1. MECHATRONICS
INTRODUCTION
May 25, 2013

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. 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...

15. 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

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

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

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

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

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

21. Thank you!