Patterns for design in microtechnology

Abstract

Miniaturization is a trend in mechanical engineering, in which 3D mechanical structures are required. Consequences are changed production and design processes. Furthermore micro-specific design requires in-depth knowledge of production technology. One successful means for ensuring the consideration of these restrictions are design rules. However, many aspects of design relevant knowledge are not restrictive and cannot be represented by design rules. The authors propose the application of design patterns, which represent problem-and solution-oriented knowledge. A pattern describes the abstract solution for a frequently occurring problem in a specific context. This approach was first introduced to architecture and then adapted to software engineering. Also first moves were made to use pattern languages in engineering design. The authors propose design patterns to represent design knowledge for microsystem technologies. As methodological means of support, a pattern lifecycle activity model and subordinate methods are presented.

Elicitation of a reference process model for tool-based micro technologies for planning and controlling purposes and user support

“…This upgraded version of the process model is then visualised by using an appropriate graphical notation. Here 'MyBoK' ('Micro Book of Knowledge', a wiki based on DokuWiki) (Albers et al 2010a;Gohr 2010) was used to provide a template for activity description collecting all relevant data. Every expert filled out the template for every single activity of his sub-process so that a comprehensive data basis for the process model was generated.…”

“…The experience with the process chain was gained by only three exemplary integrated micro product engineering projects synthesizing the demonstration systems of SFB 499 (Albers et al 2006;Bauer et al 2009;Albers et al 2010a). Many single process steps (e.g.…”