Overview of the Vertical Integration Project

1
Overview of the Vertical Integration Project
NSF

• What was accomplished
• Introduced mechatronics to sophomores
• Integrated with existing course
• Exposed students to mechatronics concepts
• Exposed students to tools available in the
  mechatronics lab

• Results
• Created VT Project Box
• Developed PVD software for the project box
• Website
• Design Prototype Equipment

2
Virginia Tech Project Box

• Features
• 4 Analog Inputs
• 4 Digital Inputs
• 4 Digital Outputs
• 1 12V PWM Output
• Requirements
• 12V and 5V input

3
Software Development for VT Project Box

• PIC Visual Developer
• A Graphical User Interface
• Block Diagram Programming
• Intuitive Blocks
• Created for the Vertical Integration of
  Mechatronics to Program the Project Box

4
Sensors and Actuators

• Sensors
• Potentiometers, Temperature-Sensing ICs,
  Accelerometer ICs, Microphones, Thermistors and
  a Frequency to Voltage Converter IC
• Actuators
• Motors, Fans, Piezoelectric Buzzers, Lights,
  LEDs, Solenoids, and Speakers

5
Web Site Development
6
Sample Page From Web Site
7
ME 2024 Design Sequence Using the Mechatronics
Project Box
PIC Visual Developer
8
Student Survey Results for the Vertical
Integration Project

• Sample Student Responses
• 1) The implementation of the design project with
  mechatronics puts the design process in
  perspective it demonstrates the necessity to
  perform each step of the design process carefully
  and to a tangible end and the mechatronics
  approach promoted greater interest of real world
  applications of ones knowledge. There were no
  real disadvantages noted.
• 2) To increase the understanding of how the
  design project would actually function the
  hands-on implementation and creation of the
  prototype from a basic design and many of
  todays mechanical devices are augmented through
  mechatronics.
• 3) More time to work on the prototype of their
  projects spending more time on mechatronics
  making a mandatory project for the students to
  complete doing another example more complicated
  than sample program.

• Survey Questions
• 1) What were the advantages and disadvantages of
  incorporating a mechatronics perspective in this
  courses curriculum?
• 2) Why did you choose to work on a mechatronics
  project?
• 3) Do you have any suggestions for continued
  inclusion (or not) of a mechatronics perspective
  in the curriculum of this course?