What is the function of a sensor and an actuator in a Mechatronic System? List different types of actuators with at least two examples of each type.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Sensors are required to monitor the performance of machines and processes. Sensing systems can be used to evaluate operations, machine health, inspect the work in progress and identify parts and tools. Sensors are needed to provide real-time information that can assist controllers in identifying potential bottlenecks, breakdowns, and other problems with individual machines and with a total manufacturing environment. Using a collection of sensors one can monitor one or more variables in a process. Sensors must be able to ascertain conditions instantaneously and accurately, and provide usable data to system controllers.

Some of the more common measurement variables in mechatronic systems are temperature, speed, position, force, torque and acceleration. Intelligent sensors are available that not only sense information but process it as well. These sensors facilitate operations normally performed by the control algorithm, which include automatic noise filtering, linearization sensitivity, and self-calibration. Microsensors could be used to measure flow, pressure, or concentration of various chemical species in environmental and mechanical applications. Many micro sensors, including biosensors and chemical sensors can be mass-produced. The ability to combine these mechanical structures and electronic circuitry on the same piece of silicon is also important.

Actuators are another important component of a mechatronic system. Actuators are usually electrical, mechanical, fluid power or pneumatic-based. They transform electrical inputs into mechanical outputs such as force, angle and position. Actuators can be classified into three general groups:
Electromagnetic actuators (e.g.: AC and DC electrical motors, stepper motors, electromagnet)
Fluid power actuators (e.g.: hydraulics, pneumatics)
Unconventional actuators (e.g.: piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, etc.)