Page 21 - Handbook of Biomechatronics

14 Ahmed R. Arshi

modeling provides a forum for the evaluation of the possible solutions to a
particular problem. Here, it is important to rely and take advantage of an
already proven approach to modeling of multidisciplinary systems.
A suitable methodology would have to be based on a set of fundamental
principles upon which all energetic engineering systems evolve.

8 ENERGETIC INTERACTIONS

All engineering systems rely on interchanges of energy. This funda-
mental concept is the key to a unified language necessary for modeling
and design of biomechatronic systems. From electrophysiological exchanges
to injury prevention in man-machine systems, it is the flow, storage, con-
nectivity, and changes in energetic structures that govern all activities. Math-
ematical descriptions of flow of energy and power within system elements is
perhaps the most vivid and tangible portray of how the system is performing.
Bond graph technology is an approach to multidisciplinary modeling.
The term technology is used to indicate considerable strength in adaptive
capacities. It is also used to indicate tangible, repeatable, and reliable meth-
odologies when dealing with well-established systems as well as ill-defined
problems in all energetic engineering spheres.
When a biomechatronic designer is looking at the neuromuscular
systems of an animal or human being, he or she is facing a fascinating engi-
neering system; fascinating but expansively complex, an engineering system
which is uniquely adaptive while extremely sensitive to perturbations.
A long list of chemical, physical, and other factors interact to build this
ultimate engineering temple. The complexities, some known and many still
unknown, encountered in human body encourages an engineer to adopt a
simplifying approach while being fully aware of the inability of current
scientific forums in providing efficient descriptions for many biological
or physiological events. This simplifying mode of thought is precisely
what should be addressed when design is promoted in biomechatronic edu-
cational platforms. Simplification of a complex system requires a well-
coordinated pattern and a well-tested approach. A solid foundation for
simplification could be mathematical descriptions of energetic interactions
among the elemental constituents.
Bond graph technology could provide a mathematical description of
exchanges of energy throughout the entire system and between the system
and its environment. Biomechatronic designer can construct a suitable and