Using design languages in model-based mechatronic system design processes

Since modern production processes are multi-disciplinary, all relevant disciplines must be involved in product development in order to achieve good results. While established programs for design and simulation are successfully applied in preliminary and detail design, software support in the earlier design phases is poor. We summarise a variety of modelling approaches and analyse the application of general purpose modelling and model-based description languages within a step-wise iterative process model based on VDI-Guideline 2221 in the individual design phases. Our analysis is supported by an example application to the design of a bottling plant. We conclude that General Purpose Modelling and Model-Based Design Languages are useful methods for early product design and could facilitate multi-disciplinary modelling and simulation in a future product development process by thorough integration of different model views in a system model.