Ibrahim Gadala and Mohamed Gadala
University of British Columbia, Canada & Abu Dhabi University, UAE
Title: An automated system for the design and optimization of industrial motion control machines: development and case study
Biography
Biography: Ibrahim Gadala and Mohamed Gadala
Abstract
Motion control is a form of automation which enables the position- or velocity-control of a machine using an actuator such as an electric motor. The selection of suitable components and actuators for complex mechanical structures requires significant engineering expertise and intelligence. In this work, a design expert system is presented to support and automate the motion control system design process through optimization of the mechanical components involved and accurate selection of an actuator-transmission combination for the system. The design expert system contains an optimization and motor selection knowledge base, is synchronized with Matlab® optimization schemes, and is linked with Excel® spreadsheets of purchasable motors and gearheads. Specifications and anticipated performance data of selected drive models are provided for each design expert system decision. Verification of the developed system is conducted on an industrial conveyor belt. A culminating case study involving a heavy-weight industrial hoister driven by a DC motor is presented, where the developed automated system is found to consistently outpace human performance on the same design tasks.