Funkey architecting : an integrated approach to system architecting using functions, key drivers and system budgets

Present state of the art products consist of integrated electronic, mechanical and software modules. Integration is present both within and between modules; even more so for complex systems like wafer steppers, aircraft, and medical imaging systems. Designing such systems requires close cooperation of electrical, mechanical and software engineers. However, these engineers speak different languages, and are presently ever more spread around the world. These specialist engineers often have a view of their own task only. The computer tools they use stimulate the build-up of the design in a bottom-up approach (from detail to assembly to system). Therefore the context information the specialists have is too limited or even lacking. The system designer, on the other hand, lacks the detail information needed to supervise the system integrity during the entire process. In this thesis a method is developed that helps the designer to acquire context information, and the system designer to track the detail information. The goal is threefold: achieve insight, create and maintain overview, and stimulate innovation

Communication of Simulation and Modelling Activities in Early Systems Engineering

In this paper we present a framework that aids and supports communication of modeling and simulation activities in early systems engineering. We do this by analyzing existing simulation and modelling frameworks, both in systems engineering as well as more generic frameworks. For each framework, we discuss its purpose, main outcomes and the tools and methods used in the framework. Using this overview, we argue that in order to apply simulation and modeling techniques fully in conceptual systems design, it is necessary to use a framework focused on communication and aimed at four key issues. We extract a generic process from the discussed frameworks and discuss for each step of this process how these issues should be addressed. We also explain how this framework should be supported with tooling. Finally we discuss a simulation study of a medical imaging system that gave us initial experiences on the approach presented here. We conclude that this framework shows promise in supporting the communication of a modeling and simulation study in a multidisciplinary settin

Electric mobility and charging: systems of systems and infrastructure systems

In light of European and worldwide environmental programs, reduction of CO2 emissions and improvements in air quality receive a lot of attention. A prominent way to improve on both aspects is the replacement of Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles with Electrical Vehicles. Yet, simply replacing vehicles will not result in proper electric mobility because using Electrical Vehicles depends on many systems and infrastructures including the chargers, parking sites and payment structures. In this paper we will take an explorative view on Electric Mobility and match developments in that area with Systems of Systems Engineering. We will also present a case study on charging many Electric Vehicles, where we will match business opportunities and technical feasibility to the transition from early adopters to the early majority as main Electric Vehicle user

Use of models in conceptual design

This article investigates the use of product models by conceptual designers. After a short introduction, abstraction applied in conceptual design is described. A model that places conceptual design in a three-dimensional space is used. Applications of conceptual design from the literature are used to identify several product models used by conceptual designers to handle the complex problems. Next, the models available in four conceptual design support tools are listed. In order to investigate the current use of models by conceptual designers, a questionnaire has been designed and issued. The design and results of this questionnaire are described and analysed. The results have been discussed with conceptual designers. It is concluded that several types of models are needed for conceptual designers to cope with and structure the large amount of information. In particular, budgets are used in the very early stages of the design process. Following that, mathematical models, physical models, block diagrams, specifications, and sketches are used. computer-aided design tools are used to implement the design. Finally, steps for further research are given