Components of an Automated System
Based on the above-mentioned definition of automation, three basic components of an automated system can be identified: (1) power to accomplish the process, (2) machine programming, and (3) feedback controls. The arrangement of these building blocks of automation is shown schematically in Figure 2.1
Figure 2.1 Components of an automated system. (1) Power to accomplish the process, (2) machine programming, and (3) feedback controls.
All systems that qualify as being automated must include these components, with the exception of certain systems that operate by means of open-loop control rather than feedback (closed-loop) control.
Power to Accomplish the Process
An automated system performs some action to accomplish its function, and the action requires power. Most power sources used in automated manufacturing systems are based on electrical energy. Use of electric power has the following benefits in the operation of an automated system: it can be readily converted to other forms of power—mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic; low level electric power can be used for signal transmission, information processing, and data storage; and electrical energy can be conveniently stored in long-life batteries.
The actions performed by an automated system can be divided into two categories: processing and movement or positioning. These categories are especially appropriate in a manufacturing system, in which processing refers to the operation performed on the work part (e.g., machining, forming, molding); and movement or positioning refers to the transport and placement of the part before, during, and after the manufacturing process. These actions require power.
Post-Text Exercises
Exercise 2.1 Read and Translate the Text into Ukrainian
Exercise 2.2 Comprehension Check
Answer the following questions:
1 What is the main idea of the text?
2 Who coined the term “automation” and when?
3 What are three basic components of an automation system?
4 How can you define the term “power (to accomplish the process)” (machine programming, and feedback controls)?
5 Do some automated systems operate without feedback control?
Exercise 2.3 Recall Information
After reading the text, tell which of the following statements about automation are true and which are false. Correct the false statements to make them true.
1 ___ Automation is a technology in which a process is accomplished by means of programmed instructions.
2 ___ The instructions are not combined with automatic feedback control.
3 ___ Automatic feedback control is used to ensure the proper execution of the instructions.
4 ___ Automation can be used in a wide variety of application areas.
5 ___ There are three basic components of an automated system: (1) power to accomplish the process, (2) machine programming, and (3) feedback controls.
6 ___ Automated system must not include three basic components.
7 ___ Some certain systems may operate by means of open-loop control rather than feedback control.
8 ___ An automated system performs some action to accomplish its function, and the action requires power.
9 ___ The actions performed by an automated system can be divided into two categories: processing and movement or positioning.
10 ___ The use of electric power doesn’t have any benefits in the operation of an automated system.
Exercise 2.4 Increase Your Vocabulary
You may have come across the following words before but perhaps not used in quite this way. Suggest words or phrases which might replace them:
by means of to be accomplished
to coin something open-loop control
rather than schematically
cooling to convert occur
to be capable of feedback control
to apply for pneumatic
with the exception of mechanized production
solidification step-by-step lines
molding execution
Exercise 2.5 Read for Specific Information
Read and translate the statements. Correct the statements if they are wrong.
1 Automation technology is not applied in manufacturing operations.
2 There are two basic components of an automated system: power to accomplish the process, machine programming.
3 In fact, Del Harder, an engineering manager at Ford Motor Company in 1946, coined the term “automation” to describe the use of automatic devices and controls in mechanized production lines.
4 An automated system performs some action to accomplish its function, and the action requires power.
5 Use of electric power does not have benefits in the operation of an automated system.
Exercise 2.6 Choose the Correct Definitions for Terms
Match each term with its definition. Translate these definitions into Ukrainian.
INSTRUCTION |
one of several parts of which something is made |
TECHNOLOGY |
performing a task, etc. or putting a plan into action |
COMPONENT |
detailed information on how you should use or do something |
CONTROL |
power and ability to make somebody or something do what you want |
EXECUTION |
the scientific knowledge and/or equipment that is needed for a particular industry |
Exercise 2.7 Learn to Write a Summary
Give a short summary of the text in writing.
Exercise 2.8 Controlled Practice
Find sentences with Modal verbs. Translate them into Ukrainian. Write these sentences in Past and Future Tenses.
Exercise 2.9 Focus on Translation
Translate the following sentences into English.
1 Автоматизація — це технологія, в якій процес здійснюється за допомогою програмованих інструкції.
2 Ці інструкції, як правило, поєднуються з автоматичним управлінням зі зворотним зв’язком для забезпечення точного виконання команд.
3 Термін „автоматизація” був вперше вжитий Дел Нардером, технічним керівником компанії Форд Моторс, для опису використання автоматичних пристроїв та контролю на конвеєрах.
Exercise 2.10 Discussion Point
Talk over the importance of three basic components of an automated system. What is the most important basic component and why?
Unit 3