Engineering Design: The Mechatronics Approach And Cognitive Experience

Mechatronics is a rapidly developing, interdisciplinary field of engineering dealing with design of products whose function relies on the integration of mechanical and electronic components coordinated by a control architecture. A mechatronics platform has strength through its ability to offer dynamic and flexible solutions. Engineers and educators are devising methods and means to capture and maintain student interests while providing them with a meaningful experiential learning. This article presents a mechatronics learning experience using everyday toy-like products such as Legos and wood yet delivering a lasting impact. This learning experience is based on mechanics and motor selection. The fundamentals of engineering design such as statics and dynamics are presented. Further, design needs in electrical, and teamwork issues are addressed. The strength of the study is seen through a challenge presented that requires student innovation towards solving such problems. Students are provided opportunity for growth through thought and utilization of their knowledge to provide solutions to given problems. The activity brings relevance to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math by showing its application to ordinary and complex solutions. This approach is not only fun to the students but is can be easily adapted to any STEM discipline in different educational levels. The learning experience could be the first in a series of learning mechatronics, which could be followed by introducing electronics, and programming, respectively. This paper is aimed for undergraduate level. Introduction Aliciatore and Histand defined mechatronics as an “interdisciplinary field of engineering dealing with the design of products whose functions rely on the integration of mechanical and electronic components coordinated by control architecture 1 . Mechatronics is rich in content, deep in specialty, and diverse that can be customized for varying learning levels, styles, and needs. Therefore, if you have ever wanted to easily integrate mechanical, electrical, programming, and controls to develop a dynamic toy or robot, then this article will provide you with basic direction towards developing learning experience for your students. The objectives of the paper are to introduce mechatronics field in a way students can comprehend it in non threatening atmosphere; show value of the mechatronics field; indicate how STEM can benefit from mechatronics by adopting it as a synthesis learning area, such as capstone requirement; and assess student views on the subject matter. To provide this experience, the author presents a sample mechatronics challenge.