3.2 Criteria for integrating of mechatronic modules
Let’s consider some criteria by which it is possible to compare different
models of mechatronic modules and their design solutions depending on the
level of functional, structural and constructive integration.
Such criteria are: indicators of functional, functional-structural, structural-
structural integration, mechatronism and additional quality, structural redun-
dancy, structural connectivity and compactness, functional load, kinematic
accuracy, reliability, etc.
The functional integration index J
F
is defined as the ratio of the number
of functional transformations performed in the mechatronic module
N
F
to the
total number of
N
FИИM
transformations performed in the intelligent mechatronic
module [9]:
(3.1)
In the motion module
N
F
= 2, in the mechatronic motion module
N
F
= 3, in
an intelligent mechatronic module
N
FИИM
= 7.
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The indicator of functional integration makes it possible to estimate the
specific functionality of the mechatronic module with respect to the intelligent
mechatronic module. The more is the indicator of functional integration, the
closer the mechatronic module to the intelligent mechatronic module. There-
fore, in the synthesis, this parameter should be increased, which leads to an
improvement in the quality of the mechatronic module.
The index of functional-structural integration of J
S
before is the ratio
of the number of functional transformations
N
F
in the mechatronic module
to the number of basic structural blocks
N
S
that are necessary for performing
functional transformations [9]:
(3.2)
If each functional transformation is carried out by one structural block,
then:
for the motion module
N
S
= 2
for the mechatronic modulus of motion
N
S
= 3
for an intelligent mechatronic module
N
S
= 7.
The indicator of functional-structural integration shows the specific stru-
ctural (level of integration) of the mechatronic module when performing the
required functional transformations by a different number of structural blocks.
It should be kept in mind that the same functions can be implemented by
a different number of building blocks. Reducing their number with a constant
number of functional transformations also leads to a reduction in the number of
inter-unit interfaces, which positively affects the reliability and quality of the
mechatronic module.
So, for example, if instead of an engine and a mechanical converter a high-
torque motor is used, the number of structural blocks will decrease by one.
Then the indicator of functional-structural integration will be:
• for the motion module
J
S
= 2/1 = 2
• for the mechatronic motion module
J
S
= 3/2 = 1,5
• for an intelligent mechatronic module
J
S
= 7/6 = 1,167.
Thus, when designing mechatronic modules, it is necessary to strive to
increase the index of functional-structural integration, which leads to a reduc-
tion in the number of structural blocks and, accordingly, the number of basic
structural elements.
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