Mechatronics Exam Questions and
Answers| Updated
mechatronics
integration of mechanical and electronic components
Robots
devices that perform actions based on programming and sensing. sense -> think ->
act
Sensor
something that detects a parameter (usually a physical parameter) and converts it
into an electrical signal
Position sensors
digital/ binary is easier than analog like rotation is easier than translation
Position sensors
a. switch
a position sensor that is sensing or requires physical contact.
-user input
,-limit switch
-pole: moving elements
-throw: contact position
-Normally open: NO
-Normally Closed: NC
-Switch bounce: not quite touching a contact. imperfect contact between open
and close
Position sensors
b. Proximity
don't have contact to activate them. non contact position sensor
-capacitor
-inductive
-eddy current
-laser
-Magnetic (hall effect)
Ultrasonic (US)
Infrared (IR)
hall effect
voltage changes with magnetic field can be toggled or push button like used for
zeroing motors or counting cycles
,ultrasonic (US)
send out sound pulse and time the return. prone to single false readings. used for
detection, distance measurements, material properties
Infrared (IR)
light pulse. can be opposed, retro reflective, or proximity mode
Position sensors
c. potentiometers
POTS, variable resistor. change in resistance based on the position of the wiper.
linear, rotary, trim, or joy stick
Position sensors
d. encoder
linear or disk. watching for the tic marks or magnet (if disk is a magnet). Has
multiple tracks for more information or sensors. can be absolute or incremental
absolute encoder
lots of rings
knows exactly where you are -> absolute angle
wraps 0-360
, more expensive
incremental encoder
2 tracks or 2 sensors
delta theta for change in angle
cheaper
Position sensors
e. IMU/ GAU
Internal measurement unit or Gyro + accel + compass.
multi axis
binary tilt sensor
Force/ Stress/ Strain sensors
a. strain gage
bendable wire that changes resistance as it is bent/ stretched
Force/ Stress/ Strain sensors
b. load cell
measures force via internal strain gages
Answers| Updated
mechatronics
integration of mechanical and electronic components
Robots
devices that perform actions based on programming and sensing. sense -> think ->
act
Sensor
something that detects a parameter (usually a physical parameter) and converts it
into an electrical signal
Position sensors
digital/ binary is easier than analog like rotation is easier than translation
Position sensors
a. switch
a position sensor that is sensing or requires physical contact.
-user input
,-limit switch
-pole: moving elements
-throw: contact position
-Normally open: NO
-Normally Closed: NC
-Switch bounce: not quite touching a contact. imperfect contact between open
and close
Position sensors
b. Proximity
don't have contact to activate them. non contact position sensor
-capacitor
-inductive
-eddy current
-laser
-Magnetic (hall effect)
Ultrasonic (US)
Infrared (IR)
hall effect
voltage changes with magnetic field can be toggled or push button like used for
zeroing motors or counting cycles
,ultrasonic (US)
send out sound pulse and time the return. prone to single false readings. used for
detection, distance measurements, material properties
Infrared (IR)
light pulse. can be opposed, retro reflective, or proximity mode
Position sensors
c. potentiometers
POTS, variable resistor. change in resistance based on the position of the wiper.
linear, rotary, trim, or joy stick
Position sensors
d. encoder
linear or disk. watching for the tic marks or magnet (if disk is a magnet). Has
multiple tracks for more information or sensors. can be absolute or incremental
absolute encoder
lots of rings
knows exactly where you are -> absolute angle
wraps 0-360
, more expensive
incremental encoder
2 tracks or 2 sensors
delta theta for change in angle
cheaper
Position sensors
e. IMU/ GAU
Internal measurement unit or Gyro + accel + compass.
multi axis
binary tilt sensor
Force/ Stress/ Strain sensors
a. strain gage
bendable wire that changes resistance as it is bent/ stretched
Force/ Stress/ Strain sensors
b. load cell
measures force via internal strain gages
