Here are the detailed answers to all the questions:

1. (a) What is meant by a system in mechatronics?

Explain the Mechatronics system design with an
example.
Definition of Mechatronic System

A mechatronic system is an integrated system that combines mechanical, electrical, and

computer engineering to achieve automated control and intelligent operations. It consists of
sensors, actuators, controllers, and communication interfaces to perform tasks efficiently.

Mechatronics System Design Process

1.​ Requirement Analysis: Identify the problem and system requirements.

2.​ Conceptual Design: Define system components and their interaction.
3.​ Modeling & Simulation: Create mathematical models and simulate performance.
4.​ Prototype Development: Build and test the system prototype.
5.​ Implementation & Testing: Develop the final system and perform real-world testing.
Example of Mechatronic System

A robotic arm used in manufacturing is a classic example. It consists of:

●​ Sensors (position, force, proximity)

●​ Microcontrollers (for decision-making)
●​ Actuators (motors for movement)
●​ Software (for automation and control)

1. (b) Describe the Electromechanical system with related

diagrams.
Definition of Electromechanical System

An electromechanical system is a combination of electrical and mechanical components that

work together to perform a function. These systems typically include motors, sensors,
switches, and relays.

Example: Automatic Door System

●​ Sensors: Detect human presence using infrared or ultrasonic sensors.

●​ Controller: A microcontroller processes the sensor signals.
●​ Actuator: A motor drives the door open or closed.

Block Diagram:
[ Sensor ] → [ Controller ] → [ Actuator (Motor) ] → [ Mechanical System (Door) ]

Other examples: Electric fans, CNC machines, and elevators.

1. (c) Define temperature sensor and the specialty of the

working of thermistors.
Definition of Temperature Sensor

A temperature sensor is a device that detects and measures temperature and converts it into
an electrical signal. It is widely used in industrial, medical, and automotive applications.
Thermistors and Their Working

A thermistor is a type of temperature sensor that changes resistance with temperature.

●​ NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient): Resistance decreases as temperature

increases.
●​ PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient): Resistance increases as temperature
increases.

Specialty of Thermistors:

●​ High sensitivity to temperature changes.

●​ Small and inexpensive.
●​ Used in temperature control systems like air conditioners and medical devices.

2. (a) Potentiometer Sensitivity Calculation

Given Data:

●​ Displacement range: 0 to 100 cm

●​ Resistance change: 0 to 1 kΩ
●​ Current: 0.67 A
●​ Output voltage: 210V

Solution:
2. (b) "A piezoelectric element may be treated as a
Capacitor" – justify the statement.
Explanation:

A piezoelectric element generates an electric charge when mechanical stress is applied. The
reason it can be treated as a capacitor is:

1.​ Charge Storage: Piezoelectric materials store charge like capacitors.

2.​ Dielectric Property: They have a dielectric constant, similar to a capacitor.
3.​ Capacitive Reactance: In AC circuits, piezoelectric materials behave like capacitors by
opposing changes in voltage.

Mathematical Justification:

Capacitance of a piezoelectric element:

where:

●​ ϵ\epsilon = Permittivity of the material

●​ AA = Surface area
●​ dd = Thickness

Thus, a piezoelectric element can be modeled as a capacitor with a voltage-dependent

charge storage ability.

2. (c) Laminar Flow and Velocity Calculation

Definition of Laminar Flow:

Laminar flow occurs when a fluid moves in parallel layers with no disruption between them. It is
characterized by a Reynolds number (Re) less than 2000.
Given Data:

●​ Initial diameter (D₁) = 15 cm

●​ Final diameter (D₂) = 8 cm
●​ Initial velocity (V₁) = 4.21 m/s

Using Continuity Equation:

3. (a) Define Proximity sensors. Describe the inductive

proximity sensor with a necessary figure.
Definition:

Proximity sensors detect the presence of objects without physical contact.

Inductive Proximity Sensor:

●​ Used for detecting metallic objects.

●​ Works on electromagnetic induction principles.

Working Principle:

●​ An oscillating circuit generates a high-frequency magnetic field.

 ●​ When a metal object enters the field, it induces eddy currents.
●​ These eddy currents alter the sensor’s circuit and trigger detection.

Application: Used in automation, security systems, and industrial manufacturing.

3. (b) What is LDR? Define the characteristics of LDR with

a proper diagram.
Definition of LDR (Light Dependent Resistor):

An LDR (photoresistor) is a sensor whose resistance decreases as light intensity increases.

