STROKOVNA TERMINOLOGIJA V ANGLEŠČINI ZA MEHATRONIKE NIKA ZALAZNIK Višješolski strokovni program: Mehatronika Učbenik: Strokovna terminologija v angleščini za mehatronike - The Mechatronics Zone Gradivo za 1. letnik Avtorica: Nika Zalaznik, prof. angl. Izraz Višja strokovna šola izraz Strokovna recenzentka: mag. Bernarda Kosel, prof. angl. in fran. Lektorica: mag. Bernarda Kosel, prof. angl. in fran. CIP - Kataložni zapis o publikaciji Narodna in univerzitetna knjižnica, Ljubljana 811.111'373.46:681.5:007.52(075.8)(0.034.2) ZALAZNIK, Nika Strokovna terminologija v angleščino za mehatronike [Elektronski vir] : gradivo za 1. letnik / Nika Zalaznik. - El. knjiga. Ljubljana : Zavod IRC, 2011. - (Višješolski strokovni program Mehatronika / Zavod IRC) Način dostopa (URL): http://www.impletum.zavod-irc.si/docs/Skriti_d okumenti/Strokovna_terminologija_v_angleščino_za_mehatronike-Zalazn ik.pdf. - Projekt Impletum ISBN 978-961-6857-41-3 258306304 Izdajatelj: Konzorcij višjih strokovnih šol za izvedbo projekta IMPLETUM Založnik: Zavod IRC, Ljubljana. Ljubljana, 2011 Strokovni svet RS za poklicno in strokovno izobraževanje je na svoji 132. seji dne 23.9.2011 na podlagi 26. člena Zakona o organizaciji in financiranju vzgoje in izobraževanja (Ur. l. RS, št. 16/07-ZOFVI-UPB5, 36/08 in 58/09) sprejel sklep št.01301-5/2011/11-2 o potrditvi tega učbenika za uporabo v višješolskem izobraževanju. © Avtorske pravice ima Ministrstvo za šolstvo in šport Republike Slovenije. Gradivo je sofinancirano iz sredstev projekta Impletum Uvajanje novih izobraževalnih programov na področju višjega strokovnega izobraževanja v obdobju 2008–11. Projekt oz. operacijo delno financira Evropska unija iz Evropskega socialnega sklada ter Ministrstvo RS za šolstvo in šport. Operacija se izvaja v okviru Operativnega programa razvoja človeških virov za obdobje 2007–2013, razvojne prioritete Razvoj človeških virov in vseživljenjskega učenja ter prednostne usmeritve Izboljšanje kakovosti in učinkovitosti sistemov izobraževanja in usposabljanja. Vsebina tega dokumenta v nobenem primeru ne odraža mnenja Evropske unije. Odgovornost za vsebino dokumenta nosi avtor. CONTENTS 1 MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING ........................................................ 5 1.1 1.2 1.3 2 CAREER AWARENESS ........................................................................... 12 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 3 EXPRESSING NECESSITY AND ABILITY ......................................................... 86 SPECIALIST READING ......................................................................................... 88 TIME RELATIONS ................................................................................................. 90 THE AUTOMATED SYSTEMS .............................................................. 94 8.1 8.2 8.3 9 DESCRIBING A PROCESSES ................................................................................ 78 UNDERSTANDING INSTRUCTIONS .................................................................. 80 INFORMATION SYSTEMS ................................................................................... 82 PREPOSITIONS AND IT VOCABULARY ............................................................ 83 COMPUTER AIDED SYSTEMS ............................................................. 85 7.1 7.2 7.3 8 COMPARING AND CONTRASTING .................................................................... 58 DC & AC MOTORS ................................................................................................. 62 USES OF LASERS ................................................................................................... 69 WORD COMBINATIONS ...................................................................................... 72 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY .......................................................... 76 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 7 LINES, SHAPES, ANGLES ................................................................................... 36 GIVING DESCRIPTIONS AND EXPLANATIONS .............................................. 39 READING NUMBERS, MATH EXPRESSIONS, FORMULAE, SYMBOLS ....... 44 MEASUREMENTS AND QUANTITIES ............................................................... 45 PRESENTING GRAPHICAL DISPLAY ................................................................ 49 ELECTRONICS ......................................................................................... 57 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 6 EXPLAINING STRUCTURE OF A COMPANY ................................................... 26 COMPANY PROFILE ............................................................................................. 28 IT ALL STARTED WITH … ................................................................................... 30 TECHNICAL TALK ................................................................................. 36 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 5 A MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING STUDENT ................................................ 12 JOBS AND CAREERS............................................................................................. 15 CAREER OUTLOOK .............................................................................................. 17 APPLYING FOR A JOB .......................................................................................... 20 C0MPANY OF THE FUTURE: INNOVATION & COMMITMENT 25 3.1 3.2. 3.3 4 THE FIELD OF MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING .............................................. 7 COMMON VERBS IN ENGINEERING ................................................................... 8 FIVE TIPS FOR LEARNING NEW WORDS ........................................................... 9 MONITORING AND CONTROL SYSTEMS ........................................................ 94 INDUSTRIAL ROBOTICS...................................................................................... 96 USE OF ROBOTS .................................................................................................... 99 CONTROL YOUR SYSTEMS WITH EASE ....................................... 104 9.1 9.2 9.3 WHAT MATTERS IS INSIDE .............................................................................. 104 FUNCTIONALITY AND FLEXIBILITY ............................................................. 107 SAFETY AND INSTALLATION DEVELOPMENT ........................................... 109 I 10 10.1 10.2 10.3 11 WANTING TO KNOW MORE .......................................................... 113 TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES: I‘D LIKE TO SPEAK TO … ................................. 113 WRITING 2: E-MAILS .......................................................................................... 115 LETTERS OF ENQUIRY ...................................................................................... 116 BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES ........................................... 119 II PREDGOVOR Danes, ko je večina sodobne tehnične literature v angleščini, je namen učbenika »The Mechatronics Zone« nadgraditi splošno jezikovno znanje s terminologijo s področja mehatronike za študente na višješolski ravni. Tehnična angleščina je zelo svojska in bogata. Tematski in jezikovni koncept učbenika pokriva splošno tehnično besedišče, vendar je prilagojen študiju mehatronike v dveh pogledih: Tu je vključenih deset poglavij, ki pokrivajo osnovne potrebe za nadgraditev jezikovnih spretnosti. Tehnični jezik se osredotoča na aktivnosti, kot so na primer opisovanje tehničnih lastnosti, reševanje težav v mehatroniki, pogovarjanje o službi in delu ali razmišljanje o najnovejših tehnologijah. Jezik je funkcionalno povezan s stroko in vključuje tiste glavne izraze tehnične discipline, ki so del študijskega programa. V učbeniku je zato zelo malo jezikovne teorije, večina besedil in vaj pa je izbrana z namenom razumevanja in uporabe strokovnega jezika. Cilj pri delu z besedili je postavljen tako, da študente postopno vodi od razumevanja definicij in tehničnega angleškega besedila, potem pa k osvajanju osnovnih oblik prenosa informacij, kot so na primer opis procesa, dajanje navodil in iskanje informacij. Upam, da bo učbenik v pomoč in spodbudo. Ljubljana, januar 2011 Nika Zalaznik The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1 MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING Background information The word engineering comes from the Latin word ingeniare, which means to design or to create. The field of engineering includes a wide variety of activities. For example, engineering projects range from the construction of huge dams to the design of tiny electronic circuits. The term mechatronics was first coined by Mr. Tetsuro Mori, a senior engineer of the Japanese company Yaskava, in 1969. The first unit will give you some information about engineering in general. You will learn how to: - describe different branches of engineering and discuss the field of mechatronics - form words in English - build your own mechatronics-related vocabulary Mechatronics is centred on mechanics, electronics, and computing which, combined, make possible the generation of simpler and more economical, reliable systems. Mechatronics may also be called electromechanical system or sometimes control and automation engineering. Mechatronics has a great impact in many industrial activities as it is integrated in information technology in all kinds of mechanical systems. The impact ranges from consumer goods (DVD-players, video recorders) to high-precision production machines, robots and automobiles. The value of the electronics in cars (motor management, safety systems like air bags and electronic stability control, and a little bit further ahead, the automated highway) is already higher than those of the classical mechanical components. Fig. 1: Mechatronics united Source: Own Do you agree with the following statements: 1. Mechatronics engineering as a profession puts knowledge to practical use. 2. Engineering is the process of inventing, creating and building the world around us. Different branches of engineering require different equipment and are based on different processes. 5 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Branches of engineering The following words/ phrases are followed by ―engineering‖ chemical civil electrical highway industrial mechanical petroleum production production Equipment in engineering boiler crane pump turbine gas engine electrical motor electronic mining structural machine tool Fig. 2: Equipment and tools in engineering Source: http://www.resourcesgraphics.com/...; (online). 2011 Processes in treating metals annealing electroplating forging rolling galvanizing grinding softening plasma-jet / ultrasonic machining founding hardening chemical etching Language work: Word forms When you are reading, you will come across unknown words. It is always possible to guess the meaning of these words if you understand the way words in English are generally formed. Forming new words is a process which cannot be learned entirely by heart; a good (technical) dictionary may be of great help. Practice can help as well. An ending is what is attached to the root of the word, and it can change the word from one part of speech to another. For example, -ly added to the adjective ―quick‖ gives the adverb ―quickly‖. Now try this exercise. Look at the nouns in the list below and form corresponding verbs. For example: - annealing is a gerund and can be treated as a noun; an ending –ing is typical for gerunds; an noun or a gerund is used to describe an object or a process - to anneal is verb and it describes an action 6 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Noun forging founding galvanizing grinding rolling inventing creating building Verb Slovenian noun/verb ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ to forge kovanje / kovati Study this chart and do the exercises below. There are many words that have noun, verb, adjective, and adverb forms. A few of these word form ‗families‘ are given in the chart below as examples. Any good dictionary will give you the various forms of a word. noun thing creation notice significance nature verb action create notice signify naturalise adjective describes noun creative noticeable significant natural adverb describes verb creatively noticeably significantly naturally Study the list and add some more words to complete it. ADJECTIVE VERB NOUN or GERUND -al: chemical, -en: harden -ing: machining -ial: industrial -ize: anodize -y: machinery -ic: electronic -ing: mining -ed: mixed 1.1 THE FIELD OF MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING Review of endings Read the following paragraph and as you read it, underline the endings and complete the list below. Mechatronics unites the principles of mechanics, electronics, and computing. Mechatronics is cantered on mechanics, electronics, computing, control engineering, nano-chemistry, biology, and optical engineering. Engineering cybernetics deals with the question of control engineering of mechatronic systems. It is used to control or regulate such systems . The mechatronic modules perform the production goals and inherit flexible and agile manufacturing properties in the production scheme. Modern production equipment consists of mechatronic modules that are integrated according to control architecture. Hybrid systems important to mechatronics include production systems, synergy drives, planetary exploration rovers, automotive subsystems such as anti-lock braking systems and spin-assist, and everyday equipment such as autofocus cameras, video, hard disks, and CD players. 7 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Noun ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ Adjective ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ collaboration Adverb _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ collaborative Language work: collaboratively Verb ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ collaborate Deals with/is concerned with Mechatronics engineering deals with control systems. Mechatronics engineers deal with control systems. Mechatronics engineering is concerned with control systems. Mechatronics engineers are concerned with control systems. Control systems are the concern of mechatronics engineers. Task – make sentences using similar word combinations: A electronics cybernetics hybrid systems B control of mechatronics systems anti-lock braking systems Language work: Present tenses Read the text on ―The field of mechatronics‖ and underline the verbs. What tenses are used in the text? For information on the Present Simple Tense you can visit: http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/ 1.2 COMMON VERBS IN ENGINEERING Study this list of common verbs in engineering. They all happen‖. lower make low raise make higher heat make hot release make free compress make smaller volume reduce make smaller increase make larger have the sense of ―make something _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ stisniti ______________ ______________ Fill in the blanks in these sentences with suitable verbs from the list above. 1 2 3 4 5 8 When thermoplastics are heated they soften. If a gas is ________________, it heats up. A heater _______________ the temperature of the water. The rising piston _________________ the fuel mixture. Designers try to ______________ the weight of a structure. The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6 7 8 9 10 When the push button is ______________, the valve spring pushes up the spool. Pumping fluid into the main cylinder gradually __________ the jack. Aerodynamic design ____________ wind resistance. The motor starts up slowly, then gradually _________ speed. When you __________ the handle, the seat swings back under the weight. Some verbs (action) and nouns (things) have similar forms. Write the verb forms of these nouns. 1 2 3 4 5 1.3 negotiation _______________ inspection ________________ equipment _______________ specification ______________ maintenance ______________ 6 7 8 9 10 test ____________________ production produce construction _____________ security _________________ analysis _________________ FIVE TIPS FOR LEARNING NEW WORDS In speech and writing, one common problem is learning new words. To learn a new word is one thing, but to learn it correctly and remember it right, that's what you want. Here are 5 tips for learning new words. READING When working from a vocabulary list, we often try and create context and associations for words to remember their meaning. From context, you can gather the meaning of a word you're otherwise unfamiliar with. WRITING To improve your vocabulary, one way to do so is to write, write, and write. For new vocabulary words especially, find ways to integrate them into your writing. SPEAKING After learning a new word, it's always a good idea to use it. Again, to do so will help your brain create context and associations that you'll be able to pull from later on. WORD OF THE DAY If you're studying from vocabulary lists, try and learn 20 or so words in every set. By dividing lists into sections, you'll be able to backtrack more easily. Get into the habit of looking up unfamiliar words when you come across them. It never hurts to look up words you're curious about. VOCABULARY LIST And then there's the vocabulary list. If you are focused on learning new words, such lists are the perfect starting point. From the list of unknowns, you can then start to check off those you would like to know. Don't overload! It's important to not overload your brain with too many definitions, contexts, and associations at once. You wouldn't want to remember these great new words for a test and then the next day, when there's no pressure to know them, suddenly lose them. 9 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Word maps may help: - make connections between words; learn familiar words with different meanings in specific contexts; learn and use new words independently; use words from different word classes, for example, adjectives and adverbs, as well as nouns; find relationships between words. Grouping new words short guide 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Find key words from the text. Look up the words with different and similar meanings and set a word family = words that relate to the key word. Write that word in a central part and draw the branches to related words Write each word on the appropriate branch (see example below) Learn new words, familiar words and relationships between them. • hydtrant • fire engine associations • dangers • hot • heat • fires word • firing families • fired opposites synonyms • cold • wet • extinguish • ignite • blaze • burn Fig. 3: Word grouping Source: Own Watch the following video on robot design. http://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/news/articles/article_685.html Try to catch 5 words / phrases about mechatronics. Then group the new words according to the illustration above. How to design robots - or, more specifically, microprocessor-controlled electromechanical systems to produce final computer-controlled electromechanical projects of their own design. The results, displayed in the lobby of the Technological Institute, include everything from a device that strikes a drum in sync with a person's heartbeat to a can-launching refrigerator. Source: http://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/...; (online). 2011 10 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Follow up set: Task 1 Start building your own technical glossary. Start with common verbs in engineering. reduce raise verbs make heat lower Task 2 Make a similar diagram with words associated with mechatronics. nouns adjectives verbs control control system Task 3 Use the texts you have studied so far and explain practical applications of mechatronics. Summary In the first chapter we discussed the practical side of being an (mechatronics) engineer. Of the many engineering disciplines, mechatronics engineering is a newer field of specialisation, but provides a wide variety of jobs and many specialties. Vocabulary assignments in this unit require working with a technical dictionary and building one‘s own list of technical terms. 11 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2 CAREER AWARENESS Background information There are many opportunities to build a career in mechatronics. The new vocabulary will help you that mechatronics is not just about big machines and oily rags. The last section introduces and practices skills required to deal with the writing tasks and covers layout and style of a business letter. In this unit you will: - be talking about your study and career opportunities - learn about business letters layout - practice witting a CV 2.1 A MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING STUDENT The name »mechatronics« comes from mechanical and electronics, and is a relatively new approach to product design and development. Study this list of points to consider when deciding whether to study engineering. Discuss. Do you enjoy creating and investigating things? Or do you prefer to find out how things work? Look at the figure below and answer the questions; discuss them with your partner. What filed of mechatronics are you particularly interested in? What is your favourite subject? Fig. 4: Mechatronics engineering blending Source: Own 12 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Here are the main areas of study that mechatronics looks into: Mechatronics engineering Structure and properties of materials Statics Circuits Algorithms and data structures Numerical methods Mechanics of deformable solids Sensors and instrumentation Computer structures & real-time systems Actuators & power electronics Electromechanical machine design Automatic control systems 1. Write down Slovenian translations for the above terms. 2. Read the following descriptions of the main areas of study and find matches for the above terms. An example is shown in bold type. A Control design and analysis for linear dynamic systems with emphasis on mechanical engineering applications, digital control systems Circuit theory, input-output relationships, operational amplifiers, operational amplifier circuits, diodes, analogue signal detection, transducers and sensors Mechatronics engineering include the design process, project planning, control logic, sensors and actuators, engineering graphics, interpretation of technical drawings Computer organization, process management, synchronization, file systems Basic electromagnetic theory, magnetic circuits, electric circuit elements, DC/DC circuit analysis, diodes, transistors Circuit analysis & basic electromagnetics, power, power amplifiers, DC servo & stepper motors, AC synchronous & induction motors, transformers Mechanical response of materials and stress-strain relationships, behaviour of prismatic members in tension, compression, shear, bending and torsion, stress and strain transformations Basic concepts of mechanics, vectors, rigid bodies and force systems, equilibrium of rigid bodies, friction Number systems and machine errors Design of mechanical motion transmission systems (gearing, belts), sensors The relationships between physical and causes based on electronic structures, description of the differences in physical properties of metals, polymers, ceramics, semiconductors, and composite materials Algorithms, sorting and searching, hashing, and problem-solving strategies B C D E F G H I J K L Now list some of the subjects you study and try to find the English terms for them. Language work: Make it + adjective Look at the example: Digital displays make it easier to read out to the computer. Now show similar links with: workplace safety regulations poor lighting composite materials computer aided drawing 13 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Specialist reading Read the article about MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING and answer the questions below. Match your answers with your partner. Mechatronics engineering is a career choice. Perhaps the most striking example of mechatronics is the development of the Mars rover used by NASA to take samples and photographs of the Martian surface. Machine intelligence, or AI, is a key component of mechatronics engineer's design plans. An engineer of this type will manage, maintain, develop and design high tech engineering systems that can automate industrial tasks. They design and help in the production of video recorders, cameras and other consumer products. Fig. 5-6: A mechatronics engineer's job Images Sources: http://www.miatut.com/...; (online). 2011 http://www.cce.edu.om/...; (online). 2011 A mechatronics engineer designs mechanical devices that incorporate electrical, software and mechanical components. The combination of these three key areas has resulted in the development and design of mechatronics or smart products. Examples include a more efficient washing machine, automated robotic assembly lines, cameras, laser printers, photocopiers, stair climbing wheelchairs, hybrid autos and garage door openers. 1. 2. 3. 4. 14 What is a mechatronics engineer’s job? Where do mechatronics engineers work? How is IT used in mechatronics? What types of technologies do mechatronics engineers work on? The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2.2 JOBS AND CAREERS "Boldly face all science classes and be stronger than the material. Always say, 'I CAN DO IT!' " –Sarah, Layout Designer If Internet access is available share the “Micron for Students” web site and complete the tasks. Source: http://students.micron.com...; (online). 2011. 