A new symbolic representation method to support conceptual design of mechatronic system

Regarding the typical mechatronic system that realizes controlled motion behaviour as the research object, the mechatronic system is composed of three subsystems, they are generalized executive mechanism subsystem, sensing and testing subsystem, and information processing and control subsystem. Based on the three subsystems, a new kind of symbolic representation method to represent a design scheme of mechatronic system is presented. This symbolic representation method includes graphical symbols, literal symbols and port information flows on the abstract layer of basic mechatronic function units in common use. Two applied instances are given. The method standardizes scheme representation of mechatronic system. The purpose is that the computer can identify and operate the standardized scheme representation. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in connection with related knowledge base to produce creative scheme. The symbolic representation method provides theoretical basis for computer aided conceptual design of mechatronic system.