Cyber-physical systems (CPS) are characterized by the interaction of mechanical, electronic and information technology subsystems. Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is an approach for the cross-domain development of CPS and requires compatible methods and models for a function-oriented collaboration of the domains. However, the mechanics operate mainly component-oriented and thus cannot participate in the function-oriented development process. We propose a new modeling method that allows mechanics to develop a consistent and function-oriented system model from requirements and functions to principle solutions. The principle solution formally specifies the physical effect, active surfaces and material through which a function is fulfilled. Since principle solutions are consistently parameter-based, they can be calculated by linked external models and checked against requirements. This enables to examine possible solutions for functions at an early stage without having to develop components. Since principle solutions consist of recurring elements, we also propose a modeling concept for a solution libraryso that proven models can be efficiently reused and the modeling effort is reduced. Modeling method, test and solution library are explained using the example of an electric water pump of an automotive cooling circuit.

Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is an auspicious approach to the virtual development of cyber-physical systems. The behavior of the system’s elements is thus represented by specialized simulation models that are integrated into the descriptive SysML-based system model. Although many simulation models have been developed in research for the common system elements for various purposes and fidelities, their integration remains a major challenge: the parameter interfaces of the simulation models must be coupled with each other and with the parameters of the system elements in such a way that they are correctly parameterized. So far, this coupling can only be carried out by model experts in a time-consuming and error-prone manner. Therefore, in this paper, we first propose a concept that structures the system element parameters for targeted use in validation and design cases. Second, we propose a model signature for simulation models that differentiates its parameters by input, internal, output, and model parameters and specifies them with spatial and temporal dimensions as well as admissible ranges, among others. Based on the two contributions, domain models can be validly and automatable coupled and used for the virtual development of system elements in model-based systems engineering.

As mechatronic products gain in popularity, methods for mastering the complexity of these systems in development become increasingly relevant, such as model-based systems engineering (MBSE). Main pillars of MBSE are method, language and tool. A method specifies procedures in product development. The application of the method is supported by a language and tool as the language specifies a system of symbols with which development artifacts can be represented in a software environment (i.e. tool). Currently, various MBSE methods exist, such as motego. Motego specifies a framework for the function-oriented seamless development of mechatronic systems from requirements to the physical realization down to mechanical and electrical contacts and the description of these via parameters and models. Central element in MBSE is the system model, which connects all relevant development artefacts. The system model is created with a language in a software environment such as Cameo Systems Modeler. In MBSE, the graphical systems modeling language SysML is widely established. The language elements in SysML are very abstract and numerous. As a result, the language is difficult to apply. However, its reasonable applicability is an essential prerequisite for the introduction of the motego methods in industrial practice. This results in the following research need: A specific modeling language for the motego method is needed that supports its reasonable application. Therefore, in this paper a modeling language is presented whose language elements are specifically adapted to the motego method. With the help of this domain specific language, the user is guided through method-compliant modeling.

To handle increasing complexity in product development, model-based systems engineering (MBSE) approaches are well suited, in which the technical system is represented in a system model. To efficiently test requirements, domain models are integrated into the system model. For each purpose (e.g., battery lifetime calculation), there are typically several models at several fidelity levels. Since the model signatures (i.e., necessary inputs for the models and their outputs) differ depending on the fidelity level, not all models can be used in any development phase. In addition, due to the different model signatures, not all models can be combined arbitrarily to model networks. Currently, valid model networks in system models must be determined in a time-consuming, manual process. Therefore, this paper presents an approach that automates this task via the implementation of an algorithm that analyzes a system model and the model signatures and automatically returns all valid model networks. When input parameters, models or their signatures change, the algorithm updates automatically, and the user receives the valid model network without any manual effort. The approach is demonstrated with the running example of battery system development.

One major challenge of today’s product development is to master the constantly increasing product complexity driven by the interactions between different disciplines, like mechanical, electrical and software engineering. An approach to master this complexity is function-oriented model-based systems engineering (MBSE). In order to guide the developer through the process of transferring requirements into a final product design, MBSE methods are essential. However, especially in mechanics, function-oriented product development is challenging, as functionality is largely determined by the physical effects that occur in the contacts of physical components. Currently, function-oriented MBSE methods enable either the modeling of contacts or of structures as part of physical components. To create seamless function-oriented mechanical system architectures, a holistic method for modeling contacts, structures and their dependencies is needed. Therefore, this paper presents an extension of the motego method to model structures, by which the seamless parametric modeling of function-oriented mechanical system architectures from requirements to the physical product is enabled.