1 Watch a video interview and answer these questions: What are the attractions of the job of a process development engineer? What does she do in her job? What advice did she give to students of engineering? 2 Read the text below, and then state your own opinion on the following statements. 1 2 3 Mechatronics engineers design computer-controlled electro-mechanical systems. Examples of mechatronics systems include automotive anti-lock braking systems (ABS), SLR cameras, and aerospace "fly-by-wire" systems. Mechatronics engineering combines mechanical design, computers, software, and electronics with an integrated design approach. Use some of the phrases below: The way I look at it is … I think that …. I strongly (dis)agree (with the idea) … I believe that … It’s generally believed that … That’s not the way I see … Mechatronics engineers are problem-solvers who want to make things work more efficiently and quickly and less expensively. From computer chips and satellites to medical devices and renewable energy technologies, engineering makes our modern life possible. In particular, electrical engineers and computer engineers have a wide range of study options and career paths that let them design, build, and bring those ideas into reality. The engineer's primary role is to develop practical solutions to society's needs. Engineering work requires creativity, a knack for problem solving, and lots of training; it is seldom boring and can be highly rewarding. For some engineers, the challenge may be to maintain clean and healthy water conditions. For others, the work they do may be isolated from public view and involves cutting edge technology. Discuss these questions: What kind of work do you do? What do you enjoy about your job? What do you dislike? What are the most important things for you in your work? 15 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Language work: Be able to talk about your job When someone asks you »What do you do?«, they're asking »What's your job?«. You, for example, might answer »I work for an engineering company.« Someone may then ask for more information using one of these questions: What do you do exactly? What does that entail? What are you responsible for? You can give more information using the following expressions: Basically, I sell machine parts. I am responsible for machine maintenance. I take care of an assembly line. I usually answer customers' questions. I mainly handle claims. I'm an engineer. Match the phrases. An example is shown in bold type. I work as I‘m responsible for My job also involves I deal with As part of my job I have to I‘m based in questions people have about machines. a mechatronics technician with BBS. deal with cables and switchers. consider equipment. Reading, not far from London. giving advice on air-conditioning. Read the text below and choose the correct word form to fill each gap. Karin Weich works for Hech Electronics in Tulsa, USA. She works as / like / in Head of the Ocean Pacific Region. She organises / provides / deals with a large number of small and medium-sized businesses in the Ocean Pacific cultures. She advise / advises / advised them on the best products for their needs. She is only in his / her / its office in the morning when she discusses clients with / to / from the Sales Director. Now introduce yourself and your job. You can use the example below and discuss the topics like: your nationality, home town, company, position in the company, responsibilities, and hobbies. PROFILE My name is Dane Danes and I‘m Slovenian. I live in Malo mesto, a lovely Slovenian village near Ljubljana, and I work for The Mecha Group, Slovenian largest piping company. The Group‘s activities are divided into five business areas: shipping, aviation, construction & automotive industries, and trading. Our best-known company is Cathy Eastern PipeLine. I work at our Ljubljana head office; I‘m head of Quality Control, and I‘m responsible for developing the excellence policy of the Group. I‘m always very busy and I don‘t have much free time, but when I do, I like fishing and I grow my own vegetables, just for fun. 16 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2.3 CAREER OUTLOOK Look at this example letter: Grbina 13 2245 Spodnji grad Slovenia January 13, 2011 To: Michael Hjelm, President AAA Company 1234 South Street, DK 12357 Re: Provide information on what the letter regards to Salutation: Greet the recipient This paragraph should briefly explain the intent of the letter. You can include another 1-3 paragraphs that explain the situation in further detail. Use a new paragraph for each issue that you want to present. The last paragraph is the closing paragraph that further identifies your request and invites the receiver of the letter to contact you. The last sentence may refer to future contacts in general. Close the letter appropriately: Best regards, Jan Novak Jan Novak Appropriate salutations / finishing phrases Salutation Closing Note Dear Sir / Madam Faithfully yours Dear Mr / Mrs / Ms Blink Sincerely yours Dear Jane / Ms Novak Kind / Best regards if you don't know the name of the person you're writing to if you know the name of the person you're writing to If the person is a close business contact or friend 17 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Reference line With reference to your advertisement / letter of …, phone call today, … The reason for writing I am writing to enquire about … apologise for … confirm … The body I am writing to inform you …/ let you know … Thank you for your e-mail and for your interest in our products. In reply to your letter of March 3, 2010 … Giving bad news Unfortunately, … I am afraid that … Closing remarks Thank you for your help / time and consideration / assistance. Please contact us again if we can help in any way / there are any problems / you have any questions. Future contacts I look forward to hearing from you soon. Looking forward to doing business with you. Enclosing documents Enclosures: CV, references / recommendations Please find enclosed a copy of clean driving licence. I am enclosing a certificate / report on my passed exams. Avoid common mistakes in writing Correct Incorrect I am writing to enquire about … I am writing to you to ask … Thank you for your email of /dated May 3. Look forward to seeing you. I write to enquire about … I am writing you to ask … Thank you for your email from May 3. Look forward to see you. Thank you for your interest in our products. products. Thank you for your interest for our Reminders - correct the mistakes: Avoid commas, that are Avoid modernisms that not necessary. sound flaky. Avoid exclamations Awayz check you're whenever possible! spelling. Don't use contractions. 18 Be avoided by the passive voice. Every sentence a verb. Never use no double negatives. The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Helpful example Fig. 7: Formal letter sample Source: Own Now it is your turn. Write a letter to ask for information on a course of computer aided drawings which interests you. Lay out your letter like this: Nova ulica 21 1111 Staro mesto SLOVENIA 30 August 2010 CBC Technical Institute Parlow Street, Manchester MA2 2KL, UK Dear Sir or Madam Please send me further information on the course Solidworks in Mechanical Engineering. Yours faithfully, Pavel Ribnik Pavel Ribnik Now write a response from an institute, using the information below: Course on Technical Certificate in CAD for Engineering. One month, full-time. For potential technicians or for those who gain entry to a Higher Diploma in Engineering course. 19 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2.4 APPLYING FOR A JOB When you apply for a job, consider the following: What impression do you try to give in an application letter? Should an application letter be handwritten, or printed? How important is a well-presented CV or resume? Do you always tell the absolute truth in application letters? A CAREER HISTORY Career resume: A.J. THIERSSEN 1984-95 Employed by Institute of Mechatronics Engineers 1984-96 Consultant in a Lund Power plant 1975-78 University of Stockholm (majored in mechatronics) Recent career moves August 1995 Became self-employed Set up own consultancy October 1995 Opened an office in Lund February 1996 Won a major contract with a computer company How about you? Answer these questions about yourself. 1. How long ago did you start your present job? 2. How long ago did you start learning English? How to write a well presented engineering CV/resume? Young graduates who are on the job market for the first time need to start by learning to write their first resume. To do this they need to learn the basic rules. Here is some advice: Make a list of all work related experiences including: Volunteering Running the volley club or similar. Organising the university magazine. Any roles in clubs or associations. Any such experience can be listed on your resume. These qualities will show your motivation and initiative as well as organisational and team work skills. If you are applying for a specific job: Read the job advertisement carefully. Make sure you address each requirement in the graduate resume. Follow the instructions. Include your soft skills Your resume should be a summary of your experience, education and qualifications. Do not lie on your resume. Your resume should be one page. Include only topics related to the job you are applying for. Employers will be interested in your credentials and experience. 20 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Succeed where others fail. Go to the following web page http://www.ehow.co.uk/video and watch the video. While listening, insert the missing information below. Source: http://www.ehow.co.uk/...; (online). 2011 Model CV CURRICULUM VITAE ________________________details Name: Jan Novak Date of birth: 2 August 1975 Address: Huda ulica 12, Veliko mesto 1234 ________________and qualifications 1991-1995 Izraz College of Higher Education, Ljubljana Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering 1985 – 1990 Secondary Technical School, Ljubljana I hold a clean driving licence. I have been driving for three years. _______________________________ 1995 to present Inspection Technician Ben & Hugo Electronics (SI) Ltd. - responsible for checking incoming components and completed products using a wide range of test equipment including computer-based record system. 1990 – 1995 Apprentice electrical technician Sturm & Hafner (SI) Ltd. 1990 – 1991 Office junior Brend & Brend, Car Shop - basic mechanical duties, telephone receptionist, in a busy car shop. ___________________and activities Travel, modern dance, swimming. ______________________________ College: Ms Jelica Car Head Phone: 4577-56789 Work Mr Jon Minas Personnel officer phone: 2388-0098 21 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3 steps to draft an application letter 1st paragraph: 2nd paragraph: 3rd paragraph: Introduce yourself briefly Give your reasons for applying Describe your relevant experience – or justify your lack of experience Describe your skills Describe how you meet the requirements of the job Say when you‘re available for an interview Application letter - starting I noted with interest your advertisement in today‘s Delo. I wish to apply for a place at HSE. My reason for applying is that I would like to broaden my experience and also to make a greater use of knowledge of languages. Application letter – body I feel that my qualifications match your requirements. My qualifications are as follows: … My educational background enables me to … As you will see from the enclosed CV, I have three years experience in marketing. My responsibilities have included all types of technical support and contacts with clients. I use computer on a daily basis and I have experience with CAD and CAM. Application letter – ending I am enclosing the names and addresses of two references / referees who can testify to my conduct and character. I am looking forward to the opportunity of attending an interview at which I can provide any further information you may need. Please contact me by phone / mail. When you read a job advertisement you may find that you don‘t meet all of the qualifications. But not every requirement listed in the job advertisement is always met so, therefore, if you meet majority of them then submit your resume and cover letter. Leave it up to the employer to make that decision during the interview. You may also have the soft skills that make up the difference as they are looking for the right ―match‖ and not always the most qualified candidate. So look for key words that stand out and tell you what they are looking for. When applying to the advertisement, please make sure you follow and pay strong attention to the instructions on how to apply. Look at the following model letter below and do the tasks. 22 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Model letter Lepa cesta 13 Mirno mesto 1222 SLO 15 March 20__ Mr Yan Yanick Personnel Department Ljubljana 1122, SLO Dear Mr Yanick, Re: Design Technician I would like to apply for the post of Design Technician as advertised in today‘s issue of the Delo. I enclose my CV with the names of two referees. You will note from my CV that I have a diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and considerable experience. My work at B & H means that I am familiar with HVAC plant and systems including electronic system control. As an inspection technician, I have experience of a wide range of systems for product testing and component evaluation. I enjoy my work at B & H but would like to broaden my experience, especially in the area of aircraft design. I feel that I can bring considerable skill to the post together with the ability to work well in a team. I am also interested in further improving my qualifications by studying part-time. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely Jana Novak Jana Novak Go to the following page http://www.careersinholland.com/ and 1) Write a job summary 2) Apply for a job – use a separate sheet of paper and write a CV and an application letter. Source: http://www.careersinholland.com/vacancies/...; (online). 2011 23 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Application vocabulary student of Vocational College / Community College have/obtain a degree in Mechanical Engineering have no/little experience of … / in … gain practical experience/qualifications previous/current/working experience knowledge of languages computing skills duties at the moment Translate the following sentences into English. 1 Prejšnji teden sem videl vaš oglas v Vestniku. 2 Rad bi se prijavil na mesto vzdrževalca v vašem podjetju. 3 Imam že nekaj izkušenj pri delu s CNC stružnicami. 4 Lansko leto sem delal kot študent v podjetju za urejanje hudournikov. 5 Sem strojni tehnik in znam uporabljati program za računalniško podprto risanje. Follow up set: 1) Go to the Europass web site, download the English version of Europass CV and fill it in. Source: http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/...; (online). 2010 2) Read the job advertisement and apply for a job – use a separate sheet of paper and write a CV and an application letter. Source: http://jobview.monster.com/...; (online). 2011 Electronic/Mechatronics Engineer Candidates must have a Bachelors‘ degree in Electronics, Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering and a Masters‘ Degree (M.S.) is preferred. 8-10 years experience in research/design/development area of product engineering, including a minimum of 5 years in electronics/mechatronics technology solutions. Knowledge of CAN Bus (J1939, J1708, etc) protocols. Preferred working knowledge of 3-D solid modelling (Solid works) and 2-D drafting software. Proficiency with Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. If your background meets these requirements and you are looking to join an innovative global leader, please send your resume and salary history to [email protected] or fax to 616-7195376. Please indicate ―Electronic/Mechatronics Engineer‖ in the subject line. To learn more about our company please check us out at www.safholland.com. Summary Looking for jobs can become a challenge. In this chapter you have learnt about job-seeking and revised the rules of writing; it gives practice of writing formal letters, and also gives valuable practice of using the Internet for job opportunities in English. Your new knowledge will be put to the test with a real-world engineering projects, which you will design on your own or with a team. 24 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3 C0MPANY OF THE FUTURE: Innovation & commitment Background information There may be several occasions when you have to talk about a company you work for. This may be when you‘re showing someone around the place, or you may need to explain someone how your company or your department is organized and who is responsible for different aspects of the business. Focus of Unit 3: - talking about your company‘s history, structure, activities and performance - understanding the present and past tense - dealing with questions Language work: Describing a company When you describe your company, these expressions can be useful: Our company is a family company, subsidiary, joint stock company, a sole trader, private / public limited company, parent/sister company. It is small / medium / large. Main activities Producing, buying and/or selling, importing and/or exporting, distributing, offering different services, research, designing, … History of the company Our company was founded / set up in 2001. Then it began to grow. Other information about the company: It is one of the leading technology and services companies in the region. We produce parts for internal-combustion engines. About products/services/turnover Our company pays attention to the quality of products and services. It has a wide range of products for car … It offers after-sales service for our customers and buyers. Last year, the total business exceeded € 2.5 million. The turnover amounts to €1.8 million. Philosophy of the company Its strategy is to improve people's lives. We believe in new technologies. Our long-term objectives are quality, performance and reliability for people and the environment. Staff policy In 2009 the number of employees totalled 1,500. We have 45 full-time researchers. Our R&D employs high-qualified staff. Location Our company is located / based in Ljubljana, but has branches in Moscow and Freiburg. The firm‘s premises are in 13 Nova Ulica, Ljubljana, Slovenia. Structure of the company Our company consists of five departments and two overseas divisions. 25 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Departments Production, quality control, finance and accounts, personnel, marketing, sales, purchasing, export, import, advertising, logistics, research & development. Management Supervisory Board/Board of Directors, CEO/general manager / managing director, managers of departments. 3.1 EXPLAINING STRUCTURE OF A COMPANY Write down the names of two well-known companies in your city or region. What do you know about each company‘s activities: o Where do they operate? o How important are they? o If you could choose, which would you like to work for? Companies are involved in many activities, e.g. buying, selling, marketing, production, in a range of different industries, such as IT, telecommunications, film, car manufacture. Businesses vary in size, from the self-employed person working alone, through the small or medium sized enterprise to the large multinational with activities in several countries. Multinationals often have a complicated structure. There is usually a parent or holding company. This company owns other companies or parts of their companies. The other companies are called subsidiaries. Company‘s activities may be spread over different sites. Organisational chart Most companies are made up of three groups of people: the shareholders (who provide the capital), the management and the workforce. The management structure of a typical company is shown in this organizational chart. At the top of the company hierarchy is the Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer (CEO, AmE), who is responsible for the running of the business. Senior managers or company officers or directors head the various departments within the company. Fig. 8: Typical organizational chart Source: Own 26 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Discuss Does your company have a clear structure as in the above organisational chart? Do people in your company work in teams? Try these tasks. 1 2 Describe the structure of your company. Visit the web site of the PIPISTREL company and present the company in your own words. 3 Look at the organizational chart of answer the questions below the chart. and Fig. 9: Omron's organisational chart Source: http://www.omron.com/...; (online). 2011 1 2 3 4 5 What are the company's main activities? How many executive officers are employed in the company? What business fields does the company cover? Who is responsible for electronic components division? What does HQ stand for? What are the synonyms? 27 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Look at the chart and answer the questions Robert Novak Customer Services Director Suzana Spin Call centre Manager Andreja Veber Complaints Manager What is Andreja‘s job? Which department is Suzana responsible for? Who does Suzana report to? What is Robert in charge of? Fig. 10: Staff policy Source: Own Which verbs do not go with the nouns? o a company: stop, found, take over, set up o a subsidiary: own, found, produce, open o production: continue, stop, begin, make 3.2. COMPANY PROFILE Read the article about The Bosch Group and answer the questions below the text. Technologies to improve people’s lives Our value-adding innovations are ―Invented for life‖ – and they‘re unrivalled in quality, performance and reliability for people and the environment. Our mission is to improve the quality of life with Bosch products. State-of-the-art technology and sustainable growth are our cornerstones. At the same time, we fully embrace our social and ecological responsibility. That‘s how we make sure we deliver what people need, both now and in the future. When you work at Bosch, you are part of a leading technology and services company. We operate in over 60 countries around the globe. In fiscal 2009, our sales generated approximately €38.2 billion. We shape the future Bosch is a privately held company. That means we can act with financial independence, plan for the long term and invest in the future. To give just one example of how we do that, we spend over €3.5 billion each year on research and development. The result: over 3,800 new patents filed annually around the world. In addition to the Bosch brand, we unite under our roof other well-known names such as Buderus, Skil, Dremel, Junkers and Vulcano. The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, we generated the sales of 38.2 billion Euros in fiscal 2009. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. 28 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network are the foundation for growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion Euros for research and development, and applies for some 3,800 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. Adapted from Source: http://www.bosch.com/..., (online). 2010 Answer the questions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. What’s the company’s turnover? How many employees are there? What’s the company’s main area of business? What’s happening in the company at the moment? How much does the company invest in new technologies? Are these statements true or false according to the text? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. The company believes in innovation. They are building new facilities. They are introducing new technology. The company sells microelectronic products for automobiles. The company is opening a new subsidiary in Brazil. Grammar Note 1 We use The Present Simple Tense to talk about regular activities 2 We use The Present Continuous tense to talk about actions that are going on at the moment. Now refer back to the text and find the examples of The Present Simple and Present Continuous Tenses. For more information on these two tenses, visit: http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/ Remember The most common verbs for describing company structure are: consists of contains is composed of is divided into e.g. The company consists of five main departments. includes Other verbs frequently used to describe company organization include: to be in charge of to be responsible for to be accountable to e.g. The marketing department is in charge of the sales force. The five departments’ heads are accountable to the Managing Director. 29 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ IT ALL STARTED WITH … 3.3 A quote from Mr Kazuma, Omron: »Don't say 'I Can't', but rather, 'How can I?’« Study the Omron's timeline and answer the questions below. May 1933 Tateisi Electric Manufacturing Co. established in Osaka. Production of X-ray timers begins. January 1959 February 1960 April 1964 Company motto and "OMRON" trademark established. March 1967 World's first unmanned train station developed. June 1971 World's first online automated cash dispenser developed. April 1986 North American regional management centre established in the United States (OMRON Management Center of America, Inc.) European regional management centre established in The Netherlands (OMRON Europe B.V.) Asia Pacific regional management centre established in Singapore (OMRON Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.) Company name changed to OMRON Corporation. September 1988 October 1988 January 1990 1995 World's first non-contact (solid state) switch developed. World's first automated traffic signal developed. Distance warning system for motor vehicles developed. May 2004 Face recognition technology for mobile phones developed. May 2006 Global design/production centre for control devices begins operations in Shanghai, China. OMRON ramps up development of safety business (machine safeguarding). March 2007 Adapted from Source: http://www.omron.com/...; (online). 