SkiPo – a sketch and flow based model to develop mechanical systems

Abstract

This paper introduces a new hybrid model for the development of mechatronic and mechanical systems which can be used to bridge the mental gap between the abstract definition of a functional system architecture and the geometry‐oriented three‐dimensional computer‐aided design process. This model, called SkiPo model, defines interfaces between system components in terms of material, energy and information flow and combines this abstract approach with sketches visualizing important design decisions in a structured, semi‐standardized way. The objective of this hybrid modeling approach is to support the inevitable iteration between abstract and very detailed viewpoints of a mechatronic or mechanical system in the early stages of the development process.