Department of Mechanical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
ME50221 Introduction to mechatronic design |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: CW 100% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: To introduce the student to Mechatronics, a multi-discipline subject that offers new solutions to engineering design problems. To make the student aware that many traditional design approaches can be improved by taking a systems engineering approach, and questioning established tenets. To demonstrate how intelligent control, integrated with established mechanical design concepts, can achieve significant advances in design capabilities. To show that progress in multi-disciplinary design is much quicker than in traditional design.
The course will make the student aware of the technologies involved in Mechatronics, how intelligent machines are designed and where there is a need for reconfigurable systems in today's environments. The student will learn to look at the widest facets of mechatronic design, beyond the purely engineering considerations, aspects such as whole life costs, environmental impact etc.
Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit the student should be able to: * Critically assess different design solutions to a problem, balancing a mechatronic approach against purely mechanical solutions. * Suggest new design approaches to given design problems and justify the improvements offered by a Mechatronics solution against a number of design and life criteria. * Work in a small multi-discipline design team, understanding different design technologies and how they interact, producing a final mechatronic design specification. Skills: Problem solving, numeracy, written communication (taught and assessed), working independently. Content: Introduction to Mechatronics and the interaction between mechanical actuation and electronic control. Investigation into current design solutions to well known problems in automobile, aerospace, manufacture, farming etc. Alternative mechatronic solutions to these design solutions, in areas where Mechatronics may be appropriate. The wider aspects of engineering design today. Systems engineering in a wider, mechatronic design philosophy. Design of intelligent machines and systems. Pre-determined control as against agent technology. Industrial examples. Whole life analysis. Bespoke customisation. Reproducing the "confidence through evolution" concept in new mechatronic solutions. |