Mechatronics encompass a holistic approach to the design, development, production,
maintenance and disposal of complex engineering systems, products and processes. The
control and modelling of the manufacturing process are carried out in a networked
environment allowing for realistic real time control and simulation. This is achieved through
the declarative definition of Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) components, the
standardisation of CIM interfaces and the object-orientated approach to model development
and data management. The development ofthe Modular Mechatronic CIM control system is
aimed at intelligently scheduling, controlling and monitoring manufacturing processes in realtime
over Internet capable networks.
Modular Mechatronics is an alternative design approach that requires the decomposition of
a project into separate modules, identifiable by their individual mechatronic functionality.
Modular Mechatronic control for Internet manufacturing produces an efficient and effective
solution for CIM processes. This approach allows a remote user to monitor and control CIM
processes in real time over the Internet allow for a supervisory control structure to control and
manage these processes. The modular mechatronic design approach has been applied to the
development of the CIM Internet control system, to optimise the overall function ofthe CIM
system.
A flexible, low cost Modular Mechatronic design approach was used to develop the CIM
architecture and computer interface network, which served as the backbone of the Modular
Mechatronic CIM control system. The modular designed control system was used to control
CIM components in real time over the Internet. The Modular Mechatronic building block
development allows for future integration of other CIM components. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ukzn/oai:http://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za:10413/4814 |
| Date | January 2002 |
| Creators | Potgieter, Johan-Gerhard. |
| Contributors | Bright, Glen. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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