Dynamic control of resource allocation considering multifunctional machine tools

Abstract

The evolution of the mechatronics systems allows aggregation of different functionalities (turning, milling, and drilling) in a same machine, which is called multifunctional machine tool (MMT). On the other hand, the production control is not prepared for the dynamic allocation of MMTs in Productive Systems (PSs), because the functional flexibility is considered only during the scheduling development. Afterwards this information is encapsulated and the allocation of MMTs is executed based on a static resource allocation approach. In this context, during the shop floor process execution each MMT is viewed as a traditional machine with only one functionality. Therefore, this work proposes a novel approach to design the control system of PS considering the allocation of functionalities in real time to improve the efficiency of the PSs processes. The architecture of the control system proposed is modular and there is one specific module to allocate functionalities for available resources in real time according to the last scheduling information and the state of the set of available resources. The control system is based on dynamic allocation of MMTs exploring their functional flexibilities to reduce the production cost.