A formal method for functional modeling and conceptual design of complex mechatronic systems

Obtaining the best possible design solutions for a mechatronic system, which is characterized by numerous functions, flows, requirements, and relationships, requires a thorough functional modeling and a structured conceptual design approach.; Mechatronic system design is viewed from a design theory perspective and a four-phase conceptual design methodology addressing the entirety of conceptual design is developed based on the principles of QFD, TIPS AD, AHP and preference modeling. System architecture consisting of various representation diagrams and design rationale is presented. A new functional modeling approach consisting of: function representation approach that defines standardized diagrams, syntax and semantics for mechatronic system representation; and function analysis approach that defines qualitative and quantitative methods for analyzing the relationships functions is proposed.; An example is presented to illustrate the methodology. The software implementation of the methodology and results of the example demonstrate the basic characteristics of the methodology. Further study of this work should be focused on design control and exploration of quantitative analysis methods.