2011 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Who is the founder of the Omron company? When was the company founded? Where is the company located? What was the company’s first technological breakthrough? What did the company focus on in the 1060s? When did the company open its first overseas divisions? Why did the company change its name? What are some recent technology achievements? Now you ask questions about the company’s history. 30 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Language work: Making questions Can you ask questions correctly? Out of these questions, only one is correct. Do you know which one? Can you correct the others? 1. Did you went climbing yesterday? 2. Do you can tell me the time? 3. What does BMW mean? 4. Is coming your mother tomorrow? 5. How much the room costs? 6. Like you Z3? These are all frequent mistakes sometimes made even by advanced students. Did you get the correct question? It is number 3. All the others contain mistakes. There are only four basic rules for forming questions in English. Refreshing them, you will avoid the most common mistakes and speak English better. QUESTION FORMS : basic rules 1. Questions are made by putting an auxiliary verb before the subject Did you go climbing last weekend? Is your mother coming tomorrow? auxiliary did is 2. main verb go coming When a verb phrase has no auxiliary its question form is made with do + infinitive Do you like Z3? 3. subject you your mother What does BMW mean? Do is not used to make questions with can, must, should, may, be Can you tell me the time? (not Do you can…) 4. Are you ready? (not Do you be…) When who, what or which is the subject of a sentence, it comes directly before the verb, and do is not used Who left the door open? If who, what or which is the object of a sentence, the normal rules are followed: Who do you want to speak to? Now ask your partner some questions about their job. For example: Where do you work? What do you do? What is your favourite car? Use question words. 31 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Specialist reading: Scan for specific information. Scanning is a technique you often use when looking up a word in a dictionary. You search for key words or ideas. In most cases, you know what you're looking for, so you're concentrating on finding a particular answer. Scanning involves moving your eyes quickly down the page seeking specific words and phrases. Scanning is a skill that requires that you read quickly while looking for specific information. To scan a reading text, you should start at the top of the page and then move your eyes quickly toward the bottom. Generally, scanning is a technique that is helpful when you are looking for the answer to a known question. This is especially helpful when taking a test. Practice scanning before you read the following article. While scanning, underline the key words. Then re-read the article in details and do the exercises below. From aircraft to fantasy cars Karl Friedrich Rapp is the name of the founder of BMW - one of the biggest worldwide car manufacturing companies. BMW or Bayerische Motoren Werke (Bavarian Motor Works) was founded in 1916 as a successor to the Rapp Motor. Very few people in fact know that the history of BMW is intertwined with world history, and that the company was in fact closed at the end of World War One as the result of the Treaty of Versailles. Or that BMW origins trace back to the early 1900s when in Bavaria three manufacturing companies joined together to form one business entity. Many people think that the logo of BMW comes from a spinning white propeller seen in the background of the blue sky. This may be so but in fact it is known that it also comes from the white and blue flag of Bavaria – the largest state of Germany Although BMW's current fame and reputation as one of the greatest automobile manufacturers can be mostly linked to models produced in the last two decades, the history of the mark stretches far back and contains numerous achievements that have established it as a benchmark. Did you know that BMW started out as an aircraft company? Luxury cars, high performance cars, and well-crafted cars - these are the accolades given to Bavarian Motor Works, Bayerische Motoren Werke, or BMW. This German-based company is one of the world's most respected automakers, renowned for crafting luxury cars and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) that offer superior levels of driving enjoyment. 32 Adapted from source: http://www.articlesbase.com/carsarticles/...; (online). 2010 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Do you understand all the words? Read the text again and underline the unknown words you don’t understand. a. Try to guess the meaning of the underlined words from the context. b. Now use a dictionary and find Slovenian translations. Answer the questions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. What is BMW famous for? Where does the logo come from? What are the main areas of BMW trades? When was the company founded? What happened during the WWI? Are these statements true/false/no information, according to the text? 1. BMW is focused on the production of luxury cars. 2. They are close to their owners. 3. They promote new technologies. Grammar Note We use The Past Simple Tense to talk about finished past events and time periods. For further explanations of The Past Simple Tense you can visit: http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/ Now refer back to the text on BMW and find the examples of The Past Simple Tense and complete the list. You can add some automobile-related verbs on your own. Infinitive Past simple Slovenian __________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ begin start Language work: began started začeti začeti kaj Prepositional phrases Study the phrases in bold type in the article on BMW and translate them into Slovenian. Then do the following exercise: insert the correct preposition. Mr Rapp founded the BMW _______ 1916. The origins trace back _____ 1900s. Everything changed _____ the end of WW II. BMW is involved _____ world history. BMW is linked _______ the history. The logo comes ________ the flag of Bavaria. The company started ______ as an aircraft manufacturer. Nowadays it is renowned ______ luxury cars. 33 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Follow up set: Task 1 Work in pairs. Read the article and ask and answer questions about the BMW. Exchange roles. From An Airplane Manufacturing Company to Luxury Vehicles The BMW Z4 Roadster is a popular luxury sports car. The company began in the 1900s in Munich as an aircraft manufacturer. Its early leanings are still present in BMW's logo - white propeller blades against a blue sky - that was designed to reflect these origins; its blue-and-white colour scheme also references Bavaria's blue-andwhite checkered flag. Karl Friedrich Rapp was an engineer who had been director of an early German aircraft company. He set up a business to manufacture airplane engines. His company was known as the Rapp Motoren Werke, and was located in a suburb of Munich, the capital city of Bavaria. His location decision was influenced by a customer nearby: the Gustav Otto aircraft company. Rapp's engines were a success, but he continued to look for more work to keep his company busy. In 1916, he secured a contract to build a large number of V12 airplane engines on behalf of Austro-Daimler, which was finding that it could not build enough to meet the escalating demand. Rapp sought a backer to finance his company's expansion, and in March 1916 the Rapp Motoren Werke was renamed the Bayerische Motoren Werke. It was then that BMW was formed. Within a year, however, Rapp ran into some problems. He expanded the company too quickly. Rapp eventually left the company and an industrial tycoon Franz Josef Popp took his place. It was Popp who laid the foundation for the BMW that exists today. Production of the Automobile – 1928 It wasn't until 1928 that production began on the first BMW automobile: the Dixi. The car was popular, and its success helped the company weather the Depression. BMW's best-known pre-World War II vehicle was the Type 328 roadster, a two-seater that racked up over 120 victories on the racing motorcar circuit between 1936 and 1940. Post-war BMW cars maintained this tradition, winning several racing, rallying and hill climb victories. Post WWII Success Right after the war, BMW was hurting like the rest of Germany and Europe. For several years, the company was not allowed to manufacture anything as punishment for its contribution to the war effort on behalf of Germany. 34 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ But the early 1950s saw the launch of the BMW 501 followed by the 502, which was powered by the world's first light-alloy V8. This meant the BMW's ongoing commitment to developing new technology. In the 1960s, thanks in part to the immense popularity of the 1500 - a sporty family sedan BMW sales strengthened significantly. By the 1970s, BMW had established itself as a full-fledged car company. But it also was a pioneer for many emerging technologies, including turbo charging and advanced vehicle electronics. This gave it a reputation for quality and leading edge auto performance technology. This was also the period when BMW of North America was established and consumers who coveted both sports and luxury cars became loyal owners. The 1970s saw the birth of BMW's three-tier sport sedan range consisting of the 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series cars, and the creation of its performance M division. More recently, the company has been expanding its reach worldwide. It opened its first U.S. manufacturing plant in the second half of the 1990s and it expanded its brand empire to include Mini and Rolls-Royce. BMW also continues to build motorcycles, something it has done since the 1920s. Adapted from Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/...; (online). 2010 Task 2 Draw a timeline showing the development of BMW. Mark the stepping stones and most important achievements. Task 3 Then describe the history of BMW in your own words. Summary In 2010, the industry experienced its worst economic downturn for decades. The markets in North America and Japan plummeted especially sharply. And Europe was also hard hit. In the future we all need to learn about the importance of connecting in order to recapture the energy and effort. Various kinds of exercises in this chapter can be used to elicit valuable information concerning students' grasp of English language structures on the Internet. 35 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4 TECHNICAL TALK Background information You will learn a lot of new words which you need to be able to define things more precisely and describe them accurately. This unit will: - introduce basic shapes, dimensions and units terminology - pay attention to tables and illustrations, and especially to graphical displays. - help you build your own technical vocabulary 4.1 LINES, SHAPES, ANGLES Take a look at the lines. Parallel lines never intersect. They will always be the exact same distance apart. Perpendicular lines intersect at a right angle and they don't necessarily have to be vertical and horizontal. Write down Slovenian terms for the line types below. Fig. 11: Lines Source: Own 36 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Shapes Take a look at the two-dimensional (flat) shapes below. Note that the pentagon has 5 sides, just like a military government building, and an octagon, which we see every day on stop signs, has 8 sides. Closed shapes with all straight sides are called polygons. That just means "many sides." A regular polygon is a shape in which all the sides are of equal length. Shapes that have any kind of curves in them are not polygons. Fig. 12: Shapes Source: Own These are the most common shapes, aside from parallelograms, trapezoids, and rhombuses. You might come across shapes of other numbers of sides. Draw: a heptagon, nonagon, hendecagon, triskaidecagon, icosagon 3D Shapes or Solids Look at the various 3-D figures below and think which commonly known object resemble these shapes. Fig. 13: 3-D figures or solids Source: Own 37 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Language work: A list of nouns and adjectives. Noun - a rectangle a square a triangle a cone a tube a circle a semi-circle a sphere Adjective rectangular square triangular conical tubular circular semi-circular spherical Slovenian _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ valjast _______________ _______________ _______________ Complete the list. Noun _______________ _______________ oval polygon rectangular solid pyramid Adjective cylindrical cubic, cube-shaped ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ Slovenian ___________ ___________ ovalen ___________ ___________ ___________ Now read the descriptions and draw the shapes. A perfectly round object, like a ball, or a globe. A box that has perfect squares for each face, like the famous Rubik's cube A round tube with a circle on each end, like an empty toilet paper roll. An object with a circle at the top that gets smaller and smaller until it reaches a point at the bottom, like an ice cream cone. An object with triangles for sides, forming a point at the top. The base is usually a square. The Pyramids of Egypt are a famous example. A box that is not a perfect cube. Some of the faces may be rectangles. Complete the following descriptions using adjectives. 1 2 3 4 5 6 There's a __________ slot at the top. (circle) The pins are arranged in _________ configuration. (line) They're laid out in __________ configuration. (triangle) There are circular pins. (circle) This one has _______ blades. (rectangle) It has a _________ slot to receive the earth pin. (cylinder) Answer the questions. What can you say about quadrilaterals that have two adjacent sides equal? Do the diagonals of all rectangles have the same angle between them? Can you draw a circle through the vertices of every kite? 38 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Angles Take a look at the angles below. An angle is formed when two lines meet at a point. The point at which they meet is called the vertex of the angle. Fig. 14: Angles Source: Own A right angle has a measurement of 90° and is formed by two straight lines. An acute angle has a measurement of less than 90°. An obtuse angle is bigger than a right angle, but smaller than a straight angle. It has a degree measurement between 90° and 180°. A straight angle starts at the vertex and forms a straight line. It has a degree measurement of 180°. Look at the picture and insert the missing words. _____________ is the distance around a circle. A circle is a closed curve. The ___________ of the circle is the length of all points in a plane at a fixed distance; the ____________ of the circle is a straight line from a fixed point, called the centre of the circle, to the outer boundary. The _______________________ means the length of the circle and the interior of the circle is called a disc/disk. Fig. 15: Circumference Source: Own Draw a shape that is: both a rectangle and a rhombus 4.2 both a parallelogram and a kite GIVING DESCRIPTIONS AND EXPLANATIONS Study the following description of a zinc-carbon cell: A zinc-carbon battery is an electrochemical cell. It provides electricity and consists of an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte. A zinc-carbon cell has a negative electrode and a manganese dioxide positive electrode. A carbon rod functions as a contact and is called the current collector. Image source: http://www.mpoweruk.com/...; (online). 2011 39 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Language work: Describing and giving explanation or a definition Fig. 16: Home heating and cooling Source: http://www.solectair.com/...; (online). 2011 Look at the illustration above and describe: a. the function of a return air vent b. filter accessibility c. microprocessor control system function d. heating mode The two questions we need to answer when we describe items and components are: 1 2 What is it called? What does it do? In other words, we need to be able to: 1 2 label items and components describe their function We can use these ways to label items: We can describe the function of items like this: It is called a zinc-carbon cell. It is known as a NiCad cell. A cell provides electricity. Cells change chemical energy into electricity. Another way to use the same pattern and also give some distinguishing characteristics is: A battery is an electrochemical cell (or enclosed and protected material) that can be charged electrically to provide a static potential for power or release electrical charge when needed. RELATIVE PRONOUNS In modern English there are five relative pronouns: that, which, who, whom, and whose. who (people) that (things or people) which (things) 40 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ There are different ways to define things. Look at this example: used for measuring relative humidity. which is used to measure relative humidity. which measures relative humidity. that is used to measure relative humidity. A hygrometer is an instrument Below are some circuit symbols. Describe their function. For example: A resistor is a component that resists or opposes current flowing. The list of functions may help you. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 the energy change takes place in the gas or filament measures the difference in electrical energy between two pints measures the current (flow of charge) through the circuit varies capacitance in a circuit changes chemical energy into electrical energy combination of cells for providing electrical energy electrical component for opening and closing a circuit Fig. 17: Circuit symbols Source: Own Resemblance similarity of appearance In real life, we use the word "similar" to mean different things. In math, it has a special definition. See the picture below. In math, two figures are called similar if they are the same shape, but different sizes. Two figures are congruent if they are exactly the same size and shape. Fig. 18: Electronic symbols in real life Image Source: http://www.toothpastefordinner.com; (online). 2010 41 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Describe the shapes of these batteries. Fig. 19: Batteries shapes Source: Own What are Slovenian terms for the phrases below? Write them down to complete the table. Then find matches and form sentences to describe the shape and function of the items. For example: A disc brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion. Item a mushroom-shaped valve a U-shaped bolt a pan-shaped rivet head function used as concrete fastener controlling the flow of gas in and out of cylinders. connects plates of iron draw an image Remember we can say: conical coneshaped circular It is ... Fig. 20: Describing shapes Source: Own It is circular. It is conical. It is triangular. 42 It is heart-shaped. It is cone-shaped. It is triangle-shaped. Slovenian The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Language work: Prepositional phrases Contain, consist, made of Comprise, made up of Assembled, composed of Coated with Extracted, derived from used for + verb~ing used to + infinitive used as + noun Note the difference: Water contains impurities in it. What does a capacitor consist of? Batteries consist of two electrodes and a solution. The solution contains ammonium chloride. Complete the following sentences using from, with or of. 1 Steel is an alloy derived _________ iron. 2 When metal is extracted from ore, the costs can be high. 3 Galvanised steel is steel covered __________ zinc. 4 Bronze contains significant amounts _____ copper. 5 Glass can contain traces ________ lead. 6 Stainless steel is a type ________ steel that doesn't rust. Name the angles below. Fig. 21: Angles Source: Own Mark: vertex, perpendicular line, adjacent angles. The technical words in column A are similar in meaning to the more general English in column B. Match them. An example is given in bold type. 1 A oscillates a 2 rotates b 3 4 5 6 7 8 reciprocates has a linear motion heaving motion two-way back and forth c d e f g h B moving first in one direction and then in the opposite direction many times moving up and down with large regular movements moving in two opposite directions goes round and round movement goes in a line swings backwards and forwards goes up and down Now draw the motions 1-4 from the above list. 43 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4.3 READING NUMBERS, MATH EXPRESSIONS, FORMULAE, SYMBOLS NUMBERS Even numbers: Odd numbers: 2,4,6, … 1,3,5, … -teen: 13-19 (note:fifteen) -ty: 20,30,50 (fifty) Some ways of reading 0: OH: decimal, phone, bus, room, years ZERO: number 0, temperature (-7 0C: seven degrees Centigrade below/minus zero) LOVE: tennis NOUGHT: before decimal NIL: football Units Ł1.50 2m18 one pound fifty two metres eighteen Decimals All the digits are read separately, esp. if there are more than two decimals: 0.125 nought point one two five 0.001 nought point oh oh one =10-3 ten to the power (of) minus three Points and commas Use a point (.) and not a comma (,) with decimals A comma in figures – only with thousands Saying large numbers hundreds o 100 one hundred o 200 two hundred (not two hundreds) thousands o 1,000 one thousand o 2,000 two thousand (not two thousands) millions o 1,000,000 a million o 1,000,000,000 a billion Fractions ½ a half ¼ a quarter ¾ three quarters 1/3, 1/5, 1/6, etc: a third, a fifth, a sixth, etc 3 ½ three and a half 2 ¾ two and three quarters Square, cube and root 102 ten squared 103 ten cubed Raising to the power 32 = 9 (three squared equals nine) xn-1 = x (to the) power (of) n minus one 44 Extraction of Root √5 the square root of 5 The cube root of eight is two. n-th root: What is the fourth root of sixteen? The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ x 10 5 A' a b equals/ is equal to x y x is not equal to y x is approximately equal to 10 is less than is more than factorial of five A prime A '' A second prime integral from a to b Read these equations and check your answers. Fig. 17: Equations Equation image source: http://www.sengpielaudio.com/...; (online). 2010 Joke Source: http://www.toothpastefordinner.com...; (online). 2010 4.4 MEASUREMENTS AND QUANTITIES Language work: Word formation: adjectives nouns adjectives verbs Write in the corresponding nouns. Adjective 5m high 15m long 7m wide 2,5cm thick 22m deep 0.05mm thin 150kg heavy Noun __________________ __________________ width __________________ __________________ How much does the new Q7 weigh? How much does it cost? What’s the final speed? How long does it take to 100 km/h? How long is it? What’s the fuel tank capacity? What’s the rear seat height? 45 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Write in the Slovenian verb. adjective loose tight deep wide short long strong verb to loosen to tighten to deepen to widen to shorten to lengthen to strengthen Slovenian verb zrahljati ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ Fill in the blanks in these sentences with suitable verbs from the list above. How do you ______________ a sticky pipe fitting? The torque wrench is designed to be used for tightening tube shapes. Use of small casing restricts the opportunities for __________ the well. Most often, post-tensioning is applied to floor beams for ______________ of steel bridges. Simulation enables shipbuilders to ____________ their engineering development cycle. Complete the following table using the words for dimensions. Name of dimension Adjective for dimension a large Adjective for dimension a small What‘s the length? Is it long? Is it short? What‘s the ___________? Is it __________________? Is it ________________? What‘s the ___________? Is it wide? Is it ________________? What‘s the thickness? Is it __________________? Is it ________________? What is your favourite car? Can you describe its dimensions? SCALES Complete the table. Quantity/Force 1 current 2 _____________ 3 velocity 4 _____________ 5 thickness 6 _____________ 7 voltage 8 pressure 9 _____________ 10 frequency 46 Unit ____________ newton km/mile per hour °C ____________ ohm ____________ ____________ tesla ____________ Instrument _________________ force gauge _________________ ________________ micrometer ________________ ________________ manometer ________________ ________________ The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Use the prepositions from the box in the sentences below: to from beyond under in within at above 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 When ______________ tension, the energy is stored as strain energy. ___________________ the elastic limit stress is no longer proportional to strain. ______ a depth of 1 mm the residual stresses fell just under 800 N/mm2. Steel containing from 0.05 to 0.25% of carbon is often used in industry. The radius of the drill lies ______________ the range of from 125 μm to 4 mm. We can observe a steady rise ________________ residual stress after hardening. The steel is heated to 30-50 0C ___________ the upper critical point. Remember The SI (International System of Units) is founded on seven SI base units for seven base quantities which are mutually independent. SI base units - complete the list Base quantity length mass time electric current thermodynamic temperature amount of substance luminous intensity Name Symbol Slovenian _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ metre m dolžina 1. Name some scalars and vectors. 