3. Mechatronics:

3.1. Relevant Software:


3.2. Projects:

Daniel's mechatronics experience spreads from the industry to academics. In the industry, he experienced mechatronics on an "electrical scale", where he designed a series of Assembly & Test systems. He's familiar with mechatronics hardware such as solenoids, electro-proportional regulators, PLCs, E-STOPs, push buttons, I/O expansion modules, power supplies, pressure/flow transducers, safety controllers, and light curtains. He designed electrical panels, wiring schematics, and programmed PLCs. Daniel took 3 training sessions(1 week each) at Rockwell Automation's Twinsburg facility for RSLogix500, RSLogix5000, and FactoryTalkView training.

For his master's project, he experienced mechatronics on an "electronic" scale where he designed basic PCB layouts and developed embedded controller/interface software. This process was similar to programming PLCs and HMIs but was on a smaller scale and allowed for more customization. The title of his dissertation was: "Designing, modeling, and embedded programming of a torque limiting brushless motor system."

3.2.1. ElectroMechanical system design:

Daniel's project for his master's degree in Mechatronics Engineering can be downloaded here: report.pdf. This report shows the detailed process Daniel took to develop an embedded interface for a standard mechatronics application.

3.2.2. Electrical schematic design:

Daniel also has experience with electrical schematics. Daniel creates an electrical packet consisting of a TOC(Table of Content), power, safety, controls, I/O expansion, AC/DC, external auxiliary, communications, and terminal index sheet. Daniel designs according to NFPA79, datasheets, internal/external technical reviews, and localized testing. He uses signal generators, multimeters, power supplies, and oscilloscopes to test parts locally before energizing the entire system. Daniel created 2-3 of these electrical packets in his career. Daniel was also briefly exposed to PCB design where he was under the supervision of aerospace engineers to route PCB boards as shown in the slidedeck below.

Figure 3.1: (1)Example electrical schematic of the PLC page /(2)PCB routing.

3.2.3. Electrical panel design:

Daniel also has experience with electrical panel design, a process similar to building custom computers. He has experience reviewing component datasheets for pin diagrams, overall sizes, and electric current requirements so that all components can interface together. Daniel uses the component current requirements to specify circuit breakers and total system current to specify power supplies. Daniel also makes sure that mechanical safety devices are in place such as LOTO, safety controllers, and power disconnects. Daniel is familiar with mechatronic suppliers/manufacturers such as Rexel(Rockwell Automation), Banner(Adcon, Turk), Sola, Keyence, and Altech. The 3D models are typically imported from the supplier site and assembled in SolidWorks. Daniel designed 4-5 cabinets in his career and has an example shown below that was provided with permission from the customer. This cabinet was unfortunately never built because of project reprioritization, but serves as a good example for cabinet design.

Figure 3.2: (1)Example electrical panel design / (2)Terminal block assembly.