Manufacturer-independent mechatronic information model for control systems

Abstract

Modular system-based engineering is the key to a quick, customized machine and plant configuration. This approach is seen as the best method to implement different functional requirements with a minimum amount of resources. The interdisciplinary configuration of control systems to automate machines has previously not been supported by engineering tools. This is partially due to the lack of standardized mechatronic information models. The machine manufacturer is required to create the necessary mechatronic information models uniquely for each control system independently. Thus, he does not comply with any modeling specifications. As a result, the mechatronic information models are not applicable for other control system architectures. The conventionally used mechatronic information models as well as the manufacturer-specific engineering tools define the control hardware components and their configurations. An abstraction of the logical and functional layers does not take place. Consequently, a mechatronic control architecture model is required. This architecture can serve as a modeling basis in modular system-based interdisciplinary engineering tools. Therefore, an approach to a manufacturer independent, mechatronic information model for control systems is the subject of this article.

Towards the co-evolution of industrial products and its production systems by combining models from development and hardware/software deployment in cyber-physical systems

“…Possibilities to explicitly specify information for automatic deployment of Function Blocks onto controllers with respect to multiple optimization objectives (cost, latency, load distribution, and heat generation) are missing too. Reuter et al [7] present an approach to integrate sub-models for control configurations in MBSE tools to improve the interdisciplinary modeling of manufacturing systems during development phase. Other SysML-based approaches [8,10] provide the modeling of (non-functional) requirements and the application of simulations for design validation.…”

Flexible, Self-configuring Control System for a Modular Production System

“…To cope with increased need of customized products [1,2] and the shorter product lifecycles, production systems needs to be flexible and reconfigurable. This approach is seen as the best method to implement different functional requirements with a minimum amount of resources [3], as well as the possibility to optimize the operational capacity of the whole system by adding modules to the slowest production step [4]. Due to the interconnection of the machines, new and adaptive value chains will develop [5].…”