2. What is the difference between vector and scalar quantities? 3. What is the difference between mass and weight? Mind the reading of: m3 / m2 s2 a 12mm bore cubic metre / square metre second squared a 12 millimetre bore not a 12 millimetres bore Take this quiz and read the units. 1 What is a good estimate for a spoonful of medicine? ____________ spoon. 2 Every country in the world, except for this many, use the metric system of measurement: 3, 13, 23 3 What is 1 pint of milk roughly equivalent to? Just under ____________ bottle. 4 Which of these statements is correct: a. a kilogram is ten thousand grams b. a kilogram is ten thousands gram b. a kilogram is one thousand grams 5 The baggage allowance for each person on a flight is 20 kg per person. On whose suitcase will you be charged excess baggage? a. Ana's: 20,100 kg b. Tim's: 19.01 kg c. Jan's: 20.12 kg 6 Which of these is a measurement of distance? a. acre b. yard c. pint 7 Which of these is not used for measuring distance? a. a furlong b. a rod c. a gill 47 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ FORMING PLURAL: Is the noun countable or uncountable? COUNTABLE NOUNS UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS Countable nouns can be either singular or plural: computer / computers idea / ideas medium / media Uncountable nouns appear only in the singular information (not informations) knowledge (not knowledges) research (not researches) Examples: Most engineers use computers nowadays. The students had several ideas. Each must choose one medium. The information I found was very useful The aim is to gain knowledge about GPS. The information I found was very useful. Study the list of nouns below and complete it. Singular (sg) analysis basis phenomenon criterion datum erratum radius plural (pl) analyses bases phenomena criteria data (is/are) errata radii Slovenian ________________ ________________ ________________ kriterij / kriteriji ________________ ________________ ________________ To count or not to count? Many English nouns do not just fall into one category. Certain nouns, sometimes called double-duty nouns, can be either countable or uncountable. Each form is different in meaning. Some uncountable nouns can become countable when we mean a certain amount of or kind of that noun. For instance, we can say: Force is the capacity to do work or cause physical change. (we do not refer to a specific force) A tensile force can lengthen a body. (a specific force) Even water can become countable under the right circumstances: The waters of the Pacific Ocean are noticeably colder this year. Uncountable nouns fluids water, oil, gasoline, wine, … solids ice, gold, chalk silver, glass, … gases air, oxygen, nitrogen, smoke, smog, pollution, steam, … 48 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ The following diagram illustrates a classification of countable vs. uncountable nouns: sg vs pl C vs UC countable a glass (of water, etc.) uncountable glass (the material) countable 30 glasses (of water, etc.) uncountable glasses (for vision correction or eye protection) singular nouns plural Fig. 18: Countable vs. uncountable nouns Source: Own 4.5 PRESENTING GRAPHICAL DISPLAY In engineering, graphs and charts are a common way of giving information. They allow us to present a great deal of data in visual form. Look at the following simple line graph: Fig. 19: A line graph Source: http://www.google.com/publicdata ...; (online). 2010 This graph shows the population of Denmark from 1996 to 2007. You can see that in 1996 the population was 5.25 million and that by the year 2007 it had grown to 5.45 million. 49 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ When you write about a line chart it is important to look first at the chart title. This tells you what information the graph displays and you can use this information in your description. Then look at the X and Y axes. The titles of these axes sometimes give you information you can use in your description. It is important also to look at the units. On the Y-axis in this graph the units are millions. The population of Denmark in 1996 was not 5.25, but 5.25 million people. Line graphs describe change. When describing these graphs you must answer the question what changed. In this case we can see that the population of Denmark increased from 1996 to 2007. We can also ask the question, »How did the population change«? Because the line is fairly smooth, we can say that the population increased steadily. Lastly, we can ask the question, »How much«? In this case, »How big was the change in population«? The population in 1996 was 5.25 million and in 2007 it was 2.45 million. So there was an increase of 0.2 million or 200,000 people. A column / bar graph A column / bar graph is used to show relationships between groups. Fig. 20: A column graph Source: Own A circle (pie) graph A circle graph is used to show how a part of something relates to the whole. Energy sources Petroleum 39% Coal 23% Nuclear electric power 8% Natural gas 24% Fig. 21: A pie chart Source: Own 50 Renewable energy 6% The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Useful Phrases This chart shows a distribution of fuel sources by use. As you can see, petroleum is still most commonly used fuel source. This resulted in stretching of copper. This resulted from bending a wire. The temperature grew by 1.75%. The pressure went down from 1.8 to 1% of the total . The pressure went down to 150 Psi. . Using the information in the chart, we can say: Production of iron in millions of tonnes Chile Russia iron. Australia produces a little more than the USA. Chile produces a lot less than Russia. 26 Canada 37 USA 42 Australia produces the most 45 150 Russia 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 mill/tonnes Fig.22: A bar graph Source: Own Language work: Movements and graph glossary Adjectives are used to describe nouns, e.g.: The machine is loud. What is the machine like? It's loud. Adverbs are used to describe verbs (and adjectives or other adverbs), e.g.: The machine punches too loudly. How does the machine punch? Too loudly. Adjective + noun FALL: dramatic, graduate, marked, rapid RISE: moderate, sharp, significant, steady There is a moderate growth in pressure. This results in a steady rise of temperature Verb + adverb The share price fell dramatically between 1995 and 1996. The temperature rose sharply. 51 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Study the verbs and related nouns of change. - to shot up - to rocket -to go up -to increase / an increase -to rise / a rise - to slump - to plummet - to plunge -to go down -to fall / a fall -to decrease / a decrease - to fluctuate -to remain steady, level off - to expand - to grow / a growth - to shrink -to reach a peak -to recover Fig. 23: Movements and graph glossary Source: Own Now draw a graph showing the following movement: - to stagnate - to top out - to crash - to surge - to soar - to tumble - to bottom out Language work: Technical graph glossary Read the text and translate the words in bold type into Slovenian. In coordinate geometry, the y-intercept is the y-value of the point where the graph of a function or relation intercepts the yaxis of the coordinate system. Hyperbolas can have more than one yintercept. Because functions associate x values to no more than one y value as part of their definition, they can have at most one y-intercept. An x-intercept, or root, is the x-value of the point where a function intersects the xaxis, or the line y = 0. Fig. 23: Rectangular coordinate system Source: Own 52 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Study the technical graph glossary – coordinate geometry constant the characteristics or elements that remain the same dependent variable a variable that is determined, or constant independent variable a variable that is assigned a value rather than having a constant value maximum point point on the curve with the highest y- coordinate and a slope of zero minimum point point on the curve with the lowest y-coordinate and a slope of zero negative slope the line is sloping down to the right, the slope is negative (-) origin the point where the two axes intersect. The origin is also identified as the point (0, 0). point of tangency the point where the curve and the tangent meet point the basic relationship displayed on a graph; each point is identified by both an x and a y coordinate. positive slope the line is sloping up to the right, the slope is positive (+) how much one variable (y) changes in relation to the change slope in another variable (x). The slope of a line is the ratio of the ratio of its vertical change (rise) over its horizontal change (run) as we move from left to right on the line. This can be written as follows: tangent variable x-coordinate y-coordinate y-intercept a straight line that touches a curve at a single point and does not cross through it the generic term for any characteristic or element that changes the value that tells you how far from the origin the point is on the horizontal, or x-axis the value that tells you how far from the origin the point is on the vertical, or y-axis the point at which the line crosses the y-axis. The y-intercept is the value of y when x is equal to zero. Now use the words from the above list and describe a graph of this equation: x2-x+16. 53 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Describing change Fig. 24: Describing change of carbon steel properties Source: Own Look at the range from 0.08 to 1.20 in the line graph above. We can describe the change in two ways: 1 The tensile strength rises. 2 There is a rise in tensile strength. To be more accurate, we can make our description like this: 3 The tensile strength rises sharply. 4 There is a sharp rise in tensile strength. Now study the graph and answer these questions: 1 2 3. What happens to hardness? How does ductility rate compared to strength? What would the graph look like if it was about aluminium? Draw and explain it. Adjectives and adverbs can be used to describe the degree of change. These adjectives and adverbs are used to describe the rate of change. Complete the list: Adjective slight __________________ steady steep __________________ __________________ fast moderate __________________ 54 adverb____________ __________________ gradually __________________ __________________ sharply suddenly __________________ __________________ dramatically The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Here are some combinations of words used to describe the rate of change for a quantity. Give a corresponding adjective+noun combination, for example fall gradually: rise slowly ___________________________ drop suddenly ___________________________ peak sharply ___________________________ Complete the list with the corresponding adverbs. a dramatic fall to fall (how?) dramatically an abrupt rise to rise ________________ a sudden decline to decline ________________ a moderate grow to grow ________________ a slight increase to increase ________________ a rapid drop to drop ________________ a gradual decline to decline ________________ a steady recover to recover ________________ a constant levelling off to level off ________________ Task 1: Form sentences using the words below. Going up Rise, increase, go up, grow: The temperature grew. Going down Decrease, fall, drop, decline No change stay the same, remain constant, level off, stabilise Up and down fluctuate, zigzag, flutter Small changes - adjectives / adverbs gently, gradually, slightly, steadily Big changes - adverbs / adjectives suddenly, sharply, dramatically, steeply, a lot Low points bottom out, reach a low Task 2: Task 3: Represent the following verbs in a line graph: stagnate, crash, top out, soar. Write five sentences about the energy density of various batteries types. (Wh/kg) Energy density of battery types 200 150 100 50 0 Lead acid NiCd NiMH Manganese Phosphate Cobalt Li-ion Li-ion Li-ion Fig. 25: Energy density of battery types Source: Own 55 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Task 4: Describe the graphs below using appropriate verbs in the correct form from the following list: level off plummet recover peak Task 5: increase/rise/go up decrease/drop/fall/go down Complete the graph and describe a curve. Follow up set: Go to the following web site http://www.goupstate.com/article/. Read the article about new BMW models. Check for unknown words. Use the data from the article and draw a graph or a diagram. Then present the company in your own words. Summary Technical English is more complex than it initially appears. We have discussed only some areas of technical terms to acquire basic knowledge of numbers, scales, and trends. Vocabulary assignments encourage students to check in their dictionaries the meanings of the unknown terms and extend their own glossary, looking for technical terms on the Internet as well. 56 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5 ELECTRONICS Background information Nowadays, the electronics industry creates and sells devices such as plasma TVs, interactive video games and components such as microchips, semiconductors, multi storage transistors and high speed integrated circuits. In other words, the applications of electronic engineering cover almost every aspect of modern life and involve a wide range of tasks in the industry. In this unit you are going to: - learn new technical words and revise passive voice - describe an electronic circle using electronic symbols - practice speaking about electronics devices, cars and Electronics is a branch of engineering and physics. It deals with the emission, behaviour, and effects of electrons for the generation, transmission, reception, and storage of information. This information can be audio signals in a radio, images (video signals) on a television or screen, or numbers and other data in a computer. Electronic systems are important in communication, entertainment, and control systems. The development of microelectronics had a major impact on the electronics industry. Electronic components are expected to deliver ever higher performance, while electronics circuits continue to benefit from miniaturisation. Electronic engineers are highly sought after, well rewarded and can be found in practically every branch of industry and commerce. Image Source: http://www.girlsintech.net/tag/git/; (online). 2011 Language work: Building vocabulary These verbs are often used in electronics: conduct emit dissipate process rectify record sample suppress Fill in the gaps in these sentences with an appropriate verb form from the list above. Make sure the verbs are in the correct form. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Computers record data. The electron gun ______________ a stream of electrons. All metals, and some non-metals such as carbon, _________ electricity. You can ____________ sound and video on mass storage devices. A bridge circuit is used to ________ alternating current to produce direct current. To prevent interference, you must ___________ the car ignition system. When recording a CD, sound is __________ 44,100 times / second. Power transistors ______ heat. 57 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ One way of increasing new vocabulary is to learn the associated words from a key word. Look at the table below which shows words related to the key words presented above. Noun activation amplification emission extraction generation integration reception recovery Verb activate amplify emit extract generate integrate receive recover Adjective active amplified emitted extracted generative integrated receptive recovered Language work: Adjectives, adverbs, nouns SLOVENIAN ___________ ojačati/ojačanje ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ Adjectives are used to describe nouns, e.g.: The machine is loud. What is the machine like? It's loud Adverbs are used to describe verbs (and adjectives or other adverbs), e.g.: The machine punches too loudly. How does the machine punch? Too loudly. Or in other words - adverbs are used to express how something is done and adjectives express what it is like. Example: The machine punches quietly. The machine is absolutely quiet. Now form sentences using the words from the above list. Example: 5.1 The discharge and charge curves are not necessarily symmetric. COMPARING AND CONTRASTING Cardboard is slightly stronger than paper. Steel is much/a lot stronger than wood. Wool is considerably softer than wood. But: Polythene is far more resilient/far less fragile than glass. Glass is considerably less resilient than wood. Try this task. Compare the properties of these items. We use gold connectors because gold is a good conductor. Steel is used in the construction of a lot of buildings because it has high tensile strength . A lot of cans are made of aluminium because aluminium is easy to recycle. We used polystyrene in the housing of the refrigeration unit because it‘s good heat insulator. Each of the following verbs has a related noun ending in –er or –or which refers to an instrument or component. Complete the list with the nouns and Slovenian translations. 58 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Verb record oscillate transmit amplify tune Noun Slovenian _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ Speaking practice: Talking about applications and functions recorder snemati/snemalnik Work in pairs. Use the information below and describe the applications and functions of electronics. For example: Noise can be a problem with amplifiers. Applications of electronic engineering aerospace automotive energy/power industrial automation oil and gas consumer goods medical instrumentation Function of electronic circuits amplification demodulation generation information extraction electronic processing recovery Words related to electronic components absorb battery energy generator transducer transistor sensor coil diode resistor amplifier capacitor inductor valve frequency Using the above words, can you identify electronic components in the chart below? Fig. 26: Electronic components Source: http://www.electronicsinfoline.com...; (online). 2011 59 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Try these tasks. Insert the missing words to explain simple metal detector circuit diagram. Make sure that you use the correct word form. Use the diagram to help. This simple metal detector circuit diagram is used to sense the presence of metal. A 100uH is used as a __________. IC C209A has a built in ___________ circuit and the________ L1 form a part of its external LC circuit which determines the ___________ oscillation. When there is a presence of metals, the ________________ of the coil is change and the resultant change in oscillation is demodulated to create an alarm. The LED also gives as a visual ___________. This circuit can __________ metals up to a distance of few inches. Adjust the value of R1 POT to adjust the ____________. Fig. 27: Circuit diagram Adapted from Source: http://www.diy-electronic-projects.com...; (online). 2011 Watch the following video and check your understanding. Write down all the words that you catch. Source: http://video_demos.colostate.edu/...; (online). 2011 Match the terms with definitions. Resistor Buffer Amplifier Voltage Converter Pulse Amplifier The device that provides amplification (the increase in current, voltage, or power of a signal) without appreciably altering the original signal. In digital electronics a circuit or IC that converts an Analogue signal into a digital signal (ADC), or converts a digital signal into an Analogue signal (DAC). 60 An amplifier that isolates one circuit from another. A buffer decreases the loading effect on an oscillator by reducing the interaction between the load and the oscillator. The term used to signify electrical pressure; a force that causes current to flow through an electrical conductor. Signal characterized by a steep rise from and decay toward an initial level; a flow of electrical energy of short duration. The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Insert the missing words in the following sentences. 1 2 3 4 5 ________________ are the key components in electronics. All ________________ systems consist of input, a processor and output, and usually memory. The input ______________ and converts information while the output converts and supplies electronically processed information. The memory may not be present in simple systems, but its function is the _____________ of information for the processor. Electronic devices have improved our lives by providing high quality ______________ and entertainment. Complete the text about electronics by choosing a word from the box. diodes germanium silicon semiconductor transistors integrated electrons circuits resistors devices capacitors Electronic circuits are built from basic components. ____________ are the most important components. They can be used to amplify the strength of a signal by converting a weak signal into a stronger one or to switch other circuits on or off. ___________ reduce flow of _______________ through the circuit, adding resistance to that circuit. _____________ function as electronic valves allowing current to flow in only one direction. ______________ store electricity in order to smooth the flow. They can be charged and discharged. The two most common capacitors are ceramic and electrolytic. Most electronic devices use ____________ (IC) or microchips. Inside an IC is a very small piece of ______________ with circuits built in. Today, semiconductors are usually made of ______________ which is cheaper and easier to manufacture than ______________. Researchers are constantly trying to reduce the size of transistors in order to reduce the size of _________________. Describe the diagram below. Fig. 29: Electronics systems Source: Own 61 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5.2 DC & AC MOTORS Motion control is an important task in industrial automation systems. Look at the characteristics of a DC and a stepper motor and do the exercises below. DC Motor Stepper motor The stator is the stationary outside part of a motor. The rotor is the inner part which rotates. Red represents a magnet or winding with a north polarization, while green represents a magnet or winding with a south polarization. Opposite, red and green, polarities attract. Stepper motors operate differently from DC brush motors, which rotate when voltage is applied to their terminals. Stepper motors, on the other hand, effectively have multiple "toothed" electromagnets arranged around a central gear-shaped piece of iron. The electromagnets are energized by an external control circuit, such as a microcontroller. DC Motor Applications Stepper Motor Applications • Automobiles Windshield wipers Door locks Window lifts Antenna retractor Seat adjust Anti-lock braking system Cordless hand drill Film Drive • Optical scanner • Printers • ATM machines • Blood analyzer • Thermostats A typical motion control system comprises the following components: Sensors are used to receive feedback based on position, velocity or other characteristic; Controller is a ―brain‖ of a control system that closes feedback loops; Amplifier translates low-power signal from a controller to drive a motor, sometimes providing a transducer function (e.g. PWM signal generation); Actuator ( electric motor) is the actual device providing physical motion; Transmission system is used to convert torque and rotation speed, usually lowering speed and increasing torque. Precise motion control is possible (to some extent) with the following types of motors: Stepper motors and microstepper motors (it should be noted that microstepping is actually a method of controlling stepping motor). Servo motors. 62 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Fill in the missing words: device, increase, decrease, vibration, magnetic, rotor. 1. Stepper motors are constant power ________________devices. 2. As motor speed ______________, torque ___________. 3. Steppers exhibit more ________________ than other motor types. The vibration makes stepper motors noisier than DC motors. 4. This vibration can become very bad at some speeds. This is because the _________ is held in a ____________magnetic field which behaves like a spring. Answer these questions: 1 What is the difference between stepper motors and standard DC motors? 2 Which is more cost-effective? 3 How does a DC motor function? 4 What are the applications of stepper motors? Label the parts of a stepper motor. Fig. 30: Stepper motor Image source: http://www.societyofrobots.com...; (online). 2011 Insert the missing expressions: step-by-step, stator, rotor, poles, and microstepper. Use a diagram to help. Fig. 31: Simplified diagram of a stepper motor Source: Own As can be inferred from the name, a rotor in stepper motors moves itself in a _________ way. This effect is achieved by sequentially turning on different __________ phases in order to pull rotor to that position. A simplified stepper can be seen that in this example there are 4 stator _________ and 2 rotor poles. Real stepper motors have much more rotor poles. Stepper motors provide discrete positioning with typical steps 3.6°, 1.8° or 0.9°. Some of these disadvantages can be eliminated by using a _________ motor system. 63 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Read the description of a stepper motor controller program flowchart and do the exercises below. IR emitter and detector stepper motor wheel alignment An infrared emitter and detector are used to establish proper alignment of the wheel. The motor wheel has an extension connected to its topside. As the wheel turns, the extension breaks the invisible IR beam between the emitter and detector. When this occurs during the very first revolution, the interrupt flag is set, the wheel stops turning and the letter ‗S‘ for STOP is displayed on the seven-segment display. The wheel is now aligned to a known starting point, and the program is waiting for the interrupt to be serviced by the appropriate routine. When the program continues to cycle through the main subroutines, the ALIGN routine is bypassed. Fig. 32: Stepper motor controller Adapted from Source: http://dev.emcelettronica.com/...; (online). 