Mechatronics II

Safety

Fluid Power Systems 

Computers and Control Systems 

Technical Documentation and Troubleshooting

Accurately read and interpret safety rules, including but not limited to the rules of handling high-pressure pneumatics and hydraulics. Analyze the implications of the various rules and employ them accordingly while working on mechatronic systems with control system components, explaining why certain rules apply.

Demonstrate understanding of the interrelationships and specific roles of (electro) pneumatic and hydraulic components and modules within a complex mechatronic system. For example, provide a written technical description of the expected changes in one or more systems on other components and modules in the total mechatronic system. 

Identify the differences between hydraulic and pneumatic fluid power and justify decisions surrounding when to use control systems based on one component as opposed to the other by crafting and defending an argument with specific claim(s), reasoning and supporting evidence.

Create laboratory setups or simple control systems that apply hydraulic and pneumatic principles such as Boyle’s Law and Pascal’s Law. Apply these principles to solving problems and troubleshooting mechatronic systems, explaining the reasoning behind each step.

Using real-world examples of hydraulic/pneumatic systems, and citing reputable print and visual sources of such systems, conduct research to identify the basic components and functions in a fluid power system. Create a visual aid to summarize and explain this information to technicians or upper management.

Measure and analyze basic physical properties of (electro) pneumatic and hydraulic components (such as cylinders, directional control valves, regulators, flow control valves, pumps, and motors) within a given system. Interpret resolved work orders by analyzing underlying issues and explaining the correct physical operation of the included components.

Citing evidence from a technical description or actual observation of a mechatronic system, describe the flow of fluid energy in a given mechatronic system or subsystem. Create a graphic illustration to represent the transfer of energy from one component to others in the system. 

Research the different roles of programmable logical controllers (PLCs) in complex mechatronic systems, modules, and subsystems, and be able to verbally describe their components and operation to others. Collaboratively create a technical document for a new technician that explains the basic components of a PLC, addressing how the role of a PLC varies in different systems (such as mechatronic systems, modules, and subsystems). 

Demonstrate understanding of the flow of information in a given mechatronic system or subsystem, focusing on the control function of PLCs in the system. Create both a schematic and explanatory narrative to describe the flow of information to/from an equipment operator. 

Given a control scenario, bound by several logical parameters, create Boolean logic equations to prescribe the use of logic gates in the implementation of the scenario. Show how they apply to the functioning of a real-world mechatronics system, explaining the reasoning involved.

Demonstrate understanding of hexadecimal, decimal, octal, binary, 2s complement, and binary coded decimal (BCD) values as used in a common PLC. Write an explanation or develop and deliver a brief presentation of how these codes are relevant to mechatronic systems.

Convert wiring and ladder diagrams for simple logic chores into PLC programs that use common instructions such as digital, logical, compare, compute, move, file, sequencer, and program control instruction sets. 

Referencing technical documents (such as data sheets, circuit diagrams, displacement step diagrams, timing diagrams, function charts, operations manuals, and schematics) for pneumatic and hydraulic components within a mechatronic system, assess the required maintenance for such systems, taking appropriate measurements where needed, and perform the necessary adjustments on these systems. Document and justify adjustments in an equipment log that can be referenced by technicians and engineers.  

Troubleshoot malfunctioning pneumatic and hydraulic systems: identify the source of the problem(s), plan a multistep procedure to correct the malfunction, implement the plan, and verify the corrective action. Using appropriate technical language and terminology, document the cause of the malfunction and justify the procedure used to correct it.