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Engineering design and mechatronics - the Schemebuilder Project.

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal article

Published
  • D. A. Bradley
  • R. H. Bracewell
  • R. V. Chaplin
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<mark>Journal publication date</mark>12/1992
<mark>Journal</mark>Research in Engineering Design
Issue number4
Volume4
Number of pages8
Pages (from-to)241-248
Publication StatusPublished
<mark>Original language</mark>English

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.