Modular teaching material in the field of engineering and natural sciences

Abstract

Didactic experimental system for teaching (especially control and drive) technical and scientific fundamentals in the classroom, comprehensive a) an electronic base unit with embedded microcontroller, WLAN and Bluetooth LE interface, b) wired connection options for external expansion modules, c) permanently integrated hardware for control engineering, drive engineering, and measurement engineering tests, d) a wirelessly connected browser-based user interface with block diagram display, parameter input, real-time visualization and data export capability,

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a modular experimental system for use in schools, universities, and vocational schools for the didactic teaching of the fundamentals of control and drive technology, as well as for the effortless experimental investigation of physical and chemical processes and data communication. It is particularly suitable for use in secondary schools, vocational schools, training companies, and universities. The system supports both open and guided instruction. It is suitable for project work, group experiments, and individualized tasks.

[0002] The aim is to enable practical engagement with control mechanisms, sensors, actuators, signal processing, and data acquisition without high technical barriers to entry for learners and instructors. The system architecture allows for flexible and operating system-independent use under everyday conditions. This clearly distinguishes the invention from the previous technical standard, which usually requires software installations and / or is not modularly expandable and adaptable to specific needs.

[0003] The basic hardware unit comprises an embedded microcontroller with digital and analog inputs and outputs, a WLAN interface, and optional Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Integrated into the base unit are, among other things, a fan with a tachometer signal; a halogen lamp as a light and heat source; a digital temperature sensor; a brightness sensor; a rotary encoder for manual parameter setting; H-bridges for controlling external expansion modules; a precise analog-to-digital converter; a status LED; pushbuttons for BOOT and RESET modes; and interfaces for connecting additional experimental setups. Expansion modules are connected via robust, standardized, wired connector systems with mechanical keying and reverse polarity protection. This allows for the connection of a wide variety of expansion modules.

[0004] These modules include: • Individually configurable combinations of various standard sensors (e.g. temperature, Hall, gyro, ultrasonic, infrared, brightness, pressure, humidity, gas, pH, speed sensors, strain gauges, pushbuttons, switches) • Individually configurable combinations of various standard actuators (e.g. halogen lamps, LEDs, fans, relays, electromagnets, power electronics, possibly with further subordinate microcontrollers) • Individually configurable combinations of various standard actuators and sensors as modules • Motors of all common types: DC motors, servo motors, stepper motors, brushless motors (BLDC).

[0005] In addition, specially developed demonstration and teaching modules are available as extensions, specifically: • a propeller demonstrator whose flight altitude is actively controlled, • a freestanding stepper motor demonstrator with mechanical and optical visualization of the movement and current flow direction, • Application models for data communication and the construction of network structures (serial interfaces, I 2 C, wireless communication between multiple microcontrollers), • classic experiments from physics, chemistry and materials science lessons (heating curves / cooling behavior, reaction rates, Ohm's law, recording stresses and strains in materials), • Drive technology demonstrations such as gearbox models or speed control.

[0006] The key novelty of the invention is the combination of the modularly expandable hardware base unit with the wireless connection to create an adaptive, flexibly configurable digital user interface.

[0007] The browser-based user interface is operating system independent and works on modern devices with a web browser. Operation is via, for example, sliders, direct input fields, and selection menus.

[0008] The control loops and expansion experiments are graphically represented using block diagrams. The user interface allows: • the selection and activation of various control algorithms (e.g. n-point, P, PI, PID controllers), • configuring experiment parameters, • the graphical representation of measurement data in real time (including as a time graph), • real-time control of the experiment by adjusting settings, configurations, and value specifications, • the introduction of simulated disturbances and variables, • the clear visualization of experimental procedures on external extensions, • Exporting the recorded measurement data in CSV format for further processing with common tools such as spreadsheets or custom software, • the creation of user profiles or teaching sessions (multi-user capable).

[0009] Furthermore, the learners' knowledge gain is deepened and ensured through the targeted inclusion of explanatory texts and background information on system components and the observed behavior in the user interface.

[0010] The experimental system supports communication between hardware and browser via an integrated web server module in the microcontroller. This module can create a Wi-Fi hotspot (access point mode) or connect to an existing Wi-Fi network (client mode). Control data is transmitted between the experimental system and the end device in a structured format.

[0011] Additional software modules (e.g., virtual experiments, diagnostic tools) can be added to expand the teaching content and experiments. Students can freely program code segments that can be integrated into the experimental setup and tested.

[0012] The mechanical design of the base unit is that of a robust desktop device. It consists of a solid plastic housing with integrated viewing windows. Several housings can be stacked for transport and storage. This is achieved through a sinusoidal ribbed structure.

[0013] The expansion modules are connected to two opposite sides. These are made of tinted plexiglass to allow a view of the active components and to make the functionality visually comprehensible. Internal LED lighting ensures visibility even in poor lighting conditions and indicates the connection status and the operating state of the invention.

[0014] The technical hardware and software solution is complemented by an interactive online textbook. Designed as a self-study course, it enables interested individuals to independently acquire comprehensive engineering fundamentals through self-directed learning. In addition to in-depth explanations that gradually increase in complexity, it includes simulation modules that enhance technical understanding and visualize relationships. Detailed experiment descriptions for the associated hardware and software package are also included.

[0015] The microcontroller's firmware can be updated via a convenient browser-based update mechanism. This allows new firmware versions with bug fixes, additional features, or other functionalities to be integrated into the experimental system.

Claims

[1] Didactic experimentation system for teaching (especially control and drive) technical and scientific fundamentals in the classroom, encompassing a) an electronic base unit with embedded microcontroller, WLAN and Bluetooth LE interface, b) wired connection options for external expansion modules, c) permanently integrated hardware for control engineering, drive engineering, and measurement engineering tests, d) a wirelessly connected browser-based user interface with block diagram display, parameter input, real-time visualization and data export capability, [2] Experimental system according to claim 1, wherein the expansion modules comprise individual combinations of sensors or actuators [3] Experimental system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein specially developed demonstrators are also used as extension modules, including a propeller with altitude control, a stepper motor demonstrator and a data communication model. [4] Experimental system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface communicates with the base unit via WebSocket protocol. [5] Experimental system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface allows the representation of control loops in block diagram form and measurement data can be visualized in real time and exported after the experiment. [6] Experimental system according to one of the previous claims in which a role concept (e.g. pupil, teacher) with differentiated access options is implemented. [7] Experimental system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection to the base unit is optionally made via WLAN or Bluetooth Low Energy. [8] Experimental system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the basic unit comprises a housing with opposing plug connection sides and tinted Plexiglas covers for visualizing the experimental processes.