Characteristics of LDR:

1.​ High resistance in darkness (> 1 MΩ).

2.​ Low resistance in bright light (~100 Ω).
3.​ Nonlinear response to light intensity.

Applications:

●​ Automatic streetlights
●​ Light meters in cameras
●​ Solar tracking systems

3. (c) Calculate the strain gauge factor.

Given Data:

●​ Initial Resistance (R) = 154Ω

●​ Change in Resistance (ΔR) = 8Ω
●​ Strain (ε) = 6000 microstrain = 0.006

Formula for Strain Gauge Factor:

Answer: The strain gauge factor is 8.65.
Here are the detailed answers for questions 4, 5, and 6:

4. (a) Number of loops in the secondary coil and current

in the secondary
Given Data:

●​ Primary Voltage (Vp) = 220V

●​ Secondary Voltage (Vs) = 180kV = 180,000V
●​ Primary Turns (Np) = 80
●​ Primary Current (Ip) = 20A
(i) Finding the Number of Loops in the Secondary (Ns)

Using the Transformer Turns Ratio Formula:

(ii) Finding the Secondary Current (Is)

Using the Power Conservation Law:

Thus, the secondary current is 24.4 mA.

4. (b) Explain PLC’s block diagram and working
procedure
PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) Block Diagram:

A PLC consists of the following key components:

1.​ Power Supply: Converts AC voltage to DC to power the PLC.

2.​ Processor (CPU): Controls and processes the input signals, executes the control logic,
and sends output commands.
3.​ Memory: Stores the program, input/output data, and system configurations.
4.​ Input Module: Receives signals from field devices like sensors, switches, and buttons.
5.​ Output Module: Sends signals to actuators, motors, solenoids, and other devices.
6.​ Communication Interface: Allows the PLC to communicate with other devices like
computers or networks.
7.​ Programming Device: Used to write, edit, and load programs into the PLC.

Working Procedure of a PLC:

1.​ Scanning Inputs: The PLC reads data from sensors and input devices.
2.​ Program Execution: The CPU processes the logic program stored in memory.
3.​ Updating Outputs: Based on logic results, the PLC controls actuators and output
devices.
4.​ Communication & Monitoring: The PLC exchanges data with external systems if
required.

4. (c) Non-Linearity and Hysteresis Characteristics of

Sensors
1. Non-Linearity:

●​ A sensor is non-linear when its output is not directly proportional to its input.
●​ Causes deviations in the expected behavior.
●​ Expressed as a percentage of full-scale output (FSO).

2. Hysteresis:

●​ Hysteresis occurs when a sensor gives different output values for the same input
depending on whether the input is increasing or decreasing.
 ●​ Example: A pressure sensor may read differently when pressure is increasing vs. when
it is decreasing.
●​ This lag can lead to errors in measurement and control.

5. (a) Design a Mechatronics System for a Pick and Place

Robot
Mechatronics Elements Used in Pick-and-Place Robots:

1.​ Sensors: Detect the object position (e.g., proximity sensors, vision sensors).
2.​ Actuators: Control movement (e.g., servo motors, pneumatic cylinders).
3.​ Controllers (Microcontroller or PLC): Process input signals and control actuators.
4.​ End Effector (Gripper): Picks and places objects (e.g., suction grippers, robotic arms).
5.​ Power Supply: Provides power to electronic components.

Working of the System:

1.​ A sensor detects an object.

2.​ The controller receives input and activates the actuator.
3.​ The robotic arm moves to pick up the object using the gripper.
4.​ The controller moves the arm to a new location.
5.​ The gripper releases the object.

5. (b) Equations for Resistance and Capacitance in a

Liquid Level System
 1.​

5. (c) Difference Between Hydraulic and Pneumatic

Systems
Feature Hydraulic System Pneumatic System

Medium Liquid (oil/water) Gas (air)

Power High power Low to moderate power

Speed Slower Faster

Accuracy High precision Less precise

Cost Expensive Cheaper

Maintenance Requires regular Low maintenance

maintenance

Applications Heavy machinery, lifts Automation, air tools

6. (a) Basic Components of Automatic Control Systems
1.​ Sensors: Measure physical quantities (e.g., temperature, pressure).
2.​ Controllers: Process sensor data and make decisions (e.g., PLC, microcontroller).
3.​ Actuators: Perform actions based on controller signals (e.g., motors, valves).
4.​ Setpoint (Reference Input): The desired value of the controlled variable.
5.​ Feedback System: Sends actual values back to the controller for comparison.

