5/18/2023

EMT 2433
Design of Mechatronic Systems I
Semester 1
May – August 2023

Lecturer: Dr. A.K. Muchiri

Department of Mechatronic Engineering, JKUAT

The Design process

i. A review
ii. Types of designs
iii. Integrated product design.
iv. The mechatronic approach to design

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The Design process

The Design process – Stages/Phases

Idealization Incubation Inspiration Elaboration

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The Design process

The Design process - Steps

Problem
definition

Present the Generate

solution ideas

Select a
Evaluate
solution

Iteration
Analyze Synthesis

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The Design process

The Design process

In mechatronic engineering:
Design approach must allow for the inclusion of all constituent components that will
facilitate an integrated approach to problem solution and optimization.

Before commencing with any design process, understand what the problem is.

Do not formulate a solution then craft a problem around it!

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The Design process

The Design process

Example: Design an irrigation system for a large greenhouse, with two different high-
value crops. The system delivers water to each plant based on the soil moisture
content. Water consumption is monitored, and large variations are detected for
further analysis. Adjustments can be made from a SCADA interface
Water is sourced from a water reservoir (tank) which is at a level higher than the
greenhouse roof.

Assume you have 100 plants in total (50 of each type).

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The Design process

The Design process: Designing an irrigation system for a large greenhouse

What is the problem to design for?

An automated irrigation system that supplies water to each plant, and at the
same time monitors its water consumption.

What are the other conditions set on the system?

- Water is gravity fed
- A SCADA system can adjust plant feeding
- There are two different types of crops

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The Design process

The Design process: Designing an irrigation system for a large greenhouse

1. Irrigation = Water (for now)
2. Large reservoir at a higher level = no pump required for flow
3. 2 different plants = Different requirements (separate interfaces? Parameters to
monitor?)
4. Water consumption is monitored per plant
5. SCADA interface = input/output

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The Design process

The Design process: Designing an irrigation system for a large greenhouse

What do we need to do?
- Measure the moisture level
- Compare with required value: If deviation is normal and below the threshold, open
valve and add water till the required (set) irrigation value, close the valve, record the
value
- If deviation is large (well below or well above), display plant alarm on the interface
(high value could indicate dead plant, high humidity etc)
- Update records for plant

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The Design process

The Design process: Designing an irrigation system for a large greenhouse

What do we require?
1. Moisture sensors per plant (x 100)
2. Automated gate valves for piping system (x 100)
3. A control interface split into two
4. Processing unit
5. Software with plant models
6. App?

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The Design process

The Design process: Designing an irrigation system for a large greenhouse

Does the proposed system represent a mechatronic system?
1. SCADA system = input/output, interaction with the world. Control center
2. Processor, software and plant models = Processing/software
3. Automated gate valves = actuation
4. Soil moisture sensors = measurement. (Maybe also humidity sensors in the GH)
5. Feeding of plants with water on demand = assembly
6. Soil moisture content, humidity of GH = environment
7. Link between sensors, valves and interface = Communication

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The Design process

The Design process: Designing an irrigation system for a large greenhouse

We can then proceed to write/draw a sequence of events, and how the inputs and
outputs interrelate.
SCADA SYSTEM

User Plant-1 status Plant-2 status

Inputs/settings (x50) (x50)

Processing
Moisture unit
sensors

Humidity
sensors
Automatic
Gate valves

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The Design process

- The design being developed is seen as a system

- General system requirements are set
- System requirements are either functional or non-functional

Functional: - Critical for the system to serve its purpose

Non-functional: - Features that can be removed and the system will still perform its
core task

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The Design process

- In order for it to work, sub-systems are identified

- For each sub-system, functional and non-functional requirements are identified
- A functional structure is then conceptualized.
- Conceptual designs are then developed.

Always remember:
- Any given design problem can have multiple conceptual designs
- The final design is selected based on suitability and optimization, but may not
always be the very best.

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The Design process

System
requirements

Sub-system 1 Sub-system 2
requirements requirements

Functional Non-functional
requirements requirements

Functional
structure

Conceptual Conceptual Conceptual

design 1 design 2 design n

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The Design process

The Segway:

For the gadget illustrated here, what will be the:

(i) System requirements?
(ii) Sub-system requirements? Select one – Power pack
(iii) Functional requirements?
(iv) Non-functional requirements?

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The Design process

The Segway: System Requirements:

- Safely support and transport its payload
- Respond actively to user inputs
- Have a maximum safe operating speed
- Give feedback to the user on various system statuses
- Simplified input interface
- Have a minimum operation time based on active usage
- Have an adjustable column
- Fit within some spaces e.g. a standard door
- Low noise levels
- Smooth start, stop and transitions
- Minimal wear

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The Design process

The Segway: Sub-System Requirements: These fulfil the system requirements

Working with the power system:
- High instantaneous discharge on demand (especially on starting)
- Continuous discharge (C) over the entire period of utilization (above the
minimum charge threshold)
- Size of battery
- Weight of battery
- Heat dissipation
- Time to recharge
- Safety while in use.

Some of these are functional , and others non-functional

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The Design process

The Segway: Sub-System Requirements: These fulfil the system requirements

Working with the power system:

Some of these are functional , and others non-functional

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The Design process

The Segway: Sub-System Requirements: These fulfil the system requirements

Working with the power system:

Some of these are functional , and others non-functional

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The Design process

Assignment 1: Design of a Quadcopter drone:

For the gadget illustrated above, what will be the:

(i) System requirements?
Do the assignment in groups of 2,
(ii) Sub-system requirements? Select one and submit on 25th May 2023
(iii) Functional requirements?
(iv) Non-functional requirements?

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