A Causal Representation Scheme for Capturing Topological Changes in Multi-state Mechanical Devices

Multi-state mechanical devices (MSMD) form a class of mechanical devices that has the capability of changing their topological structure under different operating states. In literature, a gap exists in providing a causal explanation for how a MSMD’s intended function is realized through its structure and behaviour. This work attempts to adapt and integrate various features of existing structural representation methods with SAPPhIRE—a model of causality and aims to develop a systematic method for constructing SAPPhIRE models of MSMD. This provides a foundation for creating a functional modelling scheme that can provide a comprehensive and rich description of a MSMD.