Theory of Technical Systems

The theory of technical systems represents a comprehensive systematization of the theory of processes and systems, which was significantly advanced towards a breakthrough by the work of V. Hubka. The requirements placed on technical systems (i.e. technical products), the products themselves and the processes of manufacturing those products can be modelled with the help of goals systems, object systems and procedural (action) systems The terminology of systems and the possibilities for abstracting make the planning, developing and designing of technical systems easier. These tasks are further supported by considering the product characteristics (characteristics of constitution, function and relationships) and their interactions. Classifications of technical systems create a useful survey that demonstrates their wide variety. An analysis of the interdependency of subsystems considering the development process of systems allows the development process to be optimized with respect to expenditures and time. The viewpoints supplied by the theory of technical systems can also be used to generate computer-based product models. In addition to the full description of the product, such models include a representation of the design process and can be used to automate the design of variants and adaptations of the product.