Mechatronics Systems Examples

Introduction

• Lecture Title: Examples of Mechatronics Systems
• Course: NPTEL Online Certification Course on Mechatronics
• Focus: Discussing various examples of mechatronic systems

Daily Life Examples

1. Four-Stroke Engine

• Four-Stroke Sequences: Intake, Compression, Power, Exhaust
• Components:
  • Piston
  • Camshaft
  • Spark Plug (Ignition)
  • Intake Valve
  • Exhaust Valve
• Mechatronics Enhancements:
  • Control of spark timing
  • Control of air-fuel mixture
  • Microprocessor System:
    • Inputs: Engine speed, crankshaft position, spark timing, engine temperature, throttle position, mass air flow
    • Outputs: Spark timing, air-fuel mixture
  • Fuel Injection Control via sensors for mass flow rate of air

2. Copy Machine

• Components:
  • Analog Circuits: Lamp, heater
  • Digital Circuits: Display, indicators, switches
  • Sensors: Optical sensors, micro switches, encoders
  • Actuators: Servo motors, stepper motors
• Steps in Copying:
  1. Place original in loading bin, start process
  2. High-intensity light scans original, transfers image to drum
  3. Blank paper retrieved, image transferred via electrostatic deposition
  4. Heated toner powder bonds to paper
  5. Copy delivered to appropriate bin

Small Robotic Kits

3. LEGO NXT

• Sensors: Touch, Sound, Light, Ultrasonic
  • Touch Sensor: Responds to obstacles
  • Sound Sensor: Responds to sound levels
  • Light Sensor: Responds to light variations and color
  • Ultrasonic Sensor: Measures distance and responds to movement
• Actuators: Servo motors (3 provided)
• Controller: NXT brick (intelligent computer-controlled LEGO brick)

4. Toddler Walking Robot

• Actuators: Servo motors
• Sensors:
  • IR sensor (obstruction detection)
  • Bumper sensor (obstruction detection)
  • Compass (orientation detection)
  • Accelerometer (tilt detection)
  • Ultrasonic sensor (range detection)
• Controller: Basic STMicro module (microcontroller)

Additional Examples

Stepper Motor Position and Speed Control

• Components:
  • Stepper Motor
  • Stepper Motor Driver
  • PIC Microcontroller: Modes for inputs (potentiometer, ADC, switches)
  • LEDs for indication

DC Motor Position and Speed Control

• Components:
  • DC Motor with Digital Position Encoder
  • H-bridge driver, PWM speed controller
  • Sensors: Encoders, switches
  • PIC type Microcontrollers (Master and Slave)
  • Inputs: Keypad, switches, LCD display, buzzer

Future of Mechatronics

• Fueling Growth:
  • Advancements in actuators, sensors, and microcontrollers
  • Enabling Technologies: MEMS, adaptive control, real-time programming, wireless technologies
  • Internet of Things (IoT) and its impact
• Key Sectors:
  • Automotive: Continued growth and new intelligent systems
  • Human-friendly machines: Robot-assisted surgery (e.g., Da Vinci)
  • Consumer Appliances: Dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, microwaves, etc.

Simulation in Mechatronics System Design

• Need for Simulation:
  • Complex systems and their interdependencies
  • Testing system behavior without constructing the system
  • Interdisciplinary approach necessary
• References:
  • Books on Mechatronics: Bolton, Elsiatore, Shetty, Bishop
• Practical Exercise: Analyze household devices (dishwasher, washing machine, vacuum cleaner) to identify sensors, actuators, and controllers used.

Conclusion

• Next Steps in Course: Basics of electrical and electronics engineering, before delving into mechatronic actuators and sensors.