From Conception to Refinement in Mechatronics Systems Engineering

Abstract

Abstract-The complexity of mechatronic systems increases constantly due to market requirements. Traditional engineering approaches have troubles coping with the desired functionality. A major problem is the early and continuous integration and coordination of engineering disciplines (i.e. mechanic, electric, and software). To address this situation and to enable a concurrent engineering of participating disciplines, a model-based approach to early conception and subsequent refinement of mechatronic systems is proposed in this paper. This approach allows specifying a high-level mechatronic concept within a single editor and the refinement of this concept by integrating it with established engineering tools. In particular, the paper outlines the technical and methodical integration of discipline-specific tools such that refinement steps can be tested automatically and continuously. The suitability of the approach is shown along selected examples. Finally, the paper finishes with a reflection on the current state and an outlook on future research activities.Index Terms-Model-based development, concurrent engineering, mechatronic systems engineering.

Engineering of automation systems using a metamodel implemented in AutomationML

“…Since product function remains the same for all, they propose a functional model-based ontology as a solution to the significant gaps existing in cross domain engineering and to improve the collaboration process. Another approach from Hackenberg et al [8] investigates an engineering data model that fits into the conception and refinement phase. They introduce a model-based methodology that enables data exchange, simulation support, and also behavior modeling for synchronization and collaboration between these phases.…”

“…It has to be compact and capable of incorporating semantic relations among the disciplines involved. So more effort is needed in developing such a model [8]. The model, once established, has to be consistent throughout the life cycle of a plant and should enable data transfer and collaboration among different engineering groups associated with the process, which makes maintaining such a model also difficult.…”