A Consistent Preliminary Design Process for Mechatronic Systems - Simulation and Modeling Methodologies, Technologies and Application - page 105

iteration aims at being reproduced all along the preliminary design process in order to
converge toward the solution set, Fig. 12 (e,f), that will be kept to initiate the detailed
design of the power lift gate.

4 Conclusions

In this paper we have presented a proven solution for a global multi-domain con-
straints-based preliminary design supported by a robust design methodology in con-
formance with ISO IEEE 15288 System Engineering Standard. This solution, based
on three interactive design environments (SysML, Topological modelling and Inter-
vals analysis) and illustrated by a mechatronic example, processed with a unique set
of key parameters, demonstrates the power of collaborative engineering in model-
based design.
SysML allows one to define the high-level relationships between requirements and
functional, structural and operational architectures of a system, but lacks detailed
semantics to capture some domain-specific properties, for instance, geometry for
mechanics.
For this reason, the chosen modelling method based on a topological representation
of the whole system, allows one to generate all multi-physical equations, including
geometrical parameters. This approach will improve the global optimization of both
geometrical and physical parameters.
Then, a refinement methodology based on a sequential decision process and on a
declarative statement of constraints is shown to be well supported by the interval CSP
paradigm. The use of an interval solver illustrates both the methodological interest in
using such tools for preliminary design purposes as well as the need to improve their
scalability. This will be the subject of future works.
Although all those design activities may probably be conducted with a unique lan-
guage such as Modelica, the interoperability of dedicated tools (Artisan or TopCased
for SysML, RealPaver for CSP…) has been chosen for their efficiency.
As a result, Model-Based System Engineering simplifies the development of
mechatronic and other multi-domain systems by providing a common approach for
design and communication across different engineering disciplines.

References

1. ISO/IEC: ISO 15288, Systems lifecycle Processes, International Electro-technical com-
mission, Brussels (2001)
2. Turki, S.: Ingénierie système guidée par les modèles: Application du standard IEEE 15288,
de l'architecture MDA et du langage SysML à la conception des systèmes mécatroniques.
Thesis of University of South Toulon, France (2008)
3. Estefan, J.: Survey of Candidate Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Methodolo-
gies. Rev. B (May 23, 2008),
http://www.omgsysml.org/MBSE_Methodology_Survey_RevB.pdf
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tions. In: First European Conference, ECMDA-FA 2005. Proceedings Springer, Nurem-
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