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= Mechatronics: a multi-disciplinary perspective =
= A multi-disciplinary perspective =
Take, for example, the [[Predictive_Maintenance_for_Hydraulic_Systems|Development of custom hardware often requires a multi-disciplinary perspective. Take, for example, the development of the predictive maintenance solution for Hydraulic Systems]] introduced in the case study section. Here, the design and manufacturing of the actual hydraulic systems components is not in scope. However, hardware design and manufacturing still includes a number of elements:
Take, for example, the [[Predictive_Maintenance_for_Hydraulic_Systems|Development of custom hardware often requires a multi-disciplinary perspective. Take, for example, the development of the predictive maintenance solution for Hydraulic Systems]] introduced in the case study section. Here, the design and manufacturing of the actual hydraulic systems components is not in scope. However, hardware design and manufacturing still includes a number of elements:
* Custom hardware for the Data Acquisition hub
* Custom hardware for the Data Acquisition hub

Revision as of 08:32, 7 November 2021

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The execution of the hardware implementation can vary widely. For a simple retrofit solution using commercial-off-the-shelf hardware components, this will be mainly a procurement exercise. For an advanced product with complex, custom hardware, this will be a multi-disciplinary exercise combining mechanical engineering, electric and electronic engineering, control system design, and manufacturing.

A multi-disciplinary perspective

Take, for example, the Development of custom hardware often requires a multi-disciplinary perspective. Take, for example, the development of the predictive maintenance solution for Hydraulic Systems introduced in the case study section. Here, the design and manufacturing of the actual hydraulic systems components is not in scope. However, hardware design and manufacturing still includes a number of elements:

  • Custom hardware for the Data Acquisition hub
  • A number of custom sensor packages to monitor electric motors, hydraulic pumps, tanks, oil, filters, and so on
  • Custom connecting elements for fitting the sensors onto the hydraulic components

To develop this hardware, a number of different skills are required, including strong domain knowledge, knowledge about electronic systems, control systems, and embedded compute nodes.

If you are going from retrofit solutions towards hybrid digital/physical products - like a vacuum robot or a smart kitchen appliance - you will need to even include mechanical systems engineering to the equation.

The discipline which traditionally brings all these perspectives together is called mechatronics. Mechatronics combines mechanical system engineering, electronic system engineering, control system engineering and embedded as well as general IT system engineering. The intersection between mechanical systems and electronic systems is often referred to as electromechanics. The intersection between electronic systems and control systems includes control electronics. The intersection between control systems and computers includes digital control systems. Mechanical systems usually require mechanical CAD/CAM for system design and modelling, as well as validation via simulation. Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) is supporting this with collaboration platforms covering system requirements, design, analysis, verification and validation.

Mechatronics - a mutli-disciplinary perspective

Embedded hardware design and manufacturing

Embedded hardware design and manufacturing

Minimizing hardware costs vs. planning for digital growth

Minimizing costs vs planning for digital growth

Managing system evolution

Hardware evolution