The technical definition of electro-mechanical assemblies is a device that performs an operation by way of an electrical current. For instance, the most commonly used device is a simple relay, which when energized by a current, engages an electromagnetic switch that opens or closes. These types of components are favored among engineers to turn circuits on or off to perform an operation within a machine. Here is your guide to understanding the principles of electro-mechanical connections.
One particular type of common assembly is a resistor or an assembly that switches a higher current to a lower current capacity wire or component. This type of assembly is used predominantly in automobile manufacturing.
All cars on the road today have an electric fan behind the radiator. These fans are activated by a temperature sensor that measure the heat of the car’s engine. However, the current required for the sensor is much smaller than that required to power the fans. An assembly is used to transform the current between two components of unequal current. Without this component, the lower capacity component would be burned out under the heavy load.
Related to this assembly is the relay that protects components from being overloaded which is meant strictly to prevent the above scenario from happening. In fact, this simple component saves many companies millions of dollars in the replacement or repair of equipment that has been damaged to overload.
This device is commonly used in electric motors and used to shut down the system when the temperature of the motor exceeds its operating capacity. Often, this is a fairly simple device consisting of a pair of metallic strips that trigger the release of a spring when the strips get to hot.
When designing a new assembly, electromechanical engineers begin with a need to perform a specific task. They will then sit down with a pen and paper or Computer Aided Design software to experiment with different concepts. Next, the engineer will find the right manufacturing to produce the designed component.
Before agreeing to produce a designed component, most electro-mechanical assemblies providers will turn over the design to their in-house engineering department to conduct a feasibility study. The purpose of the study will be to determine how much it will cost to build an initial prototype and to manufacture each unit. The manufacturer will present the client with a variety of options for handling their anticipated demand.
Once given the go ahead, they will build a working model of the device for further testing in terms of how to implement it both into the end product and the production line. A detailed report is usually prepared outlining the best materials to be used and the particular processes needed to install the assembly. Full cost estimates will be provided to help the designer decide whether or not to go into production.
At LoDan Electronics, our expert engineering department can help you take a technical drawing or even a rough sketch of your proposed assembly and produce a working prototype. For information on how to get started click here!