A mechatronic design infrastructure integrating heterogeneous models

Mechatronic system design is contemplated extensively through model-based approaches. To reflect the multi-domain integration inside a mechatronic system during the design process, integration approaches targeting heterogeneous models are essential. An infrastructure supporting the design of multi-domain systems is presented. The dependencies between the domain-specific models are managed by utilizing SysML as a common system modeling language between those models. A model integration framework supports model transformations between the system-model and the domain-specific models by utilizing Eclipse Modeling Framework. Structural and parameter type dependencies between different domain-models are handled to provide consistency between different views. This provides an ability to traverse between different views of the system, as well as maintaining consistency between those views. A case study on a robot system is presented to explain the integration of mechanical design model in Solid Edge, and dynamic analysis model in Simulink/SimMechanics through a SysML system model, all under the proposed design infrastructure. The approach is scalable towards other modeling formalisms by building new relations through the SysML model. This will support: co-evolution of domain-specific models, a better design of multi-domain systems, reduction in modeling in-consistencies, and a reduction in design time.