Work-in-Progress: All-In-One, Open Source Mechatronics Actuator Education Platform for Active Learning Curriculum

Orlando D. Hulse; Kunal Avdesh Verma; Kevin Diaz Chim; Hyeon Soo Jung; David Quintero

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Conference: 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
Location: Portland, Oregon
Publication Date: June 23, 2024
Start Date: June 23, 2024
End Date: July 12, 2024
Conference Session: ELOS Technical Session 3 - Diversity
Tagged Division: Experimentation and Laboratory-Oriented Studies Division (DELOS)
Tagged Topic: Diversity
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/48529

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Paper Authors

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Orlando D. Hulse San Francisco State University

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Orlando D. Hulse is a graduate student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at San Francisco State University, where he is pursuing an M.S. degree. He earned his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution. Orlando's academic focus is on robotics, mechatronics, controls, and engineering education.

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Kunal Avdesh Verma San Francisco State University

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Kevin Diaz Chim San Francisco State University

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Kevin Diaz Chim is a graduate student working on his Master's in Electrical and Computer Engineering at San Francisco State University (SFSU). He also holds a BS in Computer Engineering from SFSU.

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Hyeon Soo Jung San Francisco State University

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Hyeon Soo Jung is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering at San Francisco State University. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Management Engineering from Sung Kyun Kwan University. With a passion for robotics and automation, Hyeon Soo's research interests lie in the realm of control systems for robotics or related fields. He is dedicated to exploring innovative approaches to enhance the efficiency and performance of robotic systems through advanced control methodologies.

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David Quintero San Francisco State University orcid.org/0000-0002-3400-9535

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Dr. David Quintero received B.S. degree from Texas A&M University, a M.S. degree from Stanford University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Dallas all in mechanical engineering. He is now an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at San Francisco State University representing as a Hispanic-Serving Institution with research focus on design and control of wearable robotic systems, and advancing engineering education in the field areas of mechatronics/robotics.

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Abstract

This paper discusses the design and construction of a multi-actuator, open source education platform to enhance undergraduate mechatronics curriculum experience in the area of actuator technologies. Utilizing hands-on learning as the primary pedagogical approach, students gain applied knowledge in mechatronics by fostering the development of critical engineering skills. The proposed laboratory curriculum encompasses a single laboratory test platform for the study of fundamental actuator technologies, including direct current brushed motors, steppers, and radio control servo motors generally taught in an undergraduate mechatronics. An all-in-one motor test station design as a hands-on learning tool to characterize and operate different actuator technologies with defined learning outcomes can be expensive and time-consuming endeavor for educators to develop. Our proposed actuator test platform enables the execution of multiple learning-centered experiments on various motor types for rapid laboratory development. The proposed motor test station facilitates a brushed motor, allowing students to learn how to integrate different motor drive modes such as drive-coast, drive-brake, and locked anti-phase. Similarly, the platform supports hands-on implementation of full-step, half-step, and micro-step drive modes for the fundamentals of stepper motor control. Additionally, the servo motor offers a control system actuator with feedback sensing, providing students with practical experience in control system development using low-level microcontrollers commonly employed in mechatronics. Experimental verification was conducted to analyze the onboard encoder and current sensing, enabling accurate modeling and system characterization performance analysis aligning with student learning objectives. Our open source design houses a direct current brushed motor, radio control servo motor, and a two-phase stepper motor on a 20 cm by 20 cm printed circuit board with LED status indicators. A 40-pin ribbon cable with test platform pin access can be mounted to a breadboard for motor control learning development. Instructions of the test platform’s mechanical design, integrated circuit and wiring diagram, and lab curriculum will be accessible on GitHub for engineering educators to incorporate this educational tool within their engineering program. In conclusion, this proposed mechatronics motor test platform promises to significantly enhance education accessibility, serving as an invaluable learning tool for mechatronics students in a hands-on laboratory setting.

Citation
Format

Hulse, O. D., & Verma, K. A., & Diaz Chim, K., & Jung, H. S., & Quintero, D. (2024, June), Work-in-Progress: All-In-One, Open Source Mechatronics Actuator Education Platform for Active Learning Curriculum Paper presented at 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Portland, Oregon. https://peer.asee.org/48529

TY  - CPAPER
AB  - This paper discusses the design and construction of a multi-actuator, open source education platform to enhance undergraduate mechatronics curriculum experience in the area of actuator technologies. Utilizing hands-on learning as the primary pedagogical approach, students gain applied knowledge in mechatronics by fostering the development of critical engineering skills.  The proposed laboratory curriculum encompasses a single laboratory test platform for the study of fundamental actuator technologies, including direct current brushed motors, steppers, and radio control servo motors generally taught in an undergraduate mechatronics.  An all-in-one motor test station design as a hands-on learning tool to characterize and operate different actuator technologies with defined learning outcomes can be expensive and time-consuming endeavor for educators to develop.  Our proposed actuator test platform enables the execution of multiple learning-centered experiments on various motor types for rapid laboratory development.  The proposed motor test station facilitates a brushed motor, allowing students to learn how to integrate different motor drive modes such as drive-coast, drive-brake, and locked anti-phase.  Similarly, the platform supports hands-on implementation of full-step, half-step, and micro-step drive modes for the fundamentals of stepper motor control.  Additionally, the servo motor offers a control system actuator with feedback sensing, providing students with practical experience in control system development using low-level microcontrollers commonly employed in mechatronics.  Experimental verification was conducted to analyze the onboard encoder and current sensing, enabling accurate modeling and system characterization performance analysis aligning with student learning objectives. Our open source design houses a direct current brushed motor, radio control servo motor, and a two-phase stepper motor on a 20 cm by 20 cm printed circuit board with LED status indicators. A 40-pin ribbon cable with test platform pin access can be mounted to a breadboard for motor control learning development.  Instructions of the test platform’s mechanical design, integrated circuit and wiring diagram, and lab curriculum will be accessible on GitHub for engineering educators to incorporate this educational tool within their engineering program. In conclusion, this proposed mechatronics motor test platform promises to significantly enhance education accessibility, serving as an invaluable learning tool for mechatronics students in a hands-on laboratory setting.
AU  - Orlando D. Hulse
AU  - Kunal Avdesh Verma
AU  - Kevin Diaz Chim
AU  - Hyeon Soo Jung
AU  - David Quintero
CY  - Portland, Oregon
DA  - 2024/06/23
PB  - ASEE Conferences
TI  - Work-in-Progress: All-In-One, Open Source Mechatronics Actuator Education Platform for Active Learning Curriculum
UR  - https://peer.asee.org/48529
ER  -