Design automation of control panels for automated modular construction machines

Abstract

Modern modular construction demands high quality, cost-effective, and efficient production of components. These requirements have led to the emergence of offsite construction manufacturing, which necessitates the use of automated machines. Compared to traditional onsite methods, offsite modular construction has a positive impact on quality, safety, cost, and productivity. Methodologies exist in the design of automated modular construction machines. This automation consists of not only the machines but also the supportive electrical and pneumatic systems, which, regardless of the design approaches used for automated machines, can be applied to the design of their associated systems. To avoid costly design changes, there is a clear need for a systematic and iterative design methodology at the conceptual design stage. For the control panel, the conceptual design method introduced in this paper facilitates the subsequent computer-aided design to be performed at the detailed design stage. Integrated function modeling, combined with axiomatic design and design structure matrix, constitutes the conceptual design approach for the control panel. In this work, linear time complex algorithm is developed for automating the layout of the electrical devices and wiring connections in order to facilitate computer-aided design implementation in the detailed design phase. Furthermore, the control panel guidelines and standards that constitute the prior knowledge of the design process are embedded in the algorithm.