Essentials of Mechatronics

Аннотация

There are many definitions of mechatronics, but most involve the concept of blending mechanisms, electronics, sensors, and control strategies into a design, knitted together with software. With an abundant wealth of topics to choose from, authors of mechatronics textbooks are tempted to bundle them all into a massive compendium. This book seeks to throw out all but the essentials; although perhaps in hanging onto the baby, some bathwater will still remain. A mechatronic system must “do” something, even if it is just to move a pointer or change a display. The industrial robot must have motors with which to move an end effector, perhaps a gripper, while another system’s output might concern heaters. The mechatronic engineer should not be in too much of a hurry to run to the catalog to choose an electric motor. To the electrical engineer, motors are a fascinating playground around which to debate the merits and challenges of axial fl ux, windage losses, rotor resistance, or commutation.