Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Engineering design and mechatronics: The schemebuilder project

  • Published:
Research in Engineering Design Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The paper describes the development of a software design aid for use at the conceptual stage of engineering design. It is intended for use in the design of mechatronic products but has wider potential uses. Early approaches were based on function structures and tables of options and the system that evolved allows the assembly of schemes linked by matching their input and output ports. A database of components is provided which can be accessed via different indexes and the designer can easily create and compare alternative schemes at the concept stage.

A bond graph approach is used to define the interconnections between components. This allows correct port matching but also provides for future development such as constraint propagation through the design and links to simulation tools.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Pahl, G., and Beitz, W., “Engineering Design,” ed. KM Wallace, The Design Council, UK, ISBN 0-85072-124-5 (1984)

    Google Scholar 

  2. French, M.J., “Engineering Design: the Conceptual Stage,” Heinemann Educational, (1991)

  3. Bradley, D.A., and Dawson, D., “Information Based Strategies in the Design of Mechatronic Systems,” Design Studies, v12, n1, pp 12–18 (January 1991)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Buur, J., “Mechatronics Design in Japan,” Technical University of Denmark (1989)

  5. Buur, J., “A Theoretical Approach to Mechatronics Design,” Technical University of Denmark (1990)

  6. Ulrich, K.T., and Seering, W.P., “Synthesis of Schematic Descriptions in Mechanical Design,” Research in Engineering Design v1, n1, pp 3–18 (1989)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Paynter, H.M., “Analysis and Design of Engineering Systems,” MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, USA (1961)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Gawthrop, P.J., et al., “MTT: A Bond Graph Toolbox,” Proc. 5th IFAC/IMACS Symp. “Computer-Aided Design of Control Systems: CADCS91” (1991)

  9. KEE development system. Intellicorp Ltd., Mountain View, CA 94040-2216, USA

  10. Filman, R.E., “Reasoning with Worlds and Truth Maintenance in a Knowledge-Based Programming Environment,” Communications of the ACM v31, n4, pp 382–401 (April 1988)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Yourdon, E., “Modern Structured Analysis,” Prentice-Hall, ISBN 0-13-598632-X (1989)

  12. Harel, D., et al., “STATEMATE: A Working Environment for the Development of Complex Reactive Systems,” IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering, v16, n4 (April 1990)

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Engineering Design Centre, School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Lancaster, LA1 4YP, Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK

    D. A. Bradley, R. H. Bracewell & R. V. Chaplin

Authors
  1. D. A. Bradley
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. R. H. Bracewell
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. R. V. Chaplin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bradley, D.A., Bracewell, R.H. & Chaplin, R.V. Engineering design and mechatronics: The schemebuilder project. Research in Engineering Design 4, 241–248 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02032467

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02032467

Keywords

Search

Navigation