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Need of Accumulator The components of a hydraulic system require a continuous supply of pressurized fluid. For example, a hydraulic actuator gets the work done on the load by converting the energy of the fluid into mechanical energy.  In the absence of an accumulator, the hydraulic pump would be continuously running to cater to the need for valve operation. The pump will frequently start and stop, which affects the pump’s performance and its health.  A  hydraulic accumulator  is a pressure storage reservoir in which a non-compressible hydraulic fluid is held under pressure that is applied by an external source of mechanical energy. The accumulator stores energy which can be used in an emergency where there are no other means of power supply. It can be compared with the use of capacitors in electrical circuits.  Types of accumulators: Gas-charged (nitrogen usually) (Hydro-pneumatic accumulators) Spring-loaded Weigh...

The need for Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) A pressure relief valve (PRV) is one of the most important types of safety valves. These types of valves set a limit on the rise of pressure within a hydraulic line or system.  In normal operation, the valve is closed and no fluid passes through the PRV. But if the pressure in the line exceeds the limit, the valve opens to relieve the pressure.  This protects the expensive machines such as pumps, motors, and actuators from getting damaged due to extensive pressures.  Without a relief valve, pressure can continue to grow until another component fails and pressure is released. The need for Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) Types of Pressure Relief Valve Direct Acting PRV Pilot Operated PRV Direct Acting   Pressure Relief Valve Direct-acting PRV  is held closed by the direct force of a mechanical spring. The spring force holding the valve closed is opposed by the system hydraulic pressure.  The...

The key elements of a typical hydraulic system consist of the following components: Tank/ Reservoir:  The reservoir holds the hydraulic fluid (liquid petroleum oils and synthetic oils, usually oil) required for the hydraulic system. Filter:  Filters are used to remove any foreign particles so as keep the fluid system clean and efficient, as well as avoid damage to the actuator and valves. Motor-driven Pump:  The hydraulic pump is used to force the fluid from the reservoir to the rest of the hydraulic circuit by converting mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. The hydraulic pump which is the heart of the hydraulic system converts the mechanical energy int hydraulic energy. The mechanical energy is delivered to the pump via a prime mover such as an electric motor.   Pressure regulator:  The pressure regulator, as the name implies, maintains the pressure level of the hydraulic fluid. Whenever excess pressure level is generated, excess fluid is dope...

A system is a group of physical components combined to perform a specific function. A system has an input and produces output with the system being a black box that can perform some specific function. For example, an electric generator generates output power when a mechanical rotation is applied at the input.  Systems are classified into two main categories: Measurement systems:  Systems that measure required quantity are termed as "measurement systems". The key elements of a measurement system are: Sensor:  A sensor is a device that converts the physical quantity (quantity being measured) into a suitable electrical signal (signal related to measured quantity).  Signal conditioner:  The signal conditioner converts the output of the sensor into a suitable form for display. Display:  The display displays the value of a quantity that was being measured. Control system:  The basic objective of a control system is to regulate the value ...

Mechatronics has evolved through the following stages: Primary Level:  Primary level mechatronics systems integrate electrical signaling with mechanical action at the basic control level.  Example:  fluid valves, electrically controlled valves, and relay switches Secondary Level:  Secondary level mechatronics systems integrate microelectronics into electrically controlled devices.  Example:  Standalone systems such as washing machine, CD player, autofocus camera, cassette tape player.  Tertiary Level:  Tertiary level mechatronics systems incorporate advanced control strategy using microelectronics, microprocessors, and other application-specific integrated circuits.  Example:  microprocessor-based electrical motor used for actuation purpose in robots, ABS, DVD player. Quaternary Level:  This level attempts to improve smartness a step ahead by incorporates intelligent control or artificial intelligence.  Exampl...

Key elements and  Domains of Mechatronics System: A typical mechatronic system consists of a mechanical systems, electronics/electrical systems, and information technology (computer engineering and control engineering). The different domains of a mechatronics system are as shown below:  Domains of mechatronics system The key elements of mechatronic systems consist of:  Information/Computer systems Mechanical systems Electrical systems Real-time interfacing Key elements of a typical mechatronics system Information/ computer systems:   The information/ computer elements refer to hardware/software utilized to perform computer-aided dynamic system analysis, optimization, design, and simulation, virtual instrumentation, rapid control prototyping, hardware in the loop simulation, PC-based data acquisition and control, and testing. Mechanical systems:   The sensors and actuators form the mechanical systems. The actuators produce the motion or ...

The term "Mechatronics" was i nvented by a Japanese Engineer, named T etsuro   Mori, how was a Sr. Engineer at Yaskawa Electric Corporation in 1969. The word "Mechatronics" was a c ombination of ‘ mecha ’ from mechanisms and ‘ tronics ’ from electronics, however, m echatronics now has a wider meaning.  There are several definitions of the word "Mechatronics", such as: Definition 1: Mechatronics is a p hilosophy in engineering technology in which there is a coordinated and concurrently developed , integration of mechanical engineering with electronics and intelligent computer control in the design and manufacture of products and processes. [Ref:  Bolton, Chapter 1, Pg. 9] Definition 2:  According to Mechatronics Forum, UK “Mechatronics is the synergistic integration of mechanical engineering with electronics and intelligent control algorithm in the design and manufacture of product process".   [Ref:  Mahalik, Chapter 1, Pg. 5]...