What is a carousel? (Mechatronics)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition and mechanical aspects of a "carousel" in the context of mechatronics. Participants explore various interpretations of the term, including its applications in engineering and manufacturing.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a clear definition of "carousel" in mechatronics, noting difficulty in finding information online.
  • Another participant suggests that a carousel could refer to an amusement park ride or a unit that spins, emphasizing the need for a mechanism to convert electrical power into rotational mechanical power.
  • A different participant proposes that a carousel is a mechanism that converts electrical power into rotational mechanical power and vice versa, speculating on its components such as gears and motors.
  • Another viewpoint suggests that "carousel" is a generic term for equipment that moves items around, recommending the selection of a specific type for the project.
  • One participant highlights the importance of providing a schematic, modeling mechanical behavior, and explaining the working principle in the presentation.
  • Links to specific types of carousels, such as baggage carousels and data/object carousels, are provided as potentially relevant examples.
  • Material handling equipment is mentioned as another application of carousels, describing a design involving multi-tier storage racks on a motorized track.
  • A participant compares a carousel to a Lazy Susan or turntable, noting similarities in design and function.
  • Carousels are also mentioned in the context of CNC machining for tool changing, indicating their relevance in that field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various interpretations of what constitutes a carousel, indicating that multiple competing views remain without a consensus on a singular definition or application.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference different types of carousels and their applications, but there is no resolution on a unified definition or understanding of the term within the context of mechatronics.

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Homework Statement


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carousel_(disambiguation)

This may sound like a ridiculous question, but I'm required to do a presentation on mechanical aspects of mechatronics - specifically explaining what a carousel is. However, the internet doesn't seem to know what one is in electrical engineering either.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I've looked on lots of websites and consulted three mechatronics book from my reading list but I can't locate a definition anywhere.[/B]
 
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carousel

Do you mean the amusement park ride? It goes around in a circle with horses and seats. It could also be just a unit that spins, such as for rotating trains or cars.

From an engineering standpoint, it needs some way to convert electrical power into rotational mechanical power and control the speed.
 
Haha, I wish it was the amusement park ride!

So is it a mechanism that converts electrical power into rotational mechanical power, and vice versa? I assume it's comprised of gears, belts, links and joints as well as a motor of some sort?
 
I'm fairly sure its just a generic term for a piece of equipment that moves items around and completes its path. Assuming this is for a project, I would pick a specific type, define it, then do your project on that. Or tell your proffesor "Hey this is a very generic statement, I'm adding these constraints" and see what they say.

https://www.google.com/search?q=man...mN_XAhVG1CYKHXzRCj0Q_AUICygC&biw=1440&bih=763
 
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Thanks a lot. 'Manufacturing', 'motorised' and 'industrial' search terms seem to be producing better webpages now. I need to:

- Provide Schematic of the chosen part
▪ Model the mechanical behaviour
▪ Explain the working principle
▪ Identify the different part of the system
(links, joints, gears, etc.)
▪ Give details on the material used and the
- Highlight the manufacturing process
 
"Carousel" also applies to material handling equipment. One variant of the design is a series of hanging multi-tier storage racks set on a motorized overhead track conveyor. It provides high-density material storage with a single access point.
 
Google search for either assembly Carousel or Carousel assembly

Several million hits and many pictures!

(I've done some Electrical design work on that style machine, it is a quite common design.)

If you know what a Lazy Susan is, or a turntable, a carousel is very similar with parts or tooling usually arrayed around the periphery.
 
Last edited:
What is a carousel? (Mechatronics)
I'm not sure if this is what you're after, but carousels are used a lot in CNC machining... for tool changing.
 
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  • #10
OCR said:
I'm not sure if this is what you're after...
Lol, and maybe you shouldn't... go there ! . o_O
 
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