Title: Mechatronics Design Methodology applied at manufacturing companies

Authors: David A. Guerra-Zubiaga, Edgar Rios, Robert Parkin, Mike Jackson, Mileta M. Tomovic, Ricardo Ramirez-Mendoza

Addresses: Centre for Innovation on Design and Technology, School of Engineering and Architecture, Tecnologico de Monterrey, 64849, Mexico. ' Centre for Innovation on Design and Technology, School of Engineering and Architecture, Tecnologico de Monterrey, 64849, Mexico. ' Holywell Mechatronics Research Centre, Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK. ' Holywell Mechatronics Research Centre, Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK. ' Batten College of Engineering and Technology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA. ' Centre for Innovation on Design and Technology, School of Engineering and Architecture, Tecnologico de Monterrey, 64849, Mexico

Abstract: New mechatronic products require integration of novel methods and tools to be developed. Mechatronics is becoming the basis for high-tech products, such as autonomous systems, high precision processes or adaptive devices. The complexity derived from integrating effectively its components may mislead and produce confusion during its design. This paper presents a new methodology to obtain a mechatronic design and will show some of the available virtual tools to design, evaluate and integrate the different parts of it. The methodology was applied to 40 different mechatronic projects creating good university-manufacturing companies links with satisfactory results.

Keywords: cooperative learning; collaborative learning; interdisciplinary projects; teaching strategies; learning strategies; design methodology; mechatronic system modelling; simulation; mechatronics education; mechatronic design; mechatronic products; product design; manufacturing industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2010.031368

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2010 Vol.19 No.3/4, pp.191 - 210

Published online: 02 Feb 2010 *

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