Multi-Criteria Co-Design optimization of Mechatronic Systems

Integrated design optimization of mechatronic systems necessitates a concrete definition of requirements, design parameters and variables, optimization objectives and constraints. A multidisciplinary mechatronic design requires engineers from different domains to work together on the design approach. Different engineering disciplines impose different constraints on the system. To consider the impact of these disciplines and the interactions and coupling between different parameters, there is a need for integrated design method. In this paper, an integrated design optimization approach is presented that takes into account three engineering domains, physical dimensioning, control design and embedded control implementation impact, simultaneously. The optimization problem is a multi-objective method that considers the size of system, sampling frequency and sensor resolution as main objectives. Regarding each objective, there are a few constraints to be satisfied by the final optimum system. The approach is applied to a non-linear mechatronic case including a DC-motor, a timing belt drive and a load. Non-linear dynamics of a timing belt are considered as a new physical component in the method and the system is linearized, controlled and optimized at defined operational points. Sensor resolution and location impact on the optimal system are analysed using a quantization model. It is shown that the approach allows engineering designers to integrate multidisciplinary optimization method to achieve a logical optimal system without degrading the system performance in each domain.