New Interaction Metaphors and Analysis Techniques for the Solution Element-Based Design of Self-Optimizing Systems

Self-optimizing systems in mechanical engineering rely on solution elements (machine elements, assemblies, system components) with inherent partial intelligence and the interaction of such solution elements. The structuring into mechatronic functional modules (MFM), autonomous mechatronic systems (AMS), and networked mechatronic systems (VMS) reflects this. For simplicity, the term solution element is used as a general term for the components of such mechatronic systems. Solution elements can be MFMs and aggregations of these, as well as machine elements like hydraulic cylinders and additional components such as controllers or sensors. The high complexity of these systems and the need to efficiently explore as many potential future behaviors of the system during the design phase require new tools.

The vision of this subproject is therefore a new technique for analyzing such systems in conjunction with interaction and representation metaphors that support intuitive and efficient work. The focus is on rational exploratory observation of possible behaviors of the system under design.

The system composition with solution elements in the design space should be analogous to the combination of blocks from system kits (e.g., Fischertechnik®, LEGO®). Special emphasis will be placed on visual modeling and simulation-based animation of the exchange of information, energy, and materials between solution elements in the resulting functional structures. Initially, information processing is the primary focus. The simulation-based animation of adjustments to parameters, behavior, and system structures should help designers understand the functionality of these systems more easily and efficiently explore as many operational scenarios as possible.

Solution elements must be assigned discrete and continuous simulation models of different abstraction levels or modeling depths. This will provide the basis for the simulation of the overall system, which will be developed based on a formal integration model.

This subproject aims to significantly increase the acceptance of the tools developed in the overall project. It will play a crucial role in bringing practical engineers closer to the design of such self-optimizing systems.