Mechanical System Design

The most prominent e.g. are robot, washing machine and computer printer. To work in a multidisciplinary team for developing such products, a very clear understanding of flow of material, energy and information is required and also points of observation and places of interfaces to outside systems have to be specified.

In comparison to conventional products, these new products are evolved or developed in a sequential manner, starting from the concept, followed by function, designing, prototyping and finally the testing stages.

Also, to match up with continuous evolution taking place in the area of product designs, these processes have to be carried out at fast pace.

This can be often achieved by resorting to model based-computer simulation, virtual prototyping and rapid prototyping techniques.

Computer simulation requires mathematical model of system, which are built with all interacting components and it helps in development and optimization of designs.

The virtual prototyping helps in designing of real world interfaces and spatial description whereas the rapid prototyping helps in actual testing of product. A system-based approach to mechanical design helps in carrying out all these activities.

Finally, an application of 'A Case Study' method is followed.