Showing papers on "Mechatronics published in 2014"

Journal of Electrical Engineering

Abstract: Journal of Electrical Engineering (ISSN: 2328-2223) is an award-winning peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary periodicals. It is published monthly by David Publishing Company, USA, since 2013. The scope of the Journal is broad. The journal publishes high quality research papers in electronics and integrate circuit, digital electronic technique, electric power transmission and engineering, signal processing, automatic control systems and lectrical control technology, electromagnetics, metrology and instrumentation engineering, electrical materials and devices, bioelectrical engineering, electromechanics and mechatronics, photonics, optoelectronics and so on.

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Technologies, Modeling and Control - A Mechatronic Approach

Abstract: There is significant demand for an understanding of the fundamentals, technologies, and design of electric and hybrid electric vehicles and their components from researchers, engineers, and graduate students Although there is a good body of work in the literature, there is still a great need for electric and hybrid vehicle teaching materials Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Technologies, Modeling and Control A Mechatronic Approach is based on the authors current research in vehicle systems and will include chapters on vehicle propulsion systems, the fundamentals of vehicle dynamics, EV and HEV technologies, chassis systems, steering control systems, and state, parameter and force estimations The book is highly illustrated, and examples will be given throughout the book based on real applications and challenges in the automotive industry Designed to help a new generation of engineers needing to master the principles of and further advances in hybrid vehicle technology Includes examples of real applications and challenges in the automotive industry with problems and solutions Takes a mechatronics approach to the study of electric and hybrid electric vehicles, appealing to mechanical and electrical engineering interests Responds to the increase in demand of universities offering courses in newer electric vehicle technologies

Benchmark problems for nonlinear system identification and control using Soft Computing methods

Abstract: HighlightsCollection of 13 benchmark problems described in detail in standardized way.General assessment criteria as well as problem-specific tests specified.Benchmarks span from simple artificial systems to complex entire industrial plants.Many domains covered incl. drives, mechatronics, chemical plants, wind turbines.Examples of use in Soft Computing community are provided for each problem. Using benchmark problems to demonstrate and compare novel methods to the work of others could be more widely adopted by the Soft Computing community. This article contains a collection of several benchmark problems in nonlinear control and system identification, which are presented in a standardized format. Each problem is augmented by examples where it has been adopted for comparison. The selected examples range from component to plant level problems and originate mainly from the areas of mechatronics/drives and process systems. The authors hope that this overview contributes to a better adoption of benchmarking in method development, test and demonstration.

Wind turbine control and monitoring

Abstract: Maximizing reader insights into the latest technical developments and trends involving wind turbine control and monitoring, fault diagnosis, and wind power systems, 'Wind Turbine Control and Monitoring' presents an accessible and straightforward introduction to wind turbines, but also includes an in-depth analysis incorporating illustrations, tables and examples on how to use wind turbine modeling and simulation software. Featuring analysis from leading experts and researchers in the field, the book provides new understanding, methodologies and algorithms of control and monitoring, computer tools for modeling and simulation, and advances the current state-of-the-art on wind turbine monitoring and fault diagnosis; power converter systems; and cooperative & fault-tolerant control systems for maximizing the wind power generation and reducing the maintenance cost. This book is primarily intended for researchers in the field of wind turbines, control, mechatronics and energy; postgraduates in the field of mechanical and electrical engineering; and graduate and senior undergraduate students in engineering wishing to expand their knowledge of wind energy systems. The book will also interest practicing engineers dealing with wind technology who will benefit from the comprehensive coverage of the theoretic control topics, the simplicity of the models and the use of commonly available control algorithms and monitoring techniques.

Model Based Systems Engineering: Fundamentals and Methods

Abstract: This book is a contribution to the definition of a model based system engineering (MBSE) approach, designed to meet the objectives laid out by the INCOSE. After pointing out the complexity that jeopardizes a lot of system developments, the book examines fundamental aspects of systems under consideration. It goes on to address methodological issues and proposes a methodic approach of MBSE that provides, unlike current practices, systematic and integrated model-based engineering processes. An annex describes relevant features of the VHDL-AMS language supporting the methodological issues described in the book.

