Adaptronic solution principles: Potential to flexible design

Abstract

This contribution introduces the concept of adaptronic solution principles (ALP) to support the development of products for changing requirements. Based on an approved understanding of flexible products, three aspects are proposed to characterize ALP. Since adaptronic systems are object of current research, a set of solutions is analyzed concerning the aspects design flexibility, product flexibility and realization concept. This analysis points out major characteristics of ALP and their potential to close conflicting requirements and affect product properties within the use phase automatically. Finally, the introduced ALP are applied for the development of an adaptronic coupler within a new drive concept for serial kinematic manipulators. © Springer-Verlag London 2013.