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Functional structure

Today’s machines and plants not only contain individual, finalized mechatronic components; in a very real sense, they themselves constitute a mechatronic system. The unification of mechanics, electrics and software within the plant or machine is a central approach here, one aimed at increasing performance and flexibility.

Regardless of whether a machine has already undergone modularization from a functional perspective, the traditional assembly of machines and plants also requires interdisciplinary coordination.

The following diagram shows that individual functional components are set down in different ways in project documents drawn up in each of the disciplines.

For example, from a functional perspective, a gripper possesses a base frame from mechanics, a series of cam switches from electrics, and a software function block from software.

On a functional level, one may speak here of functional mechatronic components.

Functional mechatronic components are components of the functional construction hierarchy and are connected to components in discipline-specific project documents.

The use of functional mechatronic components makes it possible to reuse the same or similar functions within a machine or plant simply and purposefully. The functional structuring of project documents is a key to reducing configuration efforts. The engineering man-hours that are saved in this way can be applied towards innovative developments.

It may be noted that the functional structure within the disciplines is not represented in the functional mechatronic components diagram. This is due to the highly diverse requirements of the individual disciplines. The structuring of wiring diagrams, for example, is often provided by customers, structured BOMs are required for technical reasons, etc.