2011 What do these abbreviations stand for: IR, MCU, V Translate the words in bold type into Slovenian. Then show these words in the flowchart by numbering them. For example: 1 - IRD = infrared detector Language study: Prepositions Prepositions in English are not always easy, you need to practise a lot. One that lends itself to frequent confusion is in and on as location prepositions. You just need to remember: In is used for location inside a three-dimensional space: I like swimming in the sea. On is used to indicate contact with a line or surface: The boat is sailing on the sea. 64 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ The diagram below could help you remember the rules for using in, at and on. in the room a country a building a town at the door the window the top of the page the end of the street On the wall the floor the ceiling the table Here are some common prepositions used to denote place in English: under, between, beside, behind, in front of, next to. Write the correct preposition. Fig. 33: Prepositions of location Source: Own Practice this – insert the prepositions. He made his escape by jumping ______ a window and jumping ______ a waiting car. I think she spent the entire afternoon ______ the phone. What are you going to spend the money ______? The plane flew __________ the clouds. I leaned my bicycle _____________ the wall. The mountains lie ___________ the horizon. An accident occurred _________ the night. B comes ____________ A and C in the alphabet. There is a fence _____________ the facility. 65 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Language study: Recognising the voice Read the text and underline the verbs. How many of them are in the active and how many passive? Stepper Motors • The rotor of a stepper motor usually has many poles, even one hundred. Poles are formed using a single magnet mounted in line with the rotor axis and two pole pieces with many teeth. The teeth are staggered to produce many poles. The stator poles of a real stepper motor also have many teeth. The teeth are arranged so that the two phases are still 90° out of phase. Stepper motors use permanent magnets, some do not have magnets and instead use the basic principles of a switched reluctance motor. The stator is similar; the rotor is composed of iron laminates. Verbs have two voices: active and passive. In ACTIVE voice sentences, the verb expresses the action in the sentence, the subject performs the action, and the object receives the action: Control circuits subject Active sentences follow the pattern: energize verb electromagnets. object. In a PASSIVE voice sentence, the subject and object change their places. The subject becomes the passive recipient of the action: Active sentences follow the pattern: Electromagnets subject are energized verb by control circuits. by + agent A "by+agent" phrase tells who or what performs the action and can be sometimes omitted. For further notes on the passive voice you can visit: http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/ Use of Present / Past / Future Passive Voice One way to describe processes is to use the Present Simple Tense Active. Plastic melts easily. Pressure forces hot plastic through the die. However, when talking about a process, passive verbs are often used: Present Passive Hot plastic is forced through the die. The pipe is cooled and cut. Plastic isn’t melted by hydraulic fluid. How is plastic melted? Note: The Passive can be followed with by+agent if we need to clarify who or what has caused the action. 66 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Past Passive Welding was done by hand. Designs were not produced on the computer. How were designs produced? Future Passive We hope no mistakes will be made in the future. The sentences below are in the active voice. Study them and define the tense. 1. For the purposes of this report I surveyed six electronic companies. 2. We tested the samples under various conditions. 3. The department will announce the results next Tuesday. 4. A company in Korea manufactures this equipment. 5. You did not inform us about the results of the survey. Now fill in the blanks to change the verbs in the sentences above from active voice to passive voice. Remember to keep the verb in the same tense. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Six electronic companies were surveyed (survey) for the report. The samples ___________________ (test) under various conditions. The results _____________________(announce) next Tuesday. This equipment __________________(manufacture) by a company in Korea. We ____________________________(not inform) about the results of the survey. Specialist reading: Understanding technical words and ideas Read this article about nanotechnology and do the exercises. Chip Technology Nearing a Limit YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y. — Gaze into the electron microscope display in Frances Ross‘s laboratory here and it is possible to persuade yourself that Dr. Ross, a 21st-century materials scientist, is actually a farmer in some Lilliputian silicon world. Dr. Ross, an I.B.M researcher, is growing a crop of mushroom-shaped silicon nanowires that may one day become a basic building block for a new kind of electronics. Nanowires are just one example, although one of the most promising, of a transformation now taking place in the material sciences as researchers push to create the next generation of switching devices smaller, faster and more powerful than today‘s transistors. The reason that many computer scientists are pursuing this goal is that the shrinking of the transistor has approached fundamental physical limits. Increasingly, transistor manufacturers grapple with subatomic effects, like the tendency for electrons to ―leak‖ across material boundaries. The leaking electrons make it more difficult to know when a transistor is in an on or off state, the information that makes electronic computing possible. They have also led to excess heat, the bane of the fastest computer chips. The transistor is not just another element of the electronic world. It is the invention that made the computer revolution possible. In essence it is an on-off switch controlled by the flow of electricity. For the purposes of computing, when the switch is on it represents a one. When it is off it represents a zero. These zeros and ones are the most basic language of computers. 67 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ For more than half a century, transistors have gotten smaller and cheaper, following something called Moore‘s Law, which states that circuit density doubles roughly every two years. Today‘s transistors are used by the billions to form microprocessors and memory chips. Often called planar transistors, they are built on the surface (or plane) of a silicon wafer by using a manufacturing process that precisely deposits and then etches away different insulating, conducting and semi conducting materials. A typical high-end Intel microprocessor is today based on roughly one billion transistors or more, each capable of switching on and off about 300 billion times a second and packed densely enough that two million transistors would fit comfortably in the period at the end of this sentence. In fact, this year, the chip industry is preparing to begin the transition from a generation of microprocessor chips based on a minimum feature size of 45 nanometres. Many computer scientists have been warning for years that this time would come, that Moore‘s Law would cease to be valid because of increasing technical difficulties and the expense of overcoming them. Last week at Stanford University, during a panel on the future of scaling (of which the shrinking of transistors is one example), several panellists said the end was near. Adapted from Source: http://www.nytimes.com/...; (online). 2010 The writer of this article thinks that: It will be possible to manufacture atoms in future We will be able to move atoms around in the way we want. Today’s manufacturing methods are primitive. T/F T/F T/F Understanding words Refer back to the text and find words which match with the following definitions: _____________ these are one-dimensional wires measured in nanometres; _____________ transgressive motion of atoms and molecules creating a form of energy _____________ the use of material to resist the flow of electric current and magnetism Main idea Which statement best expresses the main idea of the article? Why did you eliminate the other choices? 1 Nanotechnology could help determine winners and losers in the industry of the future. 2 To commercialize pure electric vehicles we need a battery that far exceeds the current technology. 3 Nano chip production technology is no more complicated than that of semiconductors, which are already mass produced. Locating information Find the passages in the text where the following ideas are expressed. __________ 1. Some energy specialists are highly sceptical of increasingly mysterious techniques the industry has been using to make circuits smaller. 68 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________ 2. Advances in batteries, as well as in strong magnets, can make electric vehicles cheaper and more efficient. __________ 3. Industry consumers appear more interested in buying nano microprocessors. ___________ 4. There‘s a potential for supercomputers to be easier and cheaper to make. Recording technical terms Complete this chart with words from the text associated with the key word. chip microprocessor Fig. 34: A collocations map Source: Own 5.3 USES OF LASERS What are lasers? What does the acronym LASER mean? Put the verbs in brackets in the correct form. The word Laser ______(come) from the first letters of the phrase _______________________ and this also ___________(describe) how the laser _________(work). The light from the laser ________________(differ) from normal light in that it _________(consist) of only one wavelength _____________(emit) in only one direction in the form of a narrow beam. The concentrated energy from such a beam can be (can) highly ___________ (intensify). What applications do you know for lasers? Read the text and answer the questions below. Pros and cons of laser eye surgery Laser eye surgery can give you perfect vision, but there can be negative effects. Laser surgery is fairly expensive, and it is not fully covered by all insurance companies. However, laser surgery is usually a one-time expense, whereas people who wear contact lenses and glasses 69 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ often pay for new eyewear annually. In the long run, laser eye surgery can save people a lot of money. However, there are risks associated with laser eye surgery. Laser eye surgery must be done very precisely. Even minor errors on the part of the eye surgeon can result in vision problems. Eye surgery can also result in dry eyes or eye infections, although both of these problems can be easily controlled with medication and eye drops. Not everyone qualifies for laser eye surgery. The procedure is not ideal for people with certain vision or other health problems; people who are interested in laser eye surgery should see their eye doctor to determine whether or not they are a good candidate. Additionally, laser eye surgery does not always result in perfect vision, even if it goes well. Many people still need to wear glasses or contacts while reading or driving. The advantage is that they are much less dependent on contacts and glasses than before. People who are interested in laser eye surgery should take the time to find a very well qualified doctor. Less expensive doctors might have less experience, and they might not be the best deal. Laser eye surgery can improve the quality of people‘s lives, but the decision to get laser eye surgery should not be made hastily. Adapted from Source: http://www.allaboutvision.com/...; (online). 2010 Complete the list by writing in advantages and disadvantages of laser eye surgery. Advantages ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ improve quality of people’s lives Disadvantages _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ possible recurrent vision problems Answer the questions: Can laser eye surgery correct Is it possible to correct aging yes, how? How likely are side effects are they? Language work: ones vision fully? If no, why? eyes with laser surgery? If with laser eye surgery? What Prepositional phrases Translate the following phrases into English, paying attention to the correct use of prepositions. Use the phrases in bold type in the article above to help. zanimati se za biti ustrezen/primeren za povezano z dolgoročno v predelu oči odražati se v krit z 70 _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Language study: Reason & result & contrast cause (because) inputs activities result (so) outputs outcomes impact So is used to express the result. Because expresses the reason or cause of something. Lasers beams are very intense and directional so they are commonly used in surgery. Cause Result Lasers beams are commonly used in surgery because they are very intense and directional. Result Cause/reason Expressing contrast But is used to contrast ideas. However and although can also contrast ideas. Laser surgery is fairly expensive. But it is also usually a one-time expense. Laser surgery is done very precisely; however, there are risks associated with laser eye. Although laser eye surgery can improve the quality of people‘s lives, the decision to get laser eye surgery should not be made hastily. Show the links between these sets of ideas using an appropriate linking word. The GPS is becoming the primary means of navigation worldwide because it is based on satellites. 1 Copper is highly conductive. It is used for electric wiring. Copper is highly conductive so it is used for electric wiring 71 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2 3 4 5 6 10 Weight is measured in newtons. Mass is measured in kilograms. Nylon is used for bearings. It is self-lubricating. ABS has high impact strength. It is used for safety helmets. Friction is essential in brakes. Friction is a nuisance in an engine. A lever is an essential part of any mechanism. It can be used to change the direction of movement. Hand-operated machines and tools are still used. Most of the main parts of aircraft are now produced by computerised equipment. Some modern CNC drills have multiple spindles. They enable several drilling operations. Sophisticated methods of water management ensure a clean supply. They also provide farms with water. Water is important for drinking. It‘s also a source of power. 5.4 WORD COMBINATIONS 7 8 9 We use adjectives to describe an object in greater detail. For example: light motor spindle electric light electric motor milling spindle We can also use nouns to describe. For example: light motor steel gears canister system surgery problems laser light air motor carbon steel titanium gears gas canister control system eye surgery health problems Compound nouns are often used in Technical English. They consist of two (or more) nouns working together. Study these examples: eye surgery = surgery of an eye gas canister = canister for gas control system = system for control Explain compound nouns below. What do they stand for? computer covers vacuum forming steel bearings shop drawing tool station laser module milling spindle 72 __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ Slovenian __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ These word partners are also referred to as collocations. Collocations are words which commonly hang out with each other in phrases which form accepted meaning. Look at the words in bold print below and try to find out which words function together. In other words - a collocation is two or more words that often go together. They can be combinations of noun +noun as above, adjective + noun or verb +object, verb +adverb. These combinations just sound »right« to native English speakers, who use them all the time. On the other hand, other combinations may be unnatural and just sound »wrong«. Look at these examples: Natural English fast train fast food quick shower quick meal Are you a quick or fast learner? Unnatural English quick train quick food fast shower fast meal How to learn collocations Be aware of collocations, and try to recognize them when you see or hear them. Treat collocations as single blocks of language. Think of them as individual blocks or chunks, and learn strongly support together, not strongly + support. Read as much as possible. Reading is an excellent way to learn vocabulary and collocations in context and naturally. Revise what you learn regularly. Practice using new collocations in context as soon as possible after learning them. Learn collocations in groups that work for you. You could learn them by topic (time, number, weather, money, family) or by a particular word (take action, take a chance, take an exam). Specialist reading Read the newspaper article and answer the questions below. Laser deposition welding and milling in a single machine Improving the productivity of machining processes is one of the basic requirements in every machine-tool engineering specification. The Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS in Dresden has integrated a laser module into the tool station of a milling spindle. The IWS‘s manufacturing experts exhibited their two-in-one machining solution on the stand at the EUROMOLD trade show in Frankfurt December 3 to 6, 2008. They linked all the processing steps on the basis of uniform CAD and NC data, and implemented them in a single machine with one tool fixture. The 5-axis CNC milling centre is ideal for performing repairs on mould inserts used to manufacture plastic components, and for machining finely structured surfaces and functional coatings on metallic components. Instead of having to discard damaged precision tools, they can now be returned to the workshop, reprocessed by the laser welding and milling machine, and reused – thus saving costs and reducing expenditure on new tools. 73 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ The combination of laser cladding and milling is also a cost-effective method of manufacturing complex moulds and metallic components directly from the 3-D CAD model. The machining system‘s high degree of automation and its multitasking capability are extremely useful attributes in applications such as aircraft engine maintenance and automobile construction: the software links together all the individual processes. The use of a complete machining solution significantly improves process efficiency, because the numerical control system regards the laser tool head and the milling spindle as interchangeable tools. The ability to switch rapidly and easily between milling and laser welding provides added flexibility, resulting in a machine that offers all the necessary features for time-saving manufacturing processes. Adapted from source: alphagalileo (online). 2010 Understanding the text 1 2 3 What is the main idea of the text? Which statement best expresses the main idea? What are some advantages of this integrated laser deposition and milling machine? Make questions and answer them. Ask: 4 5 6 what the increased use of machining tools has necessitated for the names of some advanced laser-machining processes what its main strengths are Understanding words from the context Refer back to text and find synonyms for the following words: discard _____________________ workshop _____________________ attributes _____________________ multitasking _____________________ Refer back to text and re-phrase the following words interchangeable tools _____________________ numerical control system _____________________ laser cladding _____________________ functional coatings _____________________ Refer back to text and write Slovenian terms for the following expressions: tool fixture _____________________ switch _____________________ automation _____________________ Remember Besides adjective-noun combinations (high rigidity), noun-noun combinations (light effects) are extremely common in Technical English. Multiple noun structures can be understood by being read backwards (carbon fibre composite casing). Technical vocabulary concentrates on meaning; you may already know what a single word means; but you have to concentrate also on how the words go together – collocate. 74 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Collocations are frequent word combinations in technical domains. Using them makes your language sound more authentic to the professional community. Work in pairs. Refer back to the text on Laser deposition welding and milling in a single machine and find adjective + noun combinations. Translate them into Slovenian. Look back at the text on Laser deposition welding and milling in a single machine and find words from the text that go together with the words below. Follow up set: Go to the following web page: http://www.dnevnik.si/tiskane_izdaje/dnevnik/321513; Do the following tasks: 1 Read the article “Nekoč ključavničarji, danes mehatroniki” 2 Translate the words below into English: kovinar, orodjar, strojni ključavničar, izdelava proizvodnih orodij, kovinska industrija, proizvodni robot, zlitje mehanike, informatike in elektronike. 3 Summarise the article in your own words. You can also add some new thoughts. Summary Future prospects for electronics engineers are excellent as the electronics field is changing rapidly. Electronics gadgets and equipment used in everyday life are increasing in number and are built into many devices used in daily life. The activities in this unit encourage students to use their creativity and imagination as well as the feeling they have for the language to think up definitions for words. 75 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Background information As technology develops, new models and types of computers appear. At the heart of all computers is hardware. However, without software, computers are just dumb boxes, unable to perform any calculations or operations. Focus of Unit 6: - vocabulary growth - dealing with complex technical texts - the language of instructions Information systems collect, organise, store, process, retrieve, and display information in different formats (text, video, and voice). Information technology allows fast, automated manipulation of digital data and their transformation from and to analogue. Image Source: http://www.geocent.com/...; (online). 2011 Hardware is the name given to the physical devices and circuitry of the computer. Software refers to the programs written for the computer. Firmware is the term given to programs stored in ROMs or in Programmable devices which permanently keep their stored information. Computer hardware CPU (central processing unit) Software applet application software dot matrix printer expansion card browser RAM spreadsheet Many words from in the field of IT come from American English – see the following spelling: British English programme analogue American English program analogue The area of IT is developing very quickly; and the language to describe hardware, software, and applications is also evolving at high speed. As a result new noun+noun combinations often change to single nouns: noun+noun lap top note book work station desk top 76 single noun laptop notebook workstation desktop Slovenian The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Specialist reading Find the answers to these questions in the following text. 1 2 3 What are the benefits of using computers with the following items: security systems cars phones What smart devices are mentioned in the text? What are the advantages of the multimedia? Computers make the world smaller and smarter The 21st century has been the age of so many technological breakthroughs and advances to make the lives of people better by helping them become more efficient in their work. One such technological breakthrough is computer technology. Computer technology has grown in great proportions starting from a computer with a size that of a room to a small well-designed palm top computer. Computers nowadays have become an indispensable part of people's lives, especially at work, at companies, businesses, schools, offices and even in homes. It has made the world smaller, but has it made our world better? It would then lead us to ask whether computer technology is good or bad. Now let us try to look at first some of the bad effects. With the advent of computers and with the internet it has become easy to access pornographic sites, children are more exposed to explicit content; some students would lose focus on their studies as they play computer games. The number of obesity cases has increased and it has been attributed to too much computer activity that led to less physical activity among a number of people. On the other side of the coin, computers have opened a whole new world of possibilities. It is now easier to gain information on world events; you can even find a job in the internet; you can spread advocacies to a vast number of people all over the world; and most importantly it is now easier to be connected with one another even if you are on the other side of the globe. Computer technology, just like any other material on earth has been created with a common good in mind. Just like a knife, it has been made to cut and slice food to speed up cooking time for people but it can also be used to kill people, and you cannot ban the use of knives in order to stop killing. And so you can't blame computers for the problems it may have caused for it is the people who use them who caused the problem. It has disadvantages and advantages that must be taken into consideration. Adapted from the source: http://ezinearticles.com/...; (online). 