A Framework for Evaluating Mechatronic Objects: A Design Complexity Perspective

The increased complexity of mechatronic systems, resulting from the interaction of components from various domains, requires appropriate design methodologies based on adequate underlying concepts and models. One approach to support the necessary methodological integration in mechatronic engineering is to foster the concept of a 'Mechatronic Object', i.e. of a single, logical container for all relevant information and data that are generated in the various mechatronic disciplines throughout the life cycle of a specific product, component, or sub-system. In order to enable the evaluation of such mechatronic objects, a criteria catalog for the qualitative evaluation of engineering artifacts has been developed. In this paper we give an overview of the structure and content of these criteria, present in detail the definitions, underlying concepts, and rationales for the criterion 'Design Complexity' and its sub-criteria, and analyze their relationships to other criteria and sub-criteria of the catalog. The findings are discussed from an evaluation as well as from an engineering improvement point of view.