Using Model-Based Systems Engineering to Avoid Unnecessary Technology Resulting From Dynamic Requirements

As systems develop and evolve, operational requirements, system architecture, and technological capabilities change. These changes can result in design changes, making once necessary components unnecessary. Engineering managers are often hesitant to remove these unnecessary components though the driving requirements no longer apply. This issue, “technology for the sake of technology,” occurs frequently when a system is the product of a long development time line, such as those implemented by the defense community. Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) enables engineering managers to identify unnecessary technology, and accurately and quickly update the design and assess risk associated with removing unnecessary technology. A proposed methodology uses MBSE products to identify and mitigate “technology for the sake of technology”. A case study is presented of this process based on the power system for a robotic exoskeleton under development where the power draw and mission requirements changed significantly over the development life cycle. When the design team followed traditional systems engineering processes, they included many unnecessary components in the final design; however, an MBSE approach identified numerous components that were no longer necessary, resulting in a simpler and more robust design. This approach can be used to improve design quality and cost for varied systems.