Methodical support for investigation of system behaviour by means of analysis techniques - overcoming non-transparency in embodiment design

One challenge in adaptive design of technical systems is insufficient understanding of the mechanical system behavior. The actual system behaviour often differs from the system behaviour expected by the designer. This is due, for example, to influences from manufacturing, wear, or errors in the designer’s understanding. For the analysis of the differences between expected and actual system behavior, the system behaviour can be observed. Special analysis techniques are often necessary for system observation. However, the missing methodical support in the system-specific use of analysis techniques is a challenge. In this contribution, a methodical support for the selection and adaptation of analysis techniques for system observation is developed. For this, known errors that occur during system observation are operationalised and provided as requirements for evaluation of analysis techniques. The support is provided as a Selection Matrix, in which the evaluated analysis techniques can be selected and adapted. This is evaluated considering an accompanying application to the non-transparent system wood screw connection. By using the analysis techniques selected with the method, it was possible to identify the actual system behaviour and gain new insights. ... mehrHere, the Selection Matrix provided support through a structured evaluation of analysis techniques. The Selection Matrix also supported the adaptation of analysis techniques for improved observation of the system behaviour. No general statements on the quality of the support by the Selection Matrix are yet possible. Also, the operationalisation of the errors should be improved to reduce subjective influences. Therefore, these topics should be investigated in further studies.