1. **Automated Design**
1.1. **What is Automation?**
1.1.1. Automated design refers to the use of software tools, algorithms, and robotics to automate the design process.
1.2. **What are the Benefits of Automation Design?**
1.2.1. Efficiency: Speeds up the design process.
1.2.2. Optimization: Provides optimized solutions based on specified parameters.
1.2.3. Consistency: Reduces human error, ensuring consistent quality.
1.2.4. Customization: Enables mass customization by easily altering designs for different needs.
1.3. **IPO Model for Automation** The IPO Model (Input-Process-Output) is a fundamental framework for understanding automation systems and their functioning.
1.3.1. **Input** The data or signals received from sensors or external sources that provide information about the system’s environment or state.
1.3.2. **Process** The core of the automation system where the input data is processed.This is typically handled by controllers, such as microcontrollers or PLCs, which interpret the input and decide the actions to be taken.
1.3.3. **Output** The actions or responses performed by the system based on the processed input. Outputs typically control actuators or other devices that carry out physical tasks.
1.4. **Essential Components of Automated Design**
1.4.1. **Microcontrollers and Control Systems**
1.4.1.1. **Definition** A control system is a set of devices or mechanisms used to manage, command, direct, or regulate the behavior of other devices or systems. Control systems gather inputs (e.g., data from sensors), process that data, and send commands to actuators or other system components to perform specific tasks. These systems can either operate automatically or with human oversight.
1.4.1.2. **Types**
1.4.1.2.1. Open-Loop Control System A control system where the output is not compared with the input, meaning the system performs actions without feedback. Once an action is initiated, there is no way to verify if the intended result was achieved.
1.4.1.2.2. Closed-Loop Control System (Feedback Control) A system that constantly monitors its output and adjusts based on feedback to maintain the desired output level. The feedback loop helps reduce errors and ensure accuracy.
1.4.2. **Sensors:**
1.4.2.1. Definition
1.4.2.1.1. Devices that detect changes in the environment and send this information to a control system.
1.4.2.2. Types
1.4.2.2.1. Environmental Sensors Monitor conditions like temperature, humidity, and pressure.
1.4.2.2.2. Motion Sensors Detect movement or orientation (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes).
1.4.2.2.3. Proximity Sensors Detect the presence or absence of objects (e.g., ultrasonic, infrared).
1.4.2.2.4. Optical Sensors Measure light or color (e.g., photodiodes, image sensors).
1.4.2.2.5. Chemical Sensors Detect chemical composition or concentration (e.g., gas sensors, pH sensors).
1.4.3. **Actuators:**
1.4.3.1. Definition
1.4.3.1.1. Devices that convert electrical signals into physical movement, executing commands from the control system.
1.4.3.2. Types
1.4.3.2.1. Mechanical Actuators - Motors
1.4.3.2.2. Hydraulic Actuators -
1.4.3.2.3. Pneumatic Actuators
1.4.3.2.4. Electrical Actuators
1.4.3.2.5. Thermal Actuators
1.4.4. **Software and Algorithms:**
1.4.4.1. CAD Software
1.4.4.2. Parametric Design Tools
1.4.4.3. Generative Design
1.4.4.4. Simulation Tools
1.4.5. **Communication Systems**
1.4.5.1. Definition
1.4.5.2. Types
1.4.5.2.1. Wired Communication
1.4.5.2.2. Wireless Communication
1.4.6. **User Interfaces**
1.4.6.1. Definition
1.4.6.2. Applications