CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO MECHATRONICS

By Degaga k.
 Evolution of Automated Systems
1. Completely mechanical automatic systems (before and early
1900s),

2. Automatic devices with electronic components such as relays,

transistors, op-amps (early 1900s to 1970s),

3. Computer controlled automatic systems (1970s–present)

Evolution of Automated Systems
Defining Mechatronics
 The word mechatronics is a composition of mecha from mechanics and tronics
from electronics originated in Japan around 1970 to describe the integration of
mechanical and electronic components in consumer products

 Today it has come to mean multidisciplinary systems engineering therefore the

definition that mechatronics is simply the combination of different technologies is
no longer sufficient to explain mechatronics

 Mechatronics is defined as the synergistic integration of mechanical engineering,

with electronics and intelligent computer control in the design and manufacturing
of industrial products and processes.[Harashima,Tomizuka, and Fukada, 1996]
Defining Mechatronics
 Mechatronics is the application of complex decision making to the
operation of physical systems.[Auslander and Kempf, 1996]
 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.[W. Bolton, 2000]
 All of the known definitions and statements about mechatronics are
accurate and informative, yet each one in and of itself fails to capture the
totality of mechatronics.
 Although, an all-encompassing definition of mechatronics does not exist,
but in reality, engineers understand from the known definitions and from
their own personal experiences the essence of the philosophy of
mechatronics.
 Cont..

Fig 1.1: The field of mechatronics: intersection of mechanical engineering, electrical

engineering, and computer science.
Key Elements of Mechatronics

 The study of mechatronic systems can be divided into the

following areas of specialty:
Physical Systems Modeling;
Sensors and Actuators;
Signals and Systems;
Computers and Logic Systems;
Software and Data Acquisition
Fig 1.2: Key Elements of Mechatronics
Key Elements of Mechatronics

Fig 1.2: Key Elements of Mechatronics

Typical Components of Mechatronics System

Fig 1.3: Typical Components of Mechatronics System

The analogy between a human controlled system and
computer control system

Fig 1.4: Human control system and Mechatronics System

Applications Of Mechatronics Systems
Today, mechatronic systems are commonly found in homes,
offices, schools, shops, and of course, in industrial applications.
Machine-tool construction and equipment for automation of
technological processes
Robotics (industrial and special)
Aviation, space and military techniques
Automotive (climate control, antilock brake, active suspension,
cruise control, air bags, engine management, safety, etc.)
Office equipment (for example, copy and fax machines)
Computer facilities (for example, printers, plotters, disk drives)
Home appliances (micro wave ovens, washing machines vacuum
Home appliances (microwave ovens, washing machines, vacuum
cleaners, dishwashers, air conditioning units, security systems).
Review of Measurement systems
 Particular importance in any discussion of mechatronics.
 Measurement systems can, in general, be considered to be made up of three basic
elements.
1. A sensor: responds to the quantity being measured by giving as its output a signal
which is related to the quantity. For example, a thermocouple is a temperature sensor.
2. A signal conditioner: takes the signal from the sensor and manipulates it into a
condition which is suitable either for display or, in the case of a control system, for use
to exercise control. Eg. Amplifier
3. A display system: displays the output from the signal conditioner. This might, for
example, be a pointer moving across a scale or a digital readout.

Fig. 1.5: A digital thermometer system

Review of control systems
A control system can be thought of as a system which can be used to:
1. Control some variable to some particular value, e.g. a central heating
system where the temperature is controlled to a particular value
2. Control the sequence of events, when control is such that actions are
strictly ordered in a time- or event-driven sequence. e.g. a washing machine
3. Control whether an event occurs or not, e.g. a safety lock on a machine
where it cannot be operated until a guard is in position.
Examples of Mechatronics System
CNC Machine Component

Figure1.7: CNC Machine Component and operation

Case Study
1. Water level regulator for a water tank uses a float connected to a valve via a
linkage
Case Study
2. Watt’s flyball governor
Case Study
3. Cam-operated switch