Enhancing machine design course with an integrated vending machine system

Abstract

Vending machines play an important role in our daily life. Because it is very convenient and not only can save the time of customers, but also the vendors. Thus it brings great convenience to the masses. Vending machine is a good example of mechatronics systems that combing different aspects including, not limited to, electrical, mechanical and control. In Engineering Technology department having a project for building a vending machine integrated with PLC will enhance and craft the student's hands-on skills. In this paper, the authors are proposing a group project to design and control a vending machine in a machine design course. Another purpose of this project is to insure that students enrolled in the course offered as part of the program sponsored by the university is to have a hands on approach toward technology. Students also can learn of the importance of cost by comparing design criteria for different projects. This paper is presented at a time when traditional techniques for learning are being challenged. It is therefore considered necessary to incorporate different design criteria into the course. Different design criteria can be incorporated into the course by incorporating different project applications into the course such as vending machine. The emphasis is to place on designing a vending machine and developing programs to control the motion that can be seen in certain vending machines, which can be considered a marketing ploy. The motion occurring in the vending machine and sequent program development provided the opportunity of using standard equipment offered by manufactures. The development of software for motion control is considered to be an important feature of the class.