Methodologies for Mechatronic Systems Design: Attributes and Popularity

Mechatronics,V-model, VDI 2206, RFLP Method, Hierarchal Design Method.

Abstract

The number of connected elements in engineering are greatly increasing with problems getting harder, broader, and deeper. These problems are multidisciplinary thus require an engineering systems approach which is multidisciplinary in nature to solve them. Such modern multidisciplinary systems are called mechatronics systems. The V-model, its variants and the hierarchical design method has brought about a number of benefits in the design of complex mechatronic systems and also provide an effective way of presenting macro level and micro level collaboration. This paper seeks to evaluate and expose the level of adoption of these methodologies as used in the design of mechatronic systems. A review of the VDI 2206, RFLP method and the hierarchal design method was carried out. Google scholar was then used to identify publications within the custom range of period 2003 to 2016, where the methods were adopted. An evaluation of the pros and cons of each method was then carried out in addition to an analysis of the publications. A statistical presentation of publications where these methods were applied was then presented. Possible reasons were outlined and explained for the observed trends. In conclusion, a methodology is recommendation that can be best suited in solving some of the current design challenges.