MECHATRONICS INTRODUCTION May 25, 2013

Mechatronics: A New challenge for Industry and VocationalTraining Mechatronics - an introduction Mechatronics systems Definition Mechatronic products Mechatronic production plant Mechatronic engineering tools Mechatronics places demands People - Technology - Organisation Demands placed on qualification and working environment Demands placed on the organisational environment 2

Electronic fuel injection Mechatronic technology is everywhere... aerospace automotive chemical processing computers communications electronics health care machine tools and others that involve mechanical, electronics systems engineering with computer interfacing. Electronic fuel injection Photocopiers ABS-brake system Micropumps (Medical) Video cameras

Mechatronics How can we define Mechatronics? Mechanical Engineering Electronics Informatics Common defininition: Mechatronics More precise...

Mechatronic Systems Definition of Mechatronics Mechatronics is often defined as a way of thinking or method and not as a technology: "Mechatronics is the synergistic combination of precision mechanical engineering, electronic control and systems thinking in the design of products and processes" (From "Mechatronics, Electronics in products and processes" Bradley, Dawson et. al, Chapman and Hall Verlag, London 1991) 5

Mechatronic Systems Definition of mechatronic systems Mechatronics is not just the sum of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering. The relationship between electricity and mechanics has existed since engineers first applied electomagnetism. Since the introduction of the microprocessor in the 70´s, the functionality of more and more products has been dictated by the combination of Electronics, Mechanics and software. Software is increasingly dictating the functionality instead of drawable technology 6

These systems can be structured as follows: Mechatronic Systems "Through the comination of M, E and I new mechatronic systems with new functionalities are being developed. The functionality is possible due to the synergy of technologies.” These systems can be structured as follows: Mechatronic products Mechatronic production plant Mechatronic engineering tools Definition of mechatronic systems 7

Mechatronic Systems mechanical electronic and software components 1. Mechatronic products Since introduction of the microprocessor in the 70´s - functionality products defined by the combination of mechanical electronic and software components Trend - software rather than drawings describes the functionality of technologies. New functions can be derived by observing the synergies involved. 8

Example: Valve terminal Integration of pneumatic and electrical energy supply Connection without cable harness - networking Monitoring of connected sensors Decentralised control ensures safe operation Preventive maintenance via cycle time acquisition

Mechatronics Systems 2. Mechatronic Production Plant Production plant is characterised by automation on all levels. networking and computer integration low-cost automation with intelligent sensors electronic closed-loop controls really positionable drives and PLCs 10

Mechatronics Systems 3. Mechatronic engineering tools The working environment of engineers and technical personnel has changed just as fast and dramatically as the products and production plant. The Man-Machine interface is increasingly dominated by software tools: During product development: CAD Simulation during production Visualisation PLC programs Simulation. 11

Mechatronics places demands The engineer in the design process of mechatronic products: Not only competence to carry out mechanical design microprocessor programming electronics layout are required, but particularly the competence to create the maximum possible degree of synergy achieving best possible realisation of demands and specifications 12

Mechatronics places demands Demands on people On the shop-floor on the production plant: Assembly Commissioning Maintenance Fault-finding and correction 13

Mechatronics places demands Technical training objectives include the ability to Analyse functional relationships in mechatronic systems Manufacture mechanical components Follow information and energy flow in electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic sub-systems Plan and organisation of work flow Commission, faultfind and repair on mechatronic systems Communicate using data processing systems...

Mechatronics places demands Demands placed on the Organisation Traditional organisation of product life-cycle up to prototype Research and initial development Mech Design Testing Electronic Project sequence Garden fence mentality 16

Mechatronics places demands Demands placed on the Organisation Organisation of product life-cycle up to prototype today: Research and initial development Mech Design Testing Electronic Entwick- lung Elektronik Konstruk- tion Versuch System thinking Project team 1 Projektteam 1 Project team 2 Projektteam 2 Project team 3 Projektteam 3 17

Mechatronics places demands Demands placed on Vocational and Continuation Trainig Technical Competence Mechatronics must not only cover the disciplines of mechanical engineering, software and electronics, but in particular must foster systematic interdisciplinary thinking In addition to Technical Competence training must foster Personal competence - systematic, efficient and determined Social Competence - team skills Vocational training and technical education must be equipped with an environment suitable for project and team work to promote these. 18

Mechatronics What is Mechatronics? Personal and team skills Mechanical Electronics Informatics Mechatronics We must add personal and teams skills to our definition...

Mechatronics places demands People - Technology - Organisation Change must lead to a balance between the 3 components PTO People Technology Organisation 20

Mechatronics Conclusion Mechatronics is much more than a simple combination of 3 technical fields it is a way of thinking for which teamwork is essential Training must therefore address technical competence personal competence team competence in order to fulfill the demands placed by Mechatronics Mechanical Electronics Informatics Personal and team skills Mechatronics Mechatronics Mechatronics

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