Mechatronics Notes Unit1
Mechatronics Notes Unit1
Mechatronics Notes Unit1
Evolution of Mechatronics:
Mechatronics has evolved through the following stages:
Primary Level Mechatronics: Integrates electrical signaling with mechanical action at the basic control level for
e.g.fluid valves and relay switches
Secondary Level Mechatronics: Integrates microelectronics into electrically controlled devices for e.g. cassette tape
player.
Tertiary Level Mechantronics: Incorporates advanced control strategy using microelectronics, microprocessors and
other application specific integrated circuits for e.g. microprocessor based electrical motor used for actuation purpose
in robots.
Quaternary Level Mechatronics: This level attempts to improve smartness a step ahead by introducing intelligence
(artificial neutral network and fuzzy logic ) and fault detection and isolation ( F.D.I.) capability into the system
2.
What are the objectives of mechatronics? Explain with a block diagram, the key components in a
Typical mechatronic system
- 10 marks
Objectives of Mechatronics:
The primary objective of mechatronics is to integrate the mechanical systems with electrical, electronics and computer
systems and to provide multidisciplinary approach to product development and manufacturing system design.
As a discipline mechatronics encompasses electronics enhancing mechanics and electronics replacing mechanics. The
Secondary objectives of mechatronics are:
To improve efficiency of the system
To reduce cost of production
To achieve higher precision and accuracy
For easy control of systems
Customer satisfaction and comfort
Elements of a Mechatronics System
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5.
State the functions of basic elements of a closed loop control system with a block diagram
- 08 marks
A system in which input is dependent on the output i.e variation of the output influences the input by some means of
controlling on the input is called a closed loop control system. A closed loop control system is characterized by the
presence of feedback system. The feedback system permits the output to be compared with the reference input so that
appropriate controlling action can be achieved. The main feature of the closed loop control system is the comparison of the
actual value of the variable with the desired value of that variable and any difference between these two values causes
action to be taken in such a manner that it eliminates this difference or make the error zero. The basic elements of a closed
loop control system are shown in the figure.
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1. Comparision Element : This element compares the required or reference value of the variable condition being
controlled with the measured value of what is being achieved and produces an error signal. The error signal is the
difference between the reference and mesured values.
2. Control Element : This element analyses the error signal and decides what action to be taken, may be to operate a
switch or valve. The manipulation of the control unit is such that the error will approach zero.
3. Correction Element : It produces a change in the process to correct tor change the controlled condition. Change in the
process may be, allowing more power to the room heater to increase the temperature or vice versa.
4. Process Unit : It is the one which is being controlled. It could be a room in a house with its temperature being
controlled or a tank of water with its level being controlled.
5. Measurement unit : This produces a signal related to the variable condition of the process that is being controlled. It
might be , for example, a switch which switched on when a particular position is reached or a thermo couple which
gives the emf related to the temperaute.
Example 1: Room Heater
Controlled variable: Room temperature
Reference Value : Required room temp
Comparision Element : The person comparing the measured and actual temp
Error Signal : Difference between measured and actual temp
Control Unit : The Person
Correction unit: The switch
Process : The heating of the room
Measuring device: Thermo meter.
Example 2: Water Level control of a Tank
6.
Mention the differences between open loop and closed loop control system
- 05 marks
7.
- 08 marks
8.
Explain with a block diagram the working of a microprocessor controlled washing machine
- 10 marks
9.
Compare the traditional design approach with that of the mechatronic design approach
- 04 marks
10. Explain with a block diagram, how a microprocessor control system is used to control the focusing
and exposure in an automatic camera
- 12 marks
11. Define microprocessor based controllers. Explain with a block diagram the working of an engine
management system
- 07 marks
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