Modeling and Analyzing Fault-Tolerant Mechatronic Systems

DS 58-6: Proceedings of ICED 09, the 17th International Conference on Engineering Design, Vol. 6, Design Methods and Tools (pt. 2), Palo Alto, CA, USA, 24.-27.08.2009

Year: 2009
Editor: Norell Bergendahl, M.; Grimheden, M.; Leifer, L.; Skogstad, P.; Lindemann, U.
Author: Deyter, Sebastian; Gausemeier, Jürgen; Kaiser, Lydia; Pöschl, Martin
Series: ICED
Section: Design Methods and Tools
Page(s): 55-66

Abstract

The increasing functional integration of mechanical and electronic components in mechatronic systems leads to numerous interdependencies. Not recognized in time, they often cause problems regarding the product reliability. Assuming the appearance of a failure can be traced back to a sequence of events, failure-continuation models are useful for the evaluation of the reliability of mechatronic systems. The most established methods are the Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (FMEA) and the Fault Tree Analysis (FTA). Generating fault trees by hand is time-consuming. There is a need to support the generation of fault trees. By extending the specification technique, developed by the University of Paderborn, the causes of unintended system outputs can be traced back in an early development phase. The needed extensions are presented and applied at the principle solution of a fault-tolerant active steering system.

Keywords: specification technique, fault-tolerant, fault tree, mechatronic system

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