Mechanical
Describe the purpose and function of a cam mechanism.
A cam mechanism converts rotary motion into linear or reciprocating motion using a follower and guide.
Describe the function of a motor driver IC.
It provides sufficient current to drive motors from a PLC signal.
What is the role of interface devices in PLC systems?
Interface devices ensure accurate communication between the PLC and input/output devices such as sensors and actuators.
What is the function of a compressor in a pneumatic system?
It converts mechanical energy into compressed air for system use.
Define mechatronics and explain its importance in modern engineering.
Mechatronics integrates mechanical and electronic systems for automation.
Explain the function of a first-class lever and give an example.
In a first-class lever, the fulcrum is between load and effort, e.g., a seesaw.
Describe how an LDR functions.
An LDR decreases its resistance as light intensity increases, allowing more current to flow in bright conditions.
What is a PLC and why are they important in industrial systems?
A PLC is a programmable device that automates control in manufacturing using input sensors and output actuators.
Describe one health and safety precaution when working with pneumatics.
Wear PPE to protect from high-pressure air leaks and flying debris.
Why might pneumatic systems be preferred in CNC machining?
They offer high-speed operation with lower contamination risk.
What is a gear train and how is the gear ratio calculated?
A gear train is a series of gears; gear ratio = teeth on driven gear รท teeth on driver gear.
How do drive devices translate electrical signals into mechanical movement?
Drive devices like motors convert electrical input into rotary or linear motion, enabling movement in mechanical systems.
Explain how a PLC can be used to control an assembly line.
PLCs receive sensor inputs and trigger actuators to move items along the line automatically.
Name and describe the function of three components used in fluid power systems.
Pump: creates flow; Valve: directs flow; Cylinder: provides linear motion.
What does a bell-crank linkage do in terms of motion conversion?
It changes motion direction, e.g., from horizontal to vertical.
Give an example of a pulley system and explain how it reduces effort.
A two-wheel pulley system like a crane reduces the input force by distributing weight across pulleys.
What are the risks associated with electronic systems?
Electric shock
Fire
Explain the role of structured text and ladder logic in PLC programming.
Structured text uses high-level code; ladder logic uses visual diagrams for ease of fault finding and programming.
How does a cylinder function in a hydraulic or pneumatic system?
A piston moves inside the cylinder to produce linear motion.
Explain how a gear train with a small driver and large driven gear affects speed and torque.
It decreases speed but increases torque.
Describe, using an example, a second-class lever.
The load is between the effort and fulcrum, e.g., wheelbarrow.
Give one purpose and one function of a stepper motor.
Precise positioning; Function: Moves in discrete steps for accurate control.
Compare unitary and modular PLCs.
Unitary: all-in-one; Modular: components added separately for flexibility.
What is the purpose of a valve in a hydraulic system?
To control fluid direction and system operation.
Give two examples of where mechatronic systems are used in daily life.
Examples include automated doors and smartphone accelerometers.