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Questions tagged [systems-design]

30 questions
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5 answers

How is a mechanical system designed and tested without building a physical model?

I am new to mechanical engineering, although I have a scientific background (postgrad in Mathematics), and I (mostly) code for a living. I have an idea about creating a mechanical device; I envisage it will entail gears, linkages and actuators. I…
Homunculus Reticulli
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11
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1 answer

What is the significance of a diagonal input in a control diagram?

I have seen several block diagrams with diagonal inputs, drawn with an arrow through the block. and others like that (via Google image search) What is difference between this and a typical signal input? What are the dotted lines signifying?
andrewhunter
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8
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Sketching an engineering system in healthcare

I am about to do a project about engineering systems in a Systems Engineering course. I need to sketch an engineering system in which clinical decision support systems are being used to diagnose patients by a medical doctor/physician. It doesn't…
Benchase
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7
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2 answers

Cutting mechanism for a robot in confined spaces

I'd like to build an exploratory robot that can fit within confined spaces1. As the robot moves along the inside of a 4" pipe, it's likely to encounter some obstacles that need to be removed. Typically, that will be tree roots up to 1/2" thick. …
user16
7
votes
2 answers

Traction mechanisms for a robot in confined spaces

I'd like to build an exploratory robot that can fit within confined spaces1. What traction mechanisms should I consider to propel a robot along the inside of a 4" pipe? The pipe to be traversed will likely have fluid (assume water) within it to…
user16
6
votes
1 answer

Thin film sheet-resistance (van der Pauw method)

A well-known method to measure sheet resistance is the van der Pauw method. Looking at Wikipedia they state that the cloverleaf configuration is the most advised. Two questions naturally arise: Why is this the best configuration? Why is it a…
Worldsheep
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6
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1 answer

Thrust consideration in sprinkler and irrigation systems

In commercial fire sprinkler systems or large farm irrigation systems, is the thrust produced by the water a major design consideration? At what stage in the design process is this taken into account?
agentroadkill
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5
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2 answers

Is there a term for a circular dependency in system design and engineering

Is there a term used in systems engineering that describes a situation in which the design of one subsystem (call it "A") affects the the requirements for another subsystem (call it "B") while at the same time the design of B affects the…
Mark
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3
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1 answer

Approximating a Gimbal using Springs and Dampers

I recently asked a question about odd results from a transfer function, and while looking over my work, I conjectured that maybe I'm having a more fundamental problem. Since this is a design problem I don't expect anyone to give a full-fledged…
anonymouse
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3
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What is the maximum force needed to move the roller block from point A to point B and where does that maximum force occur?

Hello everyone. This project is for a very specific application and I am trying to determine the force necessary to get the block from point A to B. Specifically the maximum force necessary and at what point it happens. Ideally this would be solved…
D Carson
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3
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Supporting a Chain While Its Size is Varied

I am trying to model a machine that uses eyelets to support a piece of fabric, and this design uses a chain to hold the eyelets in a loop; the links are pictured below. As this machine runs more and less of these links will be needed, and so I'm…
Destiny Rose
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Designing Block Diagrams For Control Systems

I'm looking for good software to design control systems, and more specifically to neatly design "block diagrams" for control systems. Is there something like that?
user21045
1
vote
2 answers

Solar panel actuator control

I'm looking to design a system that can control a solar panel through an electrical actuator for a range of motion of -45 to +45 degrees for maximum solar exposure. The panel will be mounted on a 10 feet pole and will be attached at the center of…
PentaKon
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Mapping of vehicle to its horn sound

From the "meep meep" of the smallest scooter to the "BLLLAAAAAGGGGGHHH" of the largest seagoing container vessel, vehicles seem to have horn sounds that, in an auditory way, seem to indicate their mass. Of course, nothing prevents a designer from…
Douglas Held
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How to prevent an object doing a full rotation on a shaft

I basically need a block on a shaft to rotate between 90 degrees (vertical) and approximately 180 degrees (horizontal) counterclockwise on a shaft. I don't want the part to fall below 180 degrees. At 90 degrees it will clip into a stand so clockwise…
sarah
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