Creating functional models for machinery

Another task where it may be advantageous to create functional model structures is if you design machinery that must comply with the European Machinery Directive. This legislation requires you to prove that operator safety can be guaranteed through a standard development process. Changes to the existing machine design may affect many components, including hardware and software. You can create a functional model to support cross-discipline problem solving.

In the following example, the Protect Operator function is defined as a set of subfunctions. The function is controlled by software that uses inputs from sensors on different components. The sensors are not directly related to each other. The controlling software changes certain parameters that control or limit the machine's operating speed and block certain features completely.

(Diagram: Protect Operator functional decomposition example — not reproduced)

You must understand all relevant functions to design in new requirements. You must also understand the functional decomposition of the machine to assess the impact of changes to any of the components.