6. (b) Closed-Loop Control System with an Automatic

Water Level Controller
●​ A closed-loop system uses feedback to adjust operations automatically.
●​ In an automatic water level controller:
1.​ A sensor detects the water level.
2.​ The controller compares the level with the desired setpoint.
3.​ If the level is low, a motorized pump is activated.
4.​ If the tank reaches the full level, the pump is turned off.
5.​ This process continues automatically.

Advantages:

●​ Maintains consistent water levels.

●​ Prevents overflow and dry running of pumps.
●​ Saves electricity and water.

6. (c) Transfer Function Equations for the Mechanical

System
A transfer function represents the relationship between input force F(t) and displacement X(s)
in the system.

Using Newton’s second law:

Where:
 ●​ M = Mass
●​ B = Damping Coefficient
●​ K = Stiffness Constant
●​ x = Displacement

Taking Laplace Transform:

This equation helps analyze system stability and response.

Here are the answers to Question No. 7 using Mechatronics Concepts:

7(a) Relationship Between Resistance and Temperature for RTD

Concept of RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector) in Mechatronics

●​ RTDs are temperature sensors used in mechatronic systems to measure temperature

based on the principle that resistance increases with temperature.​

●​ The temperature-resistance relationship follows the equation:​

 ●​ where:​

○​ R(T) = Resistance at temperature T

○​ R₀ = Resistance at 0°C
○​ α = Temperature coefficient of resistance (constant)

RTD Resistance-Temperature Curve:

●​ RTDs show a linear increase in resistance with temperature.

●​ Metals like platinum, nickel, or copper are commonly used because of their stable
and predictable resistance changes.

Application of RTD in Mechatronic Systems:

●​ Industrial Automation: Used in robotic arms and CNC machines to monitor and
control operating temperatures.
●​ Automotive Systems: Used in engine control units (ECU) for temperature-based
fuel injection.
●​ HVAC Systems: Regulates temperature for climate control in buildings.

7(b) Sensor for Monitoring Oil Flow Rate in a Furnace

Choosing the Right Sensor:

A flow sensor is required to monitor the rate at which heating oil flows through a pipe. The
sensor should convert the flow rate into an electrical signal for controlling the oil pump.

Best Sensor Choice:

1.​ Thermal Mass Flow Sensor:​

○​ Measures heat dissipation to detect oil flow rate.

○​ Used in fuel injection systems and gas burners.
2.​ Ultrasonic Flow Sensor:​

○​ Uses sound waves to measure fluid velocity.

○​ Commonly used in automated fuel delivery systems.
3.​ Turbine Flow Sensor:​

○​ Measures rotational speed of a turbine inside the pipe.

○​ Converts flow into an electrical pulse signal.

How the Sensor Controls the Pump Speed:

 ●​ The sensor outputs a voltage or current signal proportional to oil flow.
●​ This signal is processed by a Microcontroller or PLC.
●​ The system adjusts the oil pump speed to maintain the required flow.
●​ Example: In boilers, the pump speed is adjusted to maintain optimal combustion
temperature.

7(c) Electrical Equivalent of a Spring-Mass-Damper System

Mechanical System Representation:

The Spring-Mass-Damper system follows Newton’s second law:

where:

●​ M = Mass (kg) → Represents Inertia

●​ B = Damping Coefficient (Ns/m) → Represents Friction or Energy Loss
●​ K = Spring Stiffness (N/m) → Represents Elasticity
●​ F(t) = Input Force

Electrical System Equivalent (RLC Circuit):

●​ Mass (M) → Inductor (L) → Stores energy in magnetic fields (similar to mechanical
inertia).
●​ Damping (B) → Resistor (R) → Dissipates energy (similar to mechanical friction).
●​ Spring (K) → Capacitor (C) → Stores energy in electric fields (similar to elasticity).

The equivalent electrical equation is:

Ld2idt2+Rdidt+1Ci=V(t)L \frac{d^2 i}{dt^2} + R \frac{di}{dt} + \frac{1}{C} i = V(t)

Applications in Mechatronics:

●​ Used in automotive suspension systems for vibration control.

●​ Helps in robotic arm movement damping.
●​ Applied in seismic vibration control in buildings.

Conclusion
●​ RTDs are essential in temperature control systems for robotics, automation, and
automotive applications.
●​ Flow sensors help in oil flow regulation in furnaces, ensuring efficient fuel combustion.
●​ The spring-mass-damper system can be modeled as an RLC circuit, widely used in
mechatronics for vibration control and motion damping.