146
This definition emphasized the triune nature of mechatronic devices
based on the construction which is based on the idea of deep interrelation of
mechanical, electronic and computer elements. Therefore, the most common
graphical signifier of mechatronics were three intersecting circles (Fig.
1.1), aligned to the external shell – Production – Management and Market
demands [1].
Figure 1.1 – Scheme of mechatronics
It should be understood that mechatronics is not just a convenient structure
for investigative studies by academicians; it is a style of life in modern
engine-
ering
practice. The implementation of the microprocessor in the early 1980s
and the ever increasing desired performance to cost ratio revolutionized the
paradigm of engineering design. The number of new products being developed
at the intersection of traditional
disciplines of engineering, computer science,
and the natural sciences is ever increasing.
New developments in these traditional disciplines increasingly fit into the
design of mechatronics. The continuing revolution in information technology,
the development of wireless communications, the design of intelligent sensors
and integrated system engineering ensure that the engineering design paradigm
will continue to evolve at the beginning of the 21st century.
The subject of mechatronics are methods of design and computer control
147
of mechatronic devices, and also new technological and information processes,
which provide all stages of their life cycle, starting from the marketing stage
and conceptual design, finishing manufacturing, exploitation and utilization.
Above were given several definitions published in periodicals, proceedings
of international conferences and symposiums.
On the basis of the
definitions considered above, the following special
formulation of the subject of mechatronics is proposed [1]: «Mechatronics
studies the synergistic combination of nodes of precision mechanics with
electronic, electrical and computer components for the design and production
of qualitatively new modules, systems, machines and machine complexes with
intelligent control of their functional movements».
Comments to definition:
1. Mechatronics studies special methodological (conceptual) approach
in the construction of machines with qualitatively new characteristics. It is
important to emphasize that this approach is very universal and can be applied
in machines and systems for various purposes. However, it should be noted that
the provision of high quality control of the mechatronic system is possible only
taking into account the specifics of a particular managed object. Therefore, it
is expedient to study mechatronics in the specialties, the subject of which are
specific classes of production machines and processes.
2. The definition emphasizes the synergetic nature of the integration of
constituent elements in mechatronic objects. Synergy (greek.) is a joint action
aimed at achieving a common goal. Here it is important that the parts are not
just complementary, but are combined so that created system has qualitatively
new properties. In mechatronics, all energy and information flows are aimed at
achieving a single goal – the realization of a given controlled movement.
3. Integrated mechatronic elements chosen by the developer already at the
design stage of the machine, and then the necessary engineering and technical
support in the production and operation of the machine is provided. This is
the radical difference between mechatronic
machines and traditional ones,
when the user was often forced to unite into his system the diverse mechanical,
electronic and information-control devices of various manufacturers. That is
why many complex systems (for example, some flexible manufacturing systems
in domestic engineering) demonstrated low reliability and low technical and
economical efficiency.
4. The methodological basis for the development of mechatronic systems is
provided with concurrent engineering methods. With the traditional design of
computer-controlled machines, the mechanical, electronic, sensor and computer
Достарыңызбен бөлісу: