Methodology for Identification of Adaptive Reusable Modules in Automated Production Systems

Abstract

The development and design of mechatronic systems require detailed knowledge in mechanical, electrical and software engineering. In order to face challenges, like reduced time-to-market, reduced costs and increased variability, complex systems should be modularized and the identified mechatronic modules reused for the development of new variants or versions. This paper focuses on the identification of adaptive reusable modules with an appropriate level of granularity and the representation of the deduced modules to support the development. Based on the collection of deduced modules, with defined functions and structure, new systems can be designed through a combination of the appropriate modules.In this contribution, the methodology will be presented through a use case. This example shows how appropriate modules are identified in a first step. In the second step, the impact on the engineering process is shown by the support of the selection and design of the modules.