A competition-based approach for undergraduate mechatronics education using the arduino platform

Abstract: This paper describes the content of an undergraduate class in mechatronics at Santa Clara University. Designing an undergraduate course in mechatronics poses a challenge as it integrates subareas in mechanics, computer science, electronics and control systems. The problem is compounded when students are from different fields of engineering and have diverse backgrounds and skills. We describe a competition-based framework that has been integrated with rigorous labs to develop skills in core areas that are needed to complete a course capstone project successfully. Students learn the basics of mechatronics and, in the project, develop a mobile robot. The project varies from year to year. Our course is based on the low-cost Arduino platform. This paper briefly discusses pedagogical strategies and tools that have been used at other schools, and then focuses on describing the lecture, laboratory, and project components of our course. The results are encouraging and indicate that our course structure provides an effective means for learning mechatronics.

Development of a Mechatronics-Based Citizen Science Platform for Aquatic Environmental Monitoring

Abstract: In this paper, we present the design and proof of concept of a low-cost, self-sustained mobile surface vehicle for environmental monitoring. The vehicle is equipped with water quality sensors and cameras for image acquisition and two thrusters allowing it to maneuver. The device is part of a citizen science system wherein volunteers help in the environmental recovery of polluted bodies of water by performing online research and classification tasks. While aiding in environmental recovery, the users become more proficient in wildlife classification and water quality assessment. Telemetry collected by the vehicle is wirelessly uploaded to a web-based interface allowing volunteers to access images, positioning information, and water quality sensor data. The citizen science system allows for the study of social networking and human–computer interaction based on user activity. Specifically, the platform can be utilized to experiment with different interfaces and social interactions in hypothesis-driven research on human–computer interactions.

Stabilization of positive switched systems with time-varying delays under asynchronous switching

Abstract: Published version of an article in the journal: International Journal of Control, Automation and Systems. Also available from the publisher at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12555-013-0486-x

Anthropomorphic robotic hands: a review

Abstract: This paper presents a review on main topic regarding to anthropomorphic robotic hands developed in the last years, taking into account the more important mechatronics designs submit on the literature, and making a comparison between them. The next chapters deepen on level of anthropomorphism and dexterity in advanced actuated hands and upper limbs prostheses, as well as a brief overview on issues such as grasping, transmission mechanisms, sensory and actuator system, and also a short introduction on under-actuated robotic hands is reported.

Agile Model-Driven Engineering in Mechatronic Systems - An Industrial Case Study

Abstract: Model-driven engineering focuses on structuring systems as well as permitting domain experts to be directly involved in the software development. Agile methods aim for fast feedback and providing crucial knowledge early in the project. In our study, we have seen a successful combination of MDE and agile methods to support the development of complex, software-driven mechatronic systems. We have investigated how combining MDE and agile methods can reduce the number of issues caused by erroneous assumptions in the software of these mechatronic systems. Our results show that plant models to simulate mechanical systems are needed to enable agile MDE during the mechatronic development. They enable developers to run, verify, and validate models before the mechanical systems are delivered from suppliers. While two case studies conducted at Volvo Car Group confirm that combining MDE and agile works, there are still challenges e.g. how to optimize the development of plant models.

Mechatronic design of a miniature underwater robot for swarm operations

Abstract: Due to extreme and unpredictable conditions, oceanic missions are still a persistent challenge in robotics. With the aim of improving decision autonomy and robustness against unforeseen circumstances, the EU-funded CoCoRo project is developing a cognitive swarm of underwater robots. Swarm and cognition algorithms will be studied and validated with a large number of miniaturized and affordable AUVs, named Jeff, whose custom mechanical design is described in this paper. Jeff is conceived for high-mobility in 3D cluttered environments and has distributed sensors for multi-directional perception and communication. The propulsion and the buoyancy systems are designed with watertight and energetically efficient solutions to improve system reliability and energetic autonomy. The manuscript also describes the design of a docking system that allows Jeff to passively align and connect to a submerged docking station for battery charging.

Multidisciplinary modelling and simulation for mechatronic design

Abstract: Improving the market value of a product often means enhancing its quality and its functionalities without impacting its price. Moreover, issues of sustainable development, especially in the transport industry, lead to a reduction of a product’s weight achieved by increasing integration of its components. For example, the integration of the independent control unit to the Valeo’s starter-alternator StARS has allowed removing the cable connections and reducing the mass by merging envelopes and dissipation elements while increasing responsiveness. This strong need of technological integration is at the origin of mechatronics. The integration of multiple components, their compliance and their technological synergy leads to an intensive use of a systems engineering approach and of multidisciplinary methods of modelling and simulation. In the field of mechatronics, the large range of simulation software, data formats and design methods addresses numerous issues that need to be solved. This paper introduces some proposals to increase applications interoperability in order to improve the modelling and simulation of mechatronic systems.

