A Project-Based Learning Approach for Building an Affordable Control Teaching Lab: The Centrifugal Ring Positioner

Abstract

This paper presents a novel experimental setup for teaching control engineering. This setup was developed during a project-based learning activity. The approach consists in training a master student in mechatronics and control through the design, manufacturing, and control of a device that will contribute over time to the education of students by laboratory sessions based on the device. The latter is an easyto-build, reproducible, and affordable experimental setup called the Centrifugal Ring Positioner (CRP). It aims at illustrating several concepts of closed-loop control (e.g. system identification, model validation, and controller design and validation) while getting acquainted with typical experimental issues like the handling of measurement noise and the real-time implementation of a control law. The CRP distinguishes itself from most pedagogical benchmarks by the wide use of 3D printing. It is an unstable and nonlinear system, consisting of a ring able to slide on a rod thanks to the balance between gravity and centrifugal force. The control of the system aims at stabilizing the ring at any fixed position on the rod. The complete methodology followed during the project-based learning approach to build and control a CRP is detailed, including derivation of a dynamic model based on classical mechanics theory, considerations on the mechanical design, selection of the components, step response and physics-based model identification, and PID controllers design based on computer-assisted methods such as root locus and Bode diagrams.INDEX TERMS 3D printing, centrifugal ring positioner, control engineering education, control systems, mechatronics, teaching lab.

Active learning approach to enhance rotor dynamics understanding: A classroom demonstration

“…Given the large number of students attending this course, it is difficult to propose hands-on experiences (e.g. PBL activities 9 ), which would certainly be more engaging for the student and, consequently, more effective from an educational point of view. For this reason, instead of hands-on activities, a classroom experimental demonstration was organised and divided into two main parts: during the first one, the equations behind Jeffcott rotor formulation were briefly described and explained to students by means of a group of slides.…”

“…That was certainly a moment for faculties to rethink and redesign some of their teaching activities, 4,5 with the aim of making them more effective. According to the existing literature, novel active learning approaches, 6,7 that may consist of assigned projects based on numerical simulations 8 and laboratory experiences 9,11 or of experimental demonstrations, 12 may ease and improve students' learning process. In this context, the present paper aims at investigating and demonstrating the positive contribution provided to students by an experimental demonstration held on rotor dynamics.…”

Taking the Software Technology Specialty as an Example to Construct the Professional Knowledge List with Project-Based Learning Method

“…In China, researchers have begun to realize that project-based learning plays a prominent role in students' ability development, but at present, project-based learning has not become the mainstream trend (Zhang & Su, 2018). In higher education, there is more research on project-based learning in a certain course (Ståhl, Sandahl, & Buffoni, 2022;Dogara, Saud, Kamin, & Nordin, 2020;Fan et al, 2023;Hernández-Mangas, & Álvarez, 2021;Clark, Wang, Splain, & Chen, 2020;Jordens, Wilmart, Garone, Kinnaert, & Catoire, 2022), but there is no research on project-based learning in the whole professional direction. Higher vocational education is to cultivate high-quality and compound technical and skilled talents.…”

Exploration of Academic Performance Evaluation in Project-Based Learning

“…Project based learning is student-centered knowledge learning, in which students are the main body and teachers are the guide and assistance. Project based learning can fully unleash students' initiative, cultivate their self-learning ability, and stimulate their internal motivation (Jaime, Blanco, Domínguez, & Arruabarrena, 2022;Ståhl, Sandahl, & Buffoni, 2022;Lopera, Gutiérrez-Velásquez, & Ballesteros, 2022;Fan et al, 2023;Jordens, Wilmart, Garone, Kinnaert, & Catoire, 2022). Teachers are not the main body of project-based learning, so they cannot judge students' grades solely on their own.…”