Module manager: Dr Bing Zhang
Email: B.Zhang2@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module introduces students to the design and construction of a mechatronic device by integrating mechanical systems, sensors, actuators and microcontrollers, as well as ethical considerations, through a combination of theorecial and practical learning environments.
This module will equip students with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to design and build a simple mechatronic device, including:
- Industry-standard Engineering drawing conventions and symbols to communicate design effectively.
- Key manufacturing processes used in the engineering sector for producing their components, considering capabilities and limitations.
- Machine elements and mechanisms used in mechanical systems for solving practical mechanical problems.
- Commonly used actuators, their associated working principles and specifications
- Commonly used sensors, their associated working principles , transfer characteristics and specifications
- Practical and teamwork skills for building a mechatronic device by selecting suitable machine elements, mechanisms, sensors and actuators, along with signal conditioning and programming required to interface such devices to microcontrollers.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1- Interpret and create accurate engineering drawings
2- Explain measurement in the context of limits and fits.
3- Appreciate the capabilities and limitations of common manufacturing processes.
4- Apply the knowledge learned to identify a series of practical solutions to a given mechanical problem. Select appropriate machine elements and mechanisms with simple analytical caculations.
5- Select appropriate switching devices for a multitude of applications with a complete understanding of their operation, connectivity and characteristics.
6- Critically evaluate a sensor problem and determine the type of sensor or sensors required.
7- Perform an internet search to source multiple devices for given actuator/sensor types and determine their interface requirements and critically evaluate the sourced parts for suitability to the application from the perspective of functionality, precision, limitations, cost, environmental conditions and system integration.
8- Suggest and implement forms of signal conditioning, when required, on the selected parts
9- Interface the sensing and actuating devices with a microcontroller and either activate or extract their fundamental data
10- Suggest/develop test environments to perform component analysis, calibration and testing.
11- Critically assess a mechatronic solution from the perspective of functionality, performance, materials selection, longevity, cost and practicality.
12- Analyse a simple mechatronic system and identify many of the component parts from which they could assess its functionality.
13- Apply practical knowledge on the use of industrial automation simulation software.
14- Take into account ethical considerations such as sustainability issues and social responsibilities when designing engineering products
15- Apply enhanced construction and communication skills.
16- Practice project planning and appreciate team working
These module learning outcomes contribute to the following AHEP4 learning outcomes:
17- Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model broadly-defined problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed (C3).
18- Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address broadly-defined problems. (C4)
19- Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of broadly-defined problems. (C6)
20- Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to broadly-defined problems. (C7)
21- Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate broadly-defined problems. (C12)
22- Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes. (C13)
23- Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. (C16)
24- Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences (C17).
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
a- Teamwork/Collaboration
b- Planning and Mobilising Resources
c- Decision-making
d- Workshop practice
e- Design for manufacture
f- Integrated Design
The module includes two team-based design and build activities:
- Design and build a simple mechanical assembly
- Design and build a mechatronic device.
Lectures introduce materials on:
- Engineering drawings and conventions
- Machine elements
- Linear mechanisms
- Rotational mechanisms
- Manufacturing processes
- Actuators: working principle, symbology, and specification
- Sensors: working principles, transfer characteristics and specifications
- Ethics
Practical sessions:
- Hand-on manufacturing tools
- Actuators/sensors components and PC simulation tool
- Designing integration software using 'C' language
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 28 | 1 | 28 |
| Practical | 36 | 2 | 72 |
| Seminar | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Independent online learning hours | 296 | ||
| Private study hours | 0 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 104 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
Feedback during practical sessions.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 02/05/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team