2011 Re-read the text and mark the following statements as True or False: a b c d. Networking is a way of following otherwise incompatible systems to communicate Computer users do not have much influence over the way that computing develops. The use of computers prevent people from being creative. Computer technology has changed our world for the better. 77 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Try these tasks. Read the following text and insert the missing words from the boxes below the text. How to build a small LAN Each computer will need an _____________ port. You will need either a ________ or a »switch« and sufficient cables of suitable length to connect each computer to the hub. Each compute will need a ____________ adaptor. You will need a hub that incorporates a wireless access point (which modern _____________ routers commonly do). Once all connected, the specific details of enabling the networking (sharing printers, etc) will depend on the operating system of the computer. Network connections bandwidth baud bits per second (bps) packet remote access signal wireless transmission speed optical fibre twisted pair Network operations configure download internet service provider (ISP) wide area network (WAN) wireless hack local area network (LAN) Ethernet port hub Choose the correct word in each of the following. 1 2 3 4 5 6.1 The speed with a modem can process data is measured in _______ a) bandwidth b) bits per second c) signal Cables consisting of several copper wires each with a shield are known as ________ cables. a) twisted pair b) optical fibre c) power cables Computers that are connected together within one building form a ________ a) WAN b) ISP c) LAN if you transfer a file from a remote computer to your computer, you ______ a) download b) upload c) run To send out information is to ______ a) signal b) packet c) transmit DESCRIBING A PROCESSES To describe a process, we should answer these two important questions about each stage in the process: What happens? When does it happen? We can answer the When question by numbering the stages (1, 2, 3, etc), or by using sequence words (first, next, then, after that, finally): First, the router is turned on. After that, the button is pressed and held down. 78 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ When we write about a process, we have to: 1 sequence the stages 2 describe what happens at each stage Consider these stages in setting up a wireless router: 1) Make sure the wireless router is turned ON. 2) Press and hold down the "reset" button on the back of your router for 30 seconds. The 3) Reset button is inside a very tiny hole on the back of the router. Please use a paper clip to push it for 30 seconds. 4) Release the button and wait 60 seconds. (Yes, 60 seconds please). 5) Unplug the router from the electricity outlet, wait 10 seconds and re-plug it to the electricity outlet. 6) Make sure the internet modem is connected to the "WAN" or the "Internet" port on the 7) Back of the router. 8) Unplug the internet modem from the electricity outlet, wait 10 seconds and then replug it to the electricity outlet. 9) Wait 5 minutes. (Yes, 5 minutes please). Instead of numbers, we can show the correct order of using sequence words: First make sure the wireless router is turned ON. Then press and hold down the »reset« button . Next release the button and wait 60 seconds. After that, unplug the router from the electricity outlet. Next make sure the internet modem is connected. As a next step, unplug the internet modem from the electricity outlet. After that, wait 10 seconds and then re-plug it to the electricity outlet. Finally, wait 5 minutes and follow the next steps. Study the diagram below and insert the missing words into the gaps. The plastic granules are _________ and placed into the hopper. The _________ plastic is forced through the _________ to form a continuous _________ of pipe. The rotating screw ________ the plastic _________ heaters. The plastic _____________. The pipe is ____________ and cut into suitable lengths. Fig. 35: Extrusion process diagram Source: http://www.ampaglas.co.za...; (online). 2011 79 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6.2 UNDERSTANDING INSTRUCTIONS Instructions for use are a very common type of text nowadays, and since most new technology is developed internationally, these usually come in English or have to be written in English. Instructions have to be clear and precise, and it is therefore important to have some skill in writing them. Translating instructions for use is actually similar to writing them. There are two parts to giving instructions, what we call sequencers and then the actions. Sequencers are the words that help order your instructions. It is like the 1, 2, 3, and 4 of your actions. The most common are: First(ly) ... Then ... Next ... After that ... Finally ... The second part to giving instructions, - actions-, does one of three things. 1) tell people what is necessary 2) what is wrong 3) what is not necessary So now that you know the basics, here is an example: The easiest way to connect It is very easy to connect two computers over the internet. One computer can take control and fix problems on the other computer. Follow these steps to use the help-and- support software that is built in to Windows. What you need is: 1 A broadband or cable internet connection. 2 Windows Xp on both computers 3 An email address or be signed into Windows 4 Live messenger First you need to sign in to Windows Live Messenger and have your friend do the same thing. Then go to the start menu and choose Help and Support. The Help and Support Centre will appear After that click on »Invite a Friend« to connect to your computer with remote assistance located under the ask-for-assistance menu. Then you have to press Invite someone to help you. The window below will appear. Choose your friends name from the Windows Messenger contact list. Click on Invite this person. This will allow your friend to see your desktop. If your friend wants to control your computer, he/she must press the »take control« button and the other person must agree by pressing ok. Finally, you can send the picture to your family by e-mail. 80 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ The typical ways of beginning a sentence Click If you click …, When you click …, After you click / clicking, … Before you click / clicking, ... To install X, click … In order to install X, click … You can do… by…-ing Speaking activities: Use of language Infinitive: take a picture, turn the stove Modal verbs: need, have to, must, can Sequence words: first, then, next, after that, finally Troubleshooting Image source: http://www.ehow.com/...; (online). 2011 Work in pairs. 1 Tell your partner how to take a picture with a mobile phone. Advise them what to do and what not to do. Use these verbs: load, wind, forget, take off, set, turn, choose, focus, move, shake, and press. 2 Go to the Internet and find a video how to hook up multimedia projector. Try to remember the instructions and then tell your partner how to do it. Use these expressions: place, a solid surface, make sure, a clear line of sight between the projector and the wall or screen, check, the cable length, move, the input device, find, connect, one end, fastened securely, the other, power, wait for the ready light, watch for the display to appear. 3 Read the following instructions and try to remember them Then tell your partner how to repair an automatic temperature control. How to Troubleshoot Automatic Temperature Control 1 If nothing happens when you turn on the automatic control system, check the main system to see if it has blown a fuse. Refer to your owner's manual for the fuse location on your unit. If it has blown, you'll need to replace the fuse with one that has the same amp rating as the one that no longer works. 81 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2 3 4 Have the wiring diagnosed by a professional if you install a new fuse and it, too, blows. This means there is a short or overload in the wiring. A repairman should be able to repair the wiring system for you. Hook up a scan tool to see if it can communicate with the control module, if the fuse is but the automatic control system will still not turn on. Your control module may have died. No communication between the two indicates a dead module or a wiring fault. In this case, you need to call a technician. Reset the automatic control system with a scan tool if the battery was recently disconnected or replaced and the system will not turn on. The control module needs to "relearn" the various air flow control doors. This will help it control the air flow and temperature. Adapted from Source: http://www.ehow.com/...; (online). 2011 6.3 INFORMATION SYSTEMS Fig. 36: Information system flowchart Image Source: Own Data Information System Raw facts such as chip names, number of hours worked within a cycle, and component part numbers = data. A collection of facts organized in such a way that they have additional value beyond the value of the facts themselves = information. An information system (IS) is a set of interrelated elements or components that collect (input), manipulate (processes), and disseminate (output) data and information and provide a feedback mechanism to meet an objective. Computer-based information system is an organized combination of people, hardware, software, communication networks and the data resources that collects, transforms and disseminates information. Language work: Prefixes A prefix comes at the beginning of a word and usually has a specific meaning, for example inter = between. 82 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Look at the following prefixes and their use in the IT: Prefix Interintratransco-/com-/conup1. example of use internet, interconnect, interactive, intranet transmit, transfer, transaction combine, compatible, connect, configure upload Match prefixes on the left to their meanings on the right. re- (renew) pre- (preview) mis- (misbehave) de- (deforestation) tele- (television) un- (unhappy) bi- (biweekly) uni- (uniform) octo- (octopus) sub- (subway) multi- (multiple) 6.4 meaning of prefix between within across with up (to internet) 1) wrong, bad 2) before 3) again, back 4) eight 5) one, same, whole 6) remove or reduce 7) twice, (two times) 8) far, distant 9) many, (usually more than two) 10) under or low 11) not PREPOSITIONS AND IT VOCABULARY Study these examples of prepositions of place. 1. Data moves between the CPU and RAM. 2. Data flows from ROM to the CPU. 3. A program is read from storage device into memory. For Slovenian learners of English, one of the problem areas is using prepositions. Here are some useful sentences with typical prepositional phrases. Put in the best or most correct preposition. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. I was working ____ the computer. He specializes ____ 3D animation. I started playing it when I was ____ secondary school. He sits ____ the computer all night living his Second Life. I found out _____ that job from a friend. Can you do it ____ the weekend? I‘ve learned programming ___ my workplace. General tip When you are not sure which preposition to use, you can check a dictionary, but sometimes that will not help – in that case, you can look for different options and see what you get. For example, is it work »at the computer«, »on the computer« or »with the computer«? 83 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Complete the sentences using the correct preposition. The CPU is a large chip __________ the computer. The CPU can be divided _________ three parts. The hard disc is __________ the selected case. The signal moves _______ the screen ________ one side ________ the other. Data always flows _________ the CPU ________ the address bus. Look at the hardware components of a computer system and find matches for the terms. - - this component is capable of executing the instructions that are stored in memory, carrying out arithmetic operations, and performing data transfers; larger computers have several of them; a connection interface, also called a serial port, allows a synchronous transmission of data characters one bit at a time; a set of physical connections (cables, printed circuits, etc.) which can be shared by multiple hardware components in order to communicate with one another; also called random access memory (RAM), it is a high-speed device for temporary storage of data and programs; the circuit which allows the CPU to communicate with a hard disk or other kind of disk drive; graphics processing unit or GPU (also occasionally called visual processing unit or VPU) is a specialized processor that offloads 3D graphics rendering from the microprocessor. Fig. 37: Computer hardware components Source: Own Follow up set: Go to the Internet and watch a video how to set up a small network. Remember the instructions and repeat them in your own words. Summary As the world of computer technology continues to evolve and change, many people wonder what the future holds for the computer and related technologies. The advances in information technology are likely to continue in the future, making it one of the most powerful aspects of future life. Activities this unit are chosen primarily to practise vocabulary and collocations related to computing, but also as a confidence builder for speaking skills. 84 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7 COMPUTER AIDED SYSTEMS Background information Nowadays computer applications allow engineers to view a design from any angle with the push of a button and to zoom in or out for close-ups and long-distance views. In addition, the computer keeps track of design dependencies so that when the engineer changes one value, all other values that depend on it are automatically changed accordingly. Focus of Unit 7: - vocabulary growth - dealing with complex technical texts - expressing ability and necessity Computer-Aided Design (CAD) means the use of computer systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, and optimization of a design. Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) uses computer systems to plan, manage, and control manufacturing operations Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) allows designers or engineers to simulate and study how the product will behave. Computer systems are used to analyze CAD geometry which allows designers to work with Finite-element method (FEM). Read the text below and do the exercises. A CAD system is a combination of hardware and software that enables engineers and architects to design everything from furniture to airplanes. In addition to the software, CAD systems require a high-quality graphics monitor; a mouse, light pen, or digitizing for drawing; and a special printer or plotter for printing design specifications. Image Source: http://www.cadalyst.com/...; (online). 2011 Until the mid 1980s, all CAD systems were specially constructed computers. Now, you can buy CAD software that runs on general-purpose workstation and personal computers. Fill in the blanks in these sentences with appropriate forms of the words in brackets. 1 2 3 4 5 Designers who work with CAD don‘t have to produce drawings (draw) on paper. The _______________ (produce) planner can use the computer model to ___________ (calculate) what machining needs be done. One problem in working with wood or clay models is that they have to _______________ (convert) into drawings for manufacture. With __________________ (tradition) design, you have to imagine a threedimensional shape from a two-dimensional drawing. With CAD, ________________ (design) can put their ideas into solid shapes without having to use paper. 85 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Now read this article and summarise it in your own words. CAD engineering is widely used to design and develop products. It is used in almost all engineering based industries like architecture, automotive, consumer, electronic, electrical, machinery, ship building, aerospace, aircraft and construction, to mention only a few. Engineering industries use CAD in a variety of ways. Right from creating engineering drawings to 3D modelling, CAD is used in most of the manufacturing process. 3D modelling allows engineers to design products or components for machinery. The entire process saves time and money and ensures precision and accuracy. The design concepts using CAD are directly fed into the manufacturing process using Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) systems. Electrical and electronic engineering industries use CAD for things like PCB designs and wiring layout designs. CAD is also used to design the overall layout of a manufacturing unit. CAD engineering is responsible for the advent of robotics into the manufacturing sector, with more and more engineering processes being automated for increased accuracy and production. 7.1 EXPRESSING NECESSITY AND ABILITY Must and have to both express necessity: For example we say: We must insert additional smoke detectors. You have to position the valve extremely precise. In some situations, must is more urgent or stronger than have to: You must follow the directions to prevent errors. You have to take look and check the smoke detectors. The expression have got to is similar in meaning to must and have to, but is more frequently used in spoken English: We have to go to locate its precise position. (i.e., We must locate it.) Using may, might and need Two other important modal verbs are may and might. The two are used interchangeably to express probability or possibility: You may be wrong. You might be wrong. The systems might be corrupted. The system may be corrupted. The past form is expressed as follows: modal (may/might) + have + past participle We may/might have received the separate signals from the system. Sometimes it's difficult to distinguish the need as modal with the need as ordinary verb. Study these examples: need as a modal verb 1 I don't need to make a drawing. 2 I didn't need to make a drawing. 3 Did you need to make a drawing? 86 = I needn‘t make a drawing. = I needn't have made a drawing. = Need you have made a drawing? The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ When used as an ordinary verb, need would have an object: I need some paper. He didn't need any assistance. Do you need an alternative solution? Remember don't have to = don't need have to = need (to must = need (to) - the meanings are sometimes similar mustn't = you are not allowed, it's prohibited! don't need, needn't Read the text on GPS devices and do the exercises below. The GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a system of 24 satellites in orbit above the Earth. The satellites are divided into six groups of four satellites, each group travelling on a different orbital track. The orbital track for the satellites is roughly 20,000 miles above the surface of the earth. That allows them to cover the most area possible with their radio transmitters. Because the satellites operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, GPS data is always available to those who have a receiver. The satellites send radio signals down to Earth. The signals contain information about each satellite, including the precise time. The GPS receiver, which can be either a hand held unit, a vehicle-based receiver or a static ground station receives and decodes that signal. These receivers were, until the early 1980s, only available to military personnel. The system was designed and implemented by the Department of Defence in order to coordinate attacks with large numbers of troops. While the system is still in use worldwide, manufacturers such as Garmin and Magellan rose to the top of the industry by offering quality civilian units. While the civilian units are very accurate, often to within just a few feet, the military models, which sometimes use multiple antennas are accurate to within inches. Adapted from Source: http://www.ehow.com/...; (online). 2011 Complete the following extracts from the text and underline the correct words. … That allows/prevents them to cover the most area possible with their radio transmitters. ... GPS data is always available/possible to those who have a receiver. … These receivers were … only available/ensured to military personnel. … The system was designed … in order to allow/enable/assure coordinate attacks … … the military models … sometimes use/need/prevents multiple antennas … Match the words in italics to the synonyms. ________________ ________________ / ______________ ________________ = makes sure = permits = stops 87 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7.2 SPECIALIST READING Read the article and do the exercises below. The Company CAD Standard Development Process I had the privilege of developing the company CAD standards and was given the title of CAD Manager while employed at a large engineering firm in southern Ontario. Convincing upper management to utilize me as a CAD manager was relatively simple. Here‘s what I said: ―To get all the departments working together more efficiently a company CAD standard should be developed. This will save the company $$ in productivity and make every CAD users job easier. And I‘m your man to do it!‖ Developing and Implementing CAD Drawing Standards Great! I was on it; day and night, putting together a CAD standard that I felt sure would harmonize the entire matrix of the company; well, related to CAD at least. Memos were sent to the head or representative of each CAD department, indicating a meeting date, along with an outline of the new standards. Meeting day came … and my desire to synchronize the CAD departments quickly left me … along with most of my self esteem. Not what I expected It was a complete disaster! Every item I had carefully organized was scrutinized, criticized and, basically, unaccepted by a select few gurus set hard in their ways and nothing-better-todoers with, well, nothing better to do. Obviously I had expected some criticism, but what I didn‘t expect was the complete lack of respect for the task I was given. Sure, some of my colleagues were with the company longer and were more experienced, but I was given the responsibility of putting together standards together with the structural department and the structural department work together with the mechanical department … and so on. It soon became apparent to me, why there was no CAD manager before me. Why no one had stepped up to the plate. During the meeting, some representatives seemed to be in agreement with the new standards, but they kept quiet about it. Few wanted to lean towards anything resembling global synchronization. Management Evades and Passes the Buck After the meeting I reported the dismal minutes to the top brass. Management nodded its head and thought it best to have another meeting and keep working towards a company wide solution, while keeping every department in the loop. So on and on we went, meeting after meeting, for months and months … and got absolutely no where! (Except for agreeing on a standard company title block ;) Where did I go wrong? Was it me? Was I a poor CAD manager? No. It wasn‘t me. I was not the problem. If I was the problem, management should have replaced me and enforced someone else‘s standards. As a matter of fact, my critical colleagues were not the problem either. So what was the problem? The company's upper management did not enforce the drafting standards that I was hired to create. They did not send a memo to each and every department manager, CAD department head, and CAD operator, indicating as they should: 88 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ABC Engineering and Architectural Incorporated Office Memo ―Please find attached your new CAD standards as implemented by the CAD manager. These standards must be adhered to, are in the best interest of all departments, and are now company policy.‖ Sincerely, President of Company Period! When upper management did not do this, it became clear how being evasive and passing the buck can trickle down the ranks and cripple progress. Not that the upper management didn‘t know how to properly manage operations from a purely engineering or architectural perspective, but from a CAD standards point of view they did not have a clue. And that is why they hired a CAD manager; specifically to develop a company standard for the purpose of bringing the CAD departments together more efficiently and maintaining a norm by which even new employees can easily get up to speed. Bottom line? Once a firm‘s management decides to integrate a CAD manager into its system it must enforce the CAD standards and rules that were developed on its behalf. Otherwise the process of developing the standards becomes a vicious circle of deferrals, delays and buck passing. It would seem, that the final push to get CAD standards underway lies with upper management. Adapted from source: http://www.cad-design-and-drafting-services.com/...; (online). 2011 Image source: http://www.cadalyst.com/...; (online). 2011 1 Answer these questions: 1 2 3 4 5 What special expertise does the author have in the field of CAD? Who are the intended readers? What's the author's purpose? What should the author do? What statement best describes the main idea of the article? 