Function-behaviour-structure model for modular assembly equipment

Reconfigurable modular manufacturing systems provide a solution to manage current challenges of dynamic, customer driven markets. Powerful methods are needed for rapid configuration of system. This research focuses on the ontological definition of modular assembly device domain knowledge which builds the foundation for such methods. In this word formal representations will be defined based on linked models of functions, behaviour and structure of the equipment modules. The method will be discussed using an illustrative example

Towards an integrated assembly process decomposition and modular equipment configuration - a knowledge enhanced iterative approach

In todays increasingly volatile and dynamic global markets it is increasingly important to react to changing market demands and reduce the time-to-market. The design and re-design of assembly systems has a significant impact on the product development time. This paper reports on the effort that has been put into developing an assembly process decomposition and modular assembly equipment configuration methodology that takes advantage of the current trend towards modular equipment solutions and is expected to reduce design time and improve the design process integration. A general framework for the proposed methodology has been outlined and an ontology for the design of modular assembly systems is being discussed

Task-based modelling and configuration of assembly workstations

Rapid selection and configuration of standardised assembly modules is one of the critical factors for companies to sustain a competitive advantage in areas such as precision assembly. To make the process more efficient end users and system integrators need to interact together more closely in identifying and delivering the best possible solutions. The paper reports on a process model and an assembly equipment model specifically developed to support linguistic mapping of user requirements to assembly workstation solutions. The approach targets time compression and cost reduction for rapid deployment of assembly workstations. The reported work is part of the recently started Eureka Factory E-RACE project

Evolvable assembly systems - On the role of design frameworks and supporting ontologies

Evolvable assembly systems (EAS) are aimed to enable enterprises to rapidly respond to changes in today's increasingly volatile and dynamic global markets. One of the key success factors for the effective use of EAS is methods and tools that can rapidly configure and reconfigure assembly systems driven by changing requirements. The focus of this paper is on the analysis of modular assembly systems within the EAS paradigm. The specific roles of synthetic design environments and their supporting knowledge models are being explored within the scope of EAS systems. Furthermore, the paper outlines an ontology for the design of modular assembly systems (ONTOMAS) and illustrates its enabling role within the EAS paradigm. The results of this work are expected to significantly improve the evolvability of modular assembly system

An ontology for the definition and validation of assembly processes for evolvable assembly systems

Assembly forms eighty per cent of the cost of manufacturing a product and this is where the greatest competitive advantage can be gained as assembly has not been fully understood in the research community. This paper reports on the development of a specification ontology to describe assembly processes at a level where they can be mapped to individual assembly modules. The ontology is an extension of the process specification language (PSL) defined by NIST. The developed ontology is applied to an existing case to demonstrate the capabilities. It is believed that the development of this ontology will lead to the opening of further channels for research in modular control and modular assembly processes, which are building blocks for evolvable assembly system

Towards a unified assembly system design ontology using Protégé [Abstract]

Towards a unified assembly system design ontology using Protégé [Abstract