Implementación de un sistema automatizado para el control de tráfico de palets mediante la comunicación con S7 y Profinet, para un sistema de montaje de cilindros neumáticos.

Abstract

This study addresses the need to optimize production systems at the Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, focusing on enhancing pallet traffic control within a pneumatic cylinder assembly line. The absence of an efficient automated system contributed to idle time and material handling errors, adversely affecting productivity. The primary goal was to design and implement an automated system using S7 controllers and Profinet communication to control and monitor pallet positioning and movement through integrated sensors and actuators. An experimental methodology was applied, testing various components such as inductive sensors, emitter-receiver pairs, DC motors, and stepper motors to manage system operations. A Human-Machine Interface (HMI) was developed to enable real-time monitoring, facilitating operator oversight. Functionality tests included detailed timing measurements at each corner of the automated system, ensuring precise control at every stage of pallet transport. Results demonstrated that the new automated system significantly improved pallet traffic efficiency, reducing waiting times and increasing material handling accuracy. The real-time monitoring capability allowed rapid fault detection and correction, contributing to a smoother production flow, reduced downtime, and enhanced operational safety. Overall, the automation of the system led to marked improvements in production efficiency and reliability.