2 Look back at the text and find out what the words in bold type refer to. 3 Understanding words. Refer back to the text and find synonyms for the following words and phrases: buck passing, evasive, preferences, utilize, scrutinized, lack of 89 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7.3 TIME RELATIONS SEQUENCE To describe a process or an action step by step, we use when, before or after: Step 1: The copper starts to heat up. Step 2: Oxidation pattern begin to form. When the copper starts to heat up, oxidation patterns begin to form. Step 1: You have to use a wire brush to clean the copper sheeting. Step 2: Place dried copper sheet on the burner. You have to use a wire brush to clean the copper sheeting before you place dried copper sheet on the burner After you use a wire brush to clean the copper sheeting you place dried copper sheet on the burner. SIMULTANEITY To show actions happening at the same time, we use as or wile: Action 1: The copper gets hotter. Action 2: You can see beautiful orange, purple and red colours cover the copper. As the copper gets hotter, you can see beautiful orange, purple and red colours cover the copper. Action 1: The copper cools. Action 2: It shrinks. As the copper cools, it shrinks. 1 Combine the two sentences to express simultaneity or sequence. Use linking words for simultaneity or sequence: when, while, after, as soon as, as, until, by the time. 1 2 3 2 Toyota waits for electric cars. Its rivals race to an electric future. In spring 2008, the final design of the new product was determined. The mechanical engineers now have the task of switching from the prototype to mass production. The ground collector is used as an air-to-ground heat exchanger. The air is sucked in via ground Choose suitable time words to fill the gaps in the explanation of a servo motor. Use the diagram to help. How Servo Motors Work A servo motor consists of several main parts, the motor and gearbox, a position sensor, an error amplifier and motor driver and a circuit to decode the requested position. A diagram below shows a typical servo motor unit and explains how it all fits together. ____________ we have gone through how the servo works we will investigate how the control pulses can be generated with a microcontroller. 90 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ The control pulse is feed to a pulse width to voltage converter. This circuit charges a capacitor at a constant rate ____________ the pulse is high. ___________ the pulse goes low the charge on the capacitor is fed to the output via a suitable buffer amplifier. This produces a voltage related to the length of the applied pulse. The current rotational position of the servo motor output shaft is read by a sensor. This is normally a potentiometer (variable resistor) which produces a voltage that is related to the absolute angle of the output shaft. The position sensor then feeds its current value into the error amplifier which compares the current position with the commanded position from the pulse width to voltage converter. The error amplifier is an operational amplifier with negative feedback. It will always try to minimise the difference between the inverting (negative) and non-inverting (positive) inputs by driving its output is the correct direction. The output of the error amplifier is either a negative or positive voltage representing the difference between its inputs. The greater the difference the greater the voltage. We can run a timer at a faster rate and do a single servo at a time, followed by the next and the next etc. Each of the outputs is driven in turn for its required time and then turned off. __________ all outputs have been driven, the cycle repeats. The output pins can be arranged on a single port and the value zero written to the port to turn off all pins at once so that the interrupt routine does not need to know which servo output is currently active. ____________ the pulse has ended, the microprocessor sets up the next pulse and begins the process again. Adapted from Source: http://www.digitalnemesis.com/...; (online). 2011 Look at the diagram below and explain it in your own words. Fig. 37: Servo motor block diagram Image Source: Own Translate the words in bold print into Slovenian. Use these definitions to help. The device that provides the increase in current, voltage, or power of a signal. The electrical component that offers resistance to the flow of current The amplifier that isolates one circuit from another. The term used to signify electrical pressure A circuit or IC that converts an analogue signal into a digital signal. A flow of electrical energy of short duration. 91 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Language study: Conditional and time sentences First Conditional and time clauses. Read the dialogue and study the use of language. Nick Meg Nick Meg Nick Meg I think this design is great, but will they buy it? Well, if we shorten the delivery times, they will place a substantial order. But what will happen if the project runs out of money? As soon as the management realises the environmental advantages, they'll be happy to finance it. I think that if we want to reduce production costs, we'll be able to start with mass production in August. Yes, but unless there is also an increase in enquiries, the investment won't be there. We use the First Conditional to talk about a possible scenario or action in the future. We usually form the result (or main) clause with will, but it is also possible to use could. The time or conditional clause is in the Present Simple. Underline the time or conditional clauses in the above dialogue. Circle the conjunction of time or condition. Second Conditional If Concorde still flew to America, people would get there in four hours. Unless we had skilled engineers we would have problems. We use the Second Conditional to talk about an imaginary scenario and to guess about the result. The conditional clause is in the Past Simple Tense. We express the result with would + infinitive, but it is also possible to use could or might. Complete the sentences with your own ideas: 1 2 3 4 5 If engineers succeeded in creating a silent aircraft, __________________________ If more students studied Mechatronics, __________________________________ If I worked as a skilled mechatronics technician, ___________________________ As soon as the generator turns,__________________________________________ If you allow us a trade discount, ________________________________________ Complete each sentence below using all three types of conditional sentences. Then explain the difference in meaning. 1 2 3 92 If we (heat) ice, it (change) into water. If we want to (turn) a gas into a liquid we (need to) change its temperature. If we (lower) the temperature, the liquid (turn) into a solid. If there (be) gas below then there (be) probably oil as well. The team (cannot, tell) for sure if there (be) oil. If the oil-company (be) interested in the project they (start) drilling for oil. If the diameter (be) longer, the wheel (rotate) faster. The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Follow up set: Go to the Internet and watch a video tutorial which shows an operation of a laser welding machine - Fully Automated Laser Welding Machine. 1 Try to catch and write down 5 useful words/phrases about the machine. 2 While watching, mark the words/phrases you can see in the illustration below. 3 Find Slovenian terms. Fig. 38: Laser welding machine Source: http://dar.ju.edu.jo/...; (online). 2011 Source: http://www.youtube.com/...; (online). 2010 Summary We live in a 3D world and I am wondering where manufacturing technology, and specifically CAD/CAM technology, is headed in the future. The 3D CAD market will probably continue to grow significantly over the next few years and more companies will make the transition from 2D to 3D CAD software. A persistent problem area for students is learning new vocabulary. This unit presents words in a context helping the students to work out the meaning, to remember words and what they mean, and actually use the words in a sentence. 93 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 8 THE AUTOMATED SYSTEMS Background information Automated systems are a fact, not fiction. I am not talking about programmes where you move items virtually around on a screen but about tools with the ability to interpret requirements. Some might call this an expert system, I call it good old-fashioned common sense dedicated to the process of selecting, costing, designing, installing, commissioning and providing fully integrated control and monitoring. Unit 8 focuses on: - extracting information from complex texts on automated systems - requiring information - talking about the cutting-edge devices 8.1 MONITORING AND CONTROL SYSTEMS Fig. 38: Feedback loop Image: Own Look at the diagram above and discuss these questions: What is the difference between an automated and a manual system? Suggest some operations that can be monitored and controlled by intelligent systems. Collocations with nouns + objects Look at the list below. In control systems, the verbs on the left are commonly used with one or more noun phrases on the right. See how many matches you can find. Example: error + amplifier = error amplifier A generate transmit B energy savings data Slovenian ____________ ____________ allow activate expand have keep prove flexibility pumps a system operating temperature a system operating reliability ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ 94 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ control monitor use adjust generate produce complete change generators sensors a power source _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ Language work: Scanning for information In reading professional, usually complex texts, we sometimes wish to find only important information and not all the details. 1 First, scan the article below and underline the key words to answer the questions: a) What is the purpose of the article? b) Name some aquaculture system benefits. c) How can we control the oxygen level in water? d) Can this system be programmed to monitor and control any application? 2 3 Then, re-read the article and give arguments to your answers. Finally, find sections which best express the main idea of the article. Aquaculture - Automated Water Quality Monitoring & Control Systems Aquaculture monitoring systems generate labour and energy savings, limit disease and mortality, and increase yields by continuously monitoring and controlling water quality. The systems consist of measurement and control units, water quality sensors, and communications devices for transmitting data. Continuous System Monitoring Systems monitor and record water quality around the clock providing continuous data that can be used to identify trends and improve production. Almost any sensor can be used, including dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, conductivity, salinity, flow, and level. Sensors can measure and store data at any interval you choose. Automated Control Aerators, pumps, alarms, or other electrical devices can be controlled based on measured conditions or time. For example, aerators can be turned on (day or night). Together with continuous monitoring, automated control keeps your system operating efficiently even when you are not around. Communications The availability of multiple communications options for transmitting data to the central computer also allows systems to be customized to meet exact needs. Options include radio, telephone, cell phone, voice-synthesized phone, satellite, and Ethernet. Systems can be programmed to send alarms or report site conditions by calling out to a computer, phones, radios, and/or pagers. System Reliability The measurement and control units have proven their reliability in thousands of applications in climates worldwide making precise, reliable measurements on a wide variety of sensors. 95 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Since rechargeable batteries are used as a power source, systems can continue to measure and store time-stamped data and control on-site generators and other devices during power outages. Re-circulating Operations Control units monitor pH, temperature, flow, level, and other sensors. Based on those measurements valves, pumps, chemical injectors, aerators, and other devices are controlled to maintain appropriate water quality and quantity. Data is transmitted to the central computer for analysis. Status of the re-circulating system can be monitored from the central computer. Adapted from Source: http://www.campbellsci.com/aquaculture; (online). 2011 Now complete this chart with technical words associated with »control«. unit control Fig. 39: Technical collocations map Image Source: own 8.2 INDUSTRIAL ROBOTICS What are some advantages of using robots in industry? What functions are performed by robots in manufacturing? What comes to mind when you think of a robot? used in modern industrial automation intelligent machines used to build things an important part of many assembly lines. Language work: Dealing with technical terms One of the difficult things about Engineering English is that there are many technical terms to learn. 96 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Below try to find the appropriate definitions for the following technical terms and write down Slovenian equivalents. Term Definition A robot has a manipulator There may be a gripper mechanisms that put something into automatic action - to position the ‗arm‘ a mechanical device that grasps and holds or hand-like device to move, arrange, operate, or control by mechanical means, especially in a skilful manner is the microcomputer The controller may be pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrical. There are actuators The power supply Look at the spherical robot structure. Read the text below and label the parts of this robot type and find Slovenian terms for the word in bold print. Fig. 40: Spherical robots structure Image Source: http://prime.jsc.nasa.gov/...; (online). 2011 As you can see, it has two rotary joints and one linear. Thus a spherical work envelope is formed. Of course, it is not a sphere, but reachable places can still be calculated in a polar coordinate system. There can be more than three joints. However, these three are the basic ones that form the work envelope. Further joints would add more flexibility, but wouldn't radically change the reachable area. For example, if the gripper could rotate, this would be a 4-axis robot while the work envelope wouldn't change at all. A robot with an R-R-R structure with three rotary joints can be seen at the right side of the above picture. As you understand, robots of this kind have a near-spherical work envelope. Most modern industrial robots are derivatives of this type. The most flexible industrial robots fall into this category: 6-axis articulated 5-axis and 4-axis articulated SCARA Gantry-style Wondering about others? Yes, there are others. For example snake-like robots. There are many fields of research that deal with different innovative types of robots. Read the following descriptions of industrial robots and complete the list below. 97 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1 Typical Cartesian robots have 3 linear axes of freedom which are perpendicularly oriented at each other. This ensures a working envelope in a form of a rectangular box. Because of their rigid structure, this type of robots usually can offer good levels of precision and repeatability. Their work envelope is far from ideal. Also, the possibilities of tool orientation are very limited. Also, its footprint can be quite large compared to other robots that could do the same task. Taking these issues into consideration a conclusion can be drawn. A typical robot of Cartesian type can be the cheapest solution for simple pick and place operations. It can be very effective for tasks where extensive tool orientation is not required or even better - if it should be avoided. For example - gluing, soldering, and possibly sewing. 2 Gantry robots The work envelope is similar with other robots of Cartesian type; however, a gantry robot usually encloses its work envelope from the outside. Also, worth mentioning is the fact that the only part of the robot that interferes with its work space is its z axis and the tool. 3 Cylindrical robot type As far as we know, the cylindrical robot type is one of the rarest nowadays. However, there are areas where they could still be useful. Also, they are always mentioned when stationary robot types are discussed. It has three axes of movement - two of which are linear and one - circular. So, usually robots of this type can move along z- and y- axes and rotate along z- axis. As you can understand, this, basically, forms a cylindrical coordinate system - hence it has a cylindrical work envelope. 4 Spherical robots Spherical robots, sometimes regarded as polar robots, are stationary robot arms with spherical or near-spherical work envelopes that can be positioned in a polar coordinate system. Sounds pretty smart - you are free to use this if you want to impress a girl with your wit. So, these robots are more sophisticated than Cartesian and cylindrical robots, while control solutions are less complicated than those of articulated robot arms. Adapted from Source: http://prime.jsc.nasa.gov/...; (online). 2011 Work in pairs. Compare different uses of robots in industry. Log your observations in the list below. Discuss your observations with your partner. Robot type spherical _____________ _____________ Robot configuration _____________ _____________ 98 pros control solutions __________________ __________________ cons _____________ _____________ _____________ purpose ______________ ______________ use ______________ ______________ ______________ The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ According to the above description of robot types, can you identify the types from these illustrations: Fig. 41: Types of robots Image Source: http://prime.jsc.nasa.gov/...; (online). 2011 Name and label movements of robots using these expressions: X - horizontal rotation of 360°, left and right motions, Y - vertical rotation of 270°, up and down motions, forward and backward motions. Look at the pictures and name and label parts of a robot arm in Slovenian. Fig. 42: Robot arm configuration Image source: http://prime.jsc.nasa.gov...; (online). 2011 8.3 USE OF ROBOTS Language work: Classifying items Today‘s industrial robot is flexible. A computer is used to control the device. A ―program‖ can be changed to meet new situations. As the manufacturing process changes, the modern robotic system can simply be reprogrammed. It does not have to be totally rebuilt. See the classification of types of robots in the table below and complete the list using these expressions: materials handling inspection laboratory applications handle the radioactive material modern toys free to move around welding improving productivity move around on legs, tracks or wheels perform household tasks remain in 1 place but have arms that move flexible 99 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Then describe the use of robots. For example: Industrial robots are used for materials handling. Domestic robots are programmed to do things like talking, walking and dancing. Industrial Robots Mobile Robots Domestic Robots free to move around _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ Specialist reading The field of robotics engineering is a sub field of mechanical engineering. Robotics engineers design robots and develop new applications for them for use in a wide range of industries. With new possibilities for robotics due to advances in the computer sciences, robotics engineering is growing rapidly. From production line robots to experimental robotics for the medical, military, and automotive industries, the future of robotics engineering will certainly offer a range of opportunities for professionals entering the field . Cutting edge research is currently being conducted in robotics engineering for application in a number of industries: military, medical, manufacturing, automotive, and space exploration to name a few. 1 Answer these questions. 2 In what ways have robots improved the safety and health for workers in manufacturing industries? What do you find most interesting or surprising about the field of robotics engineering? Which two disciplines work closely together in robotics engineering? How is robotics used in manufacturing? Look back at the text and translate the words in bold print into Slovenian. Language work: Articles in engineering The correct use of articles conveys precise meanings in Engineering. Deciding whether to use a, an, some, the, or no article can be confusing. Examples: The field of robotics engineering is a sub field of mechanical engineering. Articles with countable nouns Countable nouns can take a, the, some or plural -s. Some is used where the reference is non-specific and the noun is plural. Articles with uncountable nouns Uncountable nouns can take the or no article (―zero‖ article). Where the reference is non-specific you can use some in place of an article. 100 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Basic rules This is a simple list, but understanding it and remembering it is crucial to using articles correctly. Rule # 1: Every time a noun is mentioned, the writer is referring to: 1. All of them everywhere, 2. One of many, or 3. This one exactly. Rule # 2: Every kind of reference has a choice of articles: 1. All of them everywhere...(Ø, a/an, the) 2. One of many.................(Ø, a/an) 3. This one exactly............(Ø, the) (Ø = no article) Rule # 3: The choice of article depends upon the noun and the context. Basic questions To choose the best article, ask yourself these questions: 1. "What do I mean? Do I mean all of them everywhere, one of many, or this one exactly?" 2. "What kind of noun is it? Is it countable or not? Is it singular or plural? Does it have any special rules?" indefinite article • sg C nouns • a/an • a machine, an hour definite article • sg/pl C/UC nouns • the data, the force zero article • C/UC nouns • goods, time Fig. 43: Use of articles Source: Own 101 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ For the more visually oriented, this flowchart sketches out the basic rules for using articles. • UC /pl Ø • sg the • sg a/an all of them one of many • UC / pl Ø • sg a/an • UC / pl the this one exactly• sg the • proper the /Ø Fig. 44: Articles flowchart Source: Own Fill in the blanks with a / an, the, or no article. Tools for simulating mechatronics Though mechatronics promises more machines at a lower cost, following the mechatronics‘ approach of __________ integrated design is challenging for most machine builders. ________ premise of mechatronics is based on _________ ability of mechanical, electrical, control design and programming engineers to collaborate their design efforts. However, collaboration requires them to share and validate _________design ideas and sharing ideas requires design tool integration. This dilemma keeps most machine builders away from _________ mechatronics‘ design approach. Fortunately, design tool vendors are now helping to overcome this dilemma by providing ___________integration between their software packages. This is allowing machine builders to follow ________ mechatronics‘ approach while continuing to use __________ best-in-class design software for different design disciplines. Follow up set: You have learnt pretty much about industrial robots so far. To finish this lesson off, go to the following web page http://www.in.com/videos/ on ABB Industrial Robots painting wind turbine rotor blades and watch the video. Source: http://www.in.com/...; (online). 2011 Then describe the robot configuration, its functions and use. When watched, you will probably meet words that are new to you. First try to understand their meaning from the context – listen a few times. When you have written 102 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ down the new words, check them in a dictionary. Words in bold print are explained below the text. Provide the robot configuration which was used for coating, describe its functions and use. Thermal Spray Robots are generally equipped with six axes, three for the base motions and three for applicator orientation. Some thermal spray units incorporate machine vision for guidance or to check application quality. Thermal spray robots today are universal, electrically driven, rather than hydraulically or pneumatically powered. Fig. 45: Thermal spray robot Image source: http://www.robots.com/...; (online). 2011 Glossary yaw = naklon pitch = stopnja articulated = členkast (robot s členkasto roko) assembly = sestav vision system = sistem vida compliant = skladen flex = upogniti mounted = montiran, nameščen Summary The era of robotics is upon us. In the world of robotics, creating new, human-like robots has a promising future. This unit gave a short overview of some concepts and terminology related to automated systems and robots. Students are encouraged to continue building their vocabulary skills and focus on talking about features of the new-to-come devices and structures that push the boundaries. 103 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9 CONTROL YOUR SYSTEMS WITH EASE Background information The concepts and terminology described in this unit are intended only to provide a general explanation of automatic control fundamentals and their applications in industry. Unit 9 focuses on: - reading a technical sheet - the language of most fundamental AC systems - illustrating the basic idea of a common application of ACS found in industrial plants. 9.1 WHAT MATTERS IS INSIDE Look at the pictures and find matching terms: truck mounted crane, telehandler equipment, warehouse truck, tractor, forestry machinery, and windrower. Fig. 46: Machines Images Source: http://www.sauer-danfoss.com/...; (online). 