SYSTEMS APPROACH

Systems Approach is a method of examining, interacting with and understanding things as a system. By breaking down things in the way they interact with each other we can begin to see a system.  In Mechatronics, systems are the main focus and having a uniformly understood way of approaching systems is very important.

Therefore, Mechatronics professionals have broken down systems into three distinct parts of a system: 

Components, single entities that complete a single task that has little to no production or functional value on their own.

Examples: buttons, sensors, actuators, wires, cables, steering wheel, tires, lubricants, actuators, etc.

Modules, the combination of Components to generate a function, but on its own is limited in its capacity to accomplish work.

Examples: vehicle brakes, Navigation system, keyboard, computer monitor, video-game controller, website, etc.

Systems, the sum of Components and Modules working together to complete a goal function, task or work.

Examples: Cars, boats, coffee machines, microwaves, assembly lines, desktop computers, online retail companies etc.

System Function & Flow Charts

Power-Work-Control & Energy-Material-Information Charts

Displacement Step Diagram