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

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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

June 26, 2024

Conference Session

ELOS Technical Session 3 - Diversity

Tagged Division

Experimentation and Laboratory-Oriented Studies Division (DELOS)

Tagged Topic

Diversity

Page Count

13

DOI

10.18260/1-2--48529

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/48529

Download Count

108

Paper Authors

biography

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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biography

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 16x16 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.

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. 10.18260/1-2--48529

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