prof. Tomizuka
Modern Mechatronic System
[Ref.] Prof. Tomizuka
Control of Mechanical Systems
[Ref.] Prof. Tomizuka
Mechanical Engineering in 21st Century
Mechanical Engineering will be affected by
1. information technology,
2. miniaturization,
3. materials science,
4. bioengineering and medicine,
5. energy,
6. transportation
7. environmental engineering,
8. manufacturing.
Mechatronic Systems Examples
[Ref.] Prof. Rolf Isermann
Mechatronics Application Area
Mechatronic System Example: Automobiles
The Development of Automobiles
Until the 1960s, the radio was the only significant
electronics in an automobile.
All other functions were entirely mechanical or electrical, such
as the starter motor and the battery charging systems.
Modeling of the combustion process showed that, for
increased fuel efficiency, there existed an optimal
time when the fuel should be ignited.
The timing depends on load, speed, and other measurable
quantities.
The Development of Automobiles
The electronic ignition system was one of the first
mechatronic systems to be introduced in the automobile
in the late 1970s.
The electronic ignition system consists of a crankshaft position
sensor, camshaft position sensor, airflow rate, throttle position, rate
of throttle position change sensors, and a dedicated microcontroller
determining the timing of the spark plug firings.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) was also introduced in
the late 1970s in automobiles
The Traction Control System (TCS) was introduced in
automobiles in the mid-1990s.
The Development of Automobiles
Nowadays there are about 30-60 microcontrollers in
each automobile. These processors are used for
Engine management
Transmission control
Airbags
ABS, TCS, VDC,
Instrument cluster
Air conditioning systems
Seat, mirror control, and window lift systems.
The Development of Automobiles
New applications of mechatronic systems in the
automotive world include
Semi-autonomous to fully autonomous automobiles
Safety enhancements
Emission reduction
Intelligent cruise control
Brake by wire systems
Wireless networking of automobiles to ground stations and
vehicle-to vehicle communication.
Telematics, which combines audio, hands-free cell phone,
navigation, Internet connectivity, e-mail, and voice recognition
MEMS
Autonomous Vehicle System
[Ref.] Prof. Robert Bishop
So!
Mechatronics is an evolutionary process, not a
revolutionary one.
Mechatronics is about the synergistic integration of
mechanical, electrical, and computer systems.
[Ref.] Prof. Robert Bishop
Elements of Mechatronic Systems
[Ref.] Prof. Robert Bishop
Mechatronics Constitutes
[Ref.] Prof. Divdas Shetty
Mechatronics Key Elements
[Ref.] Prof. Divdas Shetty
Mechatronic Systems Block Diagram
Computer,
Signal A/D D/A Driver
Microprocessor,
Conditioning
or DSP
Sensors Actuators
Physical Process
Mechatronic vs. Multidisciplinary
The difference between a mechatronic system and a
multidisciplinary system is not the constituents, but
rather the order in which they are designed.
Multidisciplinary system design employed a
sequential design-by-discipline approach.
Mechatronic design methodology is based on a
concurrent (instead of sequential) approach to
discipline design, resulting in products with more
synergy.
Conclusion
Mechatronic Systems are composed of several
subsystems: Mechanical, Electronic, and Computer
Control
The integration and interface among those subsystems is
essential
Mechatronics is about the synergistic integration of
mechanical, electrical, and computer systems
Mechatronic Systems are at the high-end of
technolgy
