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Introduction

Introduction

Pneumatic Test Bed

In the previous Unit, you learned how conveyors are used within workcells to efficiently transport objects. You also coded the conveyors to quickly move a Disk through the CTE Workcell, using the Object Sensor to prevent the Disk from falling off. In this Unit, you will expand on that knowledge by exploring how pneumatics is used to move machinery and objects within a workcell. You will learn about the various components of pneumatic systems and the advantages they provide in the industrial automation industry.

By the end of this Unit, you will understand how air flows through pneumatic systems to move machinery, and you will successfully build a pneumatic circuit using the CTE Workcell Kit.

Watch the video below for an overview about how pneumatics work.

Co-Create Learning Targets 

Now that you have watched the video, you know that you will learn about the purpose of pneumatic systems, including the advantages that pneumatic systems provide within the industrial automation industry. Then, you will learn about how the main components of a pneumatic system function and how these components work together to move machinery and transport objects. Lastly, you will learn about how these pneumatic system components apply to the CTE Workcell Kit and how the CTE Workcell pneumatic system is controlled. Finally, you will apply all of these skills to build a pneumatic system with the CTE Workcell Kit. 

You will co-create learning targets with your group and your teacher to capture these goals so that you have a shared understanding of your learning goals for the Unit. You will write your learning targets in your engineering notebook so you can refer to them throughout the Unit. 

It is helpful to phrase learning targets in the form of "I can" statements. Example learning targets for this Unit could include: 

  • I can identify the main components of a pneumatic system. 
  • I can explain the advantages of using pneumatics within a workcell system. 
  • I can explain the difference between linear and rotational movement. 
  • I can describe how the air moves within the CTE Pneumatic Cylinder to make the cylinder expand or retract. 
  • I can build a pneumatic system with the CTE Workcell Kit.

To create your learning targets, first brainstorm what you will need to know to complete the activities shown in the video above. Make a list in your engineering notebook of what you will need to know, learn, and do, like this: 

  • Identify the purpose of a pneumatic system. 
  • List the benefits of using pneumatics within a workcell system. 
  • Identify the characteristics of linear movement and rotational movement. 
  • Diagram the movement of air within a CTE Pneumatic Cylinder. 
  • Collaborate with my group to build a pneumatic system with the CTE Workcell Kit. 

Next, co-create learning targets based on your list. Think about how each of the things you listed can be framed into a learning target, using "I can" statements. You can use this template to help you write your learning targets in your engineering notebook. (Google Doc / .docx / .pdf)

For example, the list item, "Collaborate with my group to build a pneumatic system with the CTE Workcell Kit" can be shifted to a learning target of, I can build a pneumatic system with the CTE Workcell Kit. 

The following table shows an example of how the Learning Target Organizer in your engineering notebook could be filled out.

Learning Target Category Learning Targets

Knowledge Targets

What do I need to know and understand in order to be successful in the Unit?

  • I can describe how a solenoid controls the flow of compressed air in a pneumatic system.
  •  
  •  

Skill Targets

What can I demonstrate to show I understand the concepts and skills needed to be successful in the Unit?

  • I can build a pneumatic system with the CTE Workcell.
  •  
  •  

Product Targets

What can I record in my engineering notebook to demonstrate and expand my knowledge about the concepts and skills needed to be successful in the Unit?

  • I can diagram how air moves within the CTE pneumatic system in my Engineering Notebook.
  •  
  •  

 

Share your learning targets with your teacher. Adjust them as needed so that you, your group, and your teacher are all in agreement. 

Vocabulary

In this Unit, you will learn about how pneumatic systems function and their critical role in powering machinery within industrial automation.  Record this vocabulary in your engineering notebook. Use this list as a reference as you work through the Unit and encounter words you may not be familiar with.

Actuator 
A component of a pneumatic system that transforms the energy of compressed air into mechanical motion.
Air Compressor 
A component that creates potential energy in a pneumatic system by compressing, or mechanically reducing the volume of air. The compressor in the CTE Workcell is called the Air Pump.
Air Tank

A component that stores compressed air until needed, helping to maintain a constant pressure in the pneumatic system.

Cylinder 
A type of linear actuator that uses air pressure to extend or retract, creating a linear, push or pull motion. 
Linear Movement 
Straight-line motion along one axis.
Stroke 
The distance that a cylinder can extend or retract during its operation.
Pneumatics 
A branch of engineering that uses compressed air or other gasses to create mechanical motion used to power machinery and transport objects. 
Pneumatic Circuit
A set of pneumatic components that work together to perform a single actuation, or movement. 
Pneumatic System
A system that captures air, transports air through a circuit, and uses the generated energy from compressed air to complete tasks. 
Pressurized 
Air compressed to a higher pressure, storing energy that can be used to move objects and machinery. 
Rotational Movement 
Circular motion around a central axis.
Solenoid 
A component that functions as a switch or valve, directing airflow through a pneumatic system to perform specific actions. 
Stroke 
The distance that a cylinder can extend or retract during its operation. 
Tubing 
Flexible pipes that transport compressed air from the air compressor to the various components of a pneumatic system. 
Materials Required:
Quantity Materials Needed
1 per group

CET Workcell Kit 

1 per group

Computer

1 per student

Engineering Notebook 


Select Next > to move to Lesson 1.