Chapter 1
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION TO MECHATRONICS
By Degaga k.
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..
Temperature Control
Mechatronics system Modeling
System: is a combination of components which are coordinated together
to perform a specific objective.
Modeling is a technique of system analysis and design using
mathematical or physical idealizations of all or a portion of the system.
Models are used when it is neither possible nor practical (due to
complexity, expense, or safety) to build the actual system, then test and
modify it until desired performance is achieved.
The model is used to examine the system without having to do any
physical experiments.
A good model is one that is both accurate and simple
Cont..
The modeling of mechatronic systems plays an important role in the
development process of a mechatronic product. Generally, a model is
required for:
Simulation purposes,
Analyzing the system,
Designing a controller.
Through system modeling and simulation, the engineers have a
powerful tool which allows them to:
Answer essential issues and also examine the border areas
without risk
Test in advance the characteristics and modify if necessary, when
the system is a concept in the design process.
Cont..
Besides their advantages, the modeling and simulation also have some
pitfalls:
Too simple model can not describe all aspects of the real system
(process)
Too complex model requires too much time and effort in the creation
A model can also be not valid
Selection of appropriate integration algorithm is very important and
only in this way a correct simulation is ensured.
There are two basic approaches to modeling:
Analytical modeling: carried out from the physical-technical basic
equations
Empirical or experimental modeling: carried out from measured
input and output data (Need prototype or real system)
Examples of Mechatronics System
CNC Machine Component