Combining aspects and object-orientation in model-driven engineering for distributed industrial mechatronics systems

Abstract: Recent advances in technology enable the creation of complex industrial systems comprising mechanical, electrical, and logical – software – components. It is clear that new project techniques are demanded to support the design of such systems. At design phase, it is extremely important to raise abstraction level in earlier stages of product development in order to deal with such a complexity in an efficient way. This paper discusses Model Driven Engineering (MDE) applied to design industrial mechatronics systems. An aspect-oriented MDE approach is presented by means of a real-world case study, comprising requirements engineering up to code generation. An assessment of two well-known high-level paradigms, namely Aspect- and Object-Oriented paradigms, is deeply presented. Their concepts are applied at every design step of an embedded and real-time mechatronics system, specifically for controlling a product assembler industrial cell. The handling of functional and non-functional requirements (at modeling level) using aspects and objects is further emphasized. Both designs are compared using a set of software engineering metrics, which were adapted to be applied at modeling level. Particularly, the achieved results show the suitability of each paradigm for the system specification in terms of reusability quality of model elements. Focused on the generated code for each case study, statistics depicted an improvement in number of lines using aspects.

Sparse codes as alpha matte

Abstract: In this paper, image matting is cast as a sparse coding problem wherein the sparse codes directly give the estimate of the alpha matte. Hence, there is no need to use the matting equation that restricts the estimate of α from a single pair of foreground (F) and background (B) samples. A probabilistic segmentation provides a confidence value on the pixel belonging to F or B, based on which a dictionary is formed for use in sparse coding. This allows the estimate of α from more than just one pair of (F,B) samples. Experimental results on a benchmark dataset show the proposed method performs close to state-of-the-art methods.

Dependability of Self-Optimizing Mechatronic Systems

Abstract: Intelligent technical systems, which combine mechanical, electrical and software engineering with methods from control engineering and advanced mathematics, go far beyond the state of the art in mechatronics and open up fascinating perspectives. Among these systems are so-called self-optimizing systems, which are able to adapt their behavior autonomously and flexibly to changing operating conditions. The Collaborative Research Center 614 "Self-optimizing concepts and structures in mechanical engineering" pursued the long-term aim to enable others to develop dependable self-optimizing systems. Assuring their dependability poses new challenges. However, self-optimization also offers the possibility to adapt the system's behavior to improve dependability during operation. The aim of this book is to provide methods and techniques to master the challenges and to exploit the possibilities given by self-optimization. The reader will be able to develop self-optimizing systems that fulfill and surpass today’s dependability requirements easily. This book is directed to researchers and practitioners alike. It gives a brief introduction to the holistic development approach for self-optimizing mechatronic systems and the steps required to assure a dependable product design starting with the very early conceptual design phase. A guideline to select suitable methods for each step and the methods themselves are included. Each method is individually introduced, many examples and full references are given.

Overview and Introduction to Modeling and Simulation Support for System of Systems Engineering Applications

Abstract: A little longer than a decade ago, the community of systems engineers started to seriously deal with a category of challenges: system of systems (SoS). Systems Engineering (SE) is now better understood since its official birth as a discipline in the middle of the last century. It is widely understood to control the total systems life cycle process: definition, development, deployment, and retirement of a system. SE ensures that solutions are reliable, maintainable, and cost-effective. But its solutions focus on a system made up of components born from a common set of user requirements. Interactions with other systems was always possible, but these other systems were external and beyond the central systems boundaries.

Value-driven engineering of E-maintenance platforms

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology for the engineering of E-maintenance platforms that is based on a value-driven approach. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology assumes that a value-driven engineering approach would help foster technological innovation for maintenance management. Indeed, value-driven engineering could be easily adopted at the business level, with subsequent positive effects on the industrial applications of new information and communication technologies solutions. Findings – The methodology combines a value-driven approach with the engineering in the maintenance scope. The methodology is tested in a manufacturing case to prove its potential to support the engineering of E-maintenance solutions. In particular, the case study concerns the investment in E-maintenance solutions developed in the framework of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system originally implemented for production purposes. Originality/value – Based on literature research, th...

Calculation of regulators for the problems of mechatronics by means of the numerical optimization method

Abstract: Methods for numerical optimization of regulators has a number of advantages as compared with the analytical methods. The use of modern software, together with well-known and newest methods of forming of the optimization criteria in the form of cost functions provides a set of methods, successfully tested on a number of tasks. These methods, in contrast to analytical ones, allow effectively calculation of robust regulators for objects even in the case of the simultaneous presence in these of non-linear elements, units of lag, discrete elements (such as sampling-and-hold analog storage) and other complicating singularities.

Handbook of Research on Advancements in Robotics and Mechatronics

Abstract: Maki K. Habib is a Professor at the Mechanical Engineering Department, School of Sciences and Engineering, American University in Cairo, Egypt. His areas of research are focused on human adaptive and friendly mechatronics, autonomous navigation, service robots and humanitarian demining, telecooperation, distributed teleoperation and collaborative control, flexible automation, wireless sensor networks and ambient intelligence, biomimetic and biomedical robots. Released: December 2014 An Excellent Addition to Your Library!

Integrated Approach to the Designing Process of Complex Technical Systems

Abstract: The paper presents the specific approach to the designing process. This approach bases on the concept of integrated designing taking into consideration the three main attributes and three main subsystems of each technical mean. The attributes describing the features of an optimal technical mean include: the geometric form (including the mutual relations), the material form (including macroscopic and microscopic structure) and the assembly form (so called the dynamic form representing the constructional features obtaining only in the assembly process). The three specified constructional subsystems are: the structural subsystem (representing the main system of carrying and functional elements), the drive subsystem (representing the drives, actuators and energy sources) and the control subsystem (representing the sensors, controllers, signal buses and informations subsystem). Optimally linking mentioned attributes it is possibly to obtain the optimal design solution. It corresponds to certain approaches in mechatronics design understood as creating the system of specified subsystems (including the mechanical one and the electric one). In the presented work will be described the formal aspects of the integrated approach in the designing process. They will be also illustrated the practical results of introducing the proposed approach. These results are considered with the possibility of application the sophisticated tools of analysis like multi-agents theory. It is also possible to show the consequences of this approach for the CAD/CAE process. The integrated approach creates the theoretical platform for these informatics solutions. Finally one should point out the possibility of linking, in one designing process, informatics tools considered with designing and analysis of control subsystem.

Multidisciplinary approach for optimizing mechatronic systems: Application to the optimal design of an electric vehicle

Abstract: Optimization of integrated mechatronic design is a complex process characterized by an important number of requirements, design variables, constraints and objectives. Therefore, it is very important to efficiently decompose the system design problem into a set of quasi-separable sub-problems to reduce the design complexity and minimize the computational cost of a mechatronic design. In this study, a constraint-based method is proposed for the partitioning of the mechatronic design optimization problem. This approach allows designers to optimize the mechatronic system taking into account the interaction between the different use cases of the system. By applying the approach to the case of a preliminary design of an electric vehicle, the electric motor and the transmission gearbox have been optimized. It is shown that the presented approach allows designers to easily decompose the problem and integrate performance analysis with multidisciplinary optimization for efficient design verification and validation of mechatronic systems.

What the Design Theory of Social-Cyber-Physical Systems Must Describe, Explain and Predict?

Abstract: An intense shift from traditional mechatronics systems to cyber-physical systems has been taking place over the last two decades. The former systems, which integrate mechanical, electronics, computing, control and situated reasoning components, are typically implemented as closed, predefined, controlled and deterministic systems. The latter systems are characterized by open system boundaries, large functional and structural complexities, self-learning and -reasoning capabilities, partial autonomy, context-driven adaptability, and decentralized decision making. As the latest trend, they are getting more extensively embedded in the fabric of society. There exists no dedicated design theory that would explain how to conceptualize, design and realize this family of non-linear systems. In this paper, concentrating on the changing place and role of information, first an overview of the milestones of the overall physical, biological, social and technological evolution is given. Then, the distinguishing characteristics of cyber-physical systems are analysed, the current transition towards social-cyber-physical systems is considered, and the need for a comprehensive design theory for this family of systems is explained. As examples of the aspects which the design theory of social-cyber-physical systems should describe, explain, and predict, the phenomenon of: (a) aggregative complexity, (b) emergent attributes/behaviour, (c) compositional synergy, (d) multi-abstraction-based specification, (e) dynamic scalability, (f) multi-modal prototyping, and (g) integrity verification and behaviour validation are discussed and the issues of handling them in design are addressed. The main proposition is that there is an urgent need for a multi-disciplinary research in this novel domain of interest in order to facilitate a deeper disciplinary understanding and to allow the development of specific design methodologies and computational support tools.