Robotics Introduction to Mechatronics Certification Study Guide

CAD (Computer-aided design)

A computer technology that designs a product and documents the design's process. Circuit diagram - A diagram that shows how the electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic components of a technical system or installation are interconnected.

Throttle valve

A control valve that regulates the variable amount of fluid that is supplied to another fluid component such as an actuator.

Double-acting cylinder

A cylinder in which the working fluid acts alternately on both sides of the piston

Solenoid

A cylindrical coil of wire acting as a magnet when carrying electric current.

Multi-pin distributor

A device that provides multiple electrical connections for sensors and actuators.

Inductive sensor

A device that uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to detect or measure objects. An inductor develops a magnetic field when a current flow through it; alternatively, a current will flow through a circuit containing an inductor when the magnetic field through it changes.

Pressure meter

A device used to measure pressure.

Truth table

A diagram of the outputs from all possible combinations of input.

One-way flow control valve

A flow control valve that permits flow in one direction only.

Cable duct

A form of housing for a run of cables.

3/2-way hand valve

A manually operated valve with three ports and two positions. IT has a single pneumatic output that can be pressurized or exhausted to atmosphere, depending on valve position. In the normal, or unactuated position, the valve connects the output port to the exhaust port.

Valve

A mechanical device used to direct the flow of a fluid or air.

Electropneumatic

A method of actuating a device using compressed gas which is controlled by an electrical solenoid valve.

Pneumatic

A method to transfer energy from one point to another using actuators which are driven by gaseous fluids under pressure.

T-distributor

A pneumatic component used to distribute air into three different directions.

4/2-way double solenoid valve

A pneumatic valve with four ports and two solenoids that shifts the valve when voltage is applied to one solenoid and not the other. The solenoid valve is controlled by applying a voltage signal at the solenoid coil. The flow passes freely from 1 to 2. By stopping the signal, the valve is set back to its starting position through the use of an additional solenoid. If no signal is applied to the valve, it can be manually operated.

4/2-way single solenoid valve

A pneumatic valve with four ports that has a single electrical solenoid which actuates or shift the valve position when electricity is applied. The solenoid valve is controlled by applying a voltage signal at the solenoid coil. The flow passes freely from 1 to 4. By stopping the signal, the valve is set back to its starting position through the use of a return spring. If no signal is applied to the valve, it can be manually operated.

Force

A push or pull upon an object resulting from the object's interaction with another object. Whenever there is an interaction between two objects, there is a force upon each of the objects.

Opto sensor

A sensor that detects objects that block the sensor's beam of light.

Magnetic proximity sensor

A sensor that is used to detect the presence of nearby objects without physical contact. The sensor emits an electromagnetic field and looks for changes in the field.

DC geared motor

A specific type of electrical motor that is designed to produce high torque while maintaining a low horsepower, or low sped, motor output

Assembly drawing

A technical drawing that shows how the component parts make up the finished product.

Dimensional drwaing

A technical drawing that specifies materials used for workpieces

Pressure valve

A valve that automatically cuts off the flow of a liquid or gas at a certain pressure.

Velocity

A vector quantity (described by both a magnitude and a direction) that refers to the rate at which an object changes its position.

Relay

An electrical device, typically incorporating an electromagnet, that is activated by a current or signal in one circuit to open or close another circuit.`

Compressor

An electrically driven mechanical device that draws in free air through an intake filter and compresses it, usually via a piston or screw compressor

Magnetic limit switch

An electromechanical device that consists of an actuator mechanically linked to a set of contacts. When an object comes into contact with the actuator, the device operates the contact to make or break an electrical connection. They can determine the presence or absence, passing, positioning, and end of travel of an object.

Voltmeter

An instrument used for measuring electrical potential difference between two points in an electric circuit. Analog voltmeters move a pointer across a scale in proportion to the voltage of a circuit; digital voltmeters give a numerical display of voltage by use of an analog to digital converter.

FluidSIM

Circuit design software that allows the creation of GRAFCET plans. It can be used to perform experiments and carry out simulations in real time.

Voltage

Electromotive force or potential difference, usually expressed in volts.

Handling function

Feature of MecLab stations responsible for picking up parts and depositing them at a predefined point.

Separating function

Feature of MecLab stations responsible for separating parts based on physical properties.

Magazining function

Feature of MecLab stations responsible for storing and feeding parts.

Conveying function

Feature of MecLab stations responsible for transporting and sorting parts.

Pressure

Force per area. There is a difference between differential pressure with respect to atmosphere and absolute pressure. Pressure specifications for pneumatic devices must normally be assumed to be the differential pressure with respect to atmosphere, unless expressly indicated otherwise.

Workpiece

Object used as example parts for the MecLab system.

Flow

Principle of moving along steadily and continuously.

EasyPortt

Provides an interface connecting software/simulation with actual training equipment/PLCs. It is used for measuring, open-loop control, and closed-loop control. It also allows FluidSIM to read sensor signals from a stations and actuate the drives of the station. It provides 16 digital inputs, 16 digital outputs, 4 analog inputs, and 2 analog outputs with a maximum current per output channel of 0.7 A/24 V.

Flow control valve

Regulates the flow or pressure of a fluid. Control valves normally respond to signals generated by independent devices such as flow meters or temperature gauges.

Schematic diagram

Represents the elements of a system using abstract, graphic symbols rather than realistic pictures. A schematic usually omits all details that are not relevant to the information the schematic is intended to convey, and may add unrealistic elements that aid comprehension.

Stroke

The distance the piston head travels from the end to the top end of the cylinder.

GRAFCET

The graphical description language that describes the logical behavior and operation of a control system or process--regardless of the technical software/hardware implementation.

Parts list

Tool used to identify quantities of parts needed to manufacture a product.

Profile plate (anodized and aluminum)

Used for mounting all components of the MechLab station. Both sides are slotted so, if necessary, parts can be mounted on both sides. The slots are compatible with the ITEM profile system. The board is supplies with caps for the sides.

EasyPort Mini

Used to connect a MecLab station with the USB interface of the PC. It also allows FluidSIM to read sensor signals from the station and actuate the drives of the station. It provides six digital input and output channels with a maximum current per output channel of 0.7A/24 V.

Technical drawing

Used to illustrate the design of products and show details such as dimensions, tolerances, and surface finish.

Pneumatic circuit diagram

Uses pneumatic symbols such as cylinders, directional control valves, and flow control valves to describe the design of a pneumatic circuit.

Shutoff valve

When the type of valve is tripped, the flow is quickly stopped and an indicator tells the operator that the circuit has been opened by a failure somewhere in the system.

Single-acting cylinder

With single-acting cylinders, compressed air is applied on only one side of the piston face. The other side is open to the atmosphere. The cylinder can produce work in only one direction. The piston is returned by a built-in spring or by the application of an external force.

Electric current

a flow of electric charge. In electric circuits this charge is often carried by moving electrons in a wire or by ions in an electrolyte, or by both ions and electrons such as in a plasma.