eNewsletter 6/11/2008
Real mechatronic design (just so we're on the same page) is first and foremost an expression of math. It's an all-inclusive math — analytical, intuitive, physical, and logical - extending from the mind of the designer to the framework and functionality of the design itself. It's at the functional level, by the way, where the confluence of technology occurs, separating mechatronic (interdisciplinary) design from conventional (intra-disciplinary) engineering. Here, mechanical and electronic elements combine to synthesize programmable mechatronic functions. There's a very easy way to tell whether or not someone is working at this level, or for that matter, whether or not an information source is actually addressing it. Just look at the math. If it's expressed down to the signal level, representing both mechanical and electronic functions, chances are good that it's genuine mechatronics - which is what we speak here. — Larry Berardinis Check out my blog
Meet Luke, Dean Kamen's sophisticated bit of engineering that's lightyears ahead of the clamping prosthetic "claws" that many amputees are forced to use today. Kamen's robotic arm is fully articulated, giving the user the same degrees of movement as a natural arm, and is sensitive enough to pick up a piece of paper, a wineglass or even a grape without mishap. Robotic Arm Manipulates and Mobilizes Movies portray robots that can move through the world as easily as humans. But in reality, the creation of robots with these skills remains a major challenge. Researchers are solving this problem by giving a mobile robotic arm the ability to "see" its environment through a digital camera. The Math and Mechanics Behind Life Processes Developing fundamental math and mechanics to explain life processes like embryo development, cellular migration and growth could open doors to a new frontier in biology, many researchers say. A group of these scientists will gather for the Symposium on Cellular, Molecular and Tissue Mechanics. Participants will present current research on ways mechanics is being used to study and explain biology. With Mechatronics, the Sky's the Limit When Tetsura Mori, a senior engineer for Yaskawa Electric Corp., coined the term "mechatronics" in 1969, most people had no idea what it was. It came to be known as a blend of mechanical systems and electronics, and the field evolved over the years. Today, mechatronics still merges mechanics and electronics, but it is much more than that.
The LA35 electric linear actuator features over 1,300- lb (6,000-N) force in push, high-ingress protection IP66 (dynamic)/IP69K (static), and corrosion-resistant materials. Electronics for the LA35 are mounted inside the actuator, simplifying its design and reducing installation time. Benefits of internal mounting include elimination of external potentiometers and the need for power switching (H-bridge). Current-sensing features improve safety by interrupting power to the motor in the event of a blockage. Additional features include 12 or 24-Vdc motor options; built-in limit switches at end of stroke; noncontact potentiometer for position reliability; and an optional potential-free signal switch at end of stroke. More Information: Linak U.S. Inc. The RT4 Series rotary table, with a 4-in.-diameter tabletop and a 4 × 5-in. footprint, can carry up to 100-lb loads. The Series offers 4 arc-min positional accuracy, 0.03° run out, 1-oz-in. breakaway torque with loads of 50 lb, and 1,750-rpm maximum input speed. Constructed of black-anodized aluminum, the actuator has 303 stainless-steel worm and shafting with a 464 bronze gear and ABEC 7 stainless-steel bearings and thrust washer provide smooth tabletop rotation. NEMA-17 stepper-motor-mount or hand-crank models are standard. Available gear ratios are 45:1, 90:1, or 180:1. More Information: PIC Design The EGSA ball-screw-driven cantilever actuator reduces cycle times to the absolute minimum. The unit’s short strokes offer a ±0.01-mm repetition accuracy. The EGSA comes as either a complete solution, with motor and controller, or as an individual component for adapting to third-party motors. Design features of the EGSA include 50 and 60-mm drive widths; 100, 200, and 300-mm stroke lengths; 6-kg maximum working load; and 1.5-m/sec maximum speed. More Information: Festo Corp. |
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