Design of adaptive systems using a functional digital mock-up approach

In industrial product development, adaptive mechatronic systems play a rapidly increasing role. Historically, mechatronic systems are characterized by a coupling of the physical domains software engineering, mechanical engineering, and electronic engineering. But nowadays, also hydraulic, pneumatic and thermal subsystems have to be taken into account. Such heterogeneous systems provide a large variety of interactions between their subsystems. Hence, a holistic approach to modelling and simulation would be desirable when dealing with development of such systems. In the case of existence of adaptive components, the challenge becomes much more complex. Now, one has not only to deal with different physical domains but also with variable model structures. Figure 1 shows an example of a window regulator (left) and a driving motor (right) belonging to it. Because of environmental influences, functional restrictions or disorders may occur. Hence, it is worth to consider an adaptive system to increase robustness of functionality (adaptive controller, additional drive, heating system etc.). This may illustrate that a holistic approach is essential for design of adaptive mechatronic systems.