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This thesis defines mechatronics as a functional and spatial integration of mechanical, electronics and information technology, and it analyses the characteristics and typical properties of mechatronic systems. Based on interviews with designers in both Danish and Japanese companies, the activity of developing such systems is scrutinized, and it is found that successful product development requires special strategies, interdisciplinary education, suitable project organization and design methods. The thesis claims that only by treating mechatronics engineering as an independent discipline, is it possible to exploit the full potential of this new technology. The main concern here is design methodology and, in particular, the methodical basis for the hypothetical activity of 'cutting the cake': that is, of creating the optimal mixture of mechanics, electronics and software in mechatronics concept design. Literature on mechatronics and related design fields is reviewed for contributions to such a design methodology, and a theory of mechatronic systems is presented in a set of axiomatic statements and theorems. The theory treats such aspects as transformation functions, state transitions, technology allocation and interface organs. In particular contrasting design principles, i.e. rules of thumb and their contrasts, are found advantageous for creating alternative design concepts by 'moving the boundaries' between mechanics, electronics and software. Resumé Denne afhandling definerer mekatronik (apparatteknik) som en funktionel og rumlig integration af mekanisk, elektronisk og informationsteknologi, og den analyserer karakteristika og typiske egenskaber for mekatroniksystemer. På grundlag af interviews med konstruktører i både danske og japanske apparatvirksomheder granskes udviklingsaktiviteten for sådanne systemer, og det konkluderes, at den succesrige produktudvikling indenfor
ekatronikområdet krćver specielle strategier, tvćrfaglig uddannelse, tilpasset projektorganisation og konstruktionsmetoder. Afhandlingen hćvder, at kun hvis mekatronik behandles som et selvstćndigt fagområde, er det muligt at udnytte denne nye teknologis muligheder fuldt ud. Afhandlingens hovedtema er konstruktionsmetodik og fortrinsvis det metodiske grundlag for det at 'skćre kagen', dvs. at skabe den bedste blanding af mekanik, elektronik og software i apparatudviklingens konceptfase. Litteraturen for mekatronikkonstruktion og tilstødende områder gennemgås for bidrag til en sådan konstruktionsmetodik, og en teori for mekatroniksystemer opstilles i et sćt af rudomer og hypoteser. Teorien behandler aspekter som proces og funktion, logiske tilstande, eknologiallokering og interfaceorganer. Isćr synes anvendelsen af modsatrettede konstruktionsprincipper, dvs. konstruktionstekniske tommelfingerregler og deres modsćtninger, at vćre fordelagtig til at skabe konceptalternativer ved at 'flytte på grćnserne' mellem mekanik, elektronik og software.