2011 Look at this technical information sheet and explain it. Then describe similar products, giving technical details. Product piston pump gear box joy stick foot pedal Displacement /Size Pressure cm3/rev Bar/Psi In3/rev 25,30 210-260 ____________ ____________ ____________ _________ _________ _________ Control options pressure control cranes load sense remote pressure ______________ _______ ______________ _______ ______________ _______ Try to find application opportunities for the above products. 104 Use The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ The basic idea of a feedback control loop is most easily understood by imagining what an operator would have to do if automatic control did not exist. Fig. 47: Automatic control scheme Image source: Own The figure above shows a heat exchanger which uses steam to heat cold water. In manual operation, the amount of steam entering the heat exchanger depends on the air pressure to the valve which is set on the manual regulator. To control the temperature manually, the operator would watch the indicated temperature, and by comparing it with the desired temperature, be would open or close the valve to admit more or less steam . When the temperature had reached the desired value, the operator would simply hold that output to the valve to keep the temperature constant. Under automatic control, the temperature controller performs the same function. The measurement signal to the controller from the temperature transmitter is continuously compared to the set point signal entered into the controller. Based on a comparison of the signals, the automatic controller can tell whether the measurement signal is above or below the set point and move the valve accordingly until the measurement (temperature) comes to its final value. Here are some electronics symbols: Fig. 48: Electronic symbols Source: http://library.thinkquest.org/...; (online). 2011 Identify their meaning. For example: AND gate = a digital logic gate that implements logical conjunction 105 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ There are three symbols for AND gates: the American (ANSI or 'military') symbol and the IEC ('European' or 'rectangular') symbol, as well as the DIN symbol: Fig. 49: Logic gates Source: Own Now try this task. Look at the diagram below. It shows how an industrial process is controlled using logic gates. Complete the blanks in the explanation, using these words: 1. correct 3. sufficient 5. pressure 7. AND gate (when A is high and B low, the output is low) 10. all the inputs are high 2. memory 4. off 6. supply voltage 8. empty/insufficient 9. pressure in the hydraulic system A motor controlling the flaw of aluminium blanks to a hydraulic press is switched on only under these conditions: Fig. 49: Flow of aluminium diagram Source: Own The power is on. The supply voltage is ____________________________. There are ______________________ aluminium blanks in the hopper. The ________________________ in the hydraulic press is correct. Information on these four conditions is fed into an ____________________ as all four conditions must be satisfied for the motor to run. When ________________________, the output from the AND gate is high. This is fed into the store input of the _________________________ unit to provide a continuous signal to operate the motor. The motor must stop if any of these conditions occur: The power is ________________________. The _______________________ rises. The hopper is _____________________________. The ______________________ drops. 106 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9.2 FUNCTIONALITY AND FLEXIBILITY Look at the illustration of an automotive control system and answer the questions. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. How many speed modes are available? Does it have a speed limiter function integrated? Is there a temperature and oil density compensation option? Can emissions be regulated? What is the function of an integral park brake control? What are the auxiliary output options? Is it compatible to displays? Fig. 47: Piston pump with control and AC on controller Image Source: http://www.sauer-danfoss.com/...; (online). 2011 Now complete the list below. An example is given in bold print. Function _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ microcontroller Purpose ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ a small computer Use _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ piston pump 107 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Language work: Classifying items Polymers are a promising alternative to materials commonly used for actuators, such as piezoelectric ceramics, shape memory alloys, magnetostrictive materials, and electro rheological fluids. Light, flexible, noiseless actuators with stroke, force and efficiency similar to or better than that of human muscles are promises of polymer actuators. Such polymer actuators, which contract or expand in response to the application of electrical energy, are an emerging technology. Look at an overview of different types of polymer actuator technology. The diagram below shows that there are two kinds of actuators: ion conduction actuators and electro conductive polymer actuators. In engineering, we often use classification to express our ideas. When classifying, we divide a general subject into less general level = lower level of generality and further on into types, sorts, classes. Describing the diagram below, we can say: Polymer actuators are divided into / classified as/into ion conduction actuators and electro conductive polymer actuators. Electro-active polymers (or EAP) can be further subdivided into / sub classified as/into phase change, electric, ionic and hydraulic. EAP materials are parted into two classes: electric and ionic. Piezoelectric and electrostrictive actuators are examples of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEA). Fig. 48: Polymer actuators diagram Source: Own Now complete the description of the above diagram using this information to help: EAP actuators are used for flow control. Lightweight electro-active polymers (EAPs) are ideal for control surfaces since they offer high strain rate, fast response, low power consumption and ease of manufacture. Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are electric field driven. Thermally actuated LCEs (liquid crystal elastomers) are relatively slow due to their limited heat transfer. Electroactive conducting polymers (CPs) CP actuators requires voltages in the range of 1-5 V. 108 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9.3 SAFETY AND INSTALLATION DEVELOPMENT Read the press release and discuss the questions below the text. Sauer-Danfoss Launches SIL 2 Certified Automotive Control NORDBORG, Denmark, March 1, 2010 – Sauer-Danfoss Inc. Sauer-Danfoss‘ new Automotive Control solution offers a complete Safety Integrity Level 2 certified transmission system. The PLUS+1™ Compliant system incorporates an H1 variable piston pump with embedded electronic control, H1 bent axis variable piston motor, sensors and associated Human Machine Interface (HMI) devices. Combined with intelligent software, AC provides an automotive style automatic transmission driving experience that allows operators to adjust hydrostatic transmission characteristics to suit specific operating requirements. Combining state-of-the-art H1 technology and 25 years of electronic automotive control development, AC not only helps increase vehicle performance and overall efficiency, but also provides improvements in productivity and comfort. The H1 embedded controller (H1 AC), features robust electronics mounted directly on the H1 pump. All electrical connections are conveniently located for easy OEM vehicle installation and complete semi-automatic sensor calibration for PLUS+1 compliant drive and inching foot pedals, for example. The embedded controller also features additional ―watch dog‖ circuitry, which provides real time fault monitoring of the electronic hardware. Combined with optional software to monitor redundant HMI input channels, H1 AC provides single fault tolerance for AC vehicle transmission systems. SIL 2 is certified by TÜV. This helps vehicle manufacturers meet European machinery directives and related safety standards, and also reduces OEM cost and time required for system qualification and vehicle certification. ―Our H1 Automotive Control is the first solution on the market to offer the precision and consistent performance of intelligent electronics, combined with complete drive system functionality, system qualification and SIL 2 certification.‖ said Joseph P. Maher, System Portfolio Manager. ―OEMs will be able to reduce time to market for new vehicles and model variants while still customizing vehicle behaviour and providing differentiation for their products.‖ The H1 AC is customizable via the PLUS+1 service tool between four operator selectable system modes that can be programmed according to three main propel methods or mode types. Hydrostatic pump and motor displacement are controlled automatically according to an OEM configured automotive curve as a function of engine rpm. It is typically used for vehicle transport or to provide engine anti-stall functionality during heavy load conditions common on wheel loaders, telehandlers, or site dumpers. Hydrostatic pump displacement is controlled directly through a foot pedal or joystick input from the operator and is independent from engine rpm. It is used during vehicle work requiring a specific engine speed setting for work functions common on sweepers, snow blowers, or mowers. The creep-automotive mode provides pump control via an algorithm that combines both the engine rpm and the foot pedal or joystick inputs. 109 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Additional benefits include the ability to further customize hydraulic pump and motor displacement control profile and ramp times, provide constant speed drive functionality, interface to vehicle systems via CAN, and easy-to-use diagnostics. Adapted from Source: http://www.sauer-danfoss.com/...; (online). 2011 Task 1 What are the advantages of a product above? What are the operating principles of the H1 AC? How does a hydrostatic pump function? What are the applications of a creep-automotive mode? What does TÜV stand for? Is it also used in Slovenia? Task 2 Paraphrase these words from the above article: easy-to-use, time to market, redundant, watch dog, overall efficiency, state-of-the-art. Choose among: • more efficient to use, takes less time to accomplish a particular task • TTM is the length of time it takes from a product being conceived until its being available for sale • advanced, unconventional, forward-looking, modern • total efficiency of an engine, or motor in converting the total energy into available energy • containing more characteristics than required • something/body that alerts of an unwelcome, un-thrusted or forced presence Then find synonyms. Task 3 Divide the words in bold type in the above article into three groups of compound nouns where: a) both / all words are familiar to you b) one word is familiar to you c) both / all words are unfamiliar to you. Familiar compounds Unfamiliar compounds Compare your groups with your partner's. Check all unfamiliar words in a technical dictionary. 110 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Language work: Understanding noun-noun compounds Compound nouns are nouns that have been created by joining two words together and are plentiful in the English language. Understanding any given compound usually requires a context. Technical compound words are difficult to be understood or interpreted without looking at the final word. For example: A bulldozer does not doze, and a »lazy Susan« does not describe a person (not usually). Without knowing the meaning, we must hope for the context clues or we must refer to a dictionary. Compound nouns are very common, and new combinations are invented almost daily. They normally have two parts. The second part identifies the object or person in question (man, friend, tank, table, room). The first part tells us what kind of object or person it is, or what its purpose is (police, boy, water, dining, and bed): What type / what purpose police boy water dining bed What or who man friend tank table room Compound nouns are written in three ways. joined separated hyphen • input • lookout • water tank • laser light • dry-cleaning • go-between Fig. 49: Compound nouns Source: Own Try this task. Read the article below and insert the missing words: toward, actuator, downward, spring, coil, through, around, upward, circuit, magnetic. Use the illustration to help. 111 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ A typical electric solenoid ___________ consists of a ________, armature, ________, and stem. The coil is connected to an external current supply. The spring rests on the armature to force it ___________. The armature moves vertically inside the coil and transmits its motion __________ the stem to the valve. When current flows __________ the coil, a magnetic field forms ____________ the coil. The magnetic field attracts the armature ____________ the centre of the coil. As the armature moves ____________, the spring collapses and the valve opens. When the __________ is opened and current stops flowing to the coil, the __________ field collapses. This allows the spring to expand and shut the valve. Adapted from: http://www.engineersedge.com/... (online) 2011 Follow up set: Go to the Internet and find an article on automotive control systems. Find all noun compounds and try to guess their meaning from the context. Translate them into Slovenian using a good technical dictionary. Then summarise an article in your own words. Summary We are challenging the new era in technological advancements. With each passing day, the world becomes more technologically advanced. As automation, artificial intelligence and robotics improve, it may be increasingly tempting to employ automatic means to accomplish production goals. Just think of it: if no humans were on the production floor, no more human errors would occur, no one would get injured, and companies would produce higher-quality product that they could move faster to market. And since the world is too dependent on energy to supply our lifestyles, research and manufacturing facilities around the world are frantically trying to come up with new ways to meet our demands with new systems and abilities. 112 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10 WANTING TO KNOW MORE Background information Asking questions and making enquiries to know more about products and services is simply stating what you would like to know and why you would like the information you are requesting. You can choose a method of communication: email, mail or phone. In a real-life phone call you have to depend on your voice, not gestures and eye contact. You can‘t see the other person‘s reactions and the other person can‘t see how friendly you are – you have to show everything in your voice. This unit focuses on - making phone calls - the language of enquiries - example letters and exercise 10.1 TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES: I’D LIKE TO SPEAK TO … Introductory vocabulary – check the meaning of the words below. mobile phone extension application phone booth connect equipment switchboard put through ring up dis/connect hang up lift cut off get through put down ring back phone book phone booth tone ring/ing hook calls: code: line: confirm arrangements put through wait pick up dial/ing receive/er international, local, trunk, collect, personal country, area, extension busy, engaged, free, party, occupied Fill the gaps with suitable words from the list above. To make a call: first listen for the _________ tone and dial the number. With any luck, you‘ll hear a tone telling you that the number is _________. If the other phone is being used you‘ll hear the __________ tone. To make an international call: first dial the international code, then the country code, then the _________ and finally the number you require. If you want the other person to pay for the call, you can make a collect call. If you want to talk to a particular person you can make a ____________. If you don‘t want to be interrupted, you can leave the phone ____________. Image source: http://pc-phone-calls.blogspot.com/; (online). 2011 113 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Language work: Useful phrases in telephoning RING…RING…RING… Hello, I‘d like to speak to Mr. Bauer. Is he available, please? PLEASE WAIT Hold on a moment, please. I‘ll just find out if he‘s in (the office). I‘ll put you through. NOT AVAILABLE I‘m afraid he‘s in/at a meeting. I‘m afraid he‘s not available at the moment. I‘m afraid he‘s not here just now. He won‘t be back till 2:30. LEAVING MESSAGE Could you ask him to call me back, please? My number is 386 41 345 543. Can I leave a message? STARTING Hello, is this Mr Bauer? Speaking. My name‘s Nina Zala from Slovenia and I‘m calling about your precision systems. PROBLEMS I tried calling several times but I couldn‘t get through / the line was busy all the time. IS EVERYTHING CLEAR? Could you say that again more slowly, please? I‘m sorry, could you spell that, please? I‘m sorry, did you say 15 or 50? Do you want me to repeat anything? GOODBYE I‘ll call again later today. Thank you for calling. Goodbye. Nice talking to you. Make a short telephone scenario and practice it with your partner. Exchange roles. Albert Burns calls to the paint plant of Felix Engineering to make an appointment with Mr Danes. Read the conversation and fill the gaps. Reception: Caller: Reception: Caller: Reception: Caller: Paint Plant: Caller: Paint Plant: Caller: Paint Plant: Paint Plant: Caller: Paint Plant: 114 Felix Engineering. Good morning. Can I help you? ________________________300, please. I'm _____________ the line is busy. Will you _________________? Yes. The line is free now. I will ___________________________. Thank you. Paint Shop. I'd like to _____________________ to Mr Danes. Who is calling, ___________________? Albert Burns _______________________________________. _________________________________________ Mr Burns, I will get him. I'm _____________ he is _______________ Do you want _________________? No. Could I _______________________a message? Yes, certainly. The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Speaking practice: Role-play Practice making a phone call to the company making laser welding machines. You decided to buy a new laser welding machine. You decided to telephone for prices and delivery. Your partner will role-play the sales representative. Call, explain which machine you are interested in and what payment terms you would like to discuss. The partner should explain the company payment policy and ask you some questions about details you require. Don't forget to finish the conversation appropriately. 10.2 WRITING 2: E-mails Nowadays the most common form of communication is almost certainly an e-mail. Because e-mails are designed for speed, they often avoid the formal expressions used in letters, relying more heavily on the use of incomplete sentences and abbreviations. It should go without saying that business emails are not the place for ―text speak.‖ Text speak is term for the abbreviations and slang that are common in mobile texting and online chatting. It is also used frequently in email and on online discussion boards: Business abbreviations are examples of jargon. Are you sure that the people reading your email will understand the acronyms you are using? If you are confident that the recipient of your email will understand the acronyms you are using, it is okay to use them. If you are not sure, however, you should be cautious. Remember, the goal for business communication is clear communication. Bear in mind that business e-mail is not a teenage chat room. Don‘t get me wrong – I love you guys. But you can save time, and money, by taking the time to make your emails and other business communications clear, so: don't make the reader guess your meaning. use enough words to make your point, but don't get wordy. read your message before sending it to be sure it's right STARTING Thank you for your e-mail. Thank you for ordering from us. Thank you for a catalogue. REASON FOR WRITING I‘m sorry for the delay. I can now confirm that your order has been processed. PROBLEMS I‘m afraid I have some bad news. There‘s been a problem with our new data-link system. We‘re sorry that your order has been delayed. APOLOGY I am sorry for any inconvenience. I apologise for the delay. CLOSING Best regards. Best wishes. 115 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10.3 LETTERS OF ENQUIRY Helpful example Re: Provide information on what the letter regards to Salutation: Greet the recipient Opening: Give information about your company We are one of the main producers of car parts in the south east of Europe, and we are interested in used machines. Point out We saw a demonstration of your product at the Paris Automobile Fair. Body: Ask for catalogues, price lists, samples Please send your current catalogue and price list. We are particularly interested in an up-to-date price list for lasers cutters. Before buying one we prefer to test them for safety. Could you send us at least one example of these cutters in the mid range? We would like to discuss the problem of maintenance before deciding which model to install in our factory. I would be grateful if you could arrange for one of your representatives to call me on within the next two weeks. Ask for details – be specific and state exactly what you want if replying to an advertisement mention it and quote the date We have read about your latest equipment in laser surgery you advertisement in the Journal “Tailor&Cutter” and would like more details about the laser which you offered at cost price. Please send us any information you can supply. Suggest terms of payment, discounts Could you let us know if you allow cash or trade discounts? Close the letter appropriately: Simple “Thank you” is sufficient to close an enquiry. However, you could mention that: Prompt delivery would be necessary as we have a fast turnover. Indicate further business If the product is satisfactory, we will place further orders with you in the future. If the prices quoted are competitive, and the quality up to standards, we will order on a regular basis. Greeting We look forward to your reply. Best regards, Nina Zala Nina Zala 116 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Model letter: e-mail enquiry Dear Sir/Madam, We are a large electrical store in Slovenia, Europe, and would like to know more about your smoke detector sensors you advertise on alibaba.com web site. Could you tell us if the sensors are suitable for use in multi-storey buildings? It would also be helpful if you sent us some samples and if they are of European standards, we will place a substantial order. We would also like to know if you are offering any trade discounts for bulk orders. Thank you. Regards, Nina Zala Write a reply to the following e-mail, using the prompts below. To: From: Tim Sydney, MMC Inc. Tim Simon Date: 28 April Re: XpC4 Sensors availability Please let me know if you have twenty pieces of XpC4 light sensors in stock? I need them for a sunlight regulation system I'm designing. If you have, can you get them to me by 7 May? It would also be useful if you could send me your latest catalogue and a price list. Regards, Tim Simon Prompts: only 18 copies in stock will get some more by 25 May will send by DHL by 4 May need address enclose catalogue 117 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Follow up set: Read the advertisement below. Write an enquiry about a portable air compressor asking for technical details (cylinder size and stroke, maximum working pressure, air receiver in litters, etc), delivery and payment terms, brochures, etc. We are widely known for supplying portable air compressors and industrial air compressors for iron & steel industry, engineering, and automobiles. Starair Reciprocating Compressors are highly efficient machines. The compressors are manufactured at our works in New Town with high quality checks to give maximum performance with minimum consumption. The high cooling efficiency is due to specially designed cylinders, pulley and finned intercooler tubes. The connecting rod and crank shaft are made of high quality forged steel, hardened and ground to give best performance. Valves, the heart of compressor, are made of best steel to give best performance. Summary So far you have mastered a lot of new phrases which are used in writing formal letters plus the telephoning etiquette. Remember that in an enquiry we describe what we want and why. The more unusual the request, the more convincing the reason needs be. Take an active approach and don't let put it off to another day. Figure out what you want and go for it. Conclusion This course book was written primarily for mechatronics students whose English is level preto intermediate. I assumed that you have a basic grounding in English grammar and some knowledge of technical terms, but that you need to improve your listening, reading and speaking activities in the field. The course book will help you develop the range of vocabulary and grasp of language structures relevant to your daily life and study. Believe in yourself! If you don't, nobody will. 118 The Mechatronics Zone ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11 BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES Bishop, Robert H. (editor). The Mechatronics Handbook. 2 edition. Dictionary of Mechanical and Design Engineering. McGraw-Hill, 1984 Marks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers. McGraw-Hill Professional: 11 edition, November 16, 2006 WEB REFERENCES A mechatronics engineer. (Online) 2011. (Accessed 8 February 2011). 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