Modeling and Optimization of Synchronous Behavior for Packaging Machines

Paper in proceeding, 2014

This paper proposes a new modeling solution for the synchronous behavior of packaging machines, and a strategy for maximizing the production rate based on a formal model. A common modeling platform is recommended to handle information exchange and to develop a collaborative workflow, in this paper involving mechanical design and software development. The modeling solution for the synchronous behavior is developed in SysML (Systems Modeling Language), being the common platform. Then a formal modeling language called Sequence Planner Language (SPL) is interfaced with SysML, to overcome some limitations of SysML. The synchronous behavior of the packaging machine is also developed in SPL, from which the optimization problem is defined. The result of the optimization shows that it is possible to improve the efficiency of packaging machines with new configurations compared to more conventional design. The proposed strategy is evaluated for a filling